Measurement of Concentration of Supersaturated NaCl Solution in Salt Dissolvers at Electrolysis Plants

Introduction

Control of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration at a salt dissolver where solid salt is dissolved in water, is highly important because of the electrolysis efficiency. A conventional way of measuring the concentration of supersaturated NaCl solution had been performed by using non-contact type sensors (e.g., γ-ray density meter) since NaCl, impurities, and precipitates are in the solution. In this way, there were disadvantages such as troublesome maintenance and therefore, the radiation control is required for γ-ray density meter. Responding to these backgrounds, the FLXA202 2-wire inductive conductivity analyzer provides concentration reading and realizes to improve substantial maintainability, cost performance and measurement accuracy.

Caustic Soda Production Process

Expected Benefits

• Measures NaCl concentration in salt dissolvers
• Reduces operating costs

Process Overview

In an electrolysis plant, the solid salt is dissolved in water in a salt dissolver to make brine. This brine contains impurities, such as calcium, magnesium or sulfates, that decrease electrolysis efficiency. The brine is purified by removing these impurities before being fed to an electrolyzer, where the purified brine is electrolyzed to produce caustic soda and chlorine. The caustic soda solution produced at the cathode in the electrolyzer is concentrated in a multiple effect evaporator, as a result the concentration is increased from approximately 32% to 48%.

Solution Details

Measurement system

2-wire inductive conductivity system

Inductive Conductivity Sensor & Transmitter Installation Diagram

Utilities

Notes

Sampling should be done in the supernatant liquid in a salt dissolver. The supernatant liquid is collected in a settling tank and then the supernatant liquid of the tank is transported to a measurement tank where the sensor is installed.

Field Data

1. Process conditions (salt dissolver)

* Depends on user's actual data of specific gravity.

2. FLXA202 setting parameters

Relationship between conductivity and concentration is based
on the linear approximation of S = 16.3x that is obtained by actual measurement using SC72 Personal Conductivity Meter.

• NaCl temperature compensation table is used
• Reference temperature setting: 25°C