Speciality chemicals group Evonik (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) plans to further expand capacities for its Austria-based production of Sepuran brand hollow fibre membranes in Schörfling and Lenzing after already putting into operation a new hollow fibre spinning plant in Schörfling at the beginning of the year. On the occasion of the ceremonial opening of this plant, Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann announced the construction of a further production line at the beginning of October this year. The company said it plans to invest a mid-double-digit million euro sum in this project. 

The membrane technology is based on fine hollow fibres made of a pressure- and temperature-resistant polyimide. The planned capacity expansion includes the construction of an additional hollow fibre spinning plant and the expansion of the necessary infrastructure for module production at the Schörfling site. Polyimide production at the neighbouring site in Lenzing is also to be expanded accordingly. Construction in Schörfling and Lenzing is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2024, with completion planned for the first half of 2025. Evonik did not provide any information on the current and planned production capacities when asked by Plasteurope.com.

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The membranes are used, for example, to process biogases or extract hydrogen. The growing demand in the membrane business is being driven by the trend towards renewable energies.