Soda Ash

Product Overview

Soda Ash, chemically known as sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), is a white, odorless crystalline powder with high water solubility. This Technical Grade material is produced to tight specifi cations to ensure consistent performance across demanding industrial processes. Typical assay ranges from 99.0 to 100.5 wt% as determined by acid-base titration, with a typical value of 99.6 wt%, confirming its purity for manufacturing and treatment applications. The product is formulated to exhibit low trace impurities and a controlled APHA color (typical 5, max 10) to minimize discoloration risk in downstream processes. Its density at 25°C is approximately 2.53 g/mL, and it decomposes at 851°C, signaling stable handling under standard processing temperatures but requiring appropriate thermal controls at high heat. The material readily dissolves in water, enabling fast pH adjustment and buffering in varied chemical environments.

In application, Soda Ash serves as a foundational chemical for pH control, alkalinity management, and as a fluxing agent in glass manufacturing. Its buffering capacity helps stabilize process streams, while its chemical reactivity with acids provides reliable neutralization and scaling control in water treatment and industrial formulations. The product is supplied in a dry, free-flowing powder suitable for bulk handling, with strict adherence to compounding and process specifications in line with industry standards.

Key Properties

• Property Name: Assay (wt%)
• Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃
• Molecular Weight: 105.99 g/mol
• Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes at 851°C)
• Specific Gravity: 2.53–2.55 at 20°C (typical 2.54)
• Residue After Ignition: 0.15% max (typical 0.10%)
• Chloride (Cl): 150 ppm max (typical 50 ppm)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): 100 ppm max (typical 20 ppm)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): 20 ppm max (typical 5 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): 200 ppm max (typical 50 ppm)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): 50 ppm max (typical 10 ppm)
• Arsenic (As): 0.1 ppm max (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): 0.5 ppm max (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Iron (Fe): 0.2 ppm max (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Copper (Cu): 0.1 ppm max (typical 0.03 ppm)
• Manganese (Mn): 0.1 ppm max (typical 0.03 ppm)
• Nickel (Ni): 0.1 ppm max (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Lead (Pb): 0.5 ppm max (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Zinc (Zn): 1 ppm max (typical 0.3 ppm)
• Aluminum (Al): 0.5 ppm max (typical 0.15 ppm)
• Chromium (Cr): 0.1 ppm max (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Cobalt (Co): 0.1 ppm max (typical 0.02 ppm)
• Calcium (Ca): 2,000 ppm max (typical 500 ppm)
• Magnesium (Mg): 1,000 ppm max (typical 200 ppm)
• Potassium (K): 500 ppm max (typical 100 ppm)
• Sodium (Na): 500 ppm max (typical 100 ppm)

Common Applications

• Glass Manufacturing: Application as a flux to lower the melting point of silica, improving workability and viscosity control in float and container glass production.
• Water Treatment: pH adjustment and buffering to stabilize corrosivity and control scaling, compliant with standard water quality parameters.
• Detergent Production: Builder function to enhance surfactant performance and ionic balance in formulated products.
• Food Processing: pH regulator and stabilizer in select non-pharmaceutical food processing applications requiring inorganic buffering.
• Textile Processing: Dye fixation aid and pH adjuster to maintain fiber integrity and consistent color yield.

Safety Precautions

Handle Soda Ash in a cool, dry environment with appropriate dust control measures. Use PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and dust masks or respirators where dust generation is possible. Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, in HDPE-compatible containers; keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent clumping and dust formation. Avoid contact with acids to prevent exothermic reactions; ensure adequate ventilation to minimize inhalation exposure during handling and transfer.

For exposure and emergency considerations, follow the SDS guidelines: the signal word is WARNING with Eye Irrit. 2 and Skin Irrit. 2 classifications. In case of eye contact, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; for skin irritation, wash with soap and water and seek medical advice if irritation persists. If inhaled, remove to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist; for ingestion, rinse mouth and do not induce vomiting, seeking medical attention if unwell. Transport UN 3262, Sodium Carbonate, Class 8, Packing Group III.

Benefits

✔ High Purity for Industrial Reliability – Maintains consistent performance across glass, water treatment, and detergent applications due to tight assay and low impurity profile.
✔ Controlled Impurity Package – Optimized trace metals and anions (Cl, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻) limits discoloration and process contamination in sensitive operations.