Around 95% of ethylene dichloride (EDC) is used in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), nearly all of which goes into polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The remaining EDC goes into the manufacture of chlorinated solvents.
PVC itself is highly dependent on the construction market, which reflects the ups and downs of the world economies. The global EDC market had been growing at 3.5-4.5%/year but this changed abruptly in 2008 when PVC demand collapsed due to deteriorating economic conditions and destocking in the vinyls chain.
Ethylene dichloride is made by the chlorination of ethylene via one of two processes: direct chlorination using pure chlorine and ethylene; or oxychlorination in which ethylene reacts with chlorine in hydrogen chloride. Some EDC/VCM plants employ a combination of chlorination and oxychlorination technologies.
Ethylene dichloride is a clear, colourless, oily liquid with a sweet, pleasant chloroform-like odour. EDC is a dangerous fire and explosion hazard with risks of flashbacks from vapours. Toxic fumes are given off during fires.
Ethylene dichloride
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Ethylene dichloride
Uses and Outlook
With about 95% of ethylene dichloride (EDC) being used in the manufacture of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), nearly all of which goes into polyvinyl chloride (PVC), EDC supply/demand balances are influenced by the PVC market. In addition, many EDC plants are integrated with VCM production.
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Ethylene dichloride
Process Technologies
EDC is made by the chlorination of ethylene via one of two processes: direct chlorination using pure chlorine and ethylene; or oxychlorination in which ethylene reacts with chlorine in hydrogen chloride. Many EDC/VCM plants employ a combination of chlorination and oxychlorination to consume the hydrogen chloride by-product from the cracking of EDC to VCM.
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