Sasol Opens New China Alkoxylation Facility

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Sasol Ltd. opened its alkoxylation plant in Nanjing, China, last week, expanding its production of surfactants, some of which are used to make lubricants and metalworking fluid additives, the company announced in a press release. It is the companys first wholly owned facility in Asia.

The South African chemicals and energy firm said the plants production capacity is 150,000 metric tons per year, doubling its alkoxylation production in the region. The facility can operate using either branched or linear alcohols. Construction of the facility began in June 2017. Our expansion in China underpins our chemicals business ambitions to diversify geographically, participate in high-growth markets and grow in differentiated applications, Bongani Nqwababa, joint president and CEO of Sasol, said in a press release issued July 10. I am confident this expansion will enable us to better support local customer requirements and our pursuit for continued long-term growth in the worlds most important emerging market.

The company did not disclose how much of its production would be dedicated to lubricant additives.

Alkoxylation is a second-tier petrochemical refining process that combines ammonia or amines with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide to produce amino alcohols, including many which are used as detergents in a number of applications, including metalworking fluids and lubricants.