Chlor-alkali

The chloralkali process (source Wikipedia) (also chlor-alkali and chlor alkali) is an industrial process for the electrolysis of sodium chloride solutions. It is the technology used to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide (lye/caustic soda), which are commodity chemicals required by industry.

Because the process gives equivalent amounts of chlorine and sodium hydroxide (two moles of sodium hydroxide per mole of chlorine), it is necessary to find a use for these products in the same proportion. For every mole of chlorine produced, one mole of hydrogen is produced. Much of this hydrogen is used to produce hydrochloric acid or ammonia, or is used in the hydrogenation of organic compounds.

Graphite is the best material to handle hydrochloric acid thanks to its full corrosion resistance over all concentrations and usual temperatures.
Usual processes are:

  • production of hydrochloric acid using a synthesis unit (flame reaction of hydrogen with dry chlorine gas)
  • absorbtion of hydrochloric gas into water to produce solution of hydrochloric acid (falling film absorber, absorption column)
  • hydrochloric solution concentration through stripping with or without azeotrop breaker systems.

GT developed improved design and features of equipment to ensure reliable and smooth process. See here.

Thanks to GT FLON grade, GT can even handle hot and very concentrated caustic soda unlike competitor’s carbon based materials.

Equipment frequently used

GT DISC
GT BLOC
GT TUBE
GT CUBIC
GT PLATE
GT TOWER

Materials frequently used

GT FLON
GT KELITE+
GT CARB+

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