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 manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene by reaction with hydrogen chloride and inert gases containing oxygen, and also by reaction with chlorine, is described. The two chlorination reactions are carried out successively at 180.degree. to 360.degree. C. and under a pressure of 0.09 to 1.1 MPa in a common reaction space containing fluidized catalyst particles. A stoichiometric excess of ethylene is employed for the first chlorination reaction. The heat formed in the reaction space is removed by indirect cooling. The process is simple in terms of apparatus and permits a better re-use of the total heat of reaction of the chlorination of ethylene.

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: A process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane is described, in which 1 mol of ethylene, 0.35 to 0.7 mol of chlorine, 0.7 to 1.4 mol of hydrogen chloride and 0.2 to 0.6 mol of oxygen, optionally together with inert gas, are reacted in a reaction zone containing surfaces capable of being heated and cooled, at 180.degree. to 260.degree. C. and under a pressure of 0.09 to 1.1 MPa, in the presence of a fixed bed catalyst containing copper. The process allows better utilization of the heat generated in the chlorination of ethylene.

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.