Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Methylene chloride or dichloromethane (DCM) was first prepared in 1840 through the
mixing of chloromethane and chlorine and exposed to sunlight. This has been used as a versatile
solvent to dissolve various organic compounds in many chemical processes since World War II.
It is a saturated aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbon, a clear, colorless volatile liquid with an odor
similar to ether. Methylene chloride is a chemical used in many applications because of its high
solvency, low corrosiveness to many metals, and lack of flash or fire point. It was introduced as a
replacement for more flammable solvents because of its extensive oil and fat solubility, and low
flammability potential. It is a chlorinated hydrocarbon and is used as a solvent in paint strippers,
metal cleaning, and as a process solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals, polycarbonates,
and cellulose esters.
Methylene Chloride is also used as an extraction solvent for spices and beer and also in
decaffeination of coffee. It is found used as a carrier solvent in the textile industry, in the
manufacture of photographic film, and as a blowing agent for polymer foams. It is also used as a
solvent for vapor degreasing metal parts and blended with petroleum distillates and other
chlorinated hydrocarbons for use as a dip-type cleaner in the metalworking industry. Degreasing
in the engineering industry is normally carried out with special equipment in which
dichloromethane is used either in the liquid or vapor phase. In Japan, dichloromethane has been
widely used for metal cleaning as an alternative solvent to 1,1,1-trichloroethane.
The chemical processing of methylene chloride is used in polycarbonate plastic from

bisphenol and phosgene, the manufacture of photoresist coatings, and as a solvent carrier for the
manufacture of insecticide and herbicide chemicals. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry
as a process in the manufacture of steroids, antibiotics, vitamins, and to a lesser, extent as a
solvent in the coating of tablets. Other uses include oil dewaxing, in inks and adhesives, and
plastic manufacture.
Methylene chloride has two sets of processes, hydrochlorination of methanol and direct
chlorination of methane. DCM is primarily metabolized in the liver forming carbon monoxide
(CO) and elevating blood carboxyhemoglobin level. (Yang, N. (2014))
OBJECTIVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
This study primarily aims to design a Methylene Chloride manufacturing plant in the
Philippines
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
To putting up a plant and produce the product, the study will be set the following goals:
● To conduct a market study that will cover the supply and demand
analysis, target market, market share, and economic evaluation;
● To evaluate the different process in PROMETHEE application
with multiple criteria;
● To simulate the detailed process units and operational procedure in
the Production of Methylene Chloride via ASPEN HYSYS version
9.0
● to administer design work namely process diagram and
description, heat and material balances, piping and
instrumentation diagram, and equipment specification sheet
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A study conducted by psmarketresearch.com that the global market for methylene
chloride in the year 2017 is estimated to be $1,818.3 million. It is projected to increase
$2,485.5 million by 2023 and in the upcoming years. The study seeks to find demand in
the local market, the competition for methylene chloride production, availability of raw
materials used, and finding not only efficient but also safe production processes. And also
this study will determine the safety and health hazard of the product and environmental
impact.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study is to provide information regarding the marketability, and
economic feasibility for a Methylene chloride production plant in the Philippines that also targets
to market the near countries in Asia such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study focused on the production of methylene chloride in the Philippines and how to
become globally competitive. This includes the background of the study, objectives, statement of
the problem, the significance of the study, review of related literature, and initial market study.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Methylene Chloride
Methylene Chloride was prepared for the first time in 1840 by chlorination of methyl
chloride. It became a high demand chemical during World War II as a solvent.
Physical Properties of Methylene Chloride
Methylene Chloride is a clear and colorless liquid that smells like ether. It is used in
many applications due to its high solvency, low corrosiveness, and lack of flashpoint.
Figure 1. Chemical structure of Methylene Chloride

