Caustic Soda Beads, Caustic Soda, Beaded Caustic Soda, Sodium Hydroxide, Prills, Pearls, NaOH, 1310-73-2

Caustic Soda Beads, Beaded Caustic Soda, Caustic Soda Prills, Caustic Soda Pearls, Sodium Hydroxide, 1310-73-2

CAUSTIC SODA PEARLS (SODIUM HYDROXIDE - NaOH)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Na⁺ — OH⁻

Molecular Formula: NaOH
SMILES: [OH-].[Na+]
InChI: InChI=1S/Na.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1
InChIKey: HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Structure: Ionic compound; Sodium cation (Na⁺) and hydroxide anion (OH⁻); Strongly basic character.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: SODIUM HYDROXIDE FORMS COMPARISON

SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHOD (PEARL/PRIL FORM)

Method 1: Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis (Membrane Cell Technology)

Reaction: 2NaCl + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + Cl₂↑ + H₂↑

Description: Refined salt (NaCl) is dissolved in pure water to form saturated brine; The solution is purified to remove impurities (calcium, magnesium); It is sent to electrolysis cells with ion-selective membranes; Direct current is applied; The cell produces 32% liquid caustic soda (NaOH solution); Chlorine gas (Cl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂) are released as by-products.

Method 2: Concentration (Evaporation)

Process: 32% NaOH → 50% NaOH (concentration)

Description: The dilute solution from electrolysis is concentrated in multi-stage vacuum evaporators to remove water, producing 50% concentrated solution; This solution is fed to fusion furnaces (molten salt kettles) for final concentration.

Method 3: Pearlization / Prilling (THE MOST CRITICAL STEP)

Process: Molten NaOH → Dropping → Cooling → Pearls

Description: Molten NaOH (approximately 320-350°C) is dropped downward through special perforated baskets or spraying nozzles at the top of a tall Prilling Tower; The droplets free-fall through a stream of dry and cold air blown upward from the bottom of the tower; During free-fall, the droplets solidify; Due to surface tension, perfectly round pearl (pellet) forms are created; This method produces the highest purity (up to 99%) and lowest moisture content.

Method 4: Cooling and Packaging

Process: Pearls → Cooling → Packaging

Description: Pearls collected at the tower bottom are cooled to ambient temperature in heat exchangers; Due to their hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) nature, they are packaged in special kraft bags with aluminum foil laminate and moisture barriers (typically 25 kg).

By-products: The released Chlorine Gas (Cl₂) is used in PVC and disinfectant production; Hydrogen Gas (H₂) is used for energy generation or hydrogen peroxide production.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS AND DOSAGES

SECTION 8: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY AND QUALITY STANDARDS

Critical Warning: Caustic soda used in food or pharmaceutical industries must be analyzed for heavy metal content (Mercury, Lead, Arsenic).

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosion)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

UN Number: UN 1823 (Sodium hydroxide, solid)
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314). Corrosive substance. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear full protective equipment.

• Causes serious eye damage (H318). Wear chemical splash goggles. In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water and seek immediate medical attention.

• Exothermic dissolution in water. ALWAYS ADD CAUSTIC TO WATER, NEVER ADD WATER TO CAUSTIC. Otherwise, suddenly boiling water may cause corrosive liquid to splash with explosion risk.

• Not flammable but may react with metals (aluminum, zinc, tin, brass) to form hydrogen gas (explosive).

• Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture from air. Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers.

• Reacts with CO₂ – forms sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃). Effectiveness decreases if left open.

• Incompatibilities: Acids (violent exothermic reaction), aluminum (H₂ gas), zinc (H₂ gas), tin (H₂ gas), brass (H₂ gas), strong oxidizing agents.

• Hygiene Requirement: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.

• Food grade (E524) products are still not safe for direct consumption – for processing only.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Solution Preparation (CRITICAL):

• ALWAYS ADD CAUSTIC TO WATER, NEVER ADD WATER TO CAUSTIC.

• Caustic pearls must be added slowly to cold water with stirring.

• Temperature can suddenly rise above 90°C during dissolution.

• Container must be stainless steel (316L) or plastic (glass containers not recommended).

• Use splash shields during mixing (splashing risk).

Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area (<30°C).

• Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (PE-lined bags, HDPE drums).

• Keep away from aluminum, zinc, tin, and brass.

• Store separately from acids.

• Opened bags must be resealed immediately.

• Avoid humid areas.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl, PVC).

• Chemical splash goggles (face shield recommended).

• Acid-resistant protective clothing (special fabric, protective apron).

• NIOSH-approved N95 or higher dust mask.

• Safety shower and eyewash station nearby.

• Closed systems and adequate ventilation.

Hygiene:

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.

• Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

• Shower after handling.

Spill Management:

• Evacuate area; Wear full protective equipment; Ventilate area.

• Sweep or shovel dry (avoid contact with water – exothermic).

• Place in suitable sealed container.

• Neutralize with acid (PPE first!).

• Do not allow entry into drains or waterways.

Disposal:

• Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.

• Work with licensed waste management companies for neutralization and safe disposal.

• Do not discharge to sewers (pH imbalance, environmental hazard).

SPECIAL NOTE ON FOOD GRADE (E524) USE:

Caustic soda pearls are approved as food grade with E524 code:

• Approved Uses: Olive processing (debittering), cocoa alkalization, pretzel/bagel surface glazing, surface treatment of food products.

• Mandatory Purity: Heavy metal content strictly controlled (Pb ≤ 2 ppm, As ≤ 1 ppm, Hg ≤ 0.5 ppm).

• Certifications: FCC (Food Chemicals Codex), E524, ISO 22000, HACCP.

• Post-Processing: After food processing, products must be rinsed at least 3-4 times with drinking water.

• Warning: Not safe for direct consumption – for processing only.

SPECIAL NOTE ON HEAT OF DISSOLUTION CALCULATIONS:

Caustic soda pearls dissolve exothermically in water (releases heat):

• Heat of Dissolution: ~44.5 kJ/mol NaOH (or ~1,100 kJ/kg NaOH).

• Temperature Rise: 1 kg NaOH dissolved in 10 L water raises temperature approximately 25-30°C.

• Practical Effect: Cold water must be used when preparing solutions; Temperature may reach 90°C during mixing; Container must be stainless steel or plastic; Glass containers may break due to thermal shock.

• Safety: ALWAYS ADD CAUSTIC TO WATER, NEVER ADD WATER TO CAUSTIC.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Prior to using any chemical substance, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) must be reviewed and a chemical engineer should be consulted.