Georgia-Gulf replaced five fluidized bed oxyhydrochlorinators
with one fixed bed reactor system for making vinyl chloride
monomer. Definitely new, more efficient technology. The new
reactor produces only 30,000 lbs/yr of EDC contaminated catalyst
whereas the fluidized reactors generated 500,000/yr. Copper
contamination from catalyst to wastewater was reduced the same
percentage (copper poisons the biological treatment system), and
likewise copper discharges to the Mississippi River dropped
dramatically. The more efficient reactor reduced by-product
formation (hazardous waste), and wastewater acidity (by 80%).
Air emissions from reactor start-ups and shutdowns were reduced
80 90%. The old fluidized reactors used biphenyl coolant which
produced PCBs if it leaked into the reactors. The new reactor
uses water for coolant, thus eliminating the possibility of PCB
formation. Details of Reductions Additional Information :
Economic benefits are.real but not detailed. Georgia-Gulf chose
to scrap the fluidized bed react