Work

Study on Exergy Analysis of the Soda Ash Production Process by the Ammonium Sulfate-Soda Method

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The exergy calculation, especially chemical exergy calculation, is very intricated in the soda ash production process by the ammonium sulfate-soda method because the gas–liquid reaction and salt precipitation reaction occur simultaneously with the electrolyte ionic reaction in the Na2SO4–NH3–CO2–H2O electrolyte system. The main aim of this study is to propose a significant and novel approach to calculate the chemical exergy of an aqueous electrolyte system accompanied by gas–liquid reaction and salt precipitation reaction, based on the Pitzer equation. We simulated the soda ash production process using Aspen Plus and performed exergy analysis based on the thermodynamic data obtained from the simulation. As a result, the exergy destruction of the entire process is 99.945 kW and exergy efficiency is 59.57%. In addition, the units with low exergy efficiency in the process are condenser and absorption towers such as NH3 absorption tower, carbonation tower, and water washing tower, which are the primary targets of energy saving.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c09707

Authors: Kyong Song Pak, Yong Sol Hong, Chol Ku Kim

Institution: Kim Chaek University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Process Optimization and Integration

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935