Chlorine and Caustic Soda

Introduction and Properties

 Chlorine

 Chlorine is a chemical element and having atomic number 17.

 It is denoted as Cl. It belongs to the halogen family and is

the second lightest halogen after fluorine.

 caustic soda

 Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda is a

highly caustic metallic base which is a white solid available in
pellets, flakes, granules, and as 50% saturated solution.

 Caustic soda and chlorine are produced as co-products by the

electrolysis of brine. In India 80% caustic soda and more than 95%
of chlorine produces by electrolysis of brine.
Properties
 MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Chlorine is manufactured by following methods;

 Electrolysis of salt

 From salt and nitric acid

 Mercury cell process

 Diaphragm cell process

 Membrane cell process

 Process Steps
 Purified brine was first charged into the electrolytic cell where electrolysis of brine
was carried out using direct current.

 The wet chlorine was then charged to the cooler, where the temperature of the
gas was reduced to 12–14 degree C to avoid the formation of solid chlorine
hydrate.

 The chlorine gas containing water was trapped and partially dried chlorine
gas was passed to drying tower, where the remaining water was removed
by scrubbing with 66 degree Be sulfuric acid.

 After drying, the chlorine can be handled in iron steel equipment, where the
dried gas was charged into the compressors to withdraw the chlorine.

 After compression, mixture was passed from expansion drum where sulfuric
acid separated out and chlorine was condensed using refrigerants.

 A temperature between -30 and -45 degree C was achieved using single-stage
or multiple-stage refrigeration. The resulting liquid chlorine from condenser
was stored and filled into cylinders or into tank cars.
Block Diagram
Process Diagram
Block Diagram
Process Diagram
Block Diagram
Process Diagram
Block Diagram
Process Diagram
Advantages and Disadvantages
 Uses of Chlorine
 As a disinfectant and purifier in plastics and polymers, solvents,
agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals
 As an intermediate in manufacturing other substances where it is not
contained in the final product
 To purify water supply as the ultimate defense against waterborne

microbiological infection
 Essential in the medicines to treat illnesses such as allergies, arthritis and

Diabetes
 In the manufacture of many car components such as nylon for car

seatbelts and air bags, for bumpers and mats

 To sterilise drinking water and to disinfect swimming pools
 As a reagent in the chemical industry
Uses of Caustic Soda
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Major Engineering Problems


Choice of cell design


Corrosion

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