Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5%

Product Overview

Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% (NaOCl) is a high-strength oxidizing and disinfecting agent widely used across industrial water treatment, municipal sanitation, and commercial cleaning applications. This concentrated solution delivers powerful antimicrobial and oxidative performance for demanding environments requiring reliable disinfection, organic matter oxidation, and microbial control. As a chemical distributor, Alliance Chemical supplies industrial-grade sodium hypochlorite sourced from established North American manufacturers maintaining consistent quality standards.

The 12.5% concentration represents an industrial-strength formulation that balances effective oxidative capacity with practical handling characteristics. Produced through electrochemical chlor-alkali processes, this solution provides the active chlorine content necessary for large-scale treatment operations while maintaining stability during storage and transport. According to supplier documentation, this material is produced in accordance with NSF/ANSI 60 standards for drinking water treatment chemicals, with compliance documentation available upon request.

The hypochlorite ion (OCl⁻) in solution acts as a potent oxidizer, effectively disrupting cellular structures in microorganisms and breaking down organic compounds through oxidative degradation. This fundamental chemistry makes sodium hypochlorite one of the most versatile and widely-adopted disinfection chemicals across municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors globally.

Technical Specifications

• Chemical Formula: NaOCl
• CAS Number: 7681-52-9
• Concentration: 12.5% (Trade Strength)
• Available Chlorine: 12-13% typical
• Molecular Weight: 74.44 g/mol
• Specific Gravity: 1.16-1.20 at 20°C
• pH: 12-13 (highly alkaline)
• Appearance: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow liquid
• Odor: Characteristic chlorine odor
• Boiling Point: ~40°C (begins decomposition)
• Freezing Point: Approximately -6°C
• Solubility: Completely miscible with water
• Vapor Pressure: Similar to water at ambient temperature
• Stability: Degrades with heat, light, and time; requires proper storage

Industrial and Municipal Applications

Municipal Water Treatment and Disinfection

Sodium hypochlorite 12.5% is extensively used in municipal drinking water treatment plants as a primary or secondary disinfectant. Water treatment facilities rely on this solution to achieve effective inactivation of bacteria, viruses, protozoan cysts, and other pathogenic microorganisms throughout the distribution system. The 12.5% concentration allows for precise dosing control through automated feed systems, maintaining consistent free chlorine residuals that meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Unlike gas chlorine, liquid sodium hypochlorite eliminates the safety hazards associated with pressurized chlorine gas cylinders, making it the preferred choice for small to medium-sized water utilities and facilities in populated areas where gas chlorine storage presents unacceptable risks. Many municipalities have converted from gas chlorine to sodium hypochlorite systems to improve operator safety and reduce regulatory compliance burdens.

Wastewater Treatment and Effluent Disinfection

Wastewater treatment plants utilize sodium hypochlorite for final effluent disinfection before discharge into receiving waters. The oxidative power effectively reduces fecal coliform counts, total coliform bacteria, and other indicator organisms to meet NPDES permit limits. The 12.5% concentration provides sufficient strength for large-flow treatment while allowing for controllable dosing based on effluent quality and seasonal variations in microbial loading.

Sodium hypochlorite also serves in odor control applications at wastewater facilities, oxidizing hydrogen sulfide and other reduced sulfur compounds that cause nuisance odors. Applied in collection systems, pump stations, and headworks, it helps facilities maintain good neighbor relations and comply with air quality regulations.

Industrial Cooling Tower Treatment

Cooling towers in power generation, petrochemical, manufacturing, and HVAC systems use sodium hypochlorite for biological fouling control. Regular application prevents biofilm formation, algae growth, and bacterial colonization including Legionella species that pose health risks and reduce heat transfer efficiency. The oxidizing action disrupts microbial cell walls and degrades extracellular polymeric substances that anchor biofilms to tower surfaces.

The 12.5% solution integrates easily with automated chemical feed systems, allowing for continuous low-level dosing or periodic shock treatments depending on system design and water quality parameters. Proper application helps maintain clean heat exchange surfaces, reduces corrosion risks, and extends equipment service life while minimizing water consumption through improved cycles of concentration.

Food and Beverage Processing Sanitation

Food processing facilities, beverage bottling plants, and commercial kitchens use diluted sodium hypochlorite solutions for equipment sanitization, surface disinfection, and clean-in-place (CIP) systems. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity makes it effective against bacteria, viruses, molds, and yeasts that can contaminate food products or cause spoilage. When properly diluted and applied, sodium hypochlorite provides rapid microbial kill rates with relatively short contact times.

The chemical is particularly valuable in dairy processing, meat and poultry operations, produce washing systems, and beverage production where sanitary conditions are critical for product safety and shelf life. Proper rinsing after application ensures no residual chlorine taste or odor in finished products.

Healthcare and Institutional Facilities

Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and commercial buildings utilize sodium hypochlorite for surface disinfection, laundry sanitization, and restroom cleaning. Diluted solutions effectively inactivate healthcare-associated pathogens including MRSA, C. difficile spores, norovirus, and other resistant organisms. The EPA-registered antimicrobial properties make properly diluted sodium hypochlorite acceptable for use in patient care areas when applied according to facility protocols.

Swimming Pool and Spa Treatment

Aquatic facilities use sodium hypochlorite as an alternative to calcium hypochlorite or stabilized chlorine products for maintaining free chlorine residuals. The liquid form allows for automated dosing through chemical controllers, simplifying operations for commercial pools, water parks, and spa facilities. Unlike calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite does not contribute to calcium hardness buildup or require dissolution before application.

Pulp and Paper Processing

The pulp and paper industry uses sodium hypochlorite in bleaching sequences to brighten wood pulp and remove lignin residues. The oxidative bleaching action helps achieve desired brightness levels in paper products while maintaining fiber strength. Some operations also use it for system cleaning and biofilm control in whitewater systems.