High exposure to methylene chloride may result in an increased risk of developing cancer,
harmful effects in the heart, central nervous system, liver, and irritation to eyes and skin.
Table 1. Chemical and Physical Properties of Methylene Chloride (EPA-454/R-93-006, 1993)
Molecular Formula CH2Cl2
Molecular Weight 84.9 g/mol
Ambient State a clear, colorless, volatile liquid
Odor threshold between 100 and 300 ppm ethereal odor
Boiling point at 101.3 kPa (760mmHg) 39.8 C
Freezing Point -96.7 C
Density, at 20C kg/m3 1315.7
Specific gravity, at 20C 1.320
Vapor density (air=1.02) 2.93
Use and application of Methylene chloride
The methylene chloride was blended with other compounds, such as alcohols, acids,
amines, and paraffin, in paint strippers to be against specific coating. In the middle of the 1980s,
it was applied as a component of low- temperature heat-transfer medium in the installations of
air cooling systems. Some food industries the dichloromethane utilized this as an extraction
solvent. It is also used in synthetic fibers and printed circuit boards. It is employed as a blowing
agent for polyurethane foams and as a propellant for insecticide, air fresheners, and paints.
Methylene chloride is a lewis acid and has a low boiling point that allows the chemical to
function in a heat engine that can extract mechanical energy from small temperature differences.
DCM chemically welds certain plastics and is used to seal the casing of electric meters. It is used
in the garment printing industry for the removal of heat-sealed garment transfers, and its
volatility is exploited in bubble lights and jukebox displays.
The dichloromethane extract asparagopsis taxiformis, this is a seaweed fodder for cattle,
has been found to reduce their methane emissions by 79%. And also the principal component of
paint stripper.
Market Demand
The global consumption of methylene chloride is estimated to grow in the upcoming years. The
demand for its application and the development of new applications of methylene chloride is one
of the key factors to its growing market demand. According to UNData, the largest market for
methylene chloride is China with $82,056,254 that is equivalent to 148,706,531 kg. Second is
Germany with $50,619,702 (78,089,940 kg) , France with $21,301,650 (31,508,463 kg) and
Republic of Korea with $13,623,117 (21,394,191 kg) in year 2018.
CHAPTER 2: MARKET STUDY
Executive Summary
Methylene Chloride or Dichloromethane is a chlorinated solvent that is a clear, volatile,

colorless liquid with a similar odor to ether (sweet-smelling odor). Due to its high
solvency, low corrosiveness to metals, and lack of flashpoint, it is being widely used in
many applications. One of its first applications is used in paint strippers. It is blended to
other chemicals to achieve its maximum effectiveness against different coatings.
(Rossberg et al., 1986; U.S. EPA, 1993). Methylene Chloride has been used in the
manufacturing of polycarbonate resins, as a propellant for insecticide, as an auxiliary
foam blowing and mold-releasing agent, and act as an extractant for the recovery of
oleoresins, fats, oils, and waxes (U.S. EPA, 1993).
It was first prepared by V. Regnault by chlorination of methyl chloride in sunlight in year

1840.
REFERENCES:
[1]Winnacker-K¨uchler, 4th ed., vol. 6;

Organische Technologie II, pp. 2–11.
[2]Stucki, G. (1990). Biological decomposition of dichloromethane from a chemical process
effluent. Biodegradation, 1(4), 221-228. doi:10.1007/bf00119759
[3]Yang, N. (2014). Dichloromethane. In Encyclopedia of Toxicology:
Third Edition (pp. 99–101). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386454-3.01218-5
[4]Lorenna Machado, Marie Magnusson, Nicholas Paul, Nigel Tomkins (2016). "Identification
of bioactive from the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis that promote anti methanogenic
activity in vitro". Journal of Applied Phycology. 28 (5): 3117–3126. doi:10.1007/s10811-016-
0830-7
[5]Occupational Safety and Health Administration(1910.1052 - Methylene Chloride).Retrieved
from:https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1052
[6] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1993). LOCATING AND ESTIMATING AIR
EMISSIONS FROM SOURCES OF METHYLENE CHLORIDE (Report no. EPA-454/R-93-006).
North Carolina, U.S: Research Triangle Park.

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The chemical processing of methylene chloride is used in polycarbonate plastic from

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Figure 1. Chemical structure of Methylene Chloride

Molecular Formula CH2Cl2

Molecular Weight 84.9 g/mol

Ambient State a clear, colorless, volatile liquid

Odor threshold between 100 and 300 ppm ethereal odor

Boiling point at 101.3 kPa (760mmHg) 39.8 C

Freezing Point -96.7 C

Density, at 20C kg/m3 1315.7

Specific gravity, at 20C 1.320

Vapor density (air=1.02) 2.93

Use and application of Methylene chloride

CHAPTER 2: MARKET STUDY

Methylene Chloride or Dichloromethane is a chlorinated solvent that is a clear, volatile,

It was first prepared by V. Regnault by chlorination of methyl chloride in sunlight in year

[1]Winnacker-K¨uchler, 4th ed., vol. 6;

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