Ineos Converting Chloralkali Process.

Membrane & Separation Technology News, October, 2003

Britain's Ineos Group's Ineos Chlor subsidiary will convert its 700,000 ton per year mercury cell chloralkali plant to membrane technology with the help of a government grant designed to safeguard jobs at the facility.

About half of Europe's chloralkali production, 11 millions tons, is mercury-based, but must be switched to more environmentally friendly membrane processes under European Union regulations. The cost of converting mercury cells to membranes is estimated at about $4 billion. The first phase of the transfer to membrane technology is slated for completion in mid-2006; total conversion is expected by 2010.

In 2002, the Dutch government was the first to assist chloralkali manufacturers by proposing to spend $63 million towards a total cost of $145...