Influence of Ammonia Concentration on Solvay Soda Process Parameters and Associated Environmental and Energetic Effects

Abstract

Modifying the absorption process in soda production by the Solvay method requires performing many calculations and determining a new equilibrium process. An increase in ammonia concentration in the reaction solution causes kinetic changes in equilibrium. Changes to the Solvay soda production technology were determined using chemical and instrumental analysis methods. A modification of the process in the form of SAB was introduced. Information allowing the design of an additional absorber and its location in the network of technological devices was presented in the form of parameters using typical chemical engineering assumptions. Spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques were used for this purpose. The increase in total alkalinity due to the addition of ammonia to 135 mmol·20 cm−3 resulted in cooling savings of about 152.4 MJ·Mg−1 of soda. The ammonia desorption rate and process energy parameters were determined for the new system. The temperature requirements for the carbonation column were defined, and in particular, a technique was developed to minimize the cooling of the lower part of the reactor, which reduces the consumption of process energy. Emissions of CO2 were reduced from 11.70 to 7.85% and NH3 from 5.52 to 4.89% in exhaust gases from the carbonation column.