(BAT) Reference Document for the Production of Chlor-alkali ...

Chapter 4
INEOS ChlorVinyls (formerly Hydro Polymers) in Stenungsund (Sweden), chlorine
capacity 120 kt/yr.
Reference literature
[ 36, Euro Chlor 2010 ], [ 75, COM 2001 ], [ 76, Regulation EC/1272/2008 2008 ], [ 78,
Regulation EC/1005/2009 2009 ], [ 198, WMO 2006 ], [ 201, Piersma 2001 ], [ 202, AkzoNobel
2010 ] [Debelle], [Gest 76/55, 1990], [Jorlöv]
4.3.5.4 Use of refrigerants without ozone depletion potential and with low
global warming potential
Description
This technique consists in using refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential (OPD) and low
global warming potential (GWP) for chlorine liquefaction. Suitable refrigerants include
ammonia, carbon dioxide, chlorine and water.
Technical description
The choice of refrigerant for chlorine liquefaction depends on the pressure.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorine and ammonia are
frequently used if the temperatures are below -10 °C (see Section 2.6.8). HCFCs have the
disadvantage of depleting the ozone layer when released to the atmosphere. They also show
considerable GWP. In EU-27 and EFTA countries, their use as a refrigerant is allowed in
existing installations until 31 December 2014 provided that reclaimed or recovered HCFCs are
used [ 78, Regulation EC/1005/2009 2009 ]. HFCs have the disadvantage of possessing much
higher GWPs than alternative refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, chlorine and water.
Table 4.20 summarises the advantages and disadvantages of refrigerants frequently used in
chlor-alkali plants.
Table 4.20: Advantages and disadvantages of refrigerants frequently used in chlor-alkali
plants
Refrigerant Advantages Disadvantages
Excellent thermodynamic and Toxic, flammable, explosive if
Ammonia (R-717)
thermophysical properties, mixed with chlorine, two
inexpensive, ODP = 0, GWP = 0 cooling circuits required
Carbon dioxide (R-744)
Non-toxic, non-flammable,
inexpensive, ODP = 0, GWP = 1
Asphyxiant, low critical
temperature
Chlorine
Toxic, explosive if mixed with
hydrogen
HCFC-22
(chlorodifluoromethane)
Non-toxic, non-flammable
ODP = 0.05 ( 1 ), GWP = 1 810
( 2 )
R-410A
Non-toxic, non-flammable,
(50.0 wt-% HFC-32, zeotropic mixture (but very small GWP = 2 080 (
50.0 wt-% HFC-125) temperature glide)
2 ) ( 3 )
R-507A
(50.0 wt-% HFC-125,
50.0 wt-% HFC-143a)
Non-toxic, non-flammable,
azeotropic mixture
GWP = 3 990 ( 2 ) ( 3 )
Non-toxic, non-flammable,
Water (R-718)
inexpensive, ODP = 0
(
High boiling and freezing point
1 ) Semi-empirical ODP as reported in [ 198, WMO 2006 ].
( 2 ) GWP refers to a time horizon of 100 years [ 198, WMO 2006 ].
( 3 ) Calculated from the weighted average of the individual components: HFC-32 (difluoromethane), GWP = 675;
HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane), GWP = 3 500; HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), GWP = 1 430; HFC-143a
(1,1,1-trifluoroethane), GWP = 4 470.
NB : GWP = global warming potential; ODP = ozone depletion potential.
Source: [ 198, WMO 2006 ], [ 200, UBA 2011 ], [ 270, Orica 2011 ]
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
230 December 2011 TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft_1