Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz (CAC) has successfully built its first chlor-alkali electrolysis plant in Germany. Until now, clients and jobsites of the Saxon plant manufacturer have been primarily located in Western and Eastern Europe as well as in Russian-speaking countries. "We are very pleased that after more than 15 years of successful implementation of chlorine-alkali projects we have realized a plant with this technology in Germany," explains Jörg Engelmann, CEO of CAC.

The new plant for AkzoNobel Speciality Chemicals and Evonik Industries at the Ibbenbüren site was commissioned by the two companies. It will be operated by AkzoNobel within the framework of the joint venture “Neolyse Ibbenbüren”.

Key Benefit: Ecological Footprint
The new membrane electrolysis plant, based on technology of Asahi Kasei Corporation in Japan, replaces the existing mercury-based plant. The energy-saving membrane process increases economic efficiency and ensures compliance with the corresponding future legal requirements. According to the plant operators, this new production process at the site improves the ecological footprint of every ton of chlorine produced in Ibbenbüren by 25 to 30 percent.

The planning order on the basis of an EPCM contract included detail engineering, procurement services, site management as well as commissioning support up to the performance test run of the plant.

Clearly Defined: Material Life Cycle
The membrane electrolysis in Ibbenbüren is designed for an annual capacity of 120,000 tons of potassium hydroxide solution and 80,000 tons of chlorine. The future operation of the business is clearly defined: Chlorine as well as hydrogen produced during electrolysis will be further processed by AkzoNobel on site or sold to customers. Evonik will market the potassium hydroxide solution produced in Ibbenbüren or transport it by ship to its own site in Lülsdorf near Cologne for further processing. In Lülsdorf, Evonik processes the potassium hydroxide solution, inter alia, into potassium carbonate (potash).

"This project was an issue of most concern to both of us and our clients, because the new plant not only allows for an improved energy balance, but also ensures many jobs in Ibbenbüren. Therefore, I am more than pleased that we have completed this order at a high level of quality and within the agreed financial and time frame boundaries, "says Engelmann.

Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz (CAC)
Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz (CAC), a worldwide established company in the plant and process engineering business, is an experienced contact for comprehensive engineering services. The company, having headquarters in Chemnitz, Saxony, has more than 50 years of experience in the fields of refinery and gas technology, petrochemicals, inorganic chemicals as well as fine and specialty chemicals. In close cooperation with our clients, the 250 employees provide all services from planning and construction through to the commissioning of complex plants and plant units.