Methods and current developments of the Solvay process for brine management and CO2 capture: a critical review
Zohreh Rahimi-Ahar
A * and Abbas Ghareghashi A
A
Zohreh Rahimi-Ahar PhD is an Assistant Professor in the chemical engineering department of Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran. She obtained her PhD degree in chemical engineering from the University of Isfahan in October 2018. Her activities focus on the experimental studies of desalination systems and process simulation and modelling development. With the combination of these investigations, she aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of water desalination systems development and environmental protection. |
Abbas Ghareghashi is an Assistant Professor with educational and research duties in the chemical engineering department of the University of Velayat, Iranshahr, Iran. He obtained his PhD degree in chemical engineering from Sistan and Baluchestan University. He has worked for more than 4 years on oil and gas projects, including distillation units, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) recovery units, water treatment units and nitrogen units. His works have focused specifically on modified bitumen and renewable energy research projects in recent years. His current research deals with water desalination systems. |
Abstract
This manuscript focuses on the introduction of the conventional and modified Solvay processes. The Solvay process is used to produce sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, while also providing brine management and CO2 capture. Optimal values must be used for reactant contents, temperature, salinity of the brine and stirring rate to enhance efficiency.
The Solvay process is used to produce sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Simultaneous brine management and CO2 capture occur by the Solvay process. In this review, the Solvay process based on different solutions (i.e. NH3, KOH, CaO, Ca(OH)2 and alcohol amines) is reviewed. The most efficient processes considering CO2 uptake and Na+/Cl− removal are introduced. The Solvay process benefits from increasing NH3 content, salinity, stirring rate, decreasing temperature and using inert mixing particles in the reactor. Adding NH4HCO3, extra KOH in subsequent stages and brine pretreatment are recommended. The results show that a Ca(OH)2-based Solvay process, an NH3-based process running in contactor and reactor, and a 2-amino-2-methylpropanol-based Solvay process obtain the highest CO2 capture efficiencies of 99, 98 and 80% respectively.
Keywords: brine, conventional Solvay, CO2 capture efficiency, CO2 uptake, desalination, ion removal, modified Solvay, reactor.
Zohreh Rahimi-Ahar PhD is an Assistant Professor in the chemical engineering department of Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran. She obtained her PhD degree in chemical engineering from the University of Isfahan in October 2018. Her activities focus on the experimental studies of desalination systems and process simulation and modelling development. With the combination of these investigations, she aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of water desalination systems development and environmental protection. |
Abbas Ghareghashi is an Assistant Professor with educational and research duties in the chemical engineering department of the University of Velayat, Iranshahr, Iran. He obtained his PhD degree in chemical engineering from Sistan and Baluchestan University. He has worked for more than 4 years on oil and gas projects, including distillation units, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) recovery units, water treatment units and nitrogen units. His works have focused specifically on modified bitumen and renewable energy research projects in recent years. His current research deals with water desalination systems. |
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