Petrochemicals group Sasol has approved the construction of a 6 000-t/y purified triethyl aluminium (TEAL) production unit at its Olefins & Surfactants (O&S) plant, in Brunsbüttel, in Germany.

The new unit, which was expected to come on stream early in 2012, would enable Sasol to further benefit from its existing strong position in the production and captive supply of TEAL, the group stated.

Sasol O&S was already a major producer of TEAL during the production of alcohols at its Ziegler unit in Brunsbüttel, as well as at its Lake Charles facility in the US.

“Leveraging the existing base product allows Sasol to enter this growing market relatively quickly with quality and availability assured. It will increase our ability to supply customers around the world,” Sasol chemicals businesses GM André de Ruyter said.

The group noted that Sasol O&S, with its position in linear alpha-olefins and polymers markets, had experience with the use of TEAL in these two application areas.

It had also signed a cooperation agreement with a leading gas-phase polypropylene technology provider to qualify the application of Sasol’s TEAL in their sensitive production process.

“With its many years of experience in the handling of TEAL, Sasol is able to ensure rigorous adherence to all safety requirements along the entire supply chain. It also ensures the safe and reliable supply of a high-quality, key cocatalyst over long distances to customers worldwide,” said Sasol O&S MD Fleetwood Grobler.