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

VIII. Acronyms and definitions
AC Alternating current.
Glossary
Anode Electrode through which electric current flows into a polarised electrical device. The
polarity can be positive or negative. In electrolytic cells, oxidation occurs at the positively
charged anode.
AOX Adsorbable Organically bound Halogens.
Asbestos Set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their
desirable physical properties. They all have in common their asbestiform habit, long, (1:20)
thin fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses.
BAT Best Available Technique. The most effective and advanced stage in the development
of activities and their methods of operation which indicate the practical suitability of
particular techniques for providing, in principle, the basis for emission limit values designed
to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally to reduce emissions and the impact on
the environment as a whole (Industrial Emissions Directive).
BAT-AEL BAT-associated emission level.
Bleach Solution containing a substance that removes colours or whitens, often via oxidation.
In this document, bleach refers to an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite.
BOD Biochemical oxygen demand.
BREF BAT reference document.
Brine Solution saturated or nearly saturated with a salt. In this document, brine refers to
solutions of sodium chloride or potassium chloride.
By-product A substance or object resulting from a production process, the primary aim of
which is not the production of that item, which meets the following conditions: (a) further
use of the substance or object is certain; (b) the substance or object can be used directly
without any further processing other than normal industrial practice; (c) the substance or
object is produced as an integral part of a production process; and (d) further use is lawful,
i.e. the substance or object fulfils all relevant product, environmental and health protection
requirements for the specific use and will not lead to overall adverse environmental or
human health impacts (Directive 2008/98/EC on waste).
Cathode Electrode through which electric current flows out of a polarised electrical device.
The polarity can be positive or negative. In electrolytic cells, reduction occurs at the
negatively charged cathode.
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
Caustic Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Caustic potash Potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Caustic soda Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Caustic solution Solution containing a strong base. In this document, caustic solution refers
to solutions of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
CEFIC European Chemical Industry Council (from its French name Conseil Européen des
Fédérations de l'Industrie Chimique). CEFIC is the main European association for the
chemical industry.
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