Maintaining High Quality in Soda Electrolysis by Measuring and Controlling Liquid Density

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Introduction

Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is an important basic material in the chemical industry and is mainly produced by the electrolysis of soda. There are two types of electrolysis processes: the diaphragm method and the ion-exchange membrane method; the latter is becoming mainstream because of its lower energy consumption and higher product quality. Both methods involve evaporating the solution after the electrolysis process to make concentrated caustic soda. This process is where the concentration is measured. Using the fact that there is a nearly linear relationship between the liquid density and the concentration, the concentration can be determined by measuring the liquid density.

The DM8 Vibration Type Liquid Density Meter has high sensitivity and stability and can be used to ensure highly accurate control.

Expected Benefits

  • Ensures high product quality through stable and accurate measurement of liquid density
  • Reduces operating costs

Process Overview

Caustic Soda Production Process

Caustic Soda Production Process

The solid salt is dissolved in water and impurities in the salt are removed. The purified solution is fed to an electrolyzer, where the solution is electrolyzed to produce caustic soda and chlorine. The concentration of the caustic soda solution produced at the cathode in the electrolyzer is approximately 32%. The solution is concentrated in a multiple effect evaporator to a product level of approximately 48%.

In the ion-exchange membrane method, one density meter is installed before the evaporator to control the steam temperature and pressure of the evaporator so that the concentration of the caustic soda is kept constant. Another density meter is installed after the evaporator for the purpose of controlling the product quality.

Solution Details

Measurement System

Detector: VD6D-N1*B
Converter: DM8C-A☐*D
Dedicated cable: DM8W-L☐☐☐☐*A
Sampling system: VD6SM- ☐☐☐ -P☐☐0-T☐☐0*B/FN
  (provided by customer in some cases)

Utilities

DM8C Converter/VD6D Detector

DM8C converter/VD6D detector:

Power supply (to converter): 90 to 132/180 to 264 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 20 VA

Feature

  • The vibration density measurement principle allows high accuracy and resolution.
  • The structure is maintenance free.
  • The detector is more compact compared to other manufactures'.

Field Data

1. Process conditions

Measurement point Before evaporator After evaporator
Temperature 70 to 80°C 150 to 170°C
NaOH concentration 20 to 35% 40 to 48%
Density 1.25 to 1.35 g/cm³ 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm³

2. Relationship between concentration and density of caustic soda

Relationship between concentration and density of caustic soda

(Source: International Critical Table)

Notes

  • Example of removal of air bubbles
    (Example of removal of air bubbles)
    In order to prevent corrosion, be sure to use a nickel vibrator assembly for measurement of caustic soda density.
  • Literature data of the concentration and density characteristics of caustic soda are mostly based on a NaOH solute only. The characteristics may change if the solution contains solutes other than NaOH. For the conversion of density to concentration, make a calibration curve by using the actual sample.
  • Air bubbles in a sample solution may interfere with accurate measurement. Take appropriate measures to remove them, if necessary.
  • Measured liquid temp. should be cooled down less than 100°C, because after evaporator temp. may be more than 100°C.
Conditions
Temperature at inlet: 0 to 100°C
Pressure at inlet: 0 to 2 MPa
Flow range: 1 to 10 l/min
Differential pressure between inlet and outlet: 100 kPa or mor

Industrii

  • Chimic

    Chemical plants rely on continuous and batch production processes, each posing different requirements for a control system. A continuous process calls for a robust and stable control system that will not fail and cause the shutdown of a production line, whereas the emphasis with a batch process is on having a control system that allows great flexibility in making adjustments to formulas, procedures, and the like. Both kinds of systems need to be managed in available quality history of product, and to be able to execute non-routine operations. With its extensive product portfolio, experienced systems engineers, and global sales and service network, Yokogawa has a solution for every plant process.

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  • Chimie de Specialitate & Fină

    Yokogawa has long served customers in the specialty and fine chemicals market. With a market leading batch solution that offers the best in class reliability and flexibility as well as industry experts who understand the complex requirements in designing a batch solution, you can be assured that in your partnership with Yokogawa you will have a system that will enable you to produce products that meet your customers’ needs in the future while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

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