EDC/VCM Process
In the second integrated process, Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) is produced by reacting chlorine (Cl2) generated from the Chlor-Alkali process with ethylene (C2H4). EDC is then converted into Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) through thermal cracking.
The production of Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) is carried out using two distinct operational methods: Direct Chlorination and Oxychlorination.
1. Direct Chlorination: Ethylene reacts directly with chlorine gas in the liquid phase in the presence of a catalyst to produce EDC.
2. Oxychlorination: Ethylene reacts with recovered hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas and oxygen (O2) to form EDC and water. This step ensures full recycling and balance of hydrogen chloride within the integrated plant.
3. Thermal Cracking (VCM Production): Pure EDC is purified by distillation and then thermally cracked in high-temperature cracking furnaces to yield Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas.
The unreacted EDC is recycled back to the distillation unit, while the generated HCl is routed to the Oxychlorination unit, completing a closed-loop and highly efficient process system.