Naftan starts commissioning sulphuric acid plant

Naftan Co. has started commissioning a sulphuric acid plant. The new equipment has been installed; the setup will be completed simultaneously with the construction works, BelTA was told in the company. The sulphuric acid plant is scheduled to go live in October 2007. This will be the second phase of the sulphuric production upgrade (the first phase was completed in 2005). The capacity of the new facility is 75 thousand tons a year. With it in operation Naftan will step up the annual production of sulphuric acid – the product popular both domestically and internationally – to 150 thousand tons. According to Naftan managers, this eco-friendly project is part of the Naftan development programme for 2005-2010. Due to the project the company will cut atmospheric sulphuric emissions to lighten environmental load. Sulphuretted hydrogen – one of the oil refining by-products – is used to produce sulphuric acid. With the new plant in operation the company will have enough facilities to completely process Sulphuretted hydrogen. The Novopolotsk-based refinery Naftan is part of the Belneftekhim concern. The company was incorporated at the end of 2002. The state owns 99.8% of shares, the personnel – 0.2%. In 2006, Naftan refined 10,7 million tons of oil (109.8% as against of 2005). OAO Naftan produces fuels (high-octane gasoline, diesel oil, mazut, kerosene), lubricating oils, aromatic hydrocarbons, solvents, sulphuric acid, bitumen and other products. The company exports more than 70% of the output.