Solvay process

American  

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.

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Solvay process British  

/ 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

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Solvay process Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of Solvay process

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

Example Sentences

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 An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

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 Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various

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

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

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 An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William