Wanhua Chemical Restarts Phenol and Acetone Production in China

Wanhua Chemical, a major player in the Chinese petrochemical industry, has successfully recommenced the production of phenol and acetone at its facility located in Yantai City, Shandong Province, China. The production, boasting an annual capacity of 400 thousand tons of phenol and 250 thousand tons of acetone, had temporarily halted for maintenance from November 30 to December 10.

Earlier reports indicated that Wanhua Chemical had experienced a technical breakdown, leading to a reduction in the load of bisphenol A (BPA) production on line No. 2 at its Yantai facility. The capacity of BPA line No. 2, with an annual capacity of 240 thousand tons, was decreased to 60%, while line No. 1 for BPA production operated at an increased capacity of 110%.

Phenol holds significance as the primary raw material for the production of bisphenol A (BPA), a crucial component used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate (PC). The resumption of phenol and acetone production at Wanhua Chemical's Yantai facility indicates a successful completion of the maintenance period, reaffirming the company's commitment to consistent and efficient operations.

Established on December 20, 1998, Wanhua Chemical holds the distinction of being the first registered joint-stock company after reorganization in Shandong Province, China. The company's core focus lies in the production of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), encompassing both pure MDI and polymerized MDI, which find applications in the production of polyurethane (PU).

The temporary closure for maintenance aligns with industry practices aimed at ensuring the longevity and reliability of production facilities. Such measures are pivotal to sustaining optimal operational efficiency and safeguarding the quality of produced chemicals. Wanhua Chemical's proactive approach to maintenance underscores its commitment to industry best practices and the continual improvement of its manufacturing processes.

Moreover, the intricacies of the production cycle, particularly the interdependence between phenol and BPA, highlight the need for a seamless and well-coordinated manufacturing process. Phenol's role as a precursor to BPA, and subsequently to polycarbonate, underscores the significance of maintaining consistent production levels to meet the market demands and uphold supply chain integrity.

As Wanhua Chemical resumes phenol and acetone production in Yantai City, the industry observes this development as not only a strategic move to ensure the robustness of its manufacturing infrastructure but also as a reaffirmation of its pivotal role in the petrochemical landscape. The company's trajectory since its establishment in 1998 reflects its resilience and adaptability in response to market dynamics and technological advancements.