Germany-based thyssenkrupp nucera has commissioned a chlor-alkali plant for Kutch Chemical Industries Limited at Padana in Gujarat, India, marking a capacity addition for the Indian chemical producer. The plant has an annual production capacity of 220,000 metric tons of caustic soda (NaOH) and can produce up to 675 metric tons per day of 100% NaOH. According to the companies, it is one of India’s largest single-train chlor-alkali plants.
The facility is based on thyssenkrupp nucera’s BM Generation 6+ technology, which Kutch Chemical selected for the project. The plant is intended to support Kutch Chemical’s production activities and strengthen its supply to the domestic market. Kutch Chemical plans to use the caustic soda and chlorine produced at the site in its own processes and to sell output in India.
Five high-capacity electrolyzers
thyssenkrupp nucera supplied engineering services, proprietary technology and equipment, and support during start-up and commissioning. The plant uses five electrolyzers based on the BM Generation 6+ platform. Each electrolyzer can produce up to 135 metric tons per day of 100% NaOH, which the companies describe as the highest capacity of a single electrolyzer currently installed in India. Operation of the electrolyzers has started successfully.
Kiran Joseph, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera India, said the project illustrates the importance of efficient and reliable chlor-alkali technology for customers that are expanding production capacity. He said Kutch Chemical’s choice of the latest BM Generation 6+ technology builds on a platform designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of chlor-alkali production, and that the company was proud to contribute to the expansion project.
Long-standing cooperation
Kutch Chemical Industries Limited is part of the Goyal Group of Industries and is an Indian manufacturer and exporter of specialty and bulk chemicals. It operates an integrated chemical complex in Gujarat with activities in chlorination, nitration and dye intermediates. The cooperation between Kutch Chemical and thyssenkrupp nucera began in 2017. Since the initial chlor-alkali plant was implemented, thyssenkrupp nucera has supported the facility’s progressive expansion in line with the customer’s growth plans. The project extends a relationship that has focused on incremental capacity additions at the site.
Jai Prakash Goyal, Whole-time Director at Kutch Chemical India, said thyssenkrupp nucera combines proven chlor-alkali technology with extensive project execution expertise, making it a trusted partner for the company’s expansion plans. He said the successful commissioning of the plant is an important step for Kutch Chemical and supports its continued growth in the Indian market, and that the company is pleased to build on the long-standing cooperation.