View into the EB/SM column of 9.4 m diameter, which is revamped with MellapakPlus

Through this replacement a substantial higher number of theoretical stages could be installed. At a high styrene yield of 99% also styrene purity could be increased essentially. Thanks to the low pressure drop of MellapakPlus the bottom temperature could be reduced remarkably, helping to reduce risk of polymer formation inside the column. Also the whole rebuild and erection work on this column was realised by Sulzer Chemtech to the satisfaction of BASF.

The EB/SM splitter is in operation since May 2001 and has reached the guaranteed values , as capacity, product purities, yield and pressure drop.