In the chemical industry, the chlor-alkali process encompasses the production of various chemicals derived from the electrolysis of sodium chloride solutions. These chemicals — including chlorine, sodium carbonate (soda) and sodium hydroxide (caustic potash), sodium chlorate and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) — are used in the treatment and disinfection for a wide range of processes.
Brine is one of the raw materials needed to produce some of these chemical derivatives. The brine is prepared from either solid sodium chloride (NaCl) that is dissolved in water or it is obtained as a residual from other processes and reused as a raw material. Whatever the source of the brine, water containing NaCl must be treated to control and remove ammonia because the presence of ammonia in combination with chlorine in cells during the electrolysis process can produce nitrogen trichloride which is highly explosive.
Given the importance of controlling the presence of ammonia/ammonium in generated brine, the use of an online analyzer is necessary to understand levels in real-time. However, all online analyzers are not created equal and the high concentrations of NaCl in the sample (anywhere from 80 g/L up to even 300 g/L), as well as the corrosive environment can hinder the functionality of some measuring equipment. Monitoring ammonia/ammonium levels in real-time with a reliable and accurate online water quality analyzer is integral to maintaining safety in the chlor-alkali process.
Real-time Monitoring
Aqua Metrology Systems‘ online Instran™ analyzer is effective at measuring ammonia and ammonium in brines above 80 g/L, protecting the operation and life of the system’s mechanical elements. It ensures plant optimization by allowing real-time and accurate monitoring, despite the difficulties presented by a high concentration of NaCl in the sample.
Read how two of Spain’s leading companies in the chlor-alkali industry installed the Instran™ analyzer to monitor in real-time ammonia/ammonium levels in brine.
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