Solvay process
noun
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.
Origin of Solvay process
First recorded in 1885–90; named after E. Solvay
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British Dictionary definitions for solvay process
Solvay process
/ (ˈsɒlveɪ) /
noun
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
Word Origin for Solvay process
C19: named after Ernest Solvay (1838–1922), Belgian chemist who invented a process using salt, limestone, and ammonia
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Science definitions for solvay process
Solvay process
[ sŏl′vā, sôl-vā′ ]
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.
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