Caustic soda, otherwise known as sodium hydroxide, caustic soda or caustic, is known to chemists as NaOH. Almost 57 tons of caustic are consumed every year in the world. It is impossible to imagine modern life without caustic soda, since caustic soda is necessary for many industries.
Production of soda and its varieties
Currently, caustic soda is produced by electrochemical methods in the production of chlorine and hydrogen and by electrolysis of halite solutions.
Caustic soda is produced in solid and liquid form. Solid is a solid scaly white mass, and liquid is a colored or colorless liquid.
Caustic soda application
The main sectors of consumption of sodium hydroxide include:
- chemical industry;
- pulp and paper industry;
- civil defense facilities;
- manufacture of biodiesel;
- cleaning sewer pipes;
- production 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 manufacturers produced, also using sodium hydroxide.
Caustic soda is present in the daily lives of all of us, although not as obvious. Detergents are made using caustic soda, which also helps clear blockages in pipes.
Transportation
Caustic soda is transported by road, as well as by water and rail. Liquid soda is transported in special containers and tanks, and solid sodium hydroxide is packed in bags. During transportation, it should be kept away from moisture and heat sources.
Soda storage
The shelf life of sodium hydroxide is one year from the date of manufacture. The solid product is stored in unheated closed warehouses, packed. The liquid product is placed in an alkali-resistant closed container.
Keep in mind that caustic soda is corrosive and caustic. She was assigned the second increased hazard class. When working with this substance, special care is recommended. When starting to work with solid or liquid caustic soda, it is advisable to covereyes with chemical splash goggles. Hands are covered with gloves with a rubberized surface or rubber. To protect the body, special rubberized suits or chemical-resistant clothing impregnated with vinyl are used.
Effect on the human body
When caustic soda gets on the mucous membranes and skin, chemical burns can occur. To exclude a burn, the affected area is recommended to be washed immediately under running water. If caustic sodium gets on the skin, then it must be treated with a weak solution of vinegar.
