The specification discloses a continuous process for producing hydrogen
chloride whereby sulfuric acid and an alkali metal chloride are fed to a
direct fired reaction chamber in a molar ratio of approximately one to
one, products comprising hydrogen chloride and the corresponding alkali
metal sulfate are withdrawn, and the hydrogen chloride is separated from
combustion gases. The reaction chamber provides for the counter flow of
gaseous and solid streams within the reaction chamber, such that a
chloride-free sulfate is obtained.
