The chemical composition and physical properties of Hydrogen Peroxide have been known for years. It was first recognized as a chemical compound in the year 1818, although for many years thereafter it was only a laboratory curiosity. In 1880,the first commercial production of this chemical was undertaken in Europe. From that time the chemical process by which it has been manufactured has undergone radical changes. Today, Hydrogen Peroxide is being manufactured by one of two processes, namely: the organic (Auto Oxidation "AO") process (or) by direct synthesis.

The Auto Oxidation process is the current state of technology used world over in many plants. Research and development work on this process dates back to the 1930's in both U.S. and Europe. The first commercialization of this process was not undertaken until World War II. At this time a German firm erected and operated a pilot unit with capacity of approximately 15tons per month, They had designed and started construction of two additional plants each having a capacity of 15 tons per day. These were never completed.

In the AO process, anthraquinone dissolved in an organic solvent (called working solution) is catalytically hydrogenated to anthrahydroquinone. The solution then passes to an oxidizer where it is contacted with air which coverts the anthrahydroquinone to anthra quinone and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide is extracted from the solution in an extractor and can, if required, be distilled to the desired concentration. The normal capacity for the H₂0₂ plants is between 5000 MT/year up to 50,000 MT/year. as 100% H₂0₂.

Currently developmental work is carried out for commercializing direct synthesis technology for manufacturing of hydrogen peroxide for usage in the manufacture of propylene oxide.

APL's Auto oxidation plant is highly automated, state of art Hydrogen Peroxide plant employing modern digital control systems. The modern control systems ensures reliable and safe operation of the plant at optimum efficiency  and also delivering excellent product quality. Continuous upgradation and refinement of the process have resulted in achieving low consumption of key input chemicals and power thus bringing down the overall cost of production. 

<<  Top  >>