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Petrochemicals
5
Chemical Technology • June 2015
COVER STORY
In the production of chlorine and caustic soda
solution, ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers
energy-efficient and environment-friendly, ‘Uhde
BMSingle Element’ membrane technology, as well
as the BiTAC family electrolysers, are leaders. New
plants as well as revamps or conversions, which
together have a total annual capacity in excess of
40 million tonnes of caustic soda solution, provide
ample proof of this.
The new global setup will be rolled out over the
months to come. An increased presence worldwide
will be achieved by synergising the company’s
worldwide capabilities for engineering, procure-
ment and construction of high-efficiency electroly-
sis plants, as well as offering leading technologies,
comprehensive solutions, technical support and
sales. Headquartered in Dortmund, Germany,
the company is also represented in locations in
Okayama, Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan and Houston.
Invention that increases energy
efficiency
The NaCl-ODC electrolysis technology marketed
by ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers offers
numerous benefits including, most importantly,
a reduction of energy consumption of up to 30 %
compared to conventional membrane-based tech-
nology; ecologically valuable solutions because of
corresponding CO
2
emission reductions; and full
compatibility of electrolysis cells and the brine cycle,
which allows for a combination of both technologies
in one plant.
The NaCl-ODC electrolysis process differs from
the conventional membrane process which results
in a reduction of the cell voltage from about 3 V to
2 V. Consequently, the ODC technology cuts the
energy consumptionby at least 30%; or alternatively,
at constant energy consumption, a corresponding
capacity increase is possible. As a result, the ODC
technology is ecologically valuable and supports
clients’ sustainability. By saving energy, clients will
indirectly realise significant CO
2
emission reductions.
In conclusion
At the close of our meeting, Vishal Harichund
summed up the implications of these changes:
“The successful conclusion of this latest joint
venture is further indication of our commitment
to supplying world class engineering and innova-
tive solutions to our clients. The wide application
of chlorine and caustic soda in pulp and paper,
water treatment, inorganic chemicals, organic
chemicals and detergents, along with a number
of innovative target market products and services
under development across the TKIS technology
portfolio, strongly suggests that this industry
presents attractive growth.
“TKIS SA, the local organisation of our Germa-
ny-based parent company, is well-positioned to of-
fer this market cost-effective, high-tech solutions
associated with an innovative EPC contractor.”
For more information,
contact Vishal Harichund on
+27 11 236 1000.
Customer: Yantai Juli
Location: Laiyang, China
Capacity: 100 000 t/year of Cl
2
Process: HCl-ODC Electrolysis
Technology
Customer: Bayer MaterialScience
Location: Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany
Capacity: 20 000 mt/year of Cl
2
Process: NaCl-ODC Electrolysis
Technology
The entire team of the Uhde
Chlorine Engineers Group on
April 7, 2015 outside Harpen
House, their Dortmund-based
headquarters. All the local or-
ganisation representatives were
present for the launch of the
Joint Venture, as well as all the
representatives from the main
Uhde Chlorine Engineers entities.
Dr Sami Pelkonen, CEO, Shinji
Katayama, CTO; Keisho Cho, MD-
UCES are all in the front row.
1: Main image
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