Sulfuric Acid Production (The Contact Process)
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary use of sulfuric acid in Australia?

  • Drugs
  • Dyes
  • Fertiliser (correct)
  • Paper

    • Sulfuric acid can be safely added directly to water at high speeds.

    False

    What natural substances are used to treat a large spill of sulfuric acid?

    Clay or sand

    Sulfuric acid is a ____ acid, meaning it can donate two protons.

    <p>diprotic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following gases with their effects or uses:

    <p>Sulphur Dioxide = Contributes to acid rain Sulphur Trioxide = Converted for sulfuric acid production Sulfuric Acid = Used in fertiliser and batteries Particle Sulphur = Must be removed to prevent environmental damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the worldwide annual production of sulfuric acid?

    <p>170 million tonnes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It is safe to release sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere without any processing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reaction used to make superphosphate fertilizer?

    <p>Reaction with rock phosphate and sulfuric acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What byproduct is formed when sulfur trioxide dissolves in water?

    <p>Sulfuric acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High pressure conditions are always preferred in sulfuric acid production to maximize yield.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the chemical formula for disulfuric acid?

    <p>H2S2O7</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of converting sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide involves the addition of ___________ as a catalyst.

    <p>oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components with their associated processes:

    <p>SO2(g) = Reactant in the oxidation process H2SO4(l) = Product formed in oleum production Oleum = Contains absorbed SO3 Heat = Generated in the reaction producing SO3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the yield of the sulfur dioxide conversion reaction is accurate?

    <p>Yield increases with the addition of excess reactants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most waste heat in sulfuric acid production is discarded.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To produce 20% and 30% oleum, only an additional _____ tower is required.

    <p>absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the Contact Process for manufacturing sulfuric acid?

    <p>S + O2 → SO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Contact Process produces sulfuric acid in a single step.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What catalyst is used in the converter stage of the Contact Process?

    <p>Vanadium (V) oxide (V2O5)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Contact Process, the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ↔ 2SO3(g) releases __________.

    <p>heat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the stages of sulfuric acid production with their descriptions:

    <p>Furnace or Burner = Reacts sulfur with oxygen to produce SO2 Converter = Uses a catalyst to convert SO2 into SO3 Cooling Stage = Maintains temperature between trays at 400°C Final Reaction = Combines SO3 with H2O to form H2SO4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a source of sulfur dioxide for the Contact Process?

    <p>Combustion of coal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The equilibrium in the converter stage shifts to the left as temperature rises.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final product of the Contact Process?

    <p>Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Sulfuric Acid Production (The Contact Process)

    • Sulfuric acid is produced in stages from sulfur dioxide (SO2).

    • SO2 is obtained from the oxidation of sulfur or from the smelting of sulfide ores.

    • Recycling SO2 from smelting processes reduces emissions and waste.

    • The process involves three main steps:

      1. Oxidation of Sulfur: Sulfur reacts with oxygen to produce sulfur dioxide.
      • Raw sulfur is sprayed under pressure into a furnace.
      • Air, cleaned and heated, supplies oxygen for the reaction
      • Alternative sources of sulfur dioxide include natural gas deposits or the roasting of sulfide ores.

      1. Conversion to Sulfur Trioxide (SO3): Sulfur dioxide reacts with more air using a vanadium(V) oxide catalyst in a converter.

        • The reaction is reversible and exothermic, reaching equilibrium.
        • The converter has multiple trays with the catalyst.
        • The reaction temperature must be controlled, typically between 400°C–600°C
        • The mixture runs through each tray.

      2. Absorption into Sulfuric Acid: The sulfur trioxide (SO3) is absorbed in concentrated sulfuric acid to form oleum (H2S2O7).

        • This step proceeds in an absorption tower, using concentrated sulfuric acid. -SO3 dissolves readily in water, producing heat.
        • This causes a mist of concentrated sulfuric acid, and the conversion is difficult to control.

    Oleum Production

    • Oleum is sulfuric acid with additional absorbed sulfur trioxide (SO3)
    • Common oleum strengths are 20%, 30%, 40%, and 65%.
    • Oleum is used in reactions where water is excluded.

    Waste Products and Considerations

    • Heat recovery is common practice for sulfuric acid plants.
    • Waste gases produced include sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid, and sulfur itself.
    • These must be removed safely to prevent environmental pollution.
    • A double absorption method can remove SO2 emissions.
    • SO2 not converted into SO3 is recycled through the absorption step.

    Uses of Sulfuric Acid

    • Sulfuric acid production is an industrial activity indicator.
    • Sulfuric acid production is globally high (170 million tonnes).
    • Transport of sulfuric acid is hazardous.
    • Most uses happen close to the production site.
    • It is highly corrosive and burns skin and eyes.
    • Large spills require special treatment with neutralizers.
    • Fertilizers (75%)
    • Other chemical manufacturing (15%)
    • Metal production (5%)
    • Petroleum refining (5%)
    • Other uses include paper, dyes, and car batteries.
    • Sulfuric acid is used in reactions with rock phosphate (superphosphate)
    • It acts as a dehydrating agent and oxidant,
    • Also used in chemical analyses (e.g. certain gas mixtures) and in industrial processes.

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    Industrial Chemistry 1 - Chapter 5 Sulfuric Acid Production PDF

    Description

    Explore the stages of sulfuric acid production through the Contact Process. This quiz covers the oxidation of sulfur, conversion to sulfur trioxide, and the importance of recycling sulfur dioxide. Test your knowledge on the chemical reactions and conditions involved in this industrial process.

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