Tech Directions - January 2009 - (Page 10) technology’s past Dennis Karwatka d.karwat@morehead-st.edu Ernest Solvay and Industrial Processes ily was reasonably well off but not Few areas of technology are more wealthy. His father refined salt in challenging to understand than inthe family’s home and was a small dustrial processes. This is especially importer of household true when the products. Solvay had process does not four siblings and was result in a conparticularly close to sumer product. his younger brother, So it was with the Alfred. process developed Solvay was a good by Ernest Solvay. student in high school His 1861 discovery where he developed of an inexpensive an interest in chemisand efficient way try. But health probto produce solems resulting from dium carbonate a lung ailment kept launched a worldhim from attending wide enterprise. college. He started Solvay was his technical career at born near Brus16 by working at the sels, Belgium, in family’s salt-refining 1838. The famErnest Solvay Solvay Advanced Polymers LLC business. Solvay educated himself by reading and conducting chemistry experiments. His uncle managed a large gas works, and Solvay went to work for him a few years later. There, he analyzed ways to purify the gas and to extract ammonia. The young man devised a method to use ammonia to form sodium carbonate, a white powder similar to baking soda, which is used in modern kitchens for baking, cleaning, and deodorizing. In 1861, sodium carbonate was important in the manufacture of bricks, glass, soap, and other items. Solvay and his brother used financing from family and friends to establish a small factory. They were successful enough that they could build a larger one a few years later, about 25 miles south of Brussels. Alfred supervised the day-to-day operation of the factory, while Ernest had the more inventive mind. His most significant contribution was a special tower where ammonia and other ingredients could be continu- Celebrate Black History Month! Inspire your students with posters of African Americans who have had a major impact on the course of American history, from the research lab to the battlefield to the courtroom. These posters will help educate your students as well as perk up dull classroom walls. Each poster provides brief biographical information and a timeline of key life events—all designed around a stunning image of these notable black Americans. 18” × 24" glossy poster stock $12.95 each! Lowest Set Prices EVER! Black Technologists posters—set of 3 Only $24.95! Save $13.90! Also available Black History Pioneers posters—set of 14 Only $114.95! Save $66.35! Hurry! Sale expires 2/28/09 To order online: www.techdirections.com/posters.html ● FAX: 734.975.2787 Phone: 800.530.9673 ext. 200 ● Mail: Tech Directions Books & Media, PO Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 10 techdirections ◆ JANUARY 2009 http://www.techdirections.com/posters.html
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