INDUSTRIAL SCALE OF NaOH

On industrial scale sodium hydroxide can be prepared by the following methods.

1) Castner - Kellner Process.
2) Gibb's Method.
3) Nelson's Method.

CASTNER-KELLNER PROCESS
Castner - Kellener Process
Principle
In castner-kellner method NaOH is prepared by the electrolysis of aqueous solution of
NaCl(Brine).
Concentration of brine
25 % mass/mass
i.e. 25 gm of NaCl is dissolved in 75 gm of water.
Castner-kellner cell
It is a rectangular tank of steel.
Inside of tank is lined with "ebonite".
Anode is made of titanium.
Flowing layer of mercury (Hg) at the bottom of tank serves as cathode.
 Details of process
Ionization of NaCl
2NaCl 2Na+ + 2Cl-

When electric current is passed through brine, +ve and -ve ions migrate towards their
respective electrodes. Na+ions are discharged at mercury cathode. The sodium deposited
at mercury forms SODIUM AMALGAM. Chlorine produced at the anode is removed from
the top of the cell.
Reaction at cathode

2Na+ +2 e- 2Na
Na forms amalgam.
Na + Hg  Na/Hg
Na+ ions are discharged in preference to H+ ions due to high over voltage.
Na+/Na: E.P. = -2.71 volt
H+/H : E.P. = 0.00 volt
Reaction at anode

2Cl- Cl2 + 2e-

Formation of NaOH
Amalgam moves to another chamber called "denuder", where it is treated with water to
produce NaOH which is in liquid state. Solid NaOH is obtained by the evaporation of this
solution.

2Na/Hg + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2 + 2Hg

Advantages of castner's process

 NaOH obtained is highly pure.
 The process is very efficient.
 Possible reaction between NaOH and Cl2 is avoided as NaOH is obtained in a
separated chamber.
Disadvantages
 High electricity consumption.
 Environmental pollution due to escape of Hg vapours.
 Sulphuric Acid Manufacture

1. Data Ekspor Impor Asam Sulfat

2. Produsen Asam Sulfat di Indonesia

 PT Liku Telaga, Gresik Jawa Timur, kapasitas produksi 325.000 ton/tahun.

 PT.Petrokimia Gresik Jatim, kapasitas produk 678.000 ton/tahun.
 PT.Aktif Indo Indah di Rungkut Surabaya, kapasitas produk 15.000 ton/tahun.
 PT.Budi Acid Jaya di Lampung Utara, kapasitas produk 60.000 ton/tahun.

3. Raw Material