Report of the Electrolytic Industries for the Year 1978

Abstract

Chlorine-Caustic SodaI. Production and capacity.--Total chlorine produced in the United States for 1978 was 11,044,028 tons, an increase of 1.3% over previous record in 1974 and a 3.4% increase over 1977. Production in Canada was 1,037,000 tons, an increase of 5. 9% from 1977 (1, 2).The operating rate in the U.S. was 69.5% in January 1978 and remained below 75% during the first quarter of 1978. Operating rates increased to an average of 82% in the last quarter of 1978 (1).New U.S. chlorine capacity increased approximately 1700 tons per day in 1978, or 4.5% during the year. Changes in chlorine production and additional capacity scheduled to go on stream over the next three years in North America are tabulated in Tables I and II. Annual production capacity is expected to exceed 15.4 million tons by the end of 1979. Average production capacity during 1980 is forecast at 15.73 million tons (33).The additions of new facilities as diaphragm or membrane cells along with the shutdowns of mercury cell plants have reduced the percentage of total production capacity as mercury cells (3) : United States CanadaDiaphragm and membrane cells 74.3% 72.8% Mercury cells 20.3 % 27.2 % Other 5.4% --Dow, the largest chlorine producer in North America (average 11,000 tons/day), will begin converting its existing graphite anodes to metal anodes in late 1979. Dow will manufacture its own metal anodes using the acquired rights to patents controlled by Diamond Shamrock. The conversion could take Dow 6-8 years. No impact on industry capacity is expected in the short term. Dow is expected to reduce the power requirements rather than increase capacity for the same power requirements. Diamond Shamrock has licensed every chlorine producer in North America with its * Electrochemical Society Active Member.This report is sponsored by the Industrial Electrolytic Division of The Electrochemical Society. It represents a summary of published information on production, plant capacities, consumption, markets and trends, prices, raw materials, new developments, health and environmental aspects in the electrolytic and related industries. The material presented herein has been obtained from many sources, as noted in the reference list, and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the authors. The Industrial Electrolytic Division is grateful for the support received from the Vittorio de Nora-Diamond Shamrock Fund in assisting with the publication costs of this report. 243C 244C Y. Electrochem. Soc.: REVIEWS AND NEWSTable I. Changes in current chlorine operations (3-15) JuZy I979 Capacity (tons/ Producer and location Change day chlorine) Completion date I. PPG Industries Shutdown

Report of the Electrolytic Industries for the Year 1979

“…Titanium.--With respect to both production and consumption of titanium, 1979 was a strong year and the trends established in 1977 and 1978 were maintained (306)(307)(308).…”

“…The strong market for titanium metal results primarily from the demands of the aircraft industry and the purchase of airplanes, such as the Boeing 747 and 767, Lockheed L1011, and McDonnell-Douglas DC10, with relatively high titanium content. It is predicted that the market for titanium will continue to grow, since aging fleets of jetliners need to be replaced by planes having lower fuel consumption, smaller engines, and lower noise levels (307).…”

“…New technology and expansion plans already underway, announced or under consideration, could raise the total annual capacity in the United States to 34,000 short tons by 1985. The current U.S. capacity for the production of titanium sponge is shown below, together with the process and producer (306,307).…”