Solvay process

noun

1. a process for manufacturing sodium carbonate whereby a concentrated solution of sodium chloride is saturated with ammonia, carbon dioxide is passed through it, and the product is calcined.

Solvay process

/ ˈsɒlveɪ /

noun

1. an industrial process for manufacturing sodium carbonate. Carbon dioxide is passed into a solution of sodium chloride saturated with ammonia. Sodium bicarbonate is precipitated and heated to form the carbonate

Solvay process

/ sŏl′vā,sôl-vā′ /

1. A process used to produce large quantities of sodium carbonate. In the Solvay process, salt (sodium chloride) is treated with ammonia and then carbon dioxide, producing sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. The ammonium chloride is usually combined with lime to produce ammonia (recycled for reuse) and calcium chloride.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Solvay process¹

First recorded in 1885–90; named after E. Solvay

Word History and Origins

Origin of Solvay process¹

C19: named after Ernest Solvay (1838–1922), Belgian chemist who invented a process using salt, limestone, and ammonia

Example Sentences

Carbon dioxide finds industrial application in the preparation of soda by the Solvay process, in the sugar industry, in the manufacture of mineral waters, and in the artificial production of ice.

From Project Gutenberg

This salt, commonly called bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is made by the Solvay process, as explained above, or by passing carbon dioxide into strong solutions of sodium carbonate: Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 = 2NaHCO3.

From Project Gutenberg

This enters into double decomposition with the salt, as shown in the first equation under the Solvay process.

From Project Gutenberg

It cannot be prepared by the Solvay process, since the acid carbonate is quite soluble in water, but is made by the Le Blanc process.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Solvay process a very concentrated solution of salt is first saturated with ammonia gas, and a current of carbon dioxide is then conducted into the solution.

From Project Gutenberg