The present invention relates to a continuous process for the manufacture of potassium chlorate by coupling with a plant for the production of sodium chlorate by electrolysis, the said plant comprising a source of NaCl solution, (1), a loop for purification of the said solution (2--2', 3), an electrolysis device (4), a storage tank (5), if appropriate, and a crystallizer (6) in which the crystallization and the separation of NaClO 3 crystals are preferably carried out, wherein circulating liquid is removed downstream of the said electrolysis device (4), a concentrated solution of potassium chloride is added to said liquid, precipitation (11) of the potassium chlorate is caused by any known means, the said potassium chlorate is separated off and the mother liquor from crystallization of the said potassium chlorate is recycled into the said purification loop (2--2', 3) of the sodium chlorate production plant.

Continuous process for the manufacture of potassium chlorate by coupling with a sodium chlorate production plant

Continuous process for the manufacture of potassium chlorate by coupling to a unit for the manufacture of sodium chlorate

A sodium chlorate solution is obtained by the electrolysis of brine in a diaphragmless cell in a first stage utilizing magnetite or a graphite anode until the residuary NaCl content is not lower than 70g/litre, and in a second stage with a platinized metal or a platinum anode until the NaCl content is between 10% and 3% by weight of the final chlorate content. The initial brine solution preferably has an NaCl content of between 280g/litre and the saturation point and 1 to 10 gms/litre of an alkali metal dichromate or chromate may be added to the initial solution. During the electrolysis a quantity of NaCl representing up to 33% by weight of the initial NaCl content may be added to the solution either in the first or second stages or between the stages. The cathodes of the electrolytic cells are preferably graphite, cast iron, or steel.ALSO:Chlorine dioxide is-produced by reducing with SO2 a solution of sodium chlorate acidified with an inorganic acid, said solution being prepared in a two-stage electrolytic process in which in the first stage a sodium chloride solution is subjected to electrolysis until the sodium chloride content is not substantially less than 70 gm./ litre, and in the second stage electrolysing the electrolyte from the first stage until the sodium chloride content is a predetermined percentage of the sodium chlorate content, and feeding the resulting sodium chlorate and sodium chloride solution to a chlorine dioxide reactor. The first stage is preferably continued until the sodium chloride content is at least equal to 70 gm./litre, and the second stage until the sodium chloride content is 10 to 3% of the sodium chlorate content. The first stage electrolysis is preferably effected using magnetite and graphite anodes, and the second stage using platinized metal or platinum anodes. 1 to 10 gms./litre of an alkali metal dichromate may be added to the initial solution, which solution has an NaCl content of between 280 gm./litre and the saturation point. An addition of NaCl of up to 33% by weight of the initial quantity may be added to the electrolyte in the first or second electrolysing stages or between the stages. The cathodes of the electrolysing cells are preferably graphite, cast iron or steel.

Boutillon Gabriel

Papers

Two-stage electrolytic process for preparing high-concentration sodium chlorate soluttions