ABSTRACT Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are partly responsible for ozone depletion and global warming, are being rapidly phased out, viz. the production and use of CFCs is prohibited. The depletion of ozone, however, will continue, because large amounts of CFCs are still in use and, unavoidably, emission of CFCs will continue. Therefore, the recovery and subsequent destruction of the CFCs still in use is a logical next step. Especially, the conversion of these CFCs into useful products is a challenging task. An inventory of the CFCs in use shows that about 85% of the banked CFCs are CCl3F and CCl2F2. In the future, part of the CFCs will be replaced by HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), as short term replacement, and eventually HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) as long term replacement. At Delft University of Technology a catalyst and process for the conversion of CCl2F2 into CH2F2 have been developed. This process would make it possible to convert the majority of the CFCs in use (CCl3F and CCl2F2) into a valuable, ozone friendly product (CH2F2). A conceptual design of a 10 kton/year CCl2F2 into CH2F2 conversion plant has been made, which can be used for detailed engineering and construction. The technical and economical feasibility of this process look promising.
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