20 Jahre Entwicklung einer bipolaren Membranzelle für die Alkalichlorid-Elektrolyse vom Labor bis zur weltweiten Anwendung

First samples of perfluorinated cation exchange membranes were obtained in 1971. They were tested for use in the diaphragm process as a replacement for asbestos diaphragms. However, the special features of these membranes led to the decision to develop special new membrane electrolysis cells. A patent was sought for the first new cell design in 1975. After extensive material testing and many improvements, the HOECHST bipolar membrane cell was produced, consisting of an electrolyzer made up of individual elements, i.e. individual sealed electrolysis cells. Starting in 1982, this cell type was developed further in cooperation with UHDE GmbH. In 1983 it was installed for the first time in an industrial electrolysis plant. Despite strong competition, the bipolar HOECHST -UHDE membrane cell has now gained an important market share. In 1998 it will be installed worldwide in 43 electrolysis plants, with a total NaOH capacity then amounting to 2.5 million mtpa.     

Entwicklung eines optimalen CO2‐Abtrennungsprozesses für die oxidative Kopplung von Methan im Miniplant‐Maßstab

Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a promising route for the production of ethylene by using natural gas. However, an industrial implementation still remains in its very early stage with the main efforts focused on the search for a sufficiently selective, active, and stable catalyst. During the OCM reaction, CO₂ is formed as unwanted by‐product and has to be separated in the downstream process. This affects the efficiency of the overall process significantly. For this purpose, an integrated gas treatment process for the CO₂ capture in a mini plant scale has been built.     

Schwimmende Produktionsanlagen für die Rohstoffgewinnung im Meer

Floating production plants. The growing trend towards production of raw materials such as oil, gas, and hard minerals from offshore deposits has led to the development of floating platforms for deep water applications. Process engineering aspects of producing oil and gas offshore and on floating platforms are discussed. While process engineering problems can be solved comparatively easily by methods adapted to the offshore environment, structural and operational problems of deep water platforms require more large-scale development and particularly expensive technical experience.