China's Jilin Petrochemical shut its 15,000 tonne/year methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) plant on 24 July because of mechanical issues affecting the plant's reactor, a company source said on Monday.

The company is carrying out repairs to fix leaks that were discovered following the plant's restart from scheduled maintenance on 14 July.

"Repairs are expected to take about 15 days, and we should be able to restart the plant on around 10 August," said the source.

MIBK, which is derived from acetone, is mainly used as a solvent for industrial paints and thinners, as well as in the production of rubber chemicals.

Other MIBK makers in China include Ningbo Zhenyang, Taizhou Petrochemical and Zhenjiang LCY General Chemical.