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SODA ASH (Sodium Carbonate, Na2C03)

Soda Ash is available in 2 different “grades” i.e. Soda Ash Dense and Soda Ash Light. 

Both Soda Ash Dense and Soda Ash Light are chemically identical, the only difference is the granule sizes, with Soda Ash Light having a finer granule size.

 

SODA ASH DENSE

Packaging options:

  • 32MT Bulk Pneumatic Tankers

  • 1MT Bulk bags

  • 50kg bags (shrinkwrapped and palletized)

  • 25kg bags (shrinkwrapped and palletized)

 

SODA ASH LIGHT Packaging options:

  • 50kg bags (shrinkwrapped and palletized)

 

USES:

Soda Ash Dense has a variety of applications in a wide range of industries.

 

GLASS MANUFACTURING

Glass production is the largest application for Soda Ash Dense. In this application, Soda Ash is used as a fluxing agent (i.e. it lowers the melting temperature of the raw material pure silica) thus reducing energy requirements for glass production. The addition of Soda Ash to the glass manufacturing process reduces the melting point of pure silica from 2 300 °C to 1 500 °C.

Approximately half of the soda ash produced worldwide is used in the manufacture of glass. Over 70% of Botash Soda Ash material is sold to three major glass manufacturers in South Africa:

  • Consol Glass (Container Glass)

  • PFG (Flat Glass)

  • Nampak Wiegand (Container Glass)

 

Container Glass covers a wide range of products which include glass bottles, jars and ampoules. Approximately 46 % of all glass that is manufactured is used for container glass.

 

Flat Glass accounts for 42 % of glass production and includes architectural glass, car windscreens, windows, mirrors and frames.

 

Other glass manufacture accounts for 12% of glass production and includes textile, fibre-optics and insulation fibre glass.

 

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

In this industry, both Soda Ash Dense and Light are used for various chemical reactions to produce inorganic or organic compounds. These compounds can then be further utilised in a variety of different applications, for example Soda Ash is used to produce sodium silicates which can then be employed to produce chemicals such as silicas.

Soda Ash is also used in pulp and paper manufacture, and as a pH regulator in certain chemical reactions.

 

DETERGENT INDUSTRY

Soda Ash Light is used in powdered, paste and soap detergents where it acts as a “builder” and can be used either alone or in conjunction with Sodium TripolyPohsphate (STPP) or zeolites. Soda Ash also acts as a water softener and demonstrates a cleaning function.

Builders in detergents perform the following functions:

Removal of magnesium and calcium ions that are prevalent in “hard water”

Provide alkalinity to water

Assists in dispersing any soil present in washing solution and prevent soil re-deposition on laundry.

 

OTHER USES

Textile Industry, Soda Ash is used throughout the production process as a cleaning agent, for refining and bleaching and to adjust the pH during the drying process.

Non-Ferrous Metallurgy, for recycling of lead from spent batteries and in the recycling of zinc and aluminum.

Water Treatment, as a source of sodium and to adjust pH.

Mining Industry, in the beneficiation and processing of a wide range of mineral ores and metals:

  • Vanadium Ore beneficiation

  • Cobalt Production

  • Steel Production

  • Flux or De-sulphuriser (removal of iron ore in blast furnaces)

  • Soda Ash is also used in:

  • Production of dyes

  • Production of corn syrups

  • As a food additive

  • Manufacture of ethanol

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