Securing Chlorine Supply for the Middle East’s Largest Chlorine Value Chain

Production Continuity Guaranteed Through the Expertise of Iranian Specialists

With the confidence placed in domestic engineering companies and the successful recoating of chlor-alkali anodes and cathodes at a performance level comparable to leading European manufacturers, the long-term continuity and reliability of Iran’s chlorine production chain has been secured.

According to the Public Relations Office of the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC), Arvand Petrochemical Company, one of the Middle East’s largest PVC producers and the owner of Iran’s highest caustic soda production capacity, operates the country’s largest chlor-alkali (CA) plant.

Arvand Petrochemical is responsible for producing approximately 1% of the world’s chlorine output and operates nearly 8,000 anodes and cathodes within its chlor-alkali facilities. These electrodes have an operational lifespan of approximately 24 years and require recoating every eight years to maintain optimal efficiency.

According to Arvand Petrochemical’s Self-Sufficiency Committee, the recoating of these strategic electrodes had previously been carried out by leading European chlor-alkali equipment manufacturers. However, following international sanctions targeting Iran’s petrochemical industry, foreign suppliers suspended these critical services, threatening the operation of chlor-alkali production units.

In line with its localization strategy and commitment to reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, Arvand Petrochemical partnered with qualified Iranian companies to develop a domestic solution. After conducting more than 1,310 technical tests and investing over 63,000 engineering man-hours, the project successfully completed the refurbishment and recoating of the plant’s anodes and cathodes.

The project involved over 570 technical inspections carried out by a knowledge-based Iranian company and generated employment for 50 people directly and 90 people indirectly.

The successful recoating of the anodes and cathodes ensures the stable operation of Arvand Petrochemical’s chlorine production chain for at least the next five years, representing a major milestone in Iran’s industrial self-sufficiency and the localization of strategic chlor-alkali technologies.