Changes in Synthetic Soda Ash Production and Its Consequences for the Environment

Abstract

This publication presents a series of data of one of the most difficult chemical processes to implement in industrial conditions. Obtaining soda using the Solvay technique is a process with a world volume of about 28 Tg per year. The process is extremely physico-chemically complex and environmentally burdensome. The paper presents information on a multi-component system containing three phases with a chemical reaction. Calculations for such systems and their engineering are very complicated, but the authors show how the results of this work can be applied. This paper also describes modifications of the soda process to minimize the environmental burden and minimize the production input of Na2CO3. The modifications were beneficial in reducing CO2 emissions and increased the efficiency of the soda process, resulting in a measurable financial benefit. At the scale of the plant where the experiment was carried out, this reduction in CO2 emissions amounts to 7.93 Gg per year.

Solubility Testing of the Five-Component KNO3 + NH4NO3 + KVO3 + NH4VO3 + H2O System at Temperatures of 293.15 and 313.15 K

“…The clear equilibrium solution was then transferred to two calibrated Ostwald pycnometers to determine the density of the solution (±0.002 g•cm −3 ) and the concentration of the individual ions. Solutions from pycnometers were quantitatively transferred to volumetric flasks with capacities of 500 and 100 cm 3 . The obtained solutions were analyzed to determine the concentrations of potassium, ammonium, and vanadate(V) ions, while the concentration of nitrate(V) ions was calculated from the ion balance.…”

“…2 About three-quarters of the world's soda ash is synthetically produced using the Solvay method or its modifications, such as the Hau method used in China (about 49% of the world's production of Na 2 CO 3 ), where, in addition to sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride is produced for use as fertilizer. 3,4 The Solvay method is known for its high emission of liquid and solid waste. It is estimated that for every tonne of sodium carbonate produced, approximately 10 m 3 of sewage and suspensions are generated.…”

“…In the 2021 quarterly reports, these were as follows: glass −49%, chemicals −28%, various applications −8%, distributors −5%, soap and detergents −5%, flue gas desulfurization −3%, pulp and paper −1%, and water treatment −1% . About three-quarters of the world’s soda ash is synthetically produced using the Solvay method or its modifications, such as the Hau method used in China (about 49% of the world’s production of Na 2 CO 3 ), where, in addition to sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride is produced for use as fertilizer. , …”

Forced Mineral Carbonation of MgO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Aerosol Methods at Room Temperature

“…However, most H 2 is currently produced by the reforming of methane (gray H 2 ) with a huge amount of CO 2 (10 kg CO 2 /1 kg H 2 ) [ 4 ]. This requires carbon capture and utilization/storage (CCUS) technology to prohibit CO 2 emission to the atmosphere after the gas reforming (blue H 2 ) [ 5 , 6 ]. Mineral carbonation using alkaline earth metal oxides, such as magnesium and calcium oxides (MgO and CaO), is a promising CCUS technology for achieving carbon neutrality and net zero emissions [ 7 ].…”

Research status of soda residue in the field of environmental pollution control

“…Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is an essential basic chemical raw material widely used in various industries, such as construction materials, chemicals, metallurgy, textiles, food, national defense, and pharmaceuticals, contributing signicantly to the national economy. 1,2 Currently, soda ash is primarily produced via three methods, namely the combined-soda, the ammonia-soda, and the natural soda processes. The ammonia-soda process involves producing ammonium chloride and sodium carbonate, as shown in Fig.…”