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 production branches.

Production of soda and its varieties

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

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

Caustic soda, application

The main branches of consumption of sodium hydroxide include:

• Chemical industry;

• Pulp and paper industry;

• Objects of civil defense;

• The production of biodiesel fuel;

• Cleaning of sewer pipes;

• Production of cleaning and detergents;

• Food industry;

• The 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 known antiseptic chloramine producers are also produced using hydroxide Sodium.

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

Influence 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.