Chloro Alkali Industry

Chemical Technology Lecture Series

Dr. Abhi Mukherjee

Department of Chemical Engineering
Contai Polytechnic

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 Outline

1 Production of Soda Ash by Solvay process

2 Production of Sodium Hydroxide and Chlorine by Electrolytic Process

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 Production of Soda Ash by Solvay process

Introduction
Sodium carbonate, Na2 CO3 , (also known as washing soda, soda ash and soda crystals) is the
inorganic compound with the formula Na2 CO3 and its various hydrates. All forms are white,
water-soluble salts that yield moderately alkaline solutions in water. Historically it was
extracted from the ashes of plants growing in sodium-rich soils. Because the ashes of these
sodium-rich plants were noticeably different from ashes of wood (once used to produce
potash), sodium carbonate became known as ”soda ash. It is produced in large quantities from
sodium chloride and limestone by the Solvay process.

Raw Materials
the raw materials for production of soda-ash by solvay process are
Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Lime Stone (CaCO3 )
Ammonia (NH3 )

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 Reaction

1 Step-I
CaCO3 −−→ CO2 + CaO
2 Step-II
NaCl + CO2 + NH3 + H2 O −−→ NaHCO3 + NH4 Cl
3 Step-III
2 NH4 Cl + CaO −−→ 2 NH3 + CaCl2 + 2 H2 O
4 Step-IV
2 NaHCO3 −−→ Na2 CO3 + H2 O + CO2
5 Overall Reaction
2 NaCl + CaCO3 −−→ Na2 CO3 + H2 O + CO2

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 Process Description

Figure: Solvay process for manufacturing of Soda-Ash

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 Usage

The following are the main usage of soda-ash

Sodium carbonate (or washing soda) is used as a cleansing agent for domestic purposes
like washing clothes. Sodium carbonate is a component of many dry soap powders.
It is used for removing temporary and permanent hardness of water
It is used in the manufacture of glass, soap and paper.
It is used in the manufacture of sodium compounds like borax

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 Production of Sodium Hydroxide and Chlorine by Electrolytic Process
Introduction
Caustic Soda
Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the
formula NaOH. It is a white solid ionic compound. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic
base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause
severe chemical burns. It is highly soluble in water, and readily absorbs moisture and
carbon dioxide from the air.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. The
second-lightest of the halogens, it appears between fluorine and bromine in the periodic
table and its properties are mostly intermediate between them. Chlorine is a yellow-green
gas at room temperature. It is an extremely reactive element and a strong oxidising agent.

Raw Materials
The raw materials for the process are Sodium chloride, Sodium Carbonate and water.

Reactions
The overall reaction of the process is
NaCl + H2 O −−→ NaOH + 12 H2 + 21 Cl2
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 Process Description

Figure: Solvay process for manufacturing of Soda-Ash

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 Usage

Usage of caustic soda

Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of sodium salts and detergents, pH
regulation, and organic synthesis.
It is used for making soaps and detergents.
It is used as drain cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide convert fats and grease that can
clog pipes into soap, which dissolves in water.
It is used for making artificial textile fibres
It is used in the manufacture of paper.

Usage of chlorine
Used as disinfectant
Used as nutrient
Used in manufacture of various compound as well as an oxidant

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