Bayer Adapts Membrane Technology for Global Chlorine Production

Bayer Material Science's chlorine membrane electrolysis takes the next step: After nearly one year of tests, the company announced the adaption of this electricity-saving technology for its global chlorine production. Furthermore, the company is undertaking tests for another pioneering process - known as the oxygen depolarized cathode process - that would further reduce energy consumption for the production of chlorine.

Leverkusen/Germany – Bayer's production site at Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany, is being completely converted to the energy efficient membrane process, company speakers explained. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of June. With this step, Bayer would have already met the voluntary agreement of the European chlorine producers to discontinue the outdated mercury process by 2020.

Membrane Electrolysis and Oxygen Depolarized Cathode for Chlorine Producers

"The modernization of chlorine production is another milestone in a series of innovative, energy-efficient production processes that we are using within the context of our sustainability strategy," says Dr. Tony Van Osselaer, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer MaterialScience. "At the same time, we are contributing to safeguard the future of Chempark Krefeld-Uerdingen as a key German production site."

Reducing Germany's Energy Consumption By One Percent

Tests for new, energy efficient methods of chlorine production have been undertaken since May 2011 at an on–site demonstration plant. At Krefeld, Bayer also tests the innovative ODC (oxygen depolarized cathode) technology, that is believed to reduce the energy consumption of chlorine electrolysis on the basis of common salt by at least 30 percent. A licensing of this technology, that was developed by Bayer MaterialScience in collaboration with ThyssenKrupp Uhde, for other companies is also planned. "If the new method were used everywhere in Germany, for instance, the energy consumption of the entire country could be reduced by one percentage point," adds Osselaer.