SODIUM NITRATE (NaNO₃) – Overview Common Names: Ch...

SODIUM NITRATE (NaNO₃) – Overview Common Names: Chile Saltpeter, Soda Nitre Molecular Weight: 84.99 g/mol Physical Form: White crystalline solid, highly soluble in water Primary Uses: Oxidizer in explosives, fertilizers, glass industry, metal treatment ⚗️ RAW MATERIALS REQUIRED Two common industrial methods of production: ✅ Method 1: Neutralization of Nitric Acid with Sodium Carbonate or Sodium Hydroxide Raw Material Chemical Name Purpose Nitric Acid HNO₃ Source of nitrate ion Sodium Carbonate / Sodium Hydroxide Na₂CO₃ / NaOH Source of sodium Water H₂O Solvent for reaction ✅ Method 2: Double Displacement Using Sodium Chloride and Nitrate Salt (Used less often industrially, more in lab-scale) 🔬 CHEMICAL REACTIONS 1. Using Sodium Carbonate: mathematica Copy Edit 2 HNO₃ + Na₂CO₃ → 2 NaNO₃ + CO₂↑ + H₂O 2. Using Sodium Hydroxide: mathematica Copy Edit HNO₃ + NaOH → NaNO₃ + H₂O 🏭 MANUFACTURING PROCESS ✅ Step 1: Neutralization In a reaction vessel, dilute concentrated nitric acid with water under cooling. Slowly add sodium carbonate or NaOH with agitation to neutralize. Control temperature around 30–40°C (exothermic reaction). If using Na₂CO₃, CO₂ gas will be released — ensure proper ventilation. ✅ Step 2: Filtration Remove any unreacted solids or impurities using filter press or centrifuge. ✅ Step 3: Crystallization Evaporate the filtrate to concentrate it. Cool the solution to 20–25°C to crystallize sodium nitrate. ✅ Step 4: Drying Filter and dry the crystals using a tray dryer or rotary dryer at 50–60°C. Ensure product is stored in moisture-free packaging to prevent clumping. 🧯 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Sodium nitrate is an oxidizer — avoid contact with flammable substances. Nitric acid is corrosive — use full PPE and acid-resistant materials. Ensure proper gas venting (CO₂) in carbonate-based reactions. 🔍 USES OF SODIUM NITRATE IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES Industry Application Fertilizer Supplies nitrogen to soil (used in arid regions) Explosives Acts as an oxidizing agent in gunpowder, dynamite, and mining explosives Glass & Ceramics Used to refine molten glass and improve transparency Food Industry Preservative in cured meats (E251), regulated use Metal Processing Used in nitrate-based heat treatment baths (case hardening, quenching) Pharmaceuticals Source of nitrate ions in lab synthesis Water Treatment Sometimes used in biological denitrification systems Dyes & Pigments Used in the production of diazo dyes and intermediates 📦 Typical Plant Output (Per 100 kg batch): Input Quantity Nitric Acid (60%) ~75–80 kg Sodium Carbonate ~53–55 kg Water ~100–120 L Output: Sodium Nitrate ~110–115 kg (depending on purity and drying)