Issues Involved in Membrane Conversion of a Chlor-Alkali Business

Abstract

Conversion of a major chlor-alkali business to membrane technology may be essential to perpetuate the business, but raises questions which are quite different from the practical issues involved in the conversion of an individual plant. The conversion programme will reflect legislation stemming from environmental concerns over mercury. The scale of conversion will reflect environmental pressures on traditional chloro-derivatives. Conversion will also give rise to other changes since environmental concerns extend beyond mercury. Improvements may be required in other areas related to chlor-alkali technology, or just reflecting the general pressures on the chemical industry. Safety concerns over chlorine storage and transport may influence the location of plants and the operating interactions between chlorine producers and consumers. These various factors may not be easy to reconcile within a conversion programme and could conflict with the wish to limit capital cost.