PPG to install membrane technology, eliminate use of mercury at Lake Charles, La.
PPG Industries will install membrane cell technology for the manufacture of chlor-alkali products at its chemicals plant in Lake Charles, La., replacing the facility's mercury cells by mid-2007, company officials announced.
"Today's announcement represents a significant investment in the sustainability and competitiveness of our largest chemicals plant," said Michael McGarry, vice president, chlor-alkali and derivatives. "Discontinuing the use of mercury at Lake Charles is in line with our company's goal of continually improving our environmental performance. In addition, this project will result in ongoing cost savings for PPG while enabling us to continue providing customers with premium-grade caustic soda."
McGarry said membrane technology uses about 25 percent less electricity than mercury cells. In addition, he said membrane technology reduces maintenance and operating costs.
McGarry said the membrane unit will have essentially the same capacity as the mercury unit, which is approximately 275,000 tons per year. In addition to the mercury cell circuit, PPG operates six diaphragm cell circuits at Lake Charles, with a capacity of about 1.1 million tons per year.
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