L&T delivers world's heaviest ethylene oxide reactor to China

Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) heavy engineering vertical has delivered two giant ethylene oxide (EO) reactors for a project in China by renowned chemicals major BASF. The reactors were brought from L&T's AM Naik heavy engineering complex in Hazira, Gujarat.

Weighing 1,136 tonnes each, the EO reactors are the world’s heaviest and are manufactured with BASF technology using high-tech engineering, Industry 4.0 manufacturing techniques and world-class quality processes. EO reactors are critical components of petrochemical plants. It facilitates the catalytic conversion of ethylene to ethylene oxide, a key intermediate in the production of a variety of downstream chemicals.

Commenting on this, Anil V Parab, Dedicated Director and Senior Executive Vice President, L&T Heavy Engineering and L&T Valves said,"I thank BASF for giving L&T the opportunity to supply its most critical reactors for this prestigious project. The dispatch reactor is something we are really proud of. At L&T, we always strive to provide reliable performance and unique customer experience to all our customers. Despite uncertainty in global supply chains, we continue to maintain our benchmark delivery performance."

Joachim Thiel, Senior Vice President and New Integration Senior Project Manager, BASF China, said:"Weighing 1,136 tons each, the units are the largest ethylene oxide reactors BASF has built in its nearly 160-year history. These equipment are key supplies for the Zhanjiang integrated petrochemical project and will support the growth of China's chemical market. Considering the complexity of this equipment, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all my L&T and BASF colleagues who contributed to this project. I firmly believe that BASF’s decision to award these ethylene oxide reactors to L&T was absolutely correct. This will undoubtedly be a beacon for future cooperation between our two companies."

Dr. Joachim Queisser, Senior Vice President Global Technology, Safety and Quality, BASF Petrochemicals, said:"This launch marks another important step in the ongoing close collaboration between BASF and L&T. The L&T team has once again demonstrated superior capabilities, workmanship and capabilities in manufacturing these multi-tube reactors. I am very impressed with the work L&T has done. The ‘one team’ mentality demonstrated by L&T was the cornerstone of the successful implementation of this project. L&T has been and will continue to be an important partner as we further expand our global reach." "L&T's success in winning such a major project, especially given the strong strength of China's high-end manufacturing industry, really makes all Indians proud and shows the world a shining example of "Made in India".