Introduction to the application of caustic soda and some precautions

Caustic Soda/Sodium Hydroxide is a strong metallic base which is used in a wide range of industrial and chemical processes. The fluid ranges from 1-40cPs depending on the temperature and the concentration of the solution. Caustic soda 99% content of sodium hydroxide may cause an exothermic reaction in contact with other fluids, particularly with water. Residual amounts of the solution will crystallize. Caustic soda is highly corrosive and will cause severe burns and degrade human tissue.

Properties and applications

The production process fulfils Kosher, Halal, GMO, TSE / BSE requirements.

Used for the production of aluminium in the steell and metallurgical industries.

Paper production.

Refining of crude oil, mineral oils in the petrochemicals industry.

In the cosmetics industry – production of hard (sodium) soap, detergents, exfoliating masks.

Industrial cleaning.

Component of several plasticisers in the construction industry.

PH regulation in water treatment processes.

Raw material in the manufacture of pigments and dyes for paints.

Pharmaceuticals industry.

Cleaning and disinfection in animal husbandry and beekeeping.

Preventing diseases and protecting plants in orcharding.

Pumping considerations

Caustic soda is highly reactive with aluminium, carbon steel and can cause problems with viton and fluorocarbon. Contained handling is highly important as exposure to workforce is highly dangerous. Caustic can crystallize where mechanical seals allow draining of fluid. Expensive double mechanical seals or no mechanical seal systems is usually recommended.

Caustic soda should be handled with greatest care

Caustic soda is an extremely corrosive substance and should be handled with the greatest care. When solid caustic soda comes into contact with water it produces a significant amount of heat (exothermic reaction).

PPE should be considered the last defence against accidents. A thorough evaluation of the risks involved should always be carried out before undertaking all potentially hazardous tasks.

If the PPE does not fit, is not suitable for purpose, or cannot be worn for some reason, stop the work until proper protection can be provided. Do not compromise your safety by continuing without effective PPE.

From the water you drink, the soap and detergents you use, and the clothes you wear, caustic soda is present in almost every part of your home. Also known as Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), caustic soda is one of the very few chemicals with a broad range of applications. It is commonly used in homes as an agent for unblocking drains, either in the form of dry crystal or as a thick liquid gel.

Caustic soda has a wide variety of industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, bio diesel, soaps and detergents. And likewise, in water treatment and softening, refining petroleum products, in food preparation in the form of lye and washing beer and soft drink bottles. Would like to know more about caustic soda for water treatment uses, this website(https://www.watertreatment-chemicals.com/caustic-soda/) can help you a lot.  Caustic soda is the most common base used in chemical laboratories as cleaning-in-place (CIP) chemicals. Some popular food uses include chocolate and cocoa processing, caramel color production and poultry scalding.