Taguchi application on sodium bicarbonate production using modified Solvay process

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), known as baking soda, can be used as a baking powder, disinfectant, fire extinguisher, mild disinfectant, antiseptic to help prevent infections, acid neutralizer, cleaning agent, odor control, and antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn in medical and health use. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly produced using the Solvay process that uses brine (seawater), ammonia (NH3) gas, and carbon dioxide. To reduce the costs of sodium bicarbonate production, this study used ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) solution, a byproduct of sodium cyclamate factory, to replace the NH3 gas. Hence, this modified Solvay process is more environmentally friendly. Ammonium hydroxide is a weak base suitable to produce food-grade sodium bicarbonate because it does not contain heavy metal impurities. The following parameters were studied and optimized namely reaction time, NaCl concentration, and CO2 flow rate. The appearance of the microstructure, particle size, percentage of elements, and phase composition of the material was examined X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX).