Information on Sodium Hydroxide and Its Storage Solutions
Posted by Continental Chemical USA on October 24th, 2019
Sodium hydroxide is an ionic compound composed of positively charged sodium ion, Na+, and negatively charged hydroxide ion, OH-, which derives the chemical formula NaOH. Sodium hydroxide is reactive and alkaline in nature that contributes to its many industrial applications. It is an inorganic, ionic compound, and is a strong base capable of increasing solution pH. Sodium hydroxide suppliers are in great demand for NaOH’s use in various chemical processes, such as saponification in soap making.
Commonly used names for sodium hydroxide are caustic soda and lye. More obsolete names include soda lye, white caustic, and sodium hydrate. As a colorless solution, sodium hydroxide is an odorless, caustic chemical recognized by strongly alkaline corrosive properties, reactivity with various chemicals, ingestion toxicity, and incompatibility with various metals. Due to its real hazards, NaOH must be stored and handled carefully as per the guidelines provided by credible authorities.
How should NaOH be stored?
Caustic soda should be stored in containers that are are not affected by a chemical’s corrosive nature. Besides the primary solution, secondary containment measures may also be required due to the "leak-seeking” nature and chemical hazards of NaOH. In the industries, various techniques are used to maintain solution temperature above 70°F for both indoor and outdoor containers. This is to make sure that the precipitation (crystallization) of the solution is prevented. The best sodium hydroxide suppliers recommend using storage tanks with a 1.9 specific gravity capacity rating. These tanks must be equipped with PVC fittings, 316SS bolts, and EPDM gaskets. For tank plumbing, flexible connections with fittings and molded flanges are recommended. This will help prevent leaks and extend service life of the containers.
There are certain metals whose contact should be avoided when storing/transporting NaOH. These metals include lead, aluminum, tin, zinc, and also alloys of zinc (brass and bronze). Galvanized steel must be also prevented because of the presence of zinc in the protective coating. Sodium hydroxide can attack these metals chemically, releasing them into the solution where the pH will rise. This will eventually generate flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.
For properly keeping toxic and dangerously corrosive chemicals like sodium hydroxide, you must always follow federally-mandated regulations and guidelines. Make sure that your exact chemical requirements are fulfilled before the purchase. The specification of a sodium hydroxide tank as chemical storage tank can vary with manufacturers, the type of tank material used, and the strength of the container. As a responsible individual, you should regularly verify that the primary storage tank and secondary containment measures are fully capable of holding the desired sodium hydroxide strength. A storage container must also be fully evaluated by the sodium hydroxide supplier to ensure that it will safely store this leak-seeking, caustic chemical.
For more information on this products or to purchase any other industrial chemical solution, contact an online dealer referred by a credible source.
