Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, has extensive applications in various industries. You might find it interesting to know why industries need sodium hydroxide and whether there are better alternatives to this chemical. Maintaining cleanliness and degreasing is crucial for a healthy and efficient environment in homes, industries, and laboratories. Among all the available cleaning agents, sodium hydroxide has more significant advantages and cleaning power. Therefore, in this article, we will explore the exceptional properties of sodium hydroxide and its applications in the world of cleaning and degreasing in industries. Stay with Arax Chemistry.
What is Sodium Hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide is an alkaline compound widely used in various applications in industry. It has a very high ability to decompose various greases, fats, oils, and organic materials, making it an excellent choice for large-scale cleaning and purification operations. But why is sodium hydroxide commonly used for degreasing? This question will be explored in detail below.
Why is Sodium Hydroxide Used for Cleaning in Industries?
The use of sodium hydroxide for degreasing and cleaning in industries is more common than other chemical agents due to the following reasons:
High Grease Dissolving Power
One of the most essential properties of sodium hydroxide is its ability to dissolve grease. In various industries, grease is used to lubricate machine parts. This material contains a lot of fat and contamination, so it needs to be periodically cleaned and re-lubricated. Sodium hydroxide performs excellently in dissolving and emulsifying industrial grease and oils and can eliminate the most challenging greasy deposits in a very short time, cleaning the work environment.
Alkalinity (High pH)
Sodium hydroxide is a solid alkaline substance, which is why it can convert various fats into soap. After fats are converted to soap, dissolving the soap in water becomes very easy, further assisting in cleaning.
High Versatility
You can use sodium hydroxide to clean various surfaces and tools. You just need to know the appropriate concentration for cleaning the surface or tool you have in mind, and then you can start your work.
Applications of Sodium Hydroxide in Industry
Here are the most essential and well-known applications of sodium hydroxide as a degreaser in industries:
Cleaning Various Ovens, Stoves, and Thermal Cooking Equipment
In industrial kitchens and bakeries, a lot of grease and carbon deposits accumulate around the stove and cooking equipment. You can use sodium hydroxide to break down and dissolve these stubborn deposits.
Degreasing Pipes and Tanks
In industries dealing with oil and petroleum, there are many challenges with greasy pipes and tanks. Therefore, sodium hydroxide is used in these industries to clean and degrease critical components and improve pipe performance.
Maintenance and Repair of Machinery
As you know, the accumulation of grease in machinery can lead to the buildup of various contaminants and other deposits. Therefore, manufacturing plants use sodium hydroxide for cleaning to increase the lifespan of their machines.
Household Applications of Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is not only used in industries but also has many applications in homes and smaller environments. The most crucial household applications of sodium hydroxide include:
Cleaning Sewage Pipes and Removing Clogs
A sodium hydroxide solution is used to remove clogs and blockages in household sewage pipes.
Degreasing Ovens and Stoves
Sodium hydroxide can be used to eliminate spilled grease and dirt resulting from cooking.
Safety Measures for Using Sodium Hydroxide in Industries
As much as sodium hydroxide can remove the toughest greases and contaminants, skin contact and inhalation of its vapor can also be harmful to humans and other living beings. Therefore, when using it, it is essential to wear all protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks, and ensure that the environment is well-ventilated.
