Trona – Soda Ash

Soda ash is manufactured by the Solvay or ammonia-soda process. Two of nature’s most abundant raw materials, salt (NaCl) and limestone (CaCO₃) are used to produce soda ash (sodium carbonate). Ammonia furnishes the hydrogen source for the formation of bicarbonate or trona, NaHCO₃.Na₂CO₃.2H₂O, which is calcined in a rotary kiln. Feedstock preparation is done on site involving brine and calcite. This rotary kiln roasting step is worth exploring.