Document Ee4mDqXEZKzE79D2JdVqVJOx

John R. Roheim Interoffice Common Icotion From: Dle: Subject: Richard J. Lahiere, Mark W. Heliums, and H. Wayne Wilson February 17, 1993 RESEARCH REPORT NO. 6930-01-01-93: RECOVERY OF VBIAVINYL CHLORIDE FROM OKC PVC REACTOR VENTS WITH VAPOR SEPARATION MEMBRANES \JO*\ tx> zr 150,000 pounds of VCM (vinyl chloride monomer) are unreacted na City PVC manufacturing process and are incinerated. Incentives l VCM lost to incineration are: (1) the economic value of the \y VI (approximately $22,000), (2) $15,500 in savings of caustic used [Cl acid generated during VCM incineration, (3) possibly reduced intenance, and (4) potentially lower air emissions. The following report presents pilot test results of a membrane vapor separation process for recovering VCM from OKC reactor vents. Laboratory tests results were presented in a previous research report (RR-6930-01-05-91). SUMMARY During seven weeks of pilot testing at OKC, a 1 -stage vapor separation membrane system recovered 60-85 volume percent of VCM from a reactor inert gas stream that is normally incinerated. The unit operated successfully during periods of variable feed conditions. Computer simulations based on the pilot study data showed that a 2-stage membrane system will recover over 98 volume percent (144,000 lbs/year) of vented VCM during summer and winter conditions. A 2-stage membrane unit was recently ordered by OKC and will be installed in mid-1993. Project development adhered to the environmental technology evaluation protocol: 1. Develop concept after discussions with plant engineers, consultant interviews, and literature studies. 2. Lab testing with plant samples (when feasible). 3. On-site pilot evaluation. 4. Design and cost estimate of permanent unit. FUTURE WORK The vapor separation membrane system slated for implementation at OKC is relatively small: the design flow is 17 scfm. However, the same technology could be applied possibly to larger Vista processes: (1) VCM removal from b VAB.0001102434 LCVCM ship-loading condenser and process vent systems, (2) recovery of VCM from Aberdeen PVC reactor vents, and (3) benzene recovery from Baltimore air stripper vents. R&D will pursue these projects during 1993. Research Group Leader Research Engineer (no) 331 Lead Process Engineer cc: (letter only) Harold Coleman, Don Wharry, Ed Sones, AUSTIN; Bob Moss, Bob Battles, Paul Klein, OKC; Gary Draper, Chuck Putnik, HOUSTON; Pete Markey, Allie Peek, BALTIMORE; Joe Ware, Jim Biggart, Charlie McDonald, Tim Bennett, LCVCM; Bob Seymour, Ted Nickerson, ABERDEEN (with report) Rick Quy, Pat Morris, Mark Heliums, Library (2), AUSTIN; Harry Garrison, Steve Vincent, Andy Wiles, OKC; Eric Meyer, HOUSTON; Tony Salah, Ben Drone, Neil Coddington, LCVCM A VAB.0001102435