Executive operations for the construction of two chlorine production units have started in Khuzestan Province, the minister of cooperatives, labor and social welfare said.“The initiatives, estimated to become operational in less than 12 months, will help raise chlorine production capacity in the region to 175,000 tons per year, or 480 tons per day,” Solat Mortazavi was also quoted as saying by ISNA.Giving a breakdown, the official noted that the first venture is being undertaken by Abadan Petrochemical Company at an estimated cost of $500,000, which will increase the company’s annual revenues to $7 million.The liquid chlorine evaporation facility will add at least 30 tons to the company’s present daily chlorine production of about 50 tons, he added.According to the official, not only will the plan reduce the need to import, but also increase feedstock supply to petrochemical plants in the region.Referring to the second project, he noted that an alkali chlorine production unit is being built in Ghadeer Petrochemical Company in Mahshahr.“The unit’s daily chlorine output will stand at 400 tons and is expected to create jobs for 700 people,” he said.The unit will produce 170,000 tons of sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, annually. The product is also used in processing cotton fabric, laundering and bleaching, metal cleaning and processing, oxide coating, electroplating and electrolytic extracting. It is commonly present in commercial drain and oven cleaners.Chlorine is generally produced from ordinary salt and helps keep drinking water and swimming pools safe. It is used to manufacture household chlorine bleach, which can whiten and disinfect clothes and disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces.The substance is used in the manufacture of numerous products ranging from contact lenses, air-conditioning refrigerants and solar panels, to bullet-resistant vests, energy-efficient windows, paint and prosthetics. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Financial Tribune