Store away from flammables, reducing agents, sulfur, powdered metals, organic materials Keep in dry, cool, well-ventilated areas Avoid contamination – can lead to decomposition and fire risk
- H272 – May intensify fire; oxidizer
- H319 – Causes serious eye irritation
- H303 – May be harmful if swallowed
Precautionary Statements (P-codes):
- P210 – Keep away from heat/combustibles
- P220 – Keep away from clothing and reducing agents
- P280 – Wear protective gloves/eye protection
- P370+P378 – In case of fire, use water; do not use dry chemical extinguishers
- Not listed as a major hazardous pollutant, but contributes to groundwater contamination & eutrophication
- Waste disposal as per local hazardous waste guidelines
- Industrial discharge must comply with EPA nitrate-N limits (typically < 10 mg/L as NO₃-N)
- Food additive (E251) – regulated in food industry
- Fertilizer – subject to agricultural runoff limits
- Pyrotechnics and explosives precursor – monitored under explosive precursor regulations in many countries
- Non-corrosive to most metals at room temperature
- Corrosion risk increases with:
- High humidity → hygroscopic salt forms conductive solutions
- Elevated temperatures
- Contact with chlorides or acidic environments
- Stainless steel and aluminum show good resistance
- Carbon steel, copper, and brass may corrode in concentrated or hot solutions
- Stable under normal conditions
- Decomposes > 380–600 °C, releasing:
- Oxygen (O₂) → supports combustion
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) → toxic gases
- Accelerated breakdown occurs with:
- Contamination (organic matter, sulfur, metal powders)
- Friction or impact when mixed with combustibles
Keep dry and avoid heat sources
Store away from flammables, reducing agents, and acids
Maintain clean handling to prevent reactive mixtures
- Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas
- Keep away from heat, sparks, fuels, organic materials, reducing agents, sulfur, and metal powders
- Use corrosion-resistant containers (HDPE, stainless steel recommended)
- Avoid moisture; sodium nitrate is hygroscopic
- Segregate from incompatible chemicals and combustible materials
Wear gloves, eye protection, and dust mask/respirator when handling powder
Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with eyes/skin
Use non-sparking tools and prevent contamination
Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat or drink during use
- Not flammable but strong oxidizer—can intensify fire
- For fire: use water, not dry chemical extinguishers
- For spills: sweep gently, avoid dust formation, collect into clean dry container, wash area with water
Label containers clearly
Store away from acids and combustibles
Maintain regular inspection for clumping or moisture presence
- Widely used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants
- Functions as a heat transfer fluid and phase-change storage medium
- Stores heat as sensible thermal energy in molten salt form
- Melting point: ~306 °C
- Operating range: ~290–565 °C
- High heat capacity and thermal stability enable efficient heat retention
- Binary molten salts:
- 60% Sodium Nitrate (NaNO₃) + 40% Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)
- Known as Solar Salt
- Optional enhancements include lithium or calcium nitrate blends for lower melting point and improved performance
- Cost-effective compared to other molten salts
- Non-flammable and chemically stable at high temperatures
- Compatible with steel alloys used in heat storage tanks and piping
CSP plants for grid-scale energy storage
Industrial waste heat recovery systems
Melting Point: ~306 °C (≈ 583 °F)
Boiling/Decomposition: Begins decomposing above ~380–600 °C, releasing oxygen and nitrogen oxides
Onset of decomposition: ~380–400 °C
Significant decomposition range: 450–600 °C
Above ~600 °C: Rapid breakdown releasing NOₓ gases and oxygen
Used as molten salt for thermal storage and heat transfer
Supports continuous power generation by storing daytime solar heat for night use
Melting point: ~306 °C
Working range: ~290–565 °C
Stable for long-term cycling under controlled conditions
Typically blended with KNO₃ (≈60/40) to form Solar Salt
Used in two-tank and single-tank thermocline storage designs
High specific heat capacity
Non-flammable, cost-effective
Compatible with steel alloys and CSP infrastructure
Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area
Keep temperature well below decomposition thresholds
Avoid exposure to moisture—hygroscopic material
