Sodium Sulfate
Sodium Sulfate: A Versatile Industrial Chemical
Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) is an inorganic compound widely used in various industries. Our high-purity Sodium Sulfate meets international quality standards and serves multiple applications from detergents to glass manufacturing.
Product Specifications
- Chemical Formula: Na₂SO₄
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Purity: ≥99.0%
- Moisture Content: ≤0.2%
- Bulk Density: 1.2-1.4 g/cm³
- pH Value (5% solution): 6.0-8.0
- Solubility in Water: 28.1 g/100 mL (25°C)
- Melting Point: 884°C (anhydrous)
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Standard Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Sulfate Content | ≥99.0% | GB/T 6009-2014 |
| Water Insoluble Matter | ≤0.05% | GB/T 6009-2014 |
| Calcium & Magnesium (as Mg) | ≤0.15% | ICP-OES |
| Chloride (as Cl) | ≤0.35% | Volhard Method |
| Iron (Fe) Content | ≤0.002% | Colorimetric Method |
| Whiteness | ≥82% | GB/T 5950-2008 |
Packaging Options
- 25kg PP woven bags with PE liner
- 50kg PP woven bags with PE liner
- 1000kg bulk bags (FIBC)
- Customized packaging available
Sodium Sulfate FAQ
What are the main industrial uses of Sodium Sulfate?
Sodium Sulfate has multiple industrial applications. It's primarily used as a filler in powdered home laundry detergents (30% of global use). The paper industry utilizes it in the kraft process for wood pulping (25% of consumption). Other significant uses include glass manufacturing (20%), textile processing (15%), and as a drying agent in organic synthesis (10%). The compound serves as a viscosity adjuster, leveling agent, and decolorizing agent in various processes.
Is Sodium Sulfate hazardous to human health?
Sodium Sulfate is generally considered safe when handled properly. The compound has low toxicity with an LD50 (oral, rat) of 5,000 mg/kg. However, prolonged exposure to dust may cause mild eye and respiratory irritation. We recommend using standard PPE including safety goggles and dust masks during handling. The material is non-flammable and non-explosive under normal conditions. Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for complete safety information.
How should Sodium Sulfate be stored for optimal shelf life?
For maximum stability, store Sodium Sulfate in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (strong acids, strong bases). Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption. The product has excellent shelf stability (typically 2+ years) when stored properly. Bulk storage should be in moisture-proof silos or containers. For bagged product, maintain pallets on raised platforms away from walls to allow air circulation. Storage temperature should ideally be maintained between 10-30°C (50-86°F).
Additional Technical Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 142.04 g/mol |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic (anhydrous) |
| Refractive Index | 1.468 (anhydrous) |
| Specific Gravity | 2.68 g/cm³ |
| Heat Capacity | 128 J/mol·K (25°C) |
| Standard Enthalpy of Formation | -1387 kJ/mol |
Sodium Sulfate Applications
Our Sodium Sulfate is certified for use in multiple industries:
- Detergent Industry: As a processing aid and filler in powder detergents
- Glass Manufacturing: As a fining agent to remove small air bubbles
- Textile Industry: For dye leveling and as an electrolyte in dye baths
- Paper Pulping: In the sulfate process for wood digestion
- Food Industry: As an anti-caking agent (E514) in limited applications
- Chemical Synthesis: As an inert drying agent for organic solutions
Sodium Sulfate Production Methods
We produce high-quality Sodium Sulfate through multiple processes:
- Mannheim Process: Reacting sodium chloride with sulfuric acid
- Natural Mining: Extraction from thenardite deposits
- By-Product Recovery: From chemical processes like rayon production
Quality Assurance
Our Sodium Sulfate undergoes rigorous quality control:
- Batch-wise chemical analysis
- Particle size distribution testing
- Moisture content verification
- Whiteness measurement
- Heavy metal screening
What's the difference between anhydrous and decahydrate Sodium Sulfate?
Anhydrous Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) contains no water molecules, while the decahydrate form (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) contains ten water molecules per sodium sulfate unit. The anhydrous form has higher chemical stability and is preferred for industrial applications due to its constant composition. The decahydrate form naturally effloresces (loses water) in dry air, converting to the anhydrous form. Anhydrous Sodium Sulfate has higher solubility in water (28.1 g/100 mL at 25°C) compared to the decahydrate form (19.5 g/100 mL at 25°C). Our product is supplied in the anhydrous form unless otherwise specified.
Can Sodium Sulfate be used in food applications?
Food-grade Sodium Sulfate (designated as E514 in the EU) is approved for limited food applications as an acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, and firming agent. However, our standard industrial-grade product is not certified for food use. For food applications, we recommend our specially purified food-grade Sodium Sulfate that meets FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) specifications. Food-grade material undergoes additional purification to ensure heavy metal content below 5 ppm and arsenic below 1 ppm. Always verify regulatory compliance for specific food applications in your region.
What's the environmental impact of Sodium Sulfate?
Sodium Sulfate has relatively low environmental impact when properly managed. The compound is not classified as hazardous waste in most jurisdictions. In aqueous solutions, it dissociates into sodium and sulfate ions, both of which occur naturally in the environment. Sulfate ions may contribute to water hardness but are generally not toxic to aquatic life at typical concentrations. However, disposal should always follow local regulations. Our production processes incorporate waste minimization and recycling strategies to reduce environmental footprint. We recommend recovery and reuse of Sodium Sulfate from industrial processes whenever possible.