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

Chapter 4
Off-site reconcentration usually requires the transport of the spent acid resulting in additional
costs.
Driving force for implementation
The driving forces for implementation of this technique include:
reduction of costs related to the consumption of sulphuric acid;
lack of opportunities to use or sell the spent acid.
Example plants
In 2011, one equipment provider reported having installed more than 90 on-site sulphuric acid
concentration units worldwide out of which approximately one third were located on chloralkali
sites [ 47, De Dietrich 2011 ]. Example plants include [ 57, EIPPCB 2011 ]:
AkzoNobel in Bitterfeld (Germany), chlorine capacity 88 kt/yr;
AkzoNobel in Ibbenbüren (Germany), chlorine capacity 125 kt/yr;
AkzoNobel in Frankfurt (Germany), chlorine capacity 167 kt/yr;
Chimcomplex in Borzesti (Romania), chlorine capacity 107 kt/yr;
Vestolit in Marl (Germany), chlorine capacity 260 kt/yr.
More than 50 plants worldwide have been supplied with recycling units for spent sulphuric acid
by one supplier.
Reference literature
[ 47, De Dietrich 2011 ], [ 57, EIPPCB 2011 ] Information mainly communicated by QVF
Engineering GmbH.
4.3.8 Techniques to reduce emissions of noise
4.3.8.1 Introduction
Effective reduction of noise emissions is achieved by strategic planning of plants and sites, by
applying primary techniques which reduce noise at source or by means of secondary techniques
which reduce noise propagation. Noise abatement should primarily focus on design and primary
techniques before considering any secondary technique.
The most effective combination of techniques has to be identified individually for each plant or
production site and it does not necessarily include noise reduction techniques at the loudest
source, because noise levels decrease significantly with distance. Therefore, a combination of
techniques used at noise sources close to the affected areas may be the most efficient way to
reduce environmental noise [ 150, COM 2011 ].
4.3.8.2 Strategic planning of the location of equipment, units and buildings
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
Description
This technique consists in strategically planning the location of equipment, units and buildings
with the aim of increasing the distance between the emitter and the receiver and of using
buildings as noise screens.
Technical description
Low-noise design of plants and sites aims at minimising the resulting environmental noise at the
closest receptor premises. A simple, but effective method is to increase the distance between the
emitter and the receiver. In addition, buildings can act as a noise screen for other sources. In the
case of existing plants, it may be possible to relocate specific units.
TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft_1 December 2011 253