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Caustic Soda / Sodium Hydroxide Storage
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Much of the information presented here about Caustic Soda
storage is from the
Dow Chemical web site. Dow is the
worlds largest producer of Caustic Soda. |
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Caustic soda is also known as sodium hydroxide, caustic, and
lye. Caustic soda, as a 50% solution, is an odorless and
colorless liquid. In all forms, caustic soda is highly
corrosive and reactive. Caustic soda solution reacts readily
with metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, tin,
chromium, bronze, brass, copper, and tantalum. Galvanized
(zinc coated) materials should be avoided. Contact with
acids, halogenated organics, organic nitro compounds, and
glycol should be avoided. It reacts with most animal tissue,
including leather, human skin, and eyes. It also reacts
readily with various reducing sugars (i.e., fructose,
galactose, maltose, dry whey solids) to produce carbon
monoxide.
Upon cooling, the viscosity of the solution increases
rapidly as the temperature falls below 65°F (18°C).
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Caustic soda solution is a stable product but its storage
life is dependent upon the storage conditions. If the
caustic is exposed to air, a change in the product quality
will be seen over time, since the caustic soda solution will
pick up carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) solids. In addition, iron pick up is common in carbon steel
storage vessels or in lined carbon steel storage vessels
where the liner has been damaged. Therefore, minimizing its
exposure to air and its direct contact with iron containing
metals will extend the storage life of caustic soda
solution. |
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