Soda Ash (also known as sodium carbonate), is a mineral compound that has different hydrated structures. All forms of this compound include white, odourless, water-soluble salts that produce moderately alkaline solutions in water.
Soda Ash has many applications in different industries. It is used in the glass industry, soap and detergent production, pharmaceuticals, food preservatives, and adhesives.
Characterization of Soda Ash
Soda Ash is a white, odourless, and granular powder with a pH of around 11. It is soluble in water and forms an alkaline solution. Soda Ash is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. Soda Ash specifications are:
- Its molar mass is 105.99 g. mol-1.
- Its melting point is 851 ℃.
- Its boiling point is 1600 ℃.
- Its density is 2.53 g/cm³.
Types of soda ash
Soda ash is the commercial name of sodium carbonate, with the chemical formula Na2CO3. It is the water-soluble sodium salt of carbonic acid. Soda ash is divided into two categories in terms of specifications: Soda ash dense and Soda ash light. The main difference between dense and light soda ash is in the density and type of use. Particle size is also different in these two types.
Soda ash dense
The density of Soda ash dense is about 1000 kilogram per cubic meter, and the granule size is about 300 to 500 micrometers. This type of soda ash is used in the glass industry, water purification, and soap production.
Soda ash light
Soda ash light has smaller grains than the dense. The density of light soda ash is about 500 Kilogram per cubic meter, and the granule size is nearly 100 micrometers. This type of soda ash contains 0.5% sodium chloride and is used as a pH regulator in the chemical industry. It is also suitable for the production of household chemicals and detergents.
Applications of Soda ash
Soda ash is one of the most important materials in different industries. Some applications of this product include:
Glass manufacturing industry
Soda ash acts as a flux for the silica and raises the melting point of the mixture to a level that can be achieved without the need for special materials.
Chemical industry
Both light and dense types of soda ash are useful for the chemical industry.
Paper and pulp production
Soda ash acts as a type of pH regulator in the production of paper and pulp.
Textile industry
Soda ash acts as an anti-acid in silk production.
Water treatment
Soda ash is used to remove the temporary and permanent hardness of water.
Food additives
Soda ash is used in the food industry as a food additive, as an acidity regulator, anticoagulant, and stabilizer.
Soda ash production
Soda ash is produced on an industrial scale through the Solvay process using limestone (calcium carbonate), ammonia and salt (sodium chloride). According to the reactions below, the raw materials are used and Soda ash is produced:
CaCO3 -> CO2 + CaO
2NH4Cl + CaO + 2NH3 -> CaCl2 + H2O
2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
Soda ash storage
Soda ash should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated facility away from incompatible materials such as acids. Other storage conditions include:
- Soda ash should be stored in an area away from acids and humidity.
- The storage temperature of this product is in the range of 20 – 25 °C.
- It is necessary to use air conveying systems for bulk transfer of Soda ash.
ArChem provides Soda Ash and other raw chemical materials such as Sodium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, and Ammonium Chloride for various industrial applications. We provide customers with the best quality raw chemical materials and competitive prices on the market.Please contact us for a price quote, to request detailed product information and specifications, or to have a sales representative call or visit.
Soda Ash Health Hazards
Although Soda Ash is considered non-toxic, it can irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled. Handling soda ash can also irritate the skin. Soda ash is an alkaline material that can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.
Operators should wash their hands before breaks and after work. they should use personal protective equipment and wear chemical impermeable gloves when handling soda ash to avoid contact with the body, skin, and eyes.
FAQ
What is Soda ash?
Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Na2CO3. It is a salt that contains sodium cation (Na+) and carbonate anion (CO32-). Soda ash has a high solubility in water, which makes it an excellent cleaning agent.
What are the other names of Soda ash?
Other names of Soda ash are washing soda and soda crystals.
What is the price of Soda Ash?
ArChem Soda ash can be purchased in a variety of volumes. Depending on your orders, Prices are different. for more information, please contact our technical sales team in ArChem.
What is Soda Ash used for?
Soda Ash is used in the manufacture of glass, detergents, lithium-based batteries, pharmaceuticals, etc.