Lanxess picks Foster Wheeler for engineering on Singapore polybutadiene project
Foster Wheeler on Fridaay was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) contract by LANXESS for a new neodymium polybutadiene (Nd-PBR) rubber plant to be built on Jurong Island, Singapore.
The award follows Foster Wheeler’s successful completion of the front-end engineering design for this project earlier this year, according to the company, whose scope of work is expected to be completed in 2014.
The Foster Wheeler contract value for this project was not disclosed and will be included in the company’s third-quarter 2012 bookings, officials said.
The new facility, which LANXESS says is expected to be the largest of its kind in the world, will be designed to produce 140,000 tpy of Nd-PBR and will include process and finishing buildings, a central control room, a substation and a tank farm.
It will be built alongside LANXESS’ 100,000 tpy synthetic butyl rubber plant, the largest facility of its type in Asia, due to start up in 2013, and for which Foster Wheeler is also the EPCm contractor.
Nd-PBR is used in tire manufacturing. LANXESS states that its use reduces rolling resistance and increases vehicle energy efficiency compared with conventional tire rubber. The company also says it reduces tire abrasion, playing a significant role in making cars safer as well as “greener” and more economical.
“We have built an excellent working relationship with LANXESS and we are looking forward to further developing a long-term business relationship based on our performance in delivering LANXESS’ projects safely and successfully,” said Umberto della Sala, chief operating officer for Foster Wheeler.
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