Handbook of Chlor-Alkali Technology : Volume I: Fundamentals, Volume II: Brine Treatment and Cell Operation, Volume III: Facility Design and Product Handling, Volume IV: Operations, Volume V: Corrosion, Environmental Issues, and Future Developments

Made from common salt and water, chlorine and its co-product, caustic soda, are two of the most basic building blocks used for a wide range of products valued by society. The Handbook of Chlor-Alkali Technology provides comprehensive and concise treatments of all aspects of technology and handling directly related to the products of electrolysis. A long-awaited comprehensive treatment, it covers the field from a history of the industry, through the fundamentals of thermodynamics and electrochemistry, to the treatment and disposal of the waste products of manufacture. While membrane cells are considered state-of-the-art, the handbook does not ignore mercury and diaphragm cells. They are considered both from a historical perspective and as examples of current technology that yet evolves. Special attention to paid to safe handling of the products, the obligations of Responsible Care, and process safety management. Other major topics include corrosion, membranes, electrolyzer design, brine preparation and treatment, and the design and operation of processing facilities. The coverage of membranes is both fundamental and applied. The underlying transport processes and practical experience with existing types of membrane both are covered, as is electrolyzer design. The book explores the basic electrode processes and the fundamentals of current distribution in electrolyzers as well as the characteristics of the leading cell designs while the appendix offers selected physical property data. The authors, each with extensive experience in chlor-alkali technology but with diverse backgrounds and fields of specialization, achieve both breadth and depth. Anyone with interest in the large field of chlor-alkali manufacture and distribution, and indeed in industrial electrochemistry in general, will find something useful here. The Handbook offers not only broad coverage, but also in depth treatment of each topic. It will be an asset to managers, process engineers and operating personnel working in the chlor-alkali industry. This book provides valuable information to engineers and scientists involved in development of chlor-alkali technology and in the design of new plant or upgrading of existing plants. It will be especially valuable to universities as it begins with fundamentals and progresses methodically through each step involved in chlor-alkali production, including environmental issues.