Some minor technical improvements within the soda ash industry
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I would like to invite colleagues in the soda ash industry to share any minor technological improvements and innovations related to soda ash production. Let me set an example: In the calcination workshop for heavy soda ash within the integrated process of shift gas and soda ash production, there is a secondary centrifuge. After being filtered, the heavy soda ash undergoes further dehydration via this centrifuge before it is sent for calcination. The secondary filtrate generated during this process is then reintroduced into the system, causing an increase in the volume of mother liquor. Following some technical modifications implemented by our department, this secondary filtrate now serves as wash water for the centrifuge. This approach effectively controls the expansion of the mother liquor volume while also reducing the overall consumption of wash water.
No way. Isn’t anyone going to share their own opinions?
I support the OP; I really like such great posts! I hope that experts in the soda ash industry will share some of their own minor technical improvements. Once again, thank you, OP
Another example: Currently, in a soda ash co-production system with a capacity of 400,000 tons per year, the cold waste dilute solution generated from the 40 T/h dilute solution distillation tower can be used not only as washing water but also as cooling water for pumps and other equipment within the soda ash production area. This helps to conserve soft water. Meanwhile, the cooling water from these pumps is collected and treated to remove oil; it can then be reused as make-up water for the system, or directed to the circulating water system or back to the dilute solution distillation process
Hehe, only those who know how to share can get more in return. I’m a beginner; for now, I can’t share anything with you all
Calcination section: A DN50 pipeline can be connected from the upper part of the storage tank to the main steam line leading to the calcination furnace. This serves as a balance valve, effectively controlling the liquid level in the storage tank. Sodium bicarbonate section: Before the carbonated product is transferred to the distribution tank, a hydrocyclone can be installed to increase the solid-liquid ratio and thereby boost the filter’s processing capacity. The clarified liquid separated by the hydrocyclone is directed to the mother liquor tank. It should be noted that a bypass line must be fitted to the hydrocyclone; this prevents small solid particles from clogging its inlet during the purging process in carbonation production, which could otherwise damage the metal spiral gasket of the inlet flange. (This requirement stipulates that the pressure during carbonization extraction must be no less than 0.5 MPa; the cyclone also requires a certain level of pressure to function.)
Ammonium chloride section: Previously, the head of the external cooler for ammonium chloride in our company often leaked. Now, we have replaced the original carbon steel head with one lined with 316L stainless steel. The modification has yielded good results; there are virtually no leak points on site.
Reply to post #7 by akasiking: Could you please describe the technical modification method that allows the secondary filtrate to be used as wash water for the centrifuge? Thank you
Sure. What I’m referring to is the centrifuge used for secondary dehydration of sodium bicarbonate. Its filtrate is conveyed via pipes to a filtrate tank, and then a pump with a diameter of approximately DN80 is used to pump the filtrate onto the wash water line connected to the filter. In our company, there are five rows of filters; we connect it to the fourth row. It should be noted that the centrifuge filtrate tends to clog the nozzles, so it’s necessary to clean them promptly at each shift. (Previously, our company pumped the filtrate directly into the mother liquor tank to replenish the system; this resulted in a low level of fixed ammonia, thereby affecting production during the second process.) Another point to keep in mind is that the filtrate pump doesn’t need to be overly powerful; rather, it’s important to maintain a consistent flow rate of the liquid.
There’s crystal precipitation; the wash water becomes increasingly viscous, eventually clogging the pipes~
After the secondary dehydration of sodium bicarbonate, what is its moisture content? How much steam energy can be saved by using a calciner?