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

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

From Project Gutenberg