Textile Processing and Bleaching

Textile manufacturers apply sodium hypochlorite in bleaching operations to remove natural coloration from cotton and other cellulosic fibers. The controlled oxidation whitens fabrics while preparing them for dyeing or finishing processes. Proper concentration control and temperature management prevent fiber damage during bleaching cycles.

Chemical Manufacturing and Synthesis

Chemical plants use sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizing reagent in various synthesis pathways and intermediate production. The compound serves in chlorination reactions, oxidation processes, and as a source of active chlorine for producing other chlorinated compounds. Its liquid form simplifies handling compared to gaseous chlorine in many process applications.

Dosing and Application Guidelines

Proper dosing of sodium hypochlorite 12.5% depends on application type, water quality parameters, contact time, and desired chlorine residual. Water treatment applications typically require 1-10 mg/L free chlorine residual, achieved through metered dosing based on flow rates and chlorine demand. Cooling towers generally operate with 0.5-2.0 mg/L free halogen residuals for biological control.

Surface disinfection applications require dilution to 50-1000 ppm (0.005%-0.1%) depending on target organisms and contact time specifications. Food contact surfaces typically use 50-200 ppm solutions with appropriate contact times per FDA and USDA guidelines. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements for specific applications.

Chemical feed equipment should be constructed of materials compatible with sodium hypochlorite including PVC, CPVC, HDPE, fiberglass, or certain grades of stainless steel. Avoid carbon steel, copper, brass, and aluminum which corrode rapidly in contact with sodium hypochlorite. Metering pumps should be sized for actual chlorine demand plus safety factor to accommodate peak loading conditions.

Storage and Handling Requirements

Sodium hypochlorite 12.5% requires careful storage to maintain strength and prevent premature degradation. Store in opaque, chemical-resistant containers made of HDPE, fiberglass, or rubber-lined steel in cool, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideal storage temperatures range from 15-25°C (60-77°F); higher temperatures accelerate decomposition significantly.

Use secondary containment systems sized to hold 110% of the largest container volume to prevent environmental releases in case of leaks or spills. Storage areas should have adequate ventilation to prevent chlorine gas accumulation from decomposition. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and protect from freezing which can cause container failure.

Sodium hypochlorite naturally degrades over time, losing approximately 0.5-1.0% available chlorine per month under ideal storage conditions. Higher temperatures, light exposure, and contamination accelerate decomposition. Rotate stock using first-in-first-out inventory management and test chlorine strength regularly to ensure effective dosing.

Never mix sodium hypochlorite with acids, ammonia-containing products, or organic chemicals. Contact with acids produces toxic chlorine gas. Mixing with ammonia creates chloramines and other hazardous compounds. Store away from incompatible materials and maintain clear separation in chemical storage areas.

Safety Precautions and PPE Requirements

Sodium hypochlorite 12.5% is a corrosive, oxidizing liquid requiring comprehensive safety measures. All personnel handling this chemical must wear appropriate personal protective equipment including:

• Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or full face shield to prevent eye contact
• Hand Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves resistant to alkaline solutions
• Body Protection: Chemical-resistant apron or coveralls to prevent skin contact
• Foot Protection: Chemical-resistant boots, especially when handling bulk quantities
• Respiratory Protection: In poorly ventilated areas or during spills, use appropriate respiratory protection

Work areas must be equipped with emergency eyewash stations and safety showers within 10 seconds travel time per ANSI Z358.1 standards. Maintain spill response kits containing absorbent materials, neutralizing agents, and containment supplies appropriate for sodium hypochlorite.

In case of skin contact, immediately flush affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. For eye contact, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and drink water or milk, then seek immediate medical care. Inhalation of chlorine gas from decomposition or accidental mixing requires immediate fresh air exposure and medical evaluation.

Transport sodium hypochlorite according to DOT regulations as a Class 8 corrosive liquid. Shipping papers, placarding, and container specifications must comply with 49 CFR transportation requirements.

Quality Assurance and Documentation

Alliance Chemical supplies sodium hypochlorite 12.5% with complete documentation supporting quality and regulatory compliance. Each shipment includes Safety Data Sheets (SDS) prepared according to OSHA HazCom and GHS requirements. Certificates of Analysis are available upon request showing actual tested parameters including available chlorine content, specific gravity, and other key specifications.

Our suppliers maintain quality management systems and provide materials meeting AWWA B300 standards for sodium hypochlorite used in water treatment. For applications requiring NSF/ANSI 60 certification for drinking water treatment chemicals, supplier documentation is available to support compliance verification.

Why Choose Alliance Chemical for Sodium Hypochlorite?

As an established chemical distributor serving industrial and municipal customers, Alliance Chemical provides reliable access to industrial-grade sodium hypochlorite 12.5% from quality manufacturers. We maintain consistent inventory levels to meet ongoing customer needs and offer flexible packaging options from drums to bulk tanker quantities for large-volume users.

Our team understands the critical nature of water treatment and sanitation chemicals and works to ensure product availability, proper documentation, and responsive customer service. We provide technical product information, safety resources, and support to help customers use sodium hypochlorite safely and effectively in their operations.

Ordering Information

Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% available in multiple packaging configurations including 5-gallon pails, 15-gallon drums, 55-gallon drums, 275-gallon totes, and bulk tanker delivery for qualifying customers. Contact Alliance Chemical for current pricing, minimum order quantities, delivery schedules, and volume discounts for contract customers.

Alliance Chemical, Inc.
Phone: 512-365-6838

Fax: 512-365-6833

Email: sales@alliancechemical.com

Web: www.alliancechemical.com