GNFC restarts operation at gas leak-hit plant

A plant of Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) started commercial operation today, more than three months after being shut due to gas leak, a top official said.
The TDI (Toluene Di-Isocyanate) plant of GNFC is located at Rahiad village near Dahej in Bharuch, about 100km from here.
The facility was shut on November 4 last after a mechanical failure in a chemical reactor caused leakage of poisonous phosgene gas. The State PSU conducted a safety audit by an international company before restarting it.
The safety/hazard operatability as well as asset stability study was done by Lloyd, a UK-based company, under supervision of experts from several countries. Following this, the plant restarted operation from today, GNFC Managing Director Rajiv Gupta told PTI by phone.

TDI is mainly used in manufacturing of flexible polyurethane foam, furniture cushion, industrial gaskets, protective pads for sports & medical use and in automobiles - seats furniture, lining and sun visors.