CABB Pratteln; new mercury-free chlorine plant

The new plant, which entered operation in October, consumes about one third less energy per metric ton of caustic soda than its predecessor. The use of mercury is also no longer required. The manufacturing process is automatically controlled, with over 1,000 test points.

Two electrolysers, each with 131 6th-generation single-element cells from ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers, form the centrepiece of the plant. They feature zero-gap technology – meaning there is no gap between the membrane and the electrodes – the cells are the most energy-efficient solution currently available on the market.

“At around 50 million euros, the new electrolysis plant is the CABB Group’s largest single investment so far worldwide,” says CEO Peter Vanacker. "This is another step in strategically transforming the site from its original purpose of basic chemical production into a leading technology centre for high-quality fine chemicals.”

CABB is the only company in Switzerland that produces its own chlorine. The new plant increases annual chlorine production capacity from 27,000 to 47,000 metric tons, enough to fully meet the site’s demands and thus eliminating the need for chlorine transports.

Chlorine forms part of the many compounds that CABB produces in Pratteln as intermediates for the agricultural, pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industry, among others.

Contact: CABB Group, Ulrich Gartner,Gartner Communications, tel.: +49 69 56 00 58 24, ulrich.gartner [at] gartnercommunications.com