In the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process, the catal...
C
To increase the overall conversion interstage cooling is provided.
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In the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process, the catal...
Explanation:
The manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process involves the catalytic oxidation of SO2. This reaction is carried out in multiple stages, and the reason for this is to increase the overall conversion by providing inter-stage cooling.
Reasons for inter-stage cooling:
1. Prevention of reverse reaction: In the contact process, the reaction between SO2 and O2 is exothermic, which means that heat is released during the reaction. This heat can cause the reverse reaction to occur, which reduces the overall conversion of SO2 to SO3. By providing inter-stage cooling, the temperature is reduced, which helps to prevent the reverse reaction.
2. Increase in reaction rate: The catalytic oxidation of SO2 is an equilibrium reaction, and the rate of reaction depends on the temperature. By providing inter-stage cooling, the temperature is reduced, which increases the rate of reaction.
3. Reduction of SO3 concentration: The presence of high concentrations of SO3 can cause corrosion of the plant equipment. By providing inter-stage cooling, the concentration of SO3 is reduced, which helps to prevent corrosion.
Conclusion:
In the contact process, inter-stage cooling is used to increase the overall conversion of SO2 to SO3 by preventing the reverse reaction, increasing the rate of reaction, and reducing the concentration of SO3.