GB605277A - Process of producing vinyl chloride - Google Patents

Abstract

Vinyl chloride is produced by thermal decomposition of 1 : 2-dichlorethane at 600-650 DEG C. in a tube with smooth walls in the absence of any catalyst and of any rough surface adapted to promote the decomposition of vinyl chloride to acetylene. By regulation of the temperature and speed of passage, the decomposition is preferably limited to about 50-70 per cent of the dichlorethane present. The process is preferably a continuous one. In an example, dichlorethane including some non-converted from a previous cycle, is passed into a furnace comprising tubular elements with smooth walls, of glass for example, heated to 600-650 DEG C. The products are at once detarred and then pass into a water scrubber and thence into a degassing plant from which the dissolved gases are delivered with the vinyl chloride to a cooler and a condenser and are then separated by known methods, whilst the acidulated liquors and the tars dissolved in the unreacted dichlorethane are run into a decanter where they are separated, the dichlorethane being returned to the cycle.