Invest in the absorber design

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 4 views

Making Ethylene Dichloride from Ethylene and Chlorine with the Direct Chlorination Method: A Feasibility Study

Introduction

The production of ethylene dichloride (EDC) from ethylene and chlorine using the direct chlorination method is a significant process in the chemical industry. This method involves the reaction of ethylene with chlorine to produce EDC, which is a key raw material in the production of various chemicals, including vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In this study, we will discuss the feasibility of establishing a factory with a production capacity of 20,000 tons per year using the direct chlorination method.

The Importance of Ethylene Dichloride

Ethylene dichloride is a highly versatile chemical that has a wide range of applications in various industries, including the production of plastics, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. The demand for EDC is increasing rapidly due to the growing demand for PVC and other related products. Therefore, the production of EDC is a critical process that requires careful planning and execution.

The Direct Chlorination Method

The direct chlorination method is a widely used process for the production of EDC. This method involves the reaction of ethylene with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst to produce EDC. The reaction is highly exothermic, and the temperature and pressure conditions must be carefully controlled to ensure efficient and safe operation.

Factory Design and Capacity

The factory is designed to produce EDC from ethylene and chlorine using the direct chlorination method. The production capacity of the factory is 20,000 tons per year, which is expected to meet the growing demand for EDC in the region. The factory will operate for 330 days a year, and to reach this annual capacity, it takes 811,456 kg of ethylene per hour and chlorine around 2,051,060 kg per hour.

Absorber Design

One of the critical components of the factory is the absorber, which serves to improve the efficiency of the production process. The absorber is designed to optimize the absorption process that occurs between ethylene and chlorine, producing high-quality EDC. The absorber is a packed tower with a diameter of 13 inches, a length of 31.25 feet, and the thickness of the wall 0.013 inches. This design is expected to provide efficient and effective absorption of ethylene and chlorine, resulting in high-quality EDC.

Location and Infrastructure

The factory is planned to be built in the city of Cilegon, Banten Province, with a total area of the factory reaching 11,710 m². This location is chosen due to its proximity to the raw materials and transportation infrastructure. The factory also requires water supply from the Kali Berung River as much as 23,168 kg per hour to support operational activities.

Economic Analysis

The results of the economic analysis show that this factory is worthy of being established. Some important points of the analysis are as follows:

Initial Investment (Capital Investment): Rp. 1,058,015,420.201
Total Costs (Total Cost): Rp. 503,269,630,354
Profit Margin (Profit Margin): 47.195%
Break-Even Point: 37,881%
Return on Investment (Return on Investment): 31.234%
Return on Network (Return on Network): 52.056%
Capital Return Time (Pay Out Time): 3 years 2 months
Internal Rate of Return (Internal Rate): 18.799%

From the results of this analysis, it is clear that investment in this EDC factory has the potential to provide significant benefits. High profit margin and good investment return show that this factory will make a positive contribution to the local economy and create jobs.

Conclusion

The EDC manufacturing plant from ethylene and chlorine using the direct chlorination method in Cilegon is a project that is not only feasible in terms of technical but also provides an attractive economic opportunity. With careful planning and positive economic evaluation, this project is expected to run well and have a positive impact on the community and the surrounding environment.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Establish the factory in Cilegon, Banten Province: The location is chosen due to its proximity to the raw materials and transportation infrastructure.
Invest in the absorber design: The absorber is a critical component of the factory, and its design must be carefully planned to ensure efficient and effective absorption of ethylene and chlorine.
Implement the direct chlorination method: This method is widely used and has been proven to be efficient and effective in the production of EDC.
Monitor and evaluate the economic performance: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the economic performance of the factory will ensure that it remains competitive and profitable.

By following these recommendations, the EDC manufacturing plant from ethylene and chlorine using the direct chlorination method in Cilegon is expected to be a successful and profitable venture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Making Ethylene Dichloride from Ethylene and Chlorine with the Direct Chlorination Method

Q: What is ethylene dichloride (EDC)?

A: Ethylene dichloride (EDC) is a highly versatile chemical that has a wide range of applications in various industries, including the production of plastics, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.

Q: What is the direct chlorination method?

A: The direct chlorination method is a widely used process for the production of EDC. This method involves the reaction of ethylene with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst to produce EDC.

Q: What are the raw materials required for the production of EDC?

A: The raw materials required for the production of EDC are ethylene and chlorine.

Q: What is the production capacity of the factory?

A: The production capacity of the factory is 20,000 tons per year.

Q: How long will the factory operate per year?

A: The factory will operate for 330 days a year.

Q: What is the absorber, and why is it important?

A: The absorber is a critical component of the factory that serves to improve the efficiency of the production process. It is designed to optimize the absorption process that occurs between ethylene and chlorine, producing high-quality EDC.

Q: What is the location of the factory?

A: The factory is planned to be built in the city of Cilegon, Banten Province, with a total area of the factory reaching 11,710 m².

Q: What is the water supply requirement for the factory?

A: The factory requires water supply from the Kali Berung River as much as 23,168 kg per hour to support operational activities.

Q: What are the economic benefits of establishing the factory?

A: The results of the economic analysis show that this factory is worthy of being established. Some important points of the analysis are as follows:

Initial Investment (Capital Investment): Rp. 1,058,015,420.201
Total Costs (Total Cost): Rp. 503,269,630,354
Profit Margin (Profit Margin): 47.195%
Break-Even Point: 37,881%
Return on Investment (Return on Investment): 31.234%
Return on Network (Return on Network): 52.056%
Capital Return Time (Pay Out Time): 3 years 2 months
Internal Rate of Return (Internal Rate): 18.799%

Q: What are the recommendations for establishing the factory?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Establish the factory in Cilegon, Banten Province: The location is chosen due to its proximity to the raw materials and transportation infrastructure.
Invest in the absorber design: The absorber is a critical component of the factory, and its design must be carefully planned to ensure efficient and effective absorption of ethylene and chlorine.
Implement the direct chlorination method: This method is widely used and has been proven to be efficient and effective in the production of EDC.
Monitor and evaluate the economic performance: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the economic performance of the factory will ensure that it remains competitive and profitable.

Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with establishing the factory?

A: Some potential risks and challenges associated with establishing the factory include:

Raw material supply: The availability and cost of raw materials, such as ethylene and chlorine, may fluctuate and affect the production process.
Environmental impact: The production process may have environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution, that must be mitigated.
Safety and health: The production process may pose safety and health risks to workers and the surrounding community.
Economic viability: The economic viability of the factory may be affected by changes in market demand, competition, and government policies.

Q: How can the potential risks and challenges be mitigated?

A: Some strategies for mitigating the potential risks and challenges associated with establishing the factory include:

Diversifying raw material sources: Diversifying raw material sources can help reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.
Implementing environmental management systems: Implementing environmental management systems can help mitigate the environmental impacts of the production process.
Investing in safety and health measures: Investing in safety and health measures can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Conducting regular economic analysis: Conducting regular economic analysis can help identify potential economic risks and challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them.