Sodium dithionite (made by formate process of sodium formate / sulfur dioxide and caustic soda)

Process description: The formate process of sodium formate, sulfur dioxide and caustic soda produces the main product sodium dithionite. For this purpose, the process consumes hydrochloric acid, caustic soda (50%), sodium formate, and sulfur dioxide. Utilities consumed comprise thermal energy, electricity, unspecific inorganic chemical, cement, and disposal of cement. Carbon dioxide is produced as by-product. Utility demands in form of thermal energy and electricity are estimated according to the chemical park in Gendorf. For each kg of chemical product, 1.2 MJ electricity and 2 MJ thermal energy are required. A conversion rate of 95% is assumed. Process wastes are treated in municipal waste incinerators. Dataset type is technology-specific (simplified extension layer). Allocation type is no allocation needed in this unit process. In case of energy co-production, allocation via avoided burden is applied for the co-produced energy. CAS RN is 7775-14-6. All datasets are based on the attributional LCA approach and the methodology defined in the cm.chemicals methodology document.