Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Chemicals
Sodium Hypochlorite
Chemical Description
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is commonly known as bleach or liquid bleach. It is commonly used as a disinfectant. Today, NaClO (and NaCl) is most commonly produced in a process known as the Hooker process. Chlorine gas is introduced into cold and dilute sodium hydroxide solution. The following chemical reaction occurs:
Cl2 + 2 NaOH → NaCl + NaClO + H2O
As a result of the equation above, commercial solutions of NaClO commonly contain significant amounts of sodium chloride (common salt).
Common Industrial Uses of Sodium Hypochlorite
The most common uses of NaClO are in bleaching and disinfecting.
Household bleach used in laundering clothes is typically 3-8% NaClO in solution with water. While bleaching clothing is an effective way to remove stains and whiten clothing (particularly cotton), doing so frequently can significantly reduce the lifespan of the garment. This is due to the fact that NaClO (and NaOH also found in household bleach) degrades the fibers of fabric materials.
Disinfection with bleach in household, food production, and healthcare environments is accomplished with diluted solutions of household bleach. For instance, healthcare applications typically use a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. As the bleach is corrosive, surfaces disinfected with bleach solutions must be thoroughly rinsed.
NaClO solutions of higher concentration are often used in the disinfection of drinking water systems. It is also used to treat wastewater streams which contain traces of cyanide, such as electroplating wastes. NaClO is also widely used as a biocide in many industrial applications. As a biocide, NaClO controls the buildup of bacteria and slime on water systems.
Chemical Formula
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NaClO
CAS No.
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7681-52-9
Minimum Order Quantity
20 ton (40,000 pound) minimum order.
Note: CCUSA is a wholesale industrial and commercial bulk chemical supplier.
Safety Considerations
As a strong oxidizer, NaClO is very corrosive to skin and eyes. However, only solutions of 40% or more are considered hazardous by the NFPA. Lower concentrations are considered only moderately hazardous by the NFPA. Even so, appropriate gloves and goggles / face shield should be used any time NaClO is handled. At stronger concentrations, the PPE requirements are much more stringent.
Chlorine gas, which is extremely toxic, can be produced when mixing NaClO with other household cleaning agents. Particularly, mixing NaClO with any acidic cleaner or ammonia (even urine) can produce chemicals which will be acutely injurious to the lungs.
Common Names / Also Known As
- Bleach
- Antiformin
- Modified Dakin's solution
- Surgical chlorinated soda solution
- Carrel-Dakin solution
