With the PVC industry in such a poor state, how can the calcium carbide process move forward once Texaco’s mercury-free plants begin operating normally?
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Texaco’s 200,000 tons per year mercury-free catalytic PVC resin production project is expected to be completed and put into operation in early 2017. According to the introduction, it can reduce costs by around 1,000 yuan. At current oil prices, the price of EDC is at a historical low, making its cost even lower. The production cost of the device in Texas is estimated to be over 4,000. It is cheaper than the costs of most calcium carbide production plants today. Under these circumstances, how can other calcium carbide producers survive?
Moreover, its mercury-free production gives the products environmental advantages over those produced using mercury catalysts, allowing for a wider market reach.
If feasible, only technical upgrades. Either shut down and restructure.
Carry out technical upgrades; otherwise, there’s nothing but waiting to die.
The main issue is that mercury-free catalyst technology is not yet fully developed; although there is a theoretical cost advantage, the conversion rate in actual production is definitely much lower. How can this be compensated for? Let’s wait and see the results once they go into production.
News reports always present things in a very positive and ideal light, but that’s not necessarily the case. By the time this device is put into use, it’s possible that those factories will have closed down by then, let alone start operating. It’s also uncertain who will survive in such a situation; so, one shouldn’t be too optimistic
First of all, this technology is feasible; even if the published figures are theoretical, I believe that through the efforts of technical experts, it should be possible to approach these values. Given the current trends of development, its advantages remain quite evident.
Any technological innovation carries risks; it is only through the process of innovation that problems can be identified and continuous improvements can be made! To understand a new technology, we need to learn about its core aspects; only by gaining an in-depth understanding can we provide an evaluation !
Given that prices will keep falling, the PVC industry is set to undergo a reshuffle this year. At present, it seems that enterprises based in the northwest region, which can produce their own calcium carbide, have the best chances of surviving; whereas those in central and eastern China, which rely on imported calcium carbide and thus face higher costs, are under pressure regarding their working capital. Survival of the fittest – this is not the right time for the promotion of new technologies.
Even if it can indeed operate successfully, its mercury-free conversion efficiency and operational lifespan still need further verification. Moreover, its production capacity of 25 WT poses little threat to the overall demand of tens of millions of tons, enough to prevent other manufacturers from going out of business. Furthermore, if the conversion efficiency truly cannot reach an ideal level, it will inevitably lead to increased costs; whether the actual costs will meet the expected levels remains to be verified. Generally speaking, new technologies are certainly very difficult at the beginning, but once they succeed, the benefits will be substantial~~~