INVISTA awards major overhaul project to Aker Kvaerner


INVISTA has nylon intermediate plants in the USA, Europe and the Far East, and expertise in a range of nylon intermediates technologies. The plant upgrade part of this project involves the boric acid technology being replaced with a high yield hydrogenation step within the cyclohexane oxidation process.  This will make the process more environmentally friendly than the current production method and that of any commercial KA process.
 
Drawing on these global resources INVISTA was able to design a retrofit for the Wilton KA plant which will create one of the most competitive sites in the world, whilst at the same time adopting a technology with the lowest environmental impact of any commercial KA process. Ultimately, the full contract value to Aker Kvaerner for this project is expected to be approximately GBP 10.5 million, however initially, Aker Kvaerner's contract will encompass the front end works (GBP 2.5 million).
 
This is a multi-discipline project which includes elements of civil, structural, mechanical, E/I and piping scope. As well as the traditional overhaul workscope, the project includes the removal and replacement of existing piping and mechanical items and the installation of new process equipment.
 
In order to reduce the workload during and the length of the shutdown phase, AK Engineering Services aims to maximise the pre-shutdown phase of the project by pre-installing as much of the workscope whilst the plant is live. This will need to be carefully planned and executed to avoid any disruption to process operations. Any work executed during this period will be restricted to 'cold' work permits only.
 
The project will be managed from the AK Engineering Services office in Stockton-on-Tees, whilst the pipework fabrication will be handled from its Wilton workshops.
The initial planning commences immediately, and completion of the whole project is scheduled for early October 2004.
 
ENDS
 
For further information please contact:
 
Vanessa Mourant, Aker Kvaerner, London, UK: Tel: +44 (0)20 7339 1064, Mobile: +44 (0)7771 806566
 
Sarah Weyell, Aker Kvaerner, Stockton-on-Tees, UK: +44 (0)1642 602221
 
1. AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner span a number of industries, including Oil & Gas production, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately USD 4.5 billion and employs around 22,000 employees in more than 30 countries.
 
The Aker Kvaerner group consists of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA.
 
 
2.  AK Engineering Services is the trading name of Aker Kvaerner Engineering Services Ltd., and one of the core businesses of the Aker Kvaerner group in Europe.  It provides total asset life cycle solutions including conceptual design, engineering, procurement, project management, construction and commissioning, through to operation and maintenance services, modifications and process improvements.  Also offered are consultancy services in reliability, business modelling and environmental, health, safety and risk management.
 
3.  INVISTA, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont, is the largest integrated fiber and intermediates business in the world, with 2002 revenues of USD6.3 billion, operating in 50 countries.  Headquartered in Wilmington, Del., it is comprised of three businesses:  Apparel; Interiors and Industrial; and Intermediates.  INVISTA is committed to its customers' growth through market insights and technology innovations combined with a powerful portfolio of the best-known global brands and trademarks in the industry including:  LYCRA®, TEFLON®, STAINMASTER®, ANTRON®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, CORDURA®, SUPPLEX®, TACTEL® and in the specialty chemicals business:  CORFREEâ, DYTEKâ, ADI-Pureâ and TERATHANEâ.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com
 
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