Use sealed, corrosion‑resistant containers (HDPE, stainless steel)
Strong oxidizer — store separately from:
- Organic materials (oils, paper, wood)
- Flammables & combustibles
- Reducing agents, sulfur, metal powders
- Acids and ammonium salts
Maintain clean handling practices to prevent contamination
- Wear gloves, goggles, and dust control PPE
- Avoid contact with skin/eyes; prevent inhalation
- Use non‑sparking tools and minimize dust generation
Fire: sodium nitrate supports combustion; use water spray for cooling and suppression
Spills: avoid dust, sweep gently, store waste in clean dry containers
Label storage clearly and maintain incompatibility signage
Not combustible, but a strong oxidizer
Can intensify fire and support burning of other materials
- Keep away from flammables, organics, reducing agents
- Avoid contamination—clean equipment, dedicated tools
- Store in cool, dry areas away from heat sources
- Use sealed, compatible containers (HDPE/stainless steel)
Preferred extinguishing agent: Water
- Use copious water spray to cool and dilute
Do not use dry chemical or foam extinguishers
Evacuate area if heavy smoke (NOₓ) is present
- Use protective clothing, gloves, goggles
- Firefighters should use self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Heating above ~380–600 °C accelerates decomposition
Avoid situations where molten material may form or react with combustibles
Acts as a heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage medium
Common in CSP plants, industrial heat recovery, and high‑temperature storage loops
- Melting point: ~306 °C
- Effective working temperature: ~290–565 °C
- Stable under cycling when kept below decomposition thresholds
Solar Salt: ~60% NaNO₃ + 40% KNO₃ — standard for CSP
Modified blends: NaNO₃ with LiNO₃, Ca(NO₃)₂, NaNO₂ to lower melting point, improve heat transfer
High heat capacity and thermal stability
Non‑flammable and relatively low cost
Good compatibility with steel containment
- Risk of freezing/solidification during shutdown or cold weather
- Decomposition above ~450–600 °C
- Moisture sensitivity; requires dry handling and sealed storage
- Use sealed moisture‑proof bags or drums (HDPE / UN‑approved containers)
- Label with oxidizer pictogram, hazard statements, and batch details
- Keep away from organic materials, fuels, and reducing agents
- Avoid cross‑contamination—dedicated handling area recommended
Store in cool, dry, ventilated conditions
Prevent exposure to heat sources and direct sunlight
Maintain segregation from flammables and incompatibles
- Check purity, particle size, moisture content before dispatch
- Maintain lot traceability and testing certificates (if required)
- Track regulations for dual‑use/export‑restricted countries
Train transport staff on oxidizer hazards and spill response
Emergency kit: water spray, absorbents, PPE, labels, documentation
In case of spill: avoid dust, sweep carefully, collect in clean dry container
- Used as a molten heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage medium
- Common in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and industrial thermal storage
- Melting point: ~306 °C
- Operating range: ~290–565 °C
- Stable under repeated heat‑cool cycling when kept below decomposition limits
Solar Salt: 60% NaNO₃ + 40% KNO₃ (industry standard)
- Modified eutectics with LiNO₃ / Ca(NO₃)₂ / NaNO₂ to lower melting point and improve fluidity
High heat capacity and thermal stability
Non‑flammable and cost‑effective
- Compatible with common steel materials in piping and tanks
Risk of solidification during cooling/shutdown
Decomposition and NOₓ release above ~450–600 °C
- Hygroscopic—requires dry storage and handling
- Melting point: ~306 °C
- Onset of decomposition: ~380–400 °C
- Significant decomposition: >450–600 °C
- Rapid oxidation and NOₓ + O₂ release at higher temperatures
Recommended continuous range ~290–565 °C
- Long-term stability best maintained below ~500 °C
Maintain clean salt chemistry and controlled atmosphere
Monitor nitrite formation and replenish nitrate if needed
- Avoid thermal hotspots, ensure proper mixing and circulation
Contaminants (organics, chlorides, transition metals) accelerate breakdown
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases nitrate-to-nitrite conversion
- Oxygen evolution raises fire & corrosion risks when near combustibles
· sodium nitrate
· NaNO3
· sodium nitrate CAS 7631-99-4
· sodium nitrate chemical formula
· sodium nitrate properties
· sodium nitrate specification
· sodium nitrate SDS
· sodium nitrate MSDS
