[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties and uses of liquid caustic soda, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, role of liquid caustic soda

Properties of liquid caustic soda

Liquid alkali, also known as sodium hydroxide solution, is a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and water. Its physical properties include colorless transparent liquid, strong corrosive and hygroscopic. The chemical properties of liquid alkali are strongly alkaline, soluble in water, generate a lot of heat, and can react with acid, salt, metal and some organic matter. This strong corrosion and high reactivity makes liquid caustic soda widely used in chemical production, but also puts forward strict requirements for its use and storage.

Liquid caustic soda use

The use of liquid caustic soda is very extensive, covering many industries. In the chemical industry, liquid caustic soda is used in the production of various chemicals, such as bleach, soap, pulp and cellulose products. In the petroleum industry, liquid caustic soda is used for desulfurization and deacidification in petroleum refining processes. Third, in the pharmaceutical industry, liquid caustic is used as a neutralizing agent, an alkalizing agent and a disinfectant. Liquid caustic soda is also widely used in food processing, water treatment, textile, printing and dyeing and other fields. Its strong alkalinity and strong corrosion make it indispensable in these industries.

Liquid caustic soda upstream and downstream raw materials

The main raw materials of liquid caustic soda are sodium hydroxide and water. Sodium hydroxide is usually produced by electrolysis of saturated brine (chlor-alkali industry). The main raw material for this process is common salt (NaCl). Chlorine, hydrogen and sodium hydroxide are generated during the electrolysis process, wherein the sodium hydroxide is further mixed with water to form liquid caustic. Upstream raw materials include industrial salt, limestone and natural gas, which produce high purity sodium hydroxide through a series of chemical reactions to produce high purity sodium chloride and hydrogen. Downstream products involve many fields, as mentioned above, covering chemical products, food processing, textile printing and dyeing, etc.

Liquid caustic soda production process

The production of liquid caustic is usually carried out by electrolysis, that is, by electrolyzing saturated brine to obtain sodium hydroxide. The specific process flow includes brine refining, electrolysis, sodium hydroxide concentration and other steps. The brine is filtered, chemically treated and evaporated to remove impurities and obtain high purity saturated brine. Next, an electrolytic reaction is performed in an electrolytic cell to produce chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and a sodium hydroxide solution. The resulting sodium hydroxide solution is concentrated to produce liquid alkali products with different concentrations. The production process requires strict control of temperature, pressure and reaction time to ensure product purity and quality.

Liquid caustic soda storage method

Because liquid caustic is strongly corrosive and hygroscopic, its storage requires special handling. Liquid caustic shall be stored in corrosion-resistant containers, such as galvanized steel, alloy steel or plastic containers, and ensure that the containers are well sealed to prevent moisture absorption and leakage. The storage environment should be dry and ventilated, avoid direct sunlight and moisture to prevent moisture absorption and decomposition of liquid alkali. The storage area should be equipped with necessary protective equipment such as protective glasses, protective gloves and emergency flushing equipment to deal with possible spills and spills. Obvious warning signs shall also be set up in the liquid caustic soda storage area to prohibit irrelevant personnel from entering to ensure safety.

Liquid caustic soda transport and handling

The transport of liquid caustic also requires special attention. When transporting liquid caustic soda, special tank trucks or standard containers should be used, and the sealing and corrosion resistance of the containers should be ensured. During transportation, severe vibration and collision should be avoided to prevent the container from breaking or leaking. Transportation vehicles should be equipped with emergency treatment equipment, such as absorbent materials and neutralizers, to deal with possible spills. Relevant transportation regulations and safety standards shall be followed during transportation of liquid caustic soda to ensure safety during transportation.

Safety protection measures

Due to the strong corrosive nature of liquid caustic soda, strict safety precautions must be taken during use and handling. Operators should wear protective gloves, protective glasses, protective clothing and other personal protective equipment to avoid liquid alkali contact with skin and eyes. In case of leakage of liquid caustic soda, the contaminated area shall be immediately flushed with plenty of clean water and neutralized with acidic substances. The workplace should be equipped with emergency flushing equipment and ventilation system to ensure the safety of the operating environment. The storage and use of liquid caustic soda should strictly follow the relevant safety regulations and standards to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

Environmental protection and waste disposal

The use and disposal of liquid caustic soda has a certain impact on the environment, so it is necessary to take appropriate environmental protection measures. The waste liquid of liquid caustic soda shall be discharged after neutralization treatment to avoid environmental pollution caused by direct discharge. When the neutralization waste liquid is treated, an acidic substance such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid may be used to make the pH close to neutral before discharge. Liquid caustic waste shall be treated in accordance with hazardous waste treatment regulations to ensure that its harm to the environment and human health is minimized.

future development trend

With the development of industry and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the production and application of liquid caustic soda are also improving. In the future, the production of liquid caustic soda will pay more attention to improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption and reducing pollution. The application of new electrolysis technology and environmental protection technology will further promote the green and sustainable development of liquid caustic soda production. The application prospect of liquid caustic soda in new materials, new energy and other fields is also very broad, and it is expected that there will be more innovative applications and market demand.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, liquid caustic soda has a wide range of applications and market demand. Its strong alkalinity and strong corrosion determine its important position in various industries, and it also puts forward strict requirements for its production, storage, transportation and use. By continuously optimizing the production process, strengthening safety protection and environmental protection measures, the liquid caustic soda industry will achieve more green and sustainable development in the future.