DESIGN BRIEF (context)
Ramsay Limited is a company that produces vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), one of the world’s most important commodity chemicals, which is used as a precursor in the production of poly vinyl chloride (PVC). Following the development of a new technology route by one of their leading competitors, which has led to a decrease in the price of VCM, Ramsay Limited is looking to evaluate the efficiency of their existing technology. They are also developing their own new technology for the Oxychlorination reactor which could potentially be ready for commercialisation in the next 6 months, following completion of pilot plant testing. In addition to this they are analysing known aspects of the new oxychlorination technology developed by their competitors. Furthermore, in the last year there has been an increase in the number of minor safety incidents and near misses reported at Ramsay Limited’s older plants and at the PVC facilities of important neighbouring clients. To ensure that these incidents do not escalate into more serious safety incidents, a review of the control, dynamics, transport and safety of these plants is required. With these issues in mind, Ramsay Limited has requested your company to carry out this evaluation of their existing and new technology options with the aim to ensure the safety of their existing process is maintained and to improve their commercial advantage over their leading competitors.