Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Production

This report presents the economics of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) production from cotton linter. The process examined is similar to the one developed by Hoechst. In this process, cellulose is alkalized with caustic soda and then mixed with isopropanol and monochloroacetic acid, before passing through an etherification reaction, which yields the CMC product.

The report provides a comprehensive study of Carboxymethyl Cellulose production and related Carboxymethyl Cellulose production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the Carboxymethyl Cellulose production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related Carboxymethyl Cellulose plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective Carboxymethyl Cellulose plant operating costs (Opex).

The Carboxymethyl Cellulose production process description includes a block flow diagram (BFD), an overview of the industrial site installations, detailing both the process unit and the necessary infrastructure, process consumption figures and comprehensive process flow diagrams (PFD). The Carboxymethyl Cellulose plant capital cost analysis breaks down the Capex by plant cost (i.e., ISBL, OSBL and Contingency); owner's cost; working capital; and costs incurred during industrial plant commissioning and start-up. The Carboxymethyl Cellulose plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.