March 3, 2026 11:13

Lubrizol has installed LED reactor technology for CPVC production at its Louisville, Kentucky site, aiming to improve resin performance and operational efficiency.

The company said the system enhances resin quality, thermal stability and energy efficiency compared with conventional UV lamp-based technology. It also enables longer production runs, reduced downtime and greater formulation flexibility, alongside improved colour performance.

The process uses radical photochlorination of PVC in water. Photons emitted by LED sources split Cl–Cl bonds in chlorine gas (Cl₂), generating chlorine radicals (Cl•) that abstract hydrogen from PVC and enable chlorine incorporation into the polymer chain.

“This technology represents a pivotal moment for our CPVC business,” said Griffin Rial, Vice President, Lubrizol TempRite. “LED chlorination allows us to deliver meaningful performance improvements—greater thermal stability, faster customer process times, and improved sustainability—while enabling new levels of operational flexibility across our global manufacturing network. The Louisville installation will bring lasting benefits to our customers and position Lubrizol for continued leadership in the CPVC industry.”

According to the Berkshire Hathaway-owned company, the efficiency gains will allow greater flexibility in chlorination, enabling adjustments between higher short-term output and enhanced stability depending on market conditions.

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