Caustic soda, otherwise called 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 industrial branches.
Production of soda and its varieties
At present, caustic soda is produced by electrochemical methods for the production of chlorine and hydrogen and the electrolysis of halite solutions.
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 sectors of sodium hydroxide consumption include:
Caustic soda, the use of which is very wide and diverse, 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. Manufacturers produce the well-known antiseptic chloramine, also using hydroxide sodium.
Caustic soda is present in the daily life of all of us, although not so explicitly. Detergents are made using caustic soda, it also helps eliminate congestion in the pipes.
Transportation
Caustic soda is transported by road, as well as water and rail. Liquid soda is transported in special containers and tanks, and solid sodium hydroxide is packed in bags. When transporting, moisture should be avoided and exposure to heat sources.
Soda storage
The shelf life of sodium hydroxide is one year from the date of manufacture. Solid product is stored in unheated enclosed storage facilities, in packaged form. The liquid product is placed in an alkali-resistant closed container.
It should be remembered that caustic soda is a corrosive and corrosive substance. She is assigned a second increased hazard class. When working with this substance, extreme caution is recommended. Starting to work with solid or liquid caustic soda, it is advisable to cover your eyes with chemical splash goggles. Hands are covered with gloves with a rubberized surface or rubber. To protect the body, special rubberized suits or chemically resistant clothing impregnated with vinyl are used.
Effects on the human body
In cases where caustic soda enters the mucous membranes and skin, chemical burns can form. To avoid burns, it is recommended to rinse the affected area immediately under running water. If sodium hydroxide gets on the skin, then it must be treated with a weak solution of vinegar.