Delivering Excellence: KBR Secures Repeat Contract Following Successful Commissioning of a Fully Integrated Nitrobenzene Plant
KBR recently marked the successful commissioning and startup of a 200 MTPD Nitrobenzene (NB) plant for Kutch Chemical Industries Ltd in Gujarat, India. Building on this success, KBR has secured another award for their second NB plant.
Nitrobenzene is a critical intermediate primarily used in the production of aniline, a precursor to MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) which is essential for polyurethanes, pharmaceuticals, dyes and rubber. Nitrobenzene is also a key raw material for specialty chemicals.
The plant, designed using KBR’s proprietary Adiabatic Nitration process, is a proven alternative to the conventional isothermal NB production route. When integrated with KBR’s Sulfuric Acid Concentration (SAC) technology, this process delivers 10-15% Opex savings compared to the isothermal route. This is the first facility of its kind to fully integrate all major process sections: Nitration, SAC, NB purification, and benzene recovery, delivering significant improvements in reliability, safety and efficiency.
KBR’s team worked closely with Kutch Chemical throughout the project lifecycle, from proprietary engineering design through delivery of proprietary equipment, commissioning and startup. The complexity of the plant demanded close coordination and deep technical expertise. From completing performance guarantee test runs to supporting the installation of critical equipment, training plant operators and engineers on DCS controls, and safeguarding and resolving discrepancies during final review stages, KBR helped ensure a safe and smooth start-up.
“We’re grateful for the continued trust Kutch Chemical has placed in us. It reflects the strength of our technology and our ability to deliver reliably – from design through startup,” said Hari Ravindran, Senior Vice President, KBR Technology Solutions. “By integrating all key process units, we’ve delivered a reliable nitrobenzene facility that strengthens Kutch Chemical’s ability to serve high-value downstream markets.”
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this project. The plant has met all process parameters, and we greatly value the KBR team’s commitment and expertise across the project lifecycle,” said Kailash Goel, Director, Kutch Chemical Industries Ltd. “KBR’s support, both on-site and remotely, played a key role in making this a smooth and successful start-up.”
