VINYL-CHLORIDE MANUFACTURE - TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AND AN ENERGY ECONOMIC-PERSPECTIVE

The chemistry of different routes to the manufacture of vinyl chloride monomer is discussed. Their economic advantages and drawbacks are con sidered. The balanced process for ethylene-based vinyl chloride produc tion is discussed in detail and an overall process for the same is des cribed. The effects of catalyst, temperature, and reaction steps on pr oduct and by-product are analyzed. Recent trends in vinyl chloride pro cesses result in energy savings and have fewer side reactions and incr eased conversion levers. Future trends such as mixed-gas feedstocks an d patents are hinted at.