Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is a versatile compound with a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in water treatment, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Understanding its properties, uses, and appropriate storage solutions can make this readily used chemical safer to manage.
To ensure proper storage, it is important to know how this chemical compound is constructed. This inorganic compound, with the formula NaOH, is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na⁺ and hydroxide anions OH⁻. It is highly soluble in water and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. It is an alkali, a type of base that can neutralize acids, and is commonly available in the form of pellets, flakes, powders, and solutions.
Caustic soda is used in the water and wastewater industry for pH adjustment by neutralizing acidic conditions, ensuring that the water remains within a safe and optimal pH range for treatment and distribution. Storage solutions for caustic soda storing and handling sodium hydroxide presents challenges due to its corrosive and reactive nature. Assmann offers advanced storage solutions to meet the needs of caustic soda storage, particularly recommending Crosslink Polyethylene tanks due to their higher softening point than conventional polyethylene. Heat tracing and insulation packages are also recommended to keep the chemical above its freezing point. Assmann manufactures sodium hydroxide tanks with up to 12,000-gallon capacity to cater to diverse storage requirements.
In addition to water and wastewater treatment, sodium hydroxide is widely used in various industries, including manufacturing pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water treatment, soaps and detergents, and as a drain cleaner. The compound is effective in pH adjustment to neutralize acidic liquids. It is also employed in fuel cell production, food curing, removing skin from vegetables for canning, and manufacturing pharmaceuticals such as pain relievers, anticoagulants, and cholesterol-reducing medications.
Because of its highly corrosive properties, sodium hydroxide can react violently with strong acids and can generate heat as it dissolves. Therefore, storing it in corrosive-resistant containers with resistant inner liners, along with keeping the solution in a locked area, is crucial. To ensure the best storage solutions, consult with an expert who can not only consider the chemical itself, but also the variable facets that may impact options for safer management.