Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or by its popular name (whitex) is one of the most common chemicals in industry. Whitex is a yellow liquid that is highly corrosive. This substance has high oxidizing properties and causes eye and skin irritation.

Application

This chemical, which is widely used in water and wastewater treatment, is also known by other names such as bleach or whitex. Its most important uses include wastewater treatment, food industries, glassmaking, papermaking, beverages, and waste disposal.

Storage risk

Mixing sodium hypochlorite with other chemicals such as ammonia is very dangerous and produces toxic chloramine gas.

This substance is unstable to light and heat. Whitex should not be exposed to direct sunlight or heated, because this solution is unstable and loses its properties. This chemical is non-flammable, but it decomposes in heat and light and can cause an explosion when pressure is applied.

Sodium hypochlorite can react with strong acids, alcohols, and metals such as iron, nickel, and copper, producing gas and causing combustion. The resulting mixture of bleach and methanol is highly explosive.

Because of the presence of chlorine in this chemical, which is a volatile substance and decomposes with increasing temperature, bleach should be stored in closed, opaque containers.

Storage method in plastic tanks

Keep sodium hypochlorite away from heat and sources of ignition and in a cool, well-ventilated place.

Store barrels and containers containing sodium hypochlorite away from tanks containing acids or other active chemical compounds such as alkalis and oxidizers.

The tank should be installed on smooth, even concrete, asphalt, or steel. No ropes, belts, or other means of securing the tank should be used, and ladders and pipes should not be attached to the tank.

The standard transportation and storage temperature should not exceed 37 degrees Celsius.

Pipes and fittings should have a resistance appropriate to your intended use. The material of the fittings used in tanks for storing this material can be: polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or Teflon. Also, gaskets made of ethylene propylene diene monomer or Viton are recommended for sealing.