The manufacture of tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid, commonly known as sulfuric acid, involves several raw materials in the contact process. These raw materials are essential for the production of this important industrial chemical.
The primary raw materials required for the manufacture of tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid are:
- Sulfur: Sulfur is the main raw material used in the contact process. It is obtained from natural deposits or as a byproduct of other industrial processes, such as petroleum refining. Sulfur is burned to produce sulfur dioxide gas.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is required for the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to form sulfur trioxide, which is an intermediate compound in the production of sulfuric acid. Oxygen can be obtained from air through air separation processes.
- Water: Water is used as a reactant and solvent in various stages of the contact process. It is necessary for the hydration of sulfur trioxide to produce tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid.
- Catalyst: A catalyst, typically vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), is used to facilitate the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide. The catalyst enhances the reaction rate and allows it to occur at lower temperatures.
- Energy source: The contact process requires a source of energy, usually in the form of heat, to drive the reactions involved in the production of sulfuric acid.
These raw materials are combined and undergo a series of reactions in multiple stages to produce tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid according to the contact process.
