Abstract: Process and apparatus for preparing 1,2-Dichloroethane by direct chlorination If in the reaction of ethylene with chlorine to form 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC) the catalyst components sodium chloride and iron(III) chloride are used in a molar ratio of below 0.5, then the EDC is obtained in sufficiently high purity to allow direct conversion to vinyl chloride. With maintenance of the stated molar ratio the reaction can be carried out very advantageously in terms of equipment and energy consumption, for example by vaporizing some of the EDC in an expansion vessel.

Abstract: A process for the removal of solid particles from a mixture containing at least one liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon is described. The solids-containing liquid mixture is introduced into at least one hydrocyclone having a downstream separator. The liquid mixture which has been enriched in solids and discharged from the hydrocyclone is preferably subjected to sedimentation of the solid particles, without the use of centrifugal forces. Efficient removal of interfering particles is achieved in this way, together, with long service lives and a minimum of emission.

Abstract: The hot, vinyl chloride-containing gases leaving the cracking furnace heat liquid 1,2-dichloroethane in a first container to the boiling point or to its immediate vicinity, and the 1,2-dichloroethane is transferred into a second container in which it is partly evaporated under a lower pressure than in the first container. The evaporated 1,2-dichloroethane is fed into the cracking furnace, and the nonevaporated 1,2-dichloroethane is fed back into the first container. By supplying fresh, optionally prewarmed 1,2-dichloroethane into the second container, the amount of product evaporated therein is replaced, the prewarming advantageously being regulated through the level of the liquid 1,2-dichloroethane in the second container. The prewarming of the 1,2-dichloroethane can take place in the convection zone of the cracking furnace or by means of a temperature-control medium, for example steam, which has been heated in the convection zone of the cracking furnace.

Abstract: A process for the purification of 1,2-dichloroethane is described, in which the crude product, containing not more than 3% by weight of high-boilers, is distilled in a first column at 125.degree. to 180.degree. C. in such a way that the bottom product contains not more than 7% by weight of high-boilers. The purified, vaporous 1,2-dichloroethane discharged at the head of this column is used to heat product streams containing 1,2-dichloroethane. The bottom product from the first column is distilled in a second column, advantageously at a pressure of 5 to 40 kPa, together with a feed composed of vaporous 1,2-dichloroethane obtained from the reaction of ethylene with chlorine. The process makes it possible to purify 1,2-dichloroethane with a saving in energy.

Abstract: The description covers a process for the manufacture of vinyl chloride by thermal cracking of 1,2-dichloroethane. The hot gas leaving the reaction furnace is cooled to the inlet temperature of the column in which the hydrogen chloride is separated from the products of thermal cracking of the 1,2-dichloroethane. Within the range of 560.degree. to 480.degree. C. and of 220.degree. to 120.degree. C., one or more cooling stages are applied through which the reaction gas mixture passes at high flow velocity, the cooling device being preferably a single-tube cooler. Starting from about 220.degree. C., a liquid substantially consisting of 1,2-dichloroethane may be added intermittently. The heat transferred to the coolant in the stages of indirect cooling is preferably reused within the vinyl chloride manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the combustion of chlorine containing residues and wastes with simultaneous recovery of the hydrogen chlorine thereby obtained, which comprises burning the chlorine containing residues with an excess of air and simultaneous addition of azeotropically boiling hydrochloric acid formed in the work-up of the combustion gases.