Caustic Soda Lye

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound. It is a white solid and highly caustic metallic base and alkali of sodium which is available in pellets, flakes, granules, and as prepared solutions at a number of different concentrations. Sodium hydroxide forms an approximately 50% (by weight) saturated solution with water.

Sodium hydroxide is soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol. This alkali is deliquescent and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide in air.

Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner. Worldwide production in 2004 was approximately 60 million tonnes, while demand was 51 million tonnes.

Synonyms

Caustic ; Liquid caustic soda ; Lye solution ; Soda lye ; Sodium hydroxide

Molecular Formula HONa
Molecular weight 40

Specifications
Appearance Clear , colourless liquid
pH Strong base>14
Strength 47% w/w maximum
Fe content 25ppm maximum
Chloride as NaCL 0.05% w/w maximum

Description
Caustic soda lye is a clear colourless liquid .

Applications
Intermrdiate for chemicals

Packaging
Sodium hydroxide is avaliable in tankers . Other packaging may be considered on request .

Storage and handling

Store in a tightly closed container in a designated area with adequate ventilation . Keep away from acids . Caustic soda lye is corrosive in nature . Proper handling procedures must be followed to prevent vigorous boiling , splattering or violent eruption of the diluted solution . Always add caustic soda lye to water and provide agitation . Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information on storage and handling .

Caustic soda lye 48 %
Bulk Chemicals and Intermediates | Technical Data Sheet

Safety

Wear all the necessary personal equipment (PPE) . Ensure adequate ventilation . Prevent breathing of mist or vapours , Prevent contact with skin , eyes and clothing . Always refer to the SDS for detailed information on safety .

First aid

Eye Contact : Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water , occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids and rotating the eyeballs , Continue flushing the eyes for at least 5 minutes .

Skin contact : Remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash skin for minimum of 15 minutes . Call a physician .
Ingestion : Do not induce vomiting . If the preson is conscious , give 2 or more glasses of water . If unconscious , never give anything by mouth . Call a physician immediately .

Inhalation : Shift the affected person to fresh air . If the person is not breathing give artificial respiration . Call a physician .

Spills and disposal

Do not touch the spilled material . Stop leakage if possible without personal risk . absorb spillage with sand or other non -combustible materials (s) . Collect spilled material in appropriate containers for disposal . More containers away from the site to a safe area . Isolate hazardous area and restrict | deny entry of personnel . Do not dispose of waste to a sewer system or normal garbage . Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal , state or local regulation , as applicable .