Description
The “Manufacture of Sodium Hydroxide & Carbonate” (55x90 cm) educational chart presents clear, stepwise visual explanations of the major industrial processes for producing both sodium hydroxide (NaOH, caustic soda) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃, soda ash), making it ideal for chemistry instruction in classrooms and labs.
Chart Features
Large-format, full-color laminated chart (55x90 cm) for easy classroom display and durability.
Sodium Hydroxide Section:
Illustrates electrolytic production from brine (sodium chloride solution), typically using the diaphragm, mercury, or membrane cell methods.
Visualizes the electrolysis setup: brine is electrolyzed to produce NaOH, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and chlorine gas at the anode:
2
N
a
C
l
(
a
q
)
+
2
H
2
O
(
l
)
→
2
N
a
O
H
(
a
q
)
+
H
2
(
g
)
+
C
l
2
(
g
)
2NaCl(aq)+2H
2
O(l)→2NaOH(aq)+H
2
(g)+Cl
2
(g)
May note the historical lime-soda method, but focuses primarily on the modern electrolytic process.
Sodium Carbonate Section:
Depicts the Solvay process, the main commercial production route for sodium carbonate.
Raw materials: sodium chloride (brine), ammonia (NH₃), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Shows ammoniation of brine, carbonating tower (CO₂ + NH₃ + brine → NaHCO₃, precipitated), collection and calcination of sodium hydrogen carbonate to yield pure sodium carbonate:
2
N
a
H
C
O
3
(
s
)
→
h
e
a
t
N
a
2
C
O
3
(
s
)
+
C
O
2
(
g
)
+
H
2
O
(
g
)
2NaHCO
3
(s)
heat
Na
2
CO
3
(s)+CO
2
(g)+H
2
O(g)
Features recycling steps for ammonia and CO₂ to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Includes brief descriptions of each process, diagram labeling of reaction vessels, and a summary of primary products and by-products.
Educational Value
Helps students visualize and understand large-scale chemical manufacturing and industrial flows, supporting learning in industrial chemistry, process engineering, and basic chemical reactions.
Connects theoretical chemical equations and laboratory methods to real-world manufacturing and product applications.
Supports both lesson delivery and student revision—an essential tool for chemistry instruction at secondary and undergraduate levels.
This chart comprehensively illustrates the core processes behind two essential industrial chemicals, reinforcing curriculum requirements through stepwise, diagrammatic explanations