The chloralkali process (also chlor-alkali and chlor alkali) is an industrial process for the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution (brine). Depending on the method, several products besides hydrogen can be produced. If the products are separated, chlorine and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) are the products; by mixing, sodium hypochlorite or sodium chlorate are produced, depending on the temperature. Higher temperatures are needed for the production of sodium chlorate instead of sodium hypochlorite. Industrial scale production began in 1892.
When using calcium chloride or potassium chloride, the products contain calcium or potassium instead of sodium.
The process has a high energy consumption, for example over 4 billion kWh per year in West Germany in 1985, and produces equal (molar) amounts of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, which makes it necessary to find a use for the product for which there is less demand, usually the chlorine.
Read more about Chloralkali Process: Procedures, Manufacturer Associations, Laboratory Procedure
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