FORMOX formaldehyde process

In the FORMOX formaldehyde process methanol is vapourised in the process gas and passed into a tubular reactor containing a variety of different possible loading plans based on molybdenum and iron oxide catalysts. The reaction is exothermic and generates heat to provide steam for process heating.

FORMOX plants are also available for direct production of UFC (urea formaldehyde concentrate). This technology is well proven with more than 30 plants operating worldwide. If your downstream formaldehyde production is UFC or UF resin, you may want to consider this approach.

 

Advantages of the FORMOX process

What makes the FORMOX process the single most widely used formaldehyde process in the world today? The list below covers some of the principal benefits:

• Designed and supplied based on in-depth understanding of process, plants and catalysts
• High level of safety
• Superior yield
• High formaldehyde concentration (up to 55%)
• Low MeOH content in the product
• High steam production
• Improved carbon footprint
• Simple, reliable operation
• Low total operating costs
• Quality equipment at a competitive price
• Fast, on-time delivery
• Best-in-class technical support and service
• Simple and reliable UFC adaptation.

 

Performance

Our active R&D has led to constant improvement in plant performance. The figures you see here are actual performance figures that are typical for today’s plants operating with the FORMOX process.

 

Typical performance figures

(based on 37 wt-% concentration)

 

^{(1) Molar yield of 92.2-93.3%
(2) Range covering different power saving options and age of catalyst
(3) 20,000-35,000 kg (lbs) of formaldehyde per kg (lb) catalyst, depending on operating conditions
(4) Saturated steam - steam can be exported as an option}