Huge investment turns chemicals plant into site for the future

A massive chemicals plant on the banks of the Humber which has seen a huge investment has been described as a site for the future.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Jun 2010, 12:16 BST

Updated 22nd Jun 2010, 12:16 BST

BP Saltend is Europe's largest producer of acetic acid, a raw material used in the manufacture of tens of thousands of products

from paracetemol to fibres and inks.

As part of efforts to modernise the plant and cut emissions, work is ongoing to install a new "reformer", to replace 30-year-old equipment.

A key part of the chemical process, the reformer is a large furnace where steam and natural gas is converted into carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen, with the CO being used to make acetic acid.

The main sections have been lifted into place, but work is continuing to finish off the steelwork, pipework and ancillary equipment. It will

go into production in

November.

BP's spokesman Malcolm Joslin said: "It is very much a site for the future."

Humber Europe