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Membrane Chlorine Cell Services

Membrane chlorine cells are the most modern technology for making this useful product. They are the most electrically efficient choice and they use no asbestos or mercury. The European Commission has designated the membrane cell as the Best Available Technique. All new plants employ this technology, but conversion of the older plants is slow because of the high cost of the conversion effort.

The cell operates by placing a semi-permeable membrane between the anode (+) and the cathode (-) chamber to separate the generated chlorine and hydrogen gases. If allowed to mix, these gases would cause an explosion. The membranes are highly sophisticated dual layer films that are quite expensive. They can be easily damaged by improper cell operation, thus the operation of a membrane cell plant requires far more care than other more robust technologies.

Universal Dynamics personnel have managed and operated membrane cell plants and we fully understand the pitfalls and advantages of this technological choice. We offer the following services to those operating or considering switching to this technology.

Technology Conversion Evaluations

Deciding to convert from mercury or diaphragm cells to the membrane process requires a sizeable investment in equipment, infrastructure, and changes in the plant operating philosophy. The first step is usually a feasibility study to develop a cost and conceptual design. Universal Dynamics has been designated by the US Trade and Economic Development Agency to perform membrane cell technological conversion studies for plants in Sumgait, Azerbaijan and Bydgoszcz, Poland. These studies were done using our proprietary economic model of the costs and performance characteristics of a membrane cell plant. Originally developed in conjunction with the US Department of Energy, this model has been refined and honed to allow rapid estimation of the capital cost, financial implications, and economic performance for new plants and conversions.

Engineering and Construction Management

Universal Dynamics offers a full range of engineering and construction management services to allow the plans for a new facility to be brought to reality. Our production background makes communication easy as we already understand the need for staged shutdowns to minimize the production loss at the time of cutover to the new process.

Process Optimization

We are internationally known experts in the following major processing areas of a membrane plant. Published papers and further information are available by clicking on the links.

• Brine Treatment: Pristine quality brine is absolutely required to successfully use membrane cells. Universal Dynamics can optimize the brine system for reliable production.
• Chlorine Handling: The prevention of corrosion from wet chlorine and the safe compression, liquefaction, and shipping practices are all essential in any type of chlorine plant. Universal Dynamics has decades of experience in this area.
• Caustic Soda Evaporation: Membrane cells produce more than 30% caustic directly in the cell. The caustic evaporation needs to reach the required 50% commercial strength will change due to the higher concentration produced in the cell and the lack of salt.
• Safety and Environmental Compliance: Universal Dynamics' personnel have won many governmental awards for safety and environmental compliance projects.