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

1.4 Chlor-alkali products and their use
1.4.1 Consumption of chlorine
Chapter 1
Chlorine is largely used in the synthesis of chlorinated organic compounds. PVC and
isocyanates are the main drivers VCM for the synthesis of PVC still remains the driver of
chlor-alkali production in most EU-27 and EFTA European countries.
Chlorine is difficult to store and transport economically and, therefore, chlorine is generally
produced near consumers. When other solutions cannot be found, chlorine is transported by pipe
(usually over distances Q 10 km), road and rail.
The uses of chlorine can be divided into:
organic uses, which account for about 80% of consumption:
synthesis of VCM, chloromethane, phosgene, organic chlorinated solvents such as
trichloro-ethene, tetrachloro-ethene, oxygenated derivatives, precursors or
intermediates for the synthesis of pesticides or pharmaceutical products.
inorganic uses, which account for about 15% of consumption:
synthesis of sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, metal chlorides, bromine.
direct uses, which account for less than 4% of consumption:
water treatment, pulp and paper
{Text was deleted because information is covered in more detail in the following figure.}
Figure 1.6 shows the main applications of chlorine in EU-27 and EFTA countries in 2010.
western Europe.
Total consumption: 10 010 kt
Isocyanates and oxygenates 2 937 kt (29.3 %)
Upholstery, insulation, footwear, plastics, pesticides,
car paints
Epichlorohydrin 545 kt (5.4 %)
Pesticides, epoxy resins, printed
circuits, sports boats, fishing rods
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
Inorganics 1 351 kt (13.5 %)
Disinfectants, water treatment,
paint pigments
Solvents 312 kt (3.1 %)
Metal degreasing,
adhesives, dry cleaning,
plastics
Source: [ 8, Euro Chlor 2011 ] Based on [Euro Chlor report, 1997], [SRI Consulting, 1997]
Chloromethanes 540 kt (5.4 %)
Silicon rubbers, decaffeinators,
Teflon ® , paint strippers, cosmetics
Other organics 922 kt (9.2 %)
Detergents, ship and bridge
paints, lubricants, wallpaper
adhesives, herbicides, insecticides
PVC 3 403 kt (34.0 %)
Doors and window
frames, pipes, flooring,
medical supplies,
clothing
Figure 1.6: Chlorine applications in EU-27 and EFTA countries in 2010 western Europe
Imports of chlorine to EU-27 and EFTA countries accounted for 8.9 kt in 2010 while exports
accounted for 32 kt; both are negligible in comparison to an overall production of 9 999 kt
TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft_1 December 2011 9