Calcined soda: formula and composition

Calcined soda, the formula of which has been known since ancient times, has long been used in many areas. Many housewives use it in everyday life. After all, soda ash is a detergent, natural and safe.

Calcined soda: formula and composition

Approximately 20 years ago in each house there was a packing of this surprising means. What is a calcined soda? The formula of this substance is Na2CO3. In fact, this is the sodium salt of carbonic acid. This substance is a mixture of small and large crystals of white color.

It is worth noting that the powder from the environment absorbs moisture. As a result, the calcined soda is quickly caked. Therefore, it is recommended to store this substance in a closed container, as well as in those rooms where the humidity level is not very high.

In industry, GOST exists for this substance. Soda ash is produced according to the document 5100 85, which was adopted back in Soviet times. However, GOST is still valid. According to this technology, the substance is divided into several brands: A and B. According to the mass content of certain chemical elements, these compositions are different. This allows each brand to be used in a separate industry.

How do you get this medicine?

The production of soda ash is a complex chemical process. It is worth noting that in nature in its pure form this substance exists, and this discovery was made in the early 19th century. Initially, it was obtained from ash, obtained as a result of burning coastal plants, as well as some algae. Of course, mankind evolved, and with it new technologies developed. In addition, a large occurrence of this substance was found.

At the moment, soda ash, the formula of which is indicated above, is manufactured in several ways, such as:

1. Obtaining from a natural substance.
2. Ammonia method.
3. Obtaining from nepheline raw materials.
4. Carbonation of sodium hydroxide.

Obtaining from natural raw materials

This method of making soda ash is a new industry. It appeared relatively recently, but became the main competitor for those who extract this substance in an ammonia way.

It is worth noting that the method has been known for a long time. However, it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that it was put into practice. The beginning for the rapid development of this direction was the discovery of the richest deposits of soda (thrones) in the United States.

The method of obtaining soda ash from natural raw materials on the processing of liquors and brine, which are formed during the dissolution of soda deposits, is based. It should be noted that in addition to sodium carbonate, in most cases it is possible to isolate other components that are part of the initial substances.

Leblanc's method

This is another no less popular method, allowing to obtain a substance such as soda ash. The composition of this substance is quite simple, and it is easy to separate it from other substances. This method is based on the fusion of a mixture of coal and sodium sulfate in rotary kilns. The temperature in them can reach 1000 ° С. As a result of this process, a soda alloy is formed - this is raw soda. After this, the substance is leached with water. This is required to extract soda from the soda solution.

The resulting solution should settle well. Then the lye is cleaned, the moisture evaporated from it, calcined - calcined, and then ground into a powder. As a rule, limestone, chalk and salt are used for making soda.

Beneficial features

The "Soda ash" 5100 85 has not changed for many decades. Thanks to the developed production technology, this substance has unique properties. Calcined soda is used not only in industry, but also in everyday life. Among all the useful qualities of this composition is:

1. The ability to remove old dirt, paint, grease stains well.
2. Well cleanses sinks, tiles, porcelain, enamel and ceramics.
3. Copes with almost any obstruction in the pipes.
4. Softens water.
5. Wipes out even stained stains from clothes.
6. Allows to overcome garden pests.
7. Well disinfects.

Harm of soda

Soda calcined, technical has not only merits. This substance has some drawbacks. Of course, it can not be said that the composition is capable of causing any harm. It will be wrong. Rather, the incorrect use of calcined soda can lead to the occurrence of any side effects. As a result, there are negative reviews about the tool.

Most often, non-compliance with precautions, as well as dosages, is noted. A solution of soda ash is an aggressive substance. Errors in dosages, as well as disruptions in the use process, can harm a person's health. Therefore, when working with a substance, remember the safety rules. In addition, do not forget that calcined soda is not suitable for all materials.

Precautionary measures

What are the properties of soda ash? The composition of the substance indicates its safety. Therefore, soda ash is often used in everyday life. This substance differs in white color and crystalline structure. Soda solution has a pronounced alkaline effect. However, the substance itself is considered explosive and fireproof. But because of human activities, he is referred to the third class.

Soda calcined, technical - a chemically active compound. When working with this substance, you should follow the safety rules. If the soda gets on the mucous membrane, then it can cause the strongest irritation of the tissues. In some cases, even burns occur. If the substance has got on the skin or in the eyes, it is recommended to rinse the affected area with clean water.

Do not forget that calcined soda absorbs moisture. As a result of its connection with water, an aggressive solution is formed. Therefore, it is not recommended to use soda ash in rooms where a high value of humidity is noted.

Industrial applications

The industry often uses soda ash. The characteristics and properties of this substance make it possible to apply it in many industries. Some production processes are very difficult to imagine without the participation of this component. The main areas of application of soda ash in industry are:

1. Glass-making.
2. Pulp and paper industry.
3. Leather and light industry.
4. Ferrous metallurgy.
5. Alumina metallurgy.
6. Production of caustic soda.
7. Oil refining and petrochemical industry.
8. Manufacture of synthetic acids.

This substance is simply irreplaceable. Calcined soda is used even in the manufacture of medicines. It is used here as a cleaning agent, an element for the synthesis of other chemical components, and so on.

Can I use it in everyday life?

Calcined soda is used by many housewives and at home. As mentioned above, this substance is an excellent cleanser and detergent. Calcined soda can clean almost any surface from fat. And all thanks to their unique properties. In addition, it is a relatively cheap analogue of many modern brands of household chemicals. The efficiency of soda ash has been tested for years. In addition, the substance is safe and natural.

This compound is often used for washing, for removing scale and fat. Calcined soda is simply irreplaceable in everyday life. In addition, it can be added when washing into detergent. This will protect the equipment from scale.

Pest Control

Used soda ash in everyday life also to combat garden pests. To do this, prepare a simple solution. A bucket of clean water requires no more than 6 teaspoons of soda ash. A ready-made composition can be processed by vines. This means protects plants from gray rot. It is worth noting that this solution is suitable for the treatment of fruit plants. Harm does not cause the agent, but it helps protect plants from caterpillars and other pests.

In addition, the solution can be used to treat cucumbers, zucchini, melons and cabbage. However, do not get carried away with soda ash. Excessive amount of it harms the soil. Which, in turn, can greatly affect the future harvest.

In conclusion

Calcined soda represents a unique chemical compound that has been used by mankind for many years not only in many industries, but also in everyday life. If you comply with all safety rules, then the use of this substance is not harmful to health. Calcined soda is not more dangerous than vinegar. But he, too, if used improperly, can harm our body.

Hardly anyone thought about the fact that in the production of many things that surround us, calcined soda is used. In addition, it produces it from natural raw materials. Many cleaning and detergents, washing powders and other expensive household chemicals, which are sold at high prices, is a solution of soda ash that has been modified and diluted with certain additives.