Specification parameters

Essential information

Soda ash, scientific name sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, rock alkali, and detergent alkali, belongs to the category of salts. Sodium carbonate, which contains ten crystal waters, is a colorless crystal. The crystal water is unstable and easily weathered, turning into a white powder Na2CO3. It is a strong electrolyte with salt like properties and thermal stability, easily soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is alkaline. The aqueous solution of sodium carbonate is strongly alkaline (pH=11.6) and has a certain degree of corrosiveness. It can undergo metathesis reactions with acids and also with some calcium and barium salts. There are three types of sodium carbonate containing crystal water: Na2CO3 · H2O, Na2CO3 · 7H2O, and Na2CO3 · 10H2O.
Strong stability, but can also decompose at high temperatures, producing sodium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Long term exposure to air can absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, generate sodium bicarbonate, and form hard lumps.
The crystalline hydrate of sodium carbonate, caustic soda (Na2CO3 · 10H2O), is prone to weathering in dry air.

Application area 

Main use: It is one of the important chemical raw materials used in the production of chemicals, cleaning agents, detergents, as well as in photography and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Packaging, Storage, Transportation, and Safety

Precautions: Closed operation, strengthen ventilation. Operators must undergo specialized training and strictly adhere to operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter dust masks, chemical safety goggles, anti toxic work clothes, and rubber gloves. Avoid generating dust. Avoid contact with acids. Handle with care during transportation to prevent damage to packaging and containers. Equip with emergency response equipment for leaks. Empty containers may contain residual harmful substances. When diluting or preparing a solution, alkali should be added to water to avoid boiling and splashing.
Storage precautions: Store in a cool and ventilated warehouse. Stay away from sources of fire and heat. It should be stored separately from acids and avoid mixing storage. The storage area should be equipped with suitable materials to contain leaked materials.
Transportation precautions: The packaging should be intact and the loading should be secure during shipment. During transportation, it is necessary to ensure that the container does not leak, collapse, fall, or be damaged. It is strictly prohibited to mix and transport with acids, edible chemicals, etc. During transportation, it should be protected from direct sunlight, rain, and high temperatures. The vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned after transportation.

Hazard category:

Health hazards: This product is irritating and corrosive. Direct contact can cause skin and eye burns. Inhaling its dust and smoke during production can cause respiratory irritation and conjunctivitis, as well as nasal mucosal ulcers, atrophy, and nasal septum perforation. Long term exposure to this product solution can cause eczema, dermatitis, corns ulcers, and skin laxity. The incidence rate of respiratory diseases among workers exposed to this product increased. Accidental ingestion can cause gastrointestinal burns, mucosal erosion, bleeding, and shock.
Explosive hazard: This product is non flammable, corrosive, and irritating, and can cause burns to the human body.

Emergency measures

Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of flowing water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Eye contact: Immediately lift the eyelids and thoroughly rinse with plenty of flowing water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Remove from the scene to a place with fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and drink milk or egg whites. Seek medical attention.

Fire protection measures

Hazardous characteristics: Corrosive. There are no special combustion or explosion characteristics.
Harmful combustion products: Unknown natural decomposition products.
Firefighting method: Firefighters must wear full body acid and alkali resistant firefighting suits. When extinguishing a fire, try to move the container from the fire scene to an open area as much as possible.
Part 6: Emergency Response to Leakage -
Emergency response: Isolate the contaminated area and restrict access. It is recommended that emergency responders wear dust masks (full face shields) and gas protective clothing. Avoid dust, sweep up carefully, place in a bag and transfer to a safe place. If there is a large leakage, cover it with plastic cloth or canvas. Collect, recycle or transport to waste disposal sites for disposal.