Depending on the type, the starting materials are mixed in the desired ratio and converted into water glass in the alkali silicate synthesis. Since impurities negatively affect the melting process and product properties, raw materials of high purity are used.
The LiquiSonic® Measurement technology offers precise and rapid determination of process concentrations (Na2O or K2O and SiO2) as well as the process temperature. Through continuous data recording, the process conditions can be monitored as part of quality control, even at a later time.
Sound velocity measurement with LiquiSonic® 40
Application
Water glass is produced by melting highly purified quartz sand (SiO2) with alkali carbonate (Na2CO3 or K2CO3) is produced. The raw material mixture is continuously melted in a melting tank at 1200 °C to 1500 °C. The molten alkali silicate is cooled on a conveyor belt by spraying with water. The cooled fragments are dissolved in an autoclave at 4 - 5 bar and 140 - 150 °C until the desired density and viscosity are achieved.
Final impurities are removed through filtration. The filtered clear alkali silicate solution is then adjusted to the desired moisture content with water. LiquiSonic® Sensors determine the process concentrations around the clock and enable precise process control. This helps to avoid quality fluctuations.
Installation
The LiquiSonic® Immersion sensors are installed directly in the bypass pipeline of the autoclave. The robust sensor construction and the choice of special materials, such as HC2000, ensure long process life of the system. The LiquiSonic® Controller 40 is connected with the LiquiSonic® Sensor and the measurement unit for the second physical quantity. The controller displays the concentration of Na in the main menu2O and SiO2 and the current process temperature.
Typical measurement ranges:
Concentration range Na2O: 6 to 9 m%
Concentration range SiO2O: 20 to 30 m%
Temperature range: 40 to 95 °C
Concentration range K2O: 19 to 24 m%
Concentration range SiO2O: 30 to 35 m%
Temperature range: 40 to 70 °C
Customer benefits
LiquiSonic® ensures precise concentration measurement and adjustment of the required Na2O/SiO2 mole ratio. This way, properties such as stability against loads can be optimally induced. LiquiSonic® reduces time-consuming and complex laboratory measurements, such as potentiometric titration:
- Time required: 1 h per day
The optimal dissolution rate of water glass fragments saves steam.
In the production of water glass, various alkali carbonates are used in addition to quartz sand. Thus, by using soda (Na2CO3) soda water glass and by potash (K2CO3) potash water glass is produced.
