IQOXE invests 4 million euros in maintenance at la Canonja plant

The chemical company halts its ethylene oxide unit to replace the reactor catalyst, involving 200 workers.

Generic image of a chemical production unit with industrial reactors and piping.
IA

Generic image of a chemical production unit with industrial reactors and piping.

The chemical firm IQOXE has launched a scheduled technical shutdown at its facility in la Canonja, Tarragonès, to replace the catalyst in the ethylene oxide reactor and perform maintenance tasks.

The project aims to renew the reactor's core component as it nears the end of its operational life. This maintenance cycle involves a 4 million euro investment and will mobilize 200 workers until March 20th.

"Every year and a half or two, the catalyst is exhausted and, therefore, its efficiency decreases, which is why we replace it in a routine, periodic, and scheduled operation."

José Manuel Segura · General Manager of IQOXE
The company stated that the process might cause occasional noise due to depressurization and more intense steam emissions than usual until full production is restored at the Tarragona site.