Why is H2SO4 used in the contact process for sulfuric acid production?

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The discussion centers on the production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) using a method that also requires H2SO4 as a component. Participants question the rationale behind this process, noting that while H2SO4 is used as a solvent and can be recycled, the initial use of H2SO4 to produce more H2SO4 seems counterintuitive. Clarification is provided that the process results in a net gain of H2SO4, as not all of the acid is consumed, and the acid used as a spray minimizes consumption while maximizing yield. Additionally, impurities in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxygen (O2) can hinder the efficiency of the vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) catalyst by adsorbing on its surface, thus affecting the reaction. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the complexities of the sulfuric acid production process and the importance of understanding the roles of solvents and catalysts.
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I have a doubt please look at this video
At time 1:54 to 2:00 and from time 3:24 to 3:29 After looking at video at time i have mentioned ,one will find that H2SO4 is itself used in this process so my question is what's the point in making H2SO4 by this method,as the method itself requires H2SO4.What's the net advantage when we are using H2SO4 (along with many other chemical compounds such as SO2,V2O5)and then producing the same?
 
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If I remember correctly, H2SO4 is used as a solvent. There is a net production of H2SO4 in that process as the acid serving as solvent can be recycled.
 
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DrDu said:
If I remember correctly, H2SO4 is used as a solvent. There is a net production of H2SO4 in that process as the acid serving as solvent can be recycled.
OK one more question how impurities in SO2 and o2 reduces the efficiency of V2O5 (used as catalyst) in this process?
 
They get adsorbed on the catalys thus hindering the reactants to react at the surface.
 
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DrDu said:
They
they means impurities ,right?
DrDu said:
at the surface.
at the surface of catalyst V2O5 ,right?
 
Yes, yes
 
DrDu said:
If I remember correctly, H2SO4 is used as a solvent. There is a net production of H2SO4 in that process as the acid serving as solvent can be recycled.
OK this explains only about when H2SO4 is used as a solvent but what about when H2SO4 is used as spray?look at this in the video At time 1:54 to 2:00 .how can this be recycled?
 
There are tons of information readily available on the net. Which ones did you check besides this video?
 
  • #10
DrDu said:
There are tons of information readily available on the net. Which ones did you check besides this video?
So i have searched a lot but such type of in depth questions (as my post 7)can only be answered here.That's why i request you to answer my post 7.
Regards.
 
  • #11
The sulfuric acid is used to dissolve the SO3 formed which yields oleum. The latter is diluted to form H2SO4 again. So where is the problem?
 
  • #12
DrDu said:
The sulfuric acid is used to dissolve the SO3 formed which yields oleum. The latter is diluted to form H2SO4 again. So where is the problem?
That's what the problem is,We are using H2SO4 to produce H2SO4 what's the net advantage?
 
  • #13
That you get more H2SO4 than you put in.
 
  • #14
According to your post 2 that H2SO4 is recycled again,right?
 
  • #15
Yes, but obviously not all of it.
 
  • #16
DrDu said:
Yes, but obviously not all of it.
And H2SO4 when used as spray consume very less amount of H2SO4 as compared to high yield of end product H2SO4,right?
 
  • #17
Acid used in the process is not consumed, it is still present in the final product.
 
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