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Hydroxylamine free base (HAFB) |
Process innovation guarantees worldwide supplies
Hydroxylamine free base (HAFB) plays an important role in the manufacture of semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and crop protection products. BASF has a unique production process for this important product. As the sole producer, BASF now ensures global supplies of this key chemical.
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An effective stabilizer is the key
The starting point for developing the new technology was the discovery of an effective stabilizer in 1995. This was crucial because HAFB is an extremely unstable compound that decomposes very easily. In the following years, the project team developed a plant that uses a continuous process to produce a 50 percent aqueous solution of HAFB. The new plant started production early in 1999. The marketing concept for HAFB has been successfully implemented since then.
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Production capacity repeatedly increased
In order to avoid supply bottlenecks, BASF has repeatedly increased its production capacity for HAFB at short notice in recent years. Capacity has more than doubled since the start of production and currently stands at 7,000 metric tons per year (calculated as 50 percent solution). Since BASF started producing HAFB in 1999, the world market for the substance has grown by 30 percent and is expected to continue growing at a higher rate than the economy as a whole.
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Prizewinners
Dr. Albrecht W. Friederang,
Thomas Pöllath,
Dr. Hans-Michael Schneider,
Dr. Otto Watzenberger
Dr. Hans Jörg Wilfinger
Dr. Karl-Heinz Wostbrock
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