Usage Method and Concentration for Cleaning and Degreasing in Industries
The method of using sodium hydroxide and the concentration for cleaning and degreasing vary based on the application and the surface in question. Generally, the concentration of this substance in industries is expressed in terms of weight per volume (grams per liter). Below are examples of the concentrations of sodium hydroxide solutions used in industries:
- Degreasing Industrial Equipment
In industrial environments, a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 5-10% W/V (weight/volume) or approximately 50-100 grams per liter is commonly used for degreasing machinery and heavy equipment. - Cleaning Industrial Ovens and Grills
A concentrated sodium hydroxide solution is used to break down tough grease and carbon deposits in ovens, stoves, and industrial grills. The concentration of this solution is usually 20% weight/volume or 200 grams per liter or higher. - Cleaning Pipes and Drainage Systems
Industrial pipes and drainage systems often face organic material deposits. A sodium hydroxide solution with concentrations between 10-30% weight/volume or 100 to 300 grams per liter is used to clean these pipes. - Degreasing Surfaces
In industries, various surfaces such as floors, walls, and tables become contaminated at short intervals. A sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 1-5% weight/volume or 10 to 50 grams per liter is used to clean dirt and grease from these surfaces. - Cleaning Automotive Parts
Sodium hydroxide is widely used in the automotive industry. This substance is used to remove grease, oil, and grime from engine components with a concentration of 5-15% weight/volume or 50 to 150 grams per liter. - Cleaning and Etching Aluminum
To remove oxides and contaminants during the cleaning and etching processes of aluminum, a sodium hydroxide degreasing solution with a concentration of 2-5% weight/volume or 20 to 50 grams per liter is used. - Cleaning Laboratory Glassware
Cleanliness and purity are essential in laboratories. To clean glassware and remove organic residues, a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 1-2% weight/volume or 10 to 20 grams per liter can be used.
Purchasing the Best Sodium Hydroxide for IndustriesSo far, we have understood that sodium hydroxide is one of the most critical and essential cleaning components in various industries. However, it is crucial to note that the quality of this material depends on various factors. Therefore, when purchasing sodium hydroxide, you should consider multiple aspects.
Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting and buying sodium hydroxide:
Purity Percentage of Sodium Hydroxide
The first and most crucial factor to consider is the purity percentage of sodium hydroxide. The higher the purity of this substance, the lower the impurities, which means it can perform better in cleaning and removing grease.
Form of Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is produced in various forms, such as powder, pearls, and liquid. The choice of the form depends on the application and the surface you want to clean. For example, powdered and pearl forms are typically used for large-scale industrial cleaning due to more accessible transport and the ability to clean a large area of grease with a single packet.
Certifications and Standards
Before purchasing sodium hydroxide, check if the manufacturer complies with international standards and certifications. If the manufacturer adheres to all necessary standards and certifications, it indicates that the production process of this product maintains the highest safety and quality.
Environmental Impact
The less environmental footprint a caustic soda manufacturer leaves during the production process, the better option it is for purchase. It is advisable to look for a manufacturer committed to environmental preservation and use appropriate strategies for waste disposal and reduction before buying sodium hydroxide.
Reliability of the Sodium Hydroxide Manufacturer
Reliability refers to the timely delivery of sodium hydroxide and its supply in the required quantity. Before purchasing sodium hydroxide, research the manufacturer’s track record for timely delivery of high-volume products, as timely cleaning is always crucial in industries.
last word
One of the many capabilities of sodium hydroxide in industries is the ability to clean various greases and oils in the shortest time possible. This substance is used for degreasing pipes and tanks, maintaining machinery, and cleaning various ovens, stoves, and thermal cooking equipment due to its high grease-dissolving power, alkaline pH, and high versatility. When selecting and purchasing sodium hydroxide, it is essential to pay attention to important factors such as cost, purity, product form, certifications, environmental impacts, and the supplier’s reliability.
At Arax Chemistry, we have achieved customer satisfaction by producing sodium hydroxide with a 99% concentration and offering this product at a competitive price. Additionally, by utilizing the latest technologies, employing skilled personnel, providing daily support and responsiveness, and delivering products through various land, rail, and sea methods while adhering to necessary standards, we have maintained the highest level of quality in our products and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the role of caustic soda in industrial cleaning processes?
Since this substance dissolves fats, protein deposits, and oils, it is added to water and then slightly heated for use in cleaning equipment, storage tanks, surfaces, etc. - What is the shelf life of a caustic soda solution?
Liquid sodium hydroxide typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, while flake or solid caustic soda lasts about 2 to 3 years if stored properly. Regular inspection is crucial to ensure