Oxea has successfully concluded a significant upgrade of its carboxylic acids production facility in Oberhausen, Germany. As a result, Oxea has enhanced the production output of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as propionic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid.

Dr. Oliver Borgmeier, Vice President Operations Derivatives Europe & China at Oxea, explained the importance of the acid site upgrade: “The recent investment substantially increases global supply reliability for our customers. It enables additional units to produce our short chain fatty acids, and significantly improves the overall output of acids across our multi-site, multi-products acids platform.”

“This upgrade at our Oberhausen site is just the first step towards further enhancement of our carboxylic acid capabilities in the short- and mid-term. We will further strengthen Oxea’s comprehensive carboxylic acids portfolio across all products and markets, which also include lubricants and synthetic fluids, ingredients for personal care applications, and paint and coating additives,” added Cristóbal Ascencio, Executive Vice President Derivatives. “The investment into our acids production facility in Oberhausen is yet another example of Oxea’s commitment to the selective growth strategy that our CEO Dr. Salim Al Huthaili is driving. We will continue to invest in our strong global production platforms and strengthen our product offerings,” concluded Ascencio.

Oxea is a global manufacturer of oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives, such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. Although Oxea’s carboxylic acids portfolio includes lubricants and synthetic fluids, they are used in many other applications, such as the production of high-quality coatings, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, flavorings and fragrances, printing inks and plastics.

Tyler Housel, head of the Lexolube division at Zschimmer and Schwarz told OEM/Lube News "I had heard Oxea was expanding their capacity for short chain acids. My original assumption was that "short chain" meant C5 to C10 which are the shortest chains typically used in lubricants. However, this plant is producing C3 and C4 acids (propionic and butyric) which are even shorter. We use quite a bit of C5 to C10 acids, but nothing as short as C3 or C4. I don't think anyone is using significant amounts of butyric and propionic acids in lubricants."

Lexolube’s synthetic esters are used in a wide variety of applications, such as food grade lubricants, gear and chain oils, high-temperature greases, metalworking fluids, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, two and four cycle engines and in compressor applications.

Oxea employs more than 1,400 people worldwide. Oxea is part of the Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C. (OOC), a commercial company wholly owned by the Government of Oman. Established in 1996, it pursues investment opportunities in the wider energy sector both inside and outside Oman. OOC plays an important role in the Sultanate's efforts to diversify the economy and to promote domestic and foreign investments.