Kontaktforløp

Kontaktforløp, also known as contact process, is a chemical process used to produce sulfuric acid from sulfur dioxide. The process involves the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, which is then absorbed in water to form sulfuric acid. The name "kontaktforløp" comes from the Norwegian word "kontakt," meaning contact, referring to the contact between the gases and the catalyst.

The process typically occurs in two stages. In the first stage, sulfur dioxide is oxidized to sulfur trioxide using a catalyst, usually vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5) supported on titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2). The reaction is exothermic and takes place at temperatures between 400°C and 500°C. The second stage involves the absorption of sulfur trioxide in water to form sulfuric acid. This reaction is highly exothermic and releases a significant amount of heat.

The kontaktforløp is widely used in the chemical industry due to its efficiency and relatively low cost. However, it also has some drawbacks, including the need for a high-purity sulfur dioxide feedstock and the generation of significant amounts of heat, which requires efficient heat management.

The process was first developed in the early 20th century and has since undergone numerous improvements to increase its efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. Today, it remains a crucial part of the global sulfuric acid production industry.