Acetaldehyde pyrolysis effect

Table 8.1 shows the stochastic model solution for the petrochemical system. The solution indicated the selection of 22 processes with a slightly different configuration and production capacities from the deterministic case, Table 4.2 in Chapter 4. For example, acetic acid was produced by direct oxidation of n-butylenes instead of the air oxidation of acetaldehyde. Furthermore, ethylene was produced by pyrolysis of ethane instead of steam cracking of ethane-propane (50-50 wt%). These changes, as well as the different production capacities obtained, illustrate the effect of the uncertainty in process yield, raw material and product prices, and lower product... 

We have examined a number of materials in terms of toxic gas evolution during pyrolysis or combustion. For example, the products from fibreglass insulations included isocyanic acid and hydrogen cyanide, while the support backing and adhesive of a made-up panel produced acetic acid, acetaldehyde and vinyl chloride as well. The effect of a fire in a confined space such as a surface ship or submarine can be imagined. The products come from thermal decomposition of polymer coatings etc, and while the experimental conditions may not duplicate those of a fire, the information is very useful. 

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