In chlor-alkali industries Chlorine (Cl2), Hydrogen
(H2) and Sodium Hydroxide ( caustic soda - NaOH )
are manufactured by means of electrolysis process.
In chlor alkali industries three types of electrolytic
process are adopted such as:
: : Membrane cell process
: : Diaphragm cell process
: : Mercury cell processes
In each process salt ( brine ) solution is electrolyzed
by the action of direct electric current, which converts
the chloride ions to chlorine.
The reaction is :
2NaCl + 2H2O = Cl2 + H2 + 2NaOH
In all the methods chlorine (Cl2) is produced at
the positive electrode ( anode ) and the hydrogen
(H2) and Sodium Hydroxide ( NaOH or caustic soda )
are produced directly or indirectly at the negative
electrode ( cathode ).
Membrane or Diaphragm or Mercury is used to separate
the anode products from the cathode products according
the process adopted.
