News & Insights

Introduction: the modular revolution in process engineering Global challenges from decarbonization to rising energy costs and supply chain instability are driving a shift in how process plants are built. Instead of traditional stick-built facilities, more industries are turning to modular, skid-mounted plants to enable rapid deployment, compact system designs, and reliable scalability. Sulzer, a global leader in process technology and separation solutions, is at the forefront

Introduction: ethylene oxide - essential and challenging Ethylene oxide (EO) is indispensable in the production of ethanolamines, specialty amines, and glycol ethers - but its high reactivity, volatility, and toxicity make it a prominent safety concern. The key to safe and efficient industrial EO use is not only in robust dosing but also in tight temperature, mixing, and vent control. Sulzer’s enhanced mixing platforms and process intensity know-how help plants achieve precis

Introduction: simplifying complexity in chemical production In traditional chemical synthesis, complex process steps, catalyst handling, high-pressure pumps, and energy-intensive conditions are often seen as necessary trade-offs for yield and product quality. However, Sulzer’s ‘less-is-more’ philosophy upends this paradigm. By relying on advanced mixing and optimized flow design, Sulzer enables catalyst-free and compressor-free operation improving efficiency, sustainability,

Introduction: the need for flexibility in chemical manufacturing In a competitive and fast-changing market, chemical manufacturers need production systems that can adapt quickly to shifting demand. Fixed, single-product plants are often slow to respond to market opportunities - especially in specialty chemicals like ethanolamines and glycol ethers, which serve highly dynamic sectors. Sulzer’s ‘Swing Plant’ design answers this need for agility, enabling companies to switch pro

Introduction Modern chemical manufacturing and specialty ester production are defined by one core requirement: purity. Achieving top-quality products with outstanding purity, color, and odor levels while minimizing waste and energy use is a hallmark of advanced process design. Sulzer has responded with industry-leading solutions that integrate reactive distillation (RD), divided wall columns, and membrane separation, setting a new standard for process intensification and down

Introduction: the chemical industry’s shift to continuous processes For decades, many chemical reactions - including esterification, hydrolysis, and acetalization were predominantly performed in batch reactors. This approach, while flexible, limits productivity, impacts product quality, and often incurs high energy and maintenance costs. Today, reactive distillation (RD) emerges as a superior alternative by combining reaction and separation in one integrated continuous proces

Introduction Esterification and hydrolysis are cornerstone reactions in the chemical and specialty esters industries. Traditionally, these reactions require multi-step batch processes first carrying out the reaction, then separating the products using energy-intensive distillation. This not only increases operational complexity and waste but also limits product purity and selectivity. Sulzer’s reactive distillation technology, however, redefines industry standards by combinin

Introduction: a new era of chemical engineering Process intensification is reshaping the chemical process industry driven by climate goals, space constraints, cost pressures, and the mounting demand for higher product quality. One of the most effective tools in this revolution is reactive distillation: a technology that elegantly unites chemical reactions and high-efficiency separation in a single step. Sulzer, a leader in mass transfer and separation technologies, is pioneer

Introduction Sustainability has become a critical driver in the evolution of industrial processing. Sulzer’s GT-DWC™ Dividing Wall Column technology sets new standards, allowing chemical plants and refineries to intensify processes, significantly reduce energy usage, and minimize their environmental footprint all while maintaining, or even improving, production efficiency and product quality. Key environmental and sustainability benefits Energy Conservation GT-DWC™ reduces en

Introduction Reducing costs and energy use in distillation is a top priority for today’s chemical and refining facilities. Sulzer’s GT-DWC™ (Dividing Wall Column) technology provides a revolutionary approach by enabling the separation of three or more purified streams within a single, highly efficient tower. This innovation can significantly lower both capital and operational expenses while enhancing process simplicity and plant flexibility. Key benefits of Sulzer GT-DWC™ Cap