|Characterization of Mercury Emissions at a Chlor-Alkali Plant
(EPA/600/R-02/007) January 2002 Current estimates indicate that
up to 160 short tons (146 megagrams) of mercury is consumed by
the chlor-alkali industry each year. Very little quantitative
information is currently available, however, on the actual
mercury losses from these facilities. The mercury cell building
roof vent is considered to be the most significant potential
emission point in chlor-alkali plants, especially when the cells
are opened for maintenance. Because of their potential
importance, chlor-alkali plants need more accurate measurements
of mercury emissions. To obtain a better understanding of the
fate of mercury within the manufacturing process, the Olin
Corporation. voluntarily agreed to cooperate with EPA in a
comprehensive study of the mercury emissions from their Augusta,
Georgia, facility. Other members of the Chlorine Institute
representing the active chlor-alkali plants in the United States
also participated. To investigate t