S&E PVC Plants – Arvand Petrochemical Complex
The S&E PVC Plants project is a cornerstone of the National Petrochemical Company’s (NPC) strategy to strengthen Iran’s presence in the global plastics and chemicals industry. This project centers on the establishment of a state-of-the-art PVC Complex in Iran’s highly industrialized Special Economic Zone, located in Bandar Imam near the northwest coast of the Persian Gulf. The new complex is developed and operated by ARVAND Petrochemical Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPC, and forms a critical part of the country’s broader economic and industrial expansion plan.
The Arvand PVC Complex is located at site No. 2 within the Special Economic Zone of Bandar Imam. This area is renowned for its advanced infrastructure, proximity to raw material supply chains, export facilities, and its strategic role in Iran’s petrochemical industry. The development of the S&E PVC Plants reflects NPC’s long-term vision to enhance domestic production capacity, boost exports, and drive innovation in the value-added plastics sector.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a highly versatile polymer used in countless applications across construction, packaging, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products. By establishing this new complex, ARVAND Petrochemical Company aims to supply high-quality PVC resins to both domestic manufacturers and international markets, while ensuring environmental compliance and operational excellence.
Complex Components and Plant Configuration
The PVC Complex consists of both common facilities and specialized storage units, in addition to four main process plants. Each facility is engineered to meet international standards for product quality, safety, and energy efficiency.
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C/A Plant: Responsible for upstream chlor-alkali production, which provides the chlorine and caustic soda essential for subsequent PVC manufacturing processes.
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EDC/VCM Plant: Handles the production of ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), both of which are fundamental intermediates for PVC resin synthesis. This unit is designed to maximize process integration and resource recovery, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
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S-PVC Plant: Focused on manufacturing suspension-grade PVC (S-PVC) using a robust polymerization process. S-PVC is widely used in rigid products such as pipes, profiles, and construction materials due to its high strength and chemical resistance.
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E-PVC Plant: Specializes in producing emulsion-grade PVC (E-PVC) via advanced emulsion polymerization. E-PVC is essential for flexible products, coatings, synthetic leathers, flooring, and adhesives thanks to its fine particle size and superior processability.
The common facilities and dedicated storage units ensure seamless raw material supply, intermediate handling, and final product packaging for all plants. The integrated design also supports efficient utility supply, wastewater management, and strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations.
S&E PVC Plants – Detailed Civil Units and Process Sections
Both the S-PVC and E-PVC plants feature several specialized civil units and process sections, each playing a critical role in the safe and efficient production of high-quality PVC resins:
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S-PVC Plant:
- C420 Dissolving: Initial phase where raw materials and additives are dissolved, preparing feedstock for polymerization.
- C430 Polymerization: Core chemical reaction stage in which vinyl chloride monomer is converted to suspension-grade PVC resin through controlled temperature and agitation.
- C450 Drying: Removal of moisture from PVC resin to achieve desired physical properties and product quality.
- C480 Storage: Intermediate and finished PVC resin storage, ensuring stable inventory management and quality preservation.
- C485 Bagging: Automated bagging system for safe and accurate packaging of dried S-PVC resin, ready for shipment or local distribution.
- C510 VCM Recovery: Recovery unit that captures unreacted vinyl chloride monomer for recycling and environmental compliance.
- C530 Waste Water Treatment: Specialized treatment plant for removing contaminants from process wastewater, supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance.
- C603 Pipe Rack: Centralized structure supporting process piping, utilities, and safe material transfer throughout the plant.
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E-PVC Plant:
- C425 Dissolving: Dissolution of monomers, surfactants, and additives to create feed for the emulsion polymerization process.
- C455 Latex Storage and Filtration: Storage and filtration systems for emulsion-grade PVC latex, ensuring consistency and purity before further processing.
- C465 Drying: Dehydration of latex to convert E-PVC into powder or pellet form for downstream applications.
- C485 Bagging and Storage: Combined unit for bagging and storing finished E-PVC, optimizing logistics and delivery.
- C535 Waste Water Treatment: Dedicated unit for treating process effluents and safeguarding environmental standards.
- C605 Pipe Rack: Pipe rack system designed for safe and efficient conveyance of materials and utilities throughout the E-PVC plant.
The advanced process design, robust civil infrastructure, and integrated environmental controls at the S&E PVC Plants set new benchmarks for operational efficiency, product consistency, and workplace safety in Iran’s petrochemical sector. This development not only supports local industry but also positions Iran as a competitive supplier of high-grade PVC resins in the global market.
By leveraging world-class engineering expertise and modern construction methods, the ARVAND Petrochemical Company is committed to delivering a PVC complex that meets the highest international standards for quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
