Explosion at Taiwan’s Formosa aromatics plant

It is reported that Taiwan’s Formosa Chemical and Fibre Corporation endured an explosion at its number 3 aromatics plant on Sunday afternoon, 7 April 2019. The incident was triggered by a leak of liquefied petroleum gas and so far, caused no casualty.

The number 3 aromatics plant is part of the First Petrochemical Division, houses a 1.2 million tons/year PX unit and 520,000 tons/year benzene unit. Operations at these lines have been suspended for an unspecified time for pipeline inspection.

Sources fear that the event might prompt the government to take actions in ensuring the safety at the plant, which might result in longer downtime and affect market prices. 

PX can be used in producing PTA, which ultimately to the making of PET while Benzene is the main feed for producing styrene monomer.