Sodium Metabisulfite - Technical Grade

Product Overview

Sodium Metabisulfite – Technical Grade (Na₂S₂O₅), also known as SMBS or Sodium Pyrosulfite, is a white crystalline powder utilized as a reducing agent and antioxidant in industrial applications. Its primary function involves the dechlorination of process water and wastewater, where it effectively neutralizes residual chlorine to prevent oxidative damage to downstream equipment, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes. This grade offers a high assay (typically 98%) and low impurity profile, ensuring consistent reaction stoichiometry in chemical processing.

In addition to water treatment, this technical grade chemical acts as an oxygen scavenger in oilfield recovery and boiler water systems. It serves as an essential component in photographic developing solutions and functions as an antichlor in textile bleaching processes. The product is strictly manufactured to control heavy metals and particulates, providing a free-flowing powder that dissolves rapidly in water for easy integration into dosing systems.

Key Properties

• Chemical Name: Sodium Metabisulfite
• Grade: Technical Grade (USP-NF Conformance)
• Formula: Na₂S₂O₅
• CAS Number: 7681-57-4
• Assay: 95.0% – 100.0% (Typical 98.0%)
• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Solubility: Soluble in water (forms acidic solution)
• Molecular Weight: 190.11 g/mol
• Specific Gravity: 1.48 - 1.52
• Iron (Fe): Max 0.5 ppm
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): Max 0.5 ppm

Common Applications

• Water Treatment: Used for the dechlorination of municipal and industrial wastewater and as an oxygen scavenger in boiler water systems.
• Reverse Osmosis Protection: Neutralizes chlorine and oxidants to prevent degradation of polyamide RO membranes.
• Photography: Essential ingredient in developing solutions to prevent oxidation of developer agents.
• Textile Industry: Acts as an antichlor agent following bleaching processes and serves as a reducing agent in dye solubilization.
• Mining & Ore Processing: Functions as a depressant in the flotation process for separating minerals.
• Chemical Synthesis: Utilized as a general reducing agent in the production of acrylic resins and other organic compounds.

Safety & Handling

Sodium Metabisulfite is corrosive and can release sulfur dioxide gas if in contact with acids. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a respiratory mask to avoid dust inhalation. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from water, moisture, and incompatible materials like strong acids and oxidizers. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and caking.

Shipping Information: UN 3260, Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Sodium Metabisulfite), Class 8, PG III.

Benefits

• High Purity: Minimum 95% assay ensures efficiency and minimizes chemical waste.
• Rapid Solubility: Dissolves quickly in water for immediate availability in aqueous systems.
• Versatile Reductant: Effective across multiple industries from water treatment to mining.
• Controlled Impurities: Low iron and heavy metal content prevents contamination in sensitive processes.

Related Products

• Sodium Metabisulfite - ACS Grade
• Sodium Metabisulfite - Food Grade