What Is Caustic Soda:
Caustic soda is a strong basic compound with the scientific name of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and also known as lye is a chemical with a variety of applications in different industries. The commercially available Caustic Soda is commonly being Monohydrate composition of the Sodium hydroxide and primary in liquid form. The common pH of Caustic Soda is 14.
Historically the first ever record for applying Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda flakes) is for Soap production in Yemen.
In the book of “Muzaffar Yusuf ibn Umar ibn Ali ibn Rasool” is mentioned that water should be passed through the alkaline solution which refers to this material.
Production of Caustic Soda:
In the production of Caustic Soda methods of chloralkali are applied.
The chlorine-alkali process is applying direct current of electricity and electrolysis of sodium chloride. This results in separation of the chlorine ion in the salt which is then converted into chlorine element in the anode. In the meantime, sodium reacts with the reduced hydrogen of water in the cathode and Sodium Hydroxide is obtained which absorbs water and forms aqueous solutions.
This saturated solution with a concentration of approximately 50% (by weight) with water soluble in water, ethanol and methanol. This alkaline material easily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide in the air.
Later on as additional processing the liquid Caustic Soda is converted by drying into Caustic Flakes, Caustic Soda Pearls and in some cases granules.
Caustic Soda Applications:
Caustic soda has various characteristics which provides the opportunity to be used as a highly-consumable substance widely used in various industries.
Among those features, the following can be mentioned:
- Preparing Oil Drilling Fluids
- PH control
- Oil and Gas industries for removal of acid pollutants in the processes (Acid Neutralization)
- Degassing
- Pulp and Paper manufacturing
- Soap and Detergents
- Synthetic Silk and Cellophane Industries
- Water Purification
- Food Processing
- Chimney Degassing
- Mining Operations
- Glass Manufacturing
- Textile Processing
- Vegetable Disinfection
- Rubber Recovery
- Engraving and Metalworking
- Aluminum Processing
- Adhesive Preparation
- Paint Removal
- Disinfectants
Also non-industrial applications in the Household usage such as:
– pipe opener and unclogging pipes
– Cleaning the grease from the kitchen hood and its filter
– Removal of fats and stains on the gas stove
– Cleaning the burns inside the kitchen utensils
– Removing burns on the pots and pans
Handling and Safety for Caustic Soda:
This compound leads to burns in contact with the skin and blindness in contact with the eyes. In case of skin contact, it is necessary to wash the skin for at least 10 to 20 minutes.
Considering that caustic soda has a very high corrosive power, it should be injected into water wells or purification ponds by special pumps and contact with hands and eyes should be totally avoided.
A very important matter in the use of sodium hydroxide in the purification of drinking water is to measure the amount of caustic soda after the purification stage and before its consumption to make sure it is within edible standards. The excessive increase in water leads to the occurrence of many diseases and causes serious damage to the skin.
Caustic soda is a reactive substance. It mixes with air quickly and its purity decreases, so it must be keep it in well-protected bags for storage.
For further information, you can download the material safety data sheet from here (Caustic soda MSDS).
Our Supply of Caustic Soda:
Zista Group has been a supplier of Caustic Soda 98% Purity to Drilling and Detergent applications for the past decade and we have been managing the supply chain from Liquid Caustic Soda purchasing and then processing to flakes inside the certified facilities in order to have a constant and assured quality of supply of Caustic Soda Flakes. Our specifications can be downloaded here (Caustic Soda TDS).
Important Note: Iranian Caustic Soda nominal and guaranteed specifications is ONLY 98%, while in some batches of production the actual purity can be 99% or above. Still confirmation of 99% purity caustic soda from Iran is fraudulent and professional offer must set their minimum limits at 98%.
Our available Packaging for Sodium Hydroxide in the flake form are as below:
- packaging in 25 kg PP bags
- Jumbo bag: Caustic Soda Flakes is packed in 40 bags of 25 kg and then placed in one outer Jumbo bag
