Chemineer's agitators set for Lucite International’s new plant in Singapore

The first in a series of new technology Alpha-based production facilities being built by Lucite International, the methyl methacrylate (MMA) producing plant on Jurong Island will see Chemineer’s specially developed impellers provide optimum gas-liquid operation for a Reactor Agitator.

Chemineer designed Maxflow and BT6 impellers, which were independently tested at 2ft and 6ft scale by the leading fluid engineering and process technology consultants, BHR Group.

Prior to manufacturing at the company’s specialist agitator and mixing factory in Derby, England, Chemineer also provided 3D models of impellers, which were imported into CFD software to validate experimental work.

Innovatively, Chemineer designed-in two moveable impellers, saving considerable weight on the impellers, giving far greater stability to the shaft.

Chemineer’s design for the Alpha 1 Project was carefully developed and detailed using state-of- the- art 3D CAD software integrated with FEA (finite element analysis). The 3D CAD then exported various component files to CAD/CAM in order to aid in the fabrication process.

Utilising ethylene as a starting material, this first Lucite International Alpha technology plant will produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) at a capacity of 120kte per annum.