Supplier of Sodium sulphate from Dubai

Sodium Sulphate

OVERVIEW OF SODIUM SULPHATE

Sodium sulphate, commonly referred to as sulfate of soda, is an inorganic compound characterized by the chemical formula Na2SO4, with various hydrates also present. In its diverse forms, these white solid substances exhibit high solubility in water. Sodium sulfate is a white, crystalline compound with the chemical formula Na2SO4. It is a salt that consists of sodium ions (Na+) and sulfate ions (SO4^2-). Sodium sulfate occurs naturally in some minerals and is also produced synthetically on a large scale. There are two main forms of sodium sulfate: anhydrous (without water) and decahydrate (with ten water molecules), commonly known as Glauber’s salt.

Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous is an industrial chemical made up of the elements sodium, sulfur, and oxygen. It has the appearance of a white crystalline solid. It is odorless and hygroscopic. It is insoluble in ethanol and soluble in water. glycerol, and hydrogen lodide. Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous is also known as thenardite and its chemical formula is Na2SO4. This chemical has many industrial uses but it is most popularly used in the soaps and detergents industries.

Sodium sulfate, also known as sulfate of soda or salt cake, is a naturally occurring mineral compound. This compound consists of sodium and sulfate ions with the chemical formula Na2SO4. In its anhydrous form, it is a white crystalline solid, and in its decahydrate form, known as Glauber’s salt, it consists of colorless or white monoclinic crystals. Due to its high solubility and its wide applications in various industries, this substance has received much attention. It is chemically very stable.

TYPES OF SODIUM SULFATE

This composition is divided into two natural and synthetic types:

Natural: This type is obtained from natural crystalline deposits and salt water found in areas such as Texas and California. It is also found in salt lakes such as Utah’s Great Salt Lake.

Synthetic: This type is recycled as a by-product of various production processes. Synthetic sodium sulfate also has similar uses to its natural type.

SODIUM SULFATE PRODUCTION METHODS

It is produced in large quantities through two main methods: evaporation of natural minerals and chemical reaction.

1- Through the evaporation of natural minerals : One of the main methods of producing this substance is through the evaporation of natural minerals such as mirabilite and thenardite minerals. In this process, the following steps are performed:

Extraction of minerals: Minerals containing sodium sulfate are extracted from the ground.
Drying: The extracted minerals are dried to reduce their moisture content.
Processing: The dried material is processed to remove impurities.
Purification: The purified product is used as a raw material for various applications.

2- through chemical reaction : Another production method is through the reaction of sodium chloride (common salt) and sulfuric acid. This method includes the following steps:

Reaction: Sodium chloride reacts with sulfuric acid.
Products: As a result of this reaction, sodium sulfate and hydrochloric acid are produced.
Efficiency: This reaction is very efficient and usually produces a high yield of sodium sulfate.

APPLICATIONS OF SODIUM SULFATE

Sodium sulfate finds widespread utility across various industrial processes. Its applications span the manufacturing of detergents, glass, and textiles. In laboratory settings, sodium sulfate acts as a proficient drying agent or desiccant. Additionally, in the medical field, it serves as a laxative. The historical use of Glauber’s salt, the decahydrate form of sodium sulfate, reflects its application as a general-purpose laxative.

Key properties and uses of sodium sulfate include:

Solubility: Sodium sulfate is soluble in water, and its solubility increases with temperature.
Hydrated Form: The decahydrate form of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4·10H2O) is a common crystalline substance known as Glauber’s salt. This hydrated form is used in various industrial applications.
Detergent Industry: Sodium sulfate is often used in the detergent industry, particularly in powdered laundry detergents. It helps control the viscosity of the detergent slurry.
Chemical Manufacturing: It serves as a raw material in the production of various chemicals, including sodium sulfide, sodium silicate, and other sodium compounds.
Textile and Leather Processing: Beyond dyeing, sodium sulfate is applied in processes like desizing in the textile and leather industries, involving the removal of sizing agents from fabrics.
Paper Industry: It is employed in the paper industry for Kraft pulping and paperboard manufacturing.
Water Treatment: Sodium sulfate is sometimes used in water treatment processes to remove calcium and magnesium ions, preventing the buildup of scale.
Laboratory Reagent: In laboratories, sodium sulfate can be used as a drying agent for organic liquids.
Glass Industry: Sodium sulfate serves as a fining agent in the glass industry, helping eliminate small air bubbles from molten glass, thereby enhancing the clarity of the final glass product.
Oil Recovery: Sodium sulfate is utilized in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, modifying water salinity to improve the efficiency of water flooding processes and aid in oil recovery.
Food Additive: While less common, sodium sulfate can function as a firming agent in specific food products, contributing to texture maintenance.
Deicing Agent: In certain conditions, sodium sulfate is employed as a deicing agent on roads, playing a role in preventing ice formation, although it is not as widely used as other deicing salts.

While sodium sulfate is generally considered safe, it’s essential to handle it with care and follow proper safety guidelines, especially in industrial settings.

USES OF SODIUM SULFATE

Until the 1900s, sodium sulfate crystals were known as an all-purpose laxative and were used in reaction with potassium or potassium carbonate. In the 18th century, Glauber’s salt was used as a raw material for the industrial production of soda ash. As the demand for soda ash increased in the 19th century, the Leblanc process, which produced synthetic sodium sulfate, became the main method of producing soda ash. Today, this material has many uses in the industry, and in the following content we mention the main uses of this valuable material in the industry.

