caustic soda and its application

Caustic soda, otherwise called sodium hydroxide, caustic soda or caustic, is known to chemists as NaOH.Every year around 57 tons of caustic are consumed in the world. Modern life without caustic soda is impossible to imagine, since caustic soda is necessary for many manufacturing industries.

Manufacture of soda and its varieties

Currently, sodium hydroxide is produced by electrochemical methods in the production of chlorine and hydrogen and the electrolysis of solutions of halite.

Caustic soda is produced in solid and liquid form. Solid is a solid scaly white mass, and a liquid is a colored or colorless liquid.

Caustic soda, application of

The main branches of consumption of sodium hydroxide include:

• chemical industry;

• pulp and paper industry;

• objects of civil defense;

• manufacturing of biodiesel;

• cleaning of sewer pipes;

• manufacture of cleaning and detergents;

• food industry;

• pharmaceutical industry.

Caustic soda, the use of which is very wide and varied, is used by chemists as a catalyst or reagent in various chemical reactions to neutralize acids, for titration in chemical analyzes, in oil refining, for the production of metals, etc. The well-known antiseptic chloramine producers release, also usingsodium hydroxide.

Caustic soda is present in the daily life of all of us, although not so clearly. Detergents are made with caustic soda, it also helps to eliminate congestion in the pipes.

Transportation

Caustic soda is transported by road, as well as by water and rail. Liquid soda is transported in special containers and cisterns, and solid sodium hydroxide is packed in bags. During transport, moisture should be avoided and heat sources affected.

Storage of soda

The shelf life of sodium hydroxide is from the date of manufacture one year. The solid product is stored in unheated closed storage rooms, in a packaged form. The liquid product is placed in an alkali-resistant closed container.

It should be remembered that caustic soda is corrosive and caustic. She was given a second increased class of danger. When working with this substance, it is recommended that special care be taken. Starting to work with solid or liquid caustic soda, it is advisable to cover your eyes with chemical splash goggles. Hands are covered with gloves with a rubberized surface or rubber. To protect the body used special rubberized suits or chemical resistant clothing impregnated with vinyl.

Effect on the human body

In cases where caustic soda comes into the mucous membranes and skin, chemical burns may form. To avoid burns, the affected area should be rinsed immediately under running water. If sodium hydroxide gets on the skin, then it must be treated with a weak solution of vinegar.