Low Viscosity Silicone Fluid Production

This report presents the economics of Low Viscosity Silicone Fluid production, more specifically Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS). The plant examined involves the production of linear siloxanes intermediate from dimethylchlorosilane and the subsequent production of Low Viscosity Silicone Fluid. In this process, a mixture of cyclic and linear siloxanes is produced by hydrolysis of dimethylchlorosilane. Linear siloxanes are separated and then polymerized using hexamethyldisiloxane as a chain broker for molecular weight control. Hydrogen chloride is also obtained from the hydrolysis. The acid and the cyclic siloxanes are sold as by-products.

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

The Silicone 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 Silicone 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 Silicone plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.