Oxea lifted the force majeure declaration for products from its plant in Oberhausen, Germany, where production units are running at normal capacity again following the restoration of synthesis gas production, the company announced Friday. A spokesman confirmed that affected products included two amines and one polyalcohol used in lubricants.
Company spokesman Ingo Baessler confirmed to Lube Report that the chemicals affected by the force majeure included: neopentyl glycol, commonly known as NPG, which is a polyalcohol used in manufacturing synthetic lubricants; di-n-butylamine, an amine that can be used in lubricant applications; and isobutyraldehyde, a chemical intermediate from which lubricants may be derived.
The site partner has now successfully rectified the operational disruption, Oxea stated in a news release. As a result, Oxea now has sufficient raw material at its disposal again, and will be able to gradually meet its delivery operations. The company said it has already informed its customers and distributors.
Oxea’s problem dated to Nov. 18, when the synthesis gas production of Oberhausen site partner Air Liquide was disrupted. The affected plant was shut down automatically without harm to people or the environment, but Oxea declared force majeure, claiming the disruption was beyond its control.
Paris-based Air Liquide produces technical gases in Oberhausen, including synthesis gas, which are supplied as raw materials to Oxea for further processing at the site.