Fluor Daniel, the engineering, construction and procurement subsidiary
of Fluor Corp. (NYSE:FLR), Thursday reported that it has entered into an
agreement with United Kingdom-based ICI Chlor Chemicals to become an
approved contractor for chlor-alkali technologies.
Under terms of the agreement, the Aliso Viejo-based company will have
the license to build large-scale chlor-alkali plants for the production
of caustic soda and chlorine incorporating ICI's new bipolar technology
known as "BiChlor."
Caustic soda is a basic component used in the manufacture of consumer
products such as soaps, detergents, paper and aluminum. Industrial
applications include oil and gas production, food processing and the
manufacture of cotton and Rayon.
Chlorine is a basic chemical used to manufacture polycarbonate for such
items as compact discs and automobile parts; urethanes for coatings and
foam insulation; and vinyl for a variety of consumer and construction
applications.
"BiChlor moves technology forward by making a vast number of important
improvements compared to existing types of bipolar electrolysers
currently on the market," said Adrian Tattersall, business manager for
ICI's Electrochemical Technology Business unit.
"We listened to the needs and wants of our customers in the development
of BiChlor and, as a result, re-engineered familiar bipolar principles
to create a process that is more effective and efficient."
In addition to establishing a new industry benchmark, ICI technical
experts also noted that the re-engineered BiChlor technology has lowered
power consumption and extended component lifespans. As a result, the new
technology also will reduce costs, improve quality and enhance safety
during production.
"Our long and successful history in the chlor-alkali engineering and
construction markets, coupled with ICI's technology base, allows
customers the opportunity to utilize the only such combination of skills
and services in the market today," said Fluor's Mag Fouad, vice
president of process technology.
"Among the biggest benefits to customers is that the BiChlor technology
promises life-cycle cost savings for the new, large-capacity plants
planned by our customers."
Fouad added that he expects the new technologies developed by ICI also
can be installed to replace existing facilities that are near the end of
their service lives, are not in compliance with proposed environmental
legislation, or that produce lower-quality caustic soda.
ICI's chlor-alkali technology has been used in more than 45 plants
throughout the world. The company's new bipolar technology was developed
and tested at ICI's facilities in England.
Fluor Daniel has designed, procured and/or constructed many small and
large tonnage chlor-alkali plants worldwide over the past 40 years,
including more than 15 chlor-alkali facilities in the 1990s.
With 1999 revenues of $12.4 billion, Fluor Corp. provides services on a
global basis in the fields of engineering, procurement, construction
maintenance and operations, equipment leasing, consulting and coal
production.
More information is available online at www.fdglobal.com/newsici.
Fluor Corp. releases are available on Fluor's Corporate News on the Net
site at http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/flr.htm.
Fluor Corp., Aliso ViejoKeith Karpe, 949/349-7661Lori Serrato, 949/349-7420