SANITATY INDUSTRY IN DETERGETS

This compound is used in the production of detergents, including laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other household cleaning products. This compound acts as a filler or diluent, helping to increase product volume and reduce costs. In addition, it helps to adjust the pH level of detergents and makes them more effective.

GLASS INDUSTRY

This compound is used as a flux to lower the melting point of raw materials used in glass making.

TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Filler and component in the dyeing process: It is used as a filler in the dyeing process of textile materials. This combination helps to adjust the viscosity of the dye bath and improve the color stability of the fabric.

MINERAL PROCESSING

Mineral Separation: In mineral processing, it acts as a flotation agent and helps separate valuable minerals from unwanted minerals. Also, it is used to prevent clumping of materials and improve the flow properties of powders and granules.

RECYCLING OF LITHIUM BATTERIES

In the recycling process of lithium batteries, it is produced in large volume as a side product. This process is carried out by hydrometallurgy, which involves the use of aqueous chemistry to recover metals from ores, concentrates and recycled materials. During this process, lithium batteries are subjected to a series of chemical reactions by means of aqueous solutions. One of the reagents used in this process is sulfuric acid. When sulfuric acid is used to wash metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from used batteries, it reacts with existing sodium compounds and sodium sulfate is produced as a byproduct. This recycling process is very important as an effective way to recycle and reuse valuable materials in lithium batteries.

In the lithium battery recycling process, Sodium sulphate is commonly generated as a byproduct in significant quantities during the hydrometallurgical procedure. Hydrometallurgy employs aqueous chemistry to extract metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled materials. In the recycling of lithium batteries, a series of chemical reactions takes place using aqueous solutions, with sulfuric acid being a common reagent. When sulfuric acid is applied to leach metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent batteries, it reacts with sodium compounds in the batteries, resulting in the formation of sodium sulfate as a byproduct. The creation of sodium sulfate is categorized as a waste byproduct since it does not play a direct role in recovering battery metals. Its substantial presence poses challenges for sustainable resource management. Currently, methods for the sustainable utilization or management of this byproduct have not been demonstrated, leading companies to dispose of tens of thousands of tons of waste sodium sulfate into landfills and, in some instances, directly into the ocean. Both disposal methods carry environmental hazards. Advanced battery recycling technologies, such as electro-hydrometallurgy, circumvent the production of sodium sulfate as a byproduct, mitigating both significant waste and the associated emissions from consumed chemicals.

FOOD INDUSTRY

Flow agent and anti-boiling agent: Sodium sulfate is used in the food industry as a flow agent and an anti-boiling agent. Also, it is used as a food additive to improve the texture and taste of some food products.

OTHER USESE OF SODIUM SULFATE

This compound is also used in creating Glauber’s salt as a laxative to remove some drugs, de-icing windows, carpet deodorizers, starch production, photographic paper and animal feed. In the end, RAHA Oil Co, the manufacturer of sodium sulfate, is trying to bring you quality products by providing quality products.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SODIUM SULFATE

Comprising two sodium ions and one sulfate ion, sodium sulfate exhibits distinctive characteristics. With a melting point of 884 degrees Celsius, it appears as a white crystalline solid in its anhydrous form. Alternatively, as Glauber’s salt in its decahydrate state, sodium sulfate presents itself in colorless or white monoclinic crystals.

IS SODIUM SULFATE ANHYDROUS SAFE?

Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous is generally considered unsafe because the chemical is toxic. Exposure to this chemical can have acute health effects. According to the MSDS of Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous, it can be hazardous in case of eye contact. It is slightly hazardous in case of skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Proper storage and disposal of Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous needs to be taken into consideration in order to avoid any unwanted effects.

WHICH COUNTRIES MANUFACTURE SODIUM SULFATE IN BULK?

The consumption of Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous has increased dramatically across the world, especially in the developing countries. Therefore, its huge demand has led to a surge in companies that produce it. The main producers of Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous are:

China
Turkey
India
Germany
United States of America
United Kingdom

HANDLING AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

The use of sodium sulfate is generally safe and sustainable and has few risks for human health and the environment. However, as is the case with all chemicals, care must be taken in its use to minimize the risk of injury or contamination.

HOW IS SODIUM SULFATE ANHYDROUS EXPORTED?

Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous is shipped in:

PPPE bags with 50kg weight capacity per bag
PPPE bags with 1000kg weight capacity per bag

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF SODIUM SULFATE

Characteristic	Result	Range	Analysis Method
Sodium Sulfate As Na2 SO4	99.63	99% Min	ISIRI 2832
Humidity (at 110°c For 2h)	0.03	0.25% Max	ISIRI 2832
Water Insoluble	< 0.05	0.1% Max	ISIRI 2832
Calcium And Magnesium As CaCO3	0.04	0.15 % Max	ISIRI 2832
Iron As Fe	< 1 PPM	50 ppm Max	ISIRI 2832
pH of 5% Solution	7.51	5 - 8	ISIRI 2832
Alkalinity As Na2CO3	<0.01	0.01% Max	ISIRI 2832
Chloride as NaCl	0.23	0.3% Max	ISIRI 2832