The industrial preparation of sulphuric acid involves the oxidation of sulphur dioxide with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. This process is known as the contact process. The reaction takes place in a series of steps.
- Sulphur dioxide is produced by burning sulphur or by the catalytic oxidation of sulphur compounds.
- The sulphur dioxide is then passed through a converter, where it is heated and mixed with oxygen and a catalyst.
- The mixture is then passed through a series of reactors, where the sulphur dioxide is oxidized to form sulphur trioxide.
- The sulphur trioxide is then passed through a series of converters, where it is mixed with water to form sulphuric acid.
- The sulphuric acid is then collected and further concentrated.