Sodium Chloride – It’s Not Just for Food
You may know sodium chloride by its common name: table salt. Derived from the evaporation of saltwater, more than 270 million tons of sodium chloride becomes the basis of thousands of industrial uses. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is most recognized for its use in the food industry as a condiment and preservative. A plethora of other manufacturing areas utilize salt as well. Jacksonville chemical supplier, Bell Chem, explains.
Sodium chloride is used in de-icing roadways during winter storms; it interferes with the snow and ice bonding with the road surface.
NaCl is used as a major feedstock for chemical synthesis of sodium and chlorine compounds.
In these first two uses – de-icing and chemical synthesis –250 megatons of sodium chloride are usurped annually.
Processing sodium chloride creates sodium carbonate and calcium chloride. Sodium carbonate is the component in manufacturing glass, dyes, and sodium bicarbonate.
The exploration of gas and oil relies on sodium chloride as a drilling fluid component as well as a flocculant.
Sodium chloride increases concrete curing in cemented casings.
Many highways are constructed on a foundation of sodium chloride and soil since NaCl secures the soil and provides firmness to the foundation.
Sodium chloride standardizes dyes by blending with concentrated dyes and is also used as a brine rinse to separate organic contaminants.
Chlorine dioxide, which is chemically derived from sodium chlorate and sulfuric acid, is a chlorine alternative for bleaching that is gaining popularity because it is more environmentally friendly.
Sodium chloride bleaches wood pulp.
Many metals, including aluminum, beryllium, copper, steel, and vanadium, use NaCl in processing.
NaCl inhibits microbial activity while treating and tanning leather and pulls moisture into the animal hide.
Sodium chloride acts as a coagulant in the manufacture of rubber.
In water softening, sodium chloride inhibits saponification by acting as an ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium ions.
Foods can be preserved with sodium chloride because microorganisms cannot live in its extreme saline environment.
Sodium chloride has uses well beyond the food industry. Find out more about NaCl and other chemicals by browsing our website or call 407-339-BELL (2355) to speak with one of our knowledgeable Jacksonville chemical supplier professionals.