Cape Igarassu modernizes its chlor-alkali plant with Thyssenkrupp technology

At the Igarasu plant in Brazil, the mercury electrodes are scheduled to be replaced with membrane electrolyzers. (Photo: Thyssenkrupp Nocera)

Cape Igarassu, a subsidiary of Chlorum Solutions Group, plans to replace the mercury electrodes in its existing chlor-alkali plant with a Thyssenkrupp Nucera membrane electrolyser. This measure aims to reduce environmental pollution and improve chlorine supply. The membrane technology helps meet the requirements of the Minamata Convention, which aims to reduce mercury emissions and releases. Thyssenkrupp also provides engineering, equipment and consulting services for plant conversion and commissioning. The project in Igarasu is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

Chlorum Solutions operates several facilities in South America and specializes in the production of chlorine and hypochlorite. The investment in Igaraso follows the acquisition of the plant in 2022, where the company produces, among other things, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, liquid chlorine and sodium hydroxide.

Rodrigo Duque, industrial director of Cape Igarasso, stresses the importance of investing in upgrading technology and ensuring chlorine supplies. Chlorum Solutions' Dierce Wiques adds that two-thirds of the plant's total production capacity will be provided by the new membrane technology, which replaces the previous mercury technology.

Recently, Chlorum Solutions commissioned Thyssenkrupp Nucera to install two chlor-alkali electrolysis plants that will enable the production of more than 30 thousand tons of chlorine per year in Brazil.