CONTACT PROCESS Meaning and
Definition
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The contact process is a chemical process used in the production of sulfuric acid. It involves the production of sulfur dioxide (SO2) by burning sulfur or iron pyrites in the presence of excess air. The resulting sulfur dioxide is then oxidized to form sulfur trioxide (SO3) using a catalyst such as vanadium pentoxide (V2O5).
The process typically takes place in a series of four main steps:
1. Combustion: Sulfur or iron pyrites are burned in air to form sulfur dioxide gas, according to the equation: S + O2 → SO2.
2. Catalytic conversion: The sulfur dioxide gas is passed over a catalyst, typically vanadium pentoxide, at a temperature between 400-500 degrees Celsius. This catalyst promotes the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, as represented by the equation: 2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3.
3. Absorption: The resulting mixture of sulfur trioxide, sulfur dioxide, and excess air is cooled and passed through a series of absorption towers containing concentrated sulfuric acid. The sulfur trioxide is absorbed by the acid, forming oleum (H2S2O7).
4. Dilution: The oleum is then diluted with water to produce concentrated sulfuric acid with the desired concentration.
Overall, the contact process is an essential industrial method for the mass production of sulfuric acid, which is widely used in various industries such as fertilizers, dyes, detergents, and explosives. This process allows for efficient conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, ensuring a high yield of sulfuric acid production.
Common Misspellings for CONTACT PROCESS
- xontact process
- vontact process
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- dontact process
- cintact process
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- con6act process
- con5act process
Etymology of CONTACT PROCESS
The word "contact" comes from the Latin word "contactus", which means "touching" or "joining". The word "process" comes from the Latin word "processus", which means "advancement" or "progression". In the context of the "contact process", the word "contact" refers to the chemical reaction that involves the direct contact between reactants and catalysts. The word "process" denotes the series of steps or procedures involved in the production or transformation of a substance. Therefore, the etymology of the word "contact process" suggests a chemical reaction that progresses through direct contact between reactants and involves a specific series of steps.
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