The chlor-alkali process: Work in Progress

The chlor-alkali process has come a long way from the days of the diaphragm and mercury cell process to the present membrane cell process, with huge reduction in power consumption and hence its carbon footprint. Although there is reduction in the release of highly toxic mercury to the environment, there is increased release of less harmful substances such as chloride and chlorate because the membrane cell is less tolerant to contaminants, and hence requires higher purity brine. The technology providers have continued to improve upon the process to reduce power consumption and to reduce the plant’s footprint. This review looks briefly at the three technologies and attempts to look at where we currently are at. All new chlor-alkali plants being built are of the membrane process. This review mentions some of the areas where improvements can be made to the membrane process.