Work

A joint economic evaluation and FP2O techno-economic resilience approach for evaluation of suspension PVC production

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) involves obtaining a thermoplastic polymer from vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and ethylene, primarily through the suspension method. This process is vital for manufacturing various products, such as pipes and coatings. However, its high-energy consumption necessitates economic evaluations to assess feasibility. In this work, a dual approach is proposed: a Feedstock-Processing-Product-Operation (FP 2 O) based techno-economic resilience analysis via sensitivity analysis alongside economic evaluation. The study evaluated a PVC production process with a capacity of 518,400 t/y of VCM over a 15-year plant lifespan. The techno-economic assessment revealed a Total Capital Investment of $609, 882, 203, a Payback Period of 4.22 years, and a Return on Investment of 14.38 %. Positive Net Present Value and a cost/benefit ratio >1 indicate the plant's installation under proposed conditions is favorable. Additionally, the technical-economic resilience analysis identified the process's response to changes in PVC price, raw material costs, and production capacity, guiding improvement actions pre- and post-plant assembly. • Explores the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and ethylene using the suspension method. • Utilizes a Feedstock-Processing-Product-Operation (FP 2 O) based techno-economic resilience analysis along with traditional economic evaluation. • Positive Net Present Value and a cost/benefit ratio greater than 1 suggest favorable conditions for plant installation. • Identifies the process's response to changes in PVC price, raw material costs, and production capacity, providing guidance for improvement actions. • Combines economic evaluation with techno-economic resilience analysis for a robust assessment of suspension PVC production.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103069

Authors: Tamy Carolina Herrera-Rodríguez, Miguel Ramos-Olmos, Ángel Darío González-Delgado

Institutions: University of Cartagena, Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios

Language: English

Topic: Polymer Science and PVC

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,490