Sodium Nitrate used as heating Catalyst by Laxmi Enterprise, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

DISCHARGING PROCESS USES OF SODIUM NITRATE (NaNO₃) Manufactured by Laxmi Enterprise, Vadodara, Gujarat ⚙️ 1. Overview Sodium Nitrate (NaNO₃) is an inorganic salt known for its: High melting point (~306°C) Excellent thermal stability Good heat transfer and storage capacity Because of these properties, it is widely used in high-temperature thermal energy storage systems — particularly in solar thermal power plants, molten salt heat exchangers, and industrial heat recovery units. During the discharging process, stored heat energy from molten sodium nitrate is released to generate useful heat or steam for power, industrial heating, or other applications. 🌡️ 2. How the Discharging Process Works In a molten salt thermal storage system, Sodium Nitrate is used either alone or mixed with Sodium Nitrite (NaNO₂) (commonly in 60:40 ratio, known as Solar Salt). 🔁 Phase 1: Charging (Heat Storage) At high temperature (usually 290°C to 565°C), sodium nitrate absorbs heat energy and remains in molten (liquid) state. Heat is stored as sensible heat — not through phase change but through temperature rise. 🔁 Phase 2: Discharging (Heat Release) When heat is required: The molten sodium nitrate transfers stored heat to a working fluid (usually water, thermal oil, or air). The heat transfer occurs through heat exchangers or steam generators. As the salt cools down, it releases its stored energy but remains in liquid state until ~300°C, ensuring steady and efficient heat output. This released heat is then used to: Generate steam for turbines (in CSP plants) Provide process heat for industrial operations Support continuous operations during non-sunlight hours in solar systems 🔬 3. Technical Reaction and Heat Flow Although sodium nitrate does not undergo a chemical reaction during discharging, its thermal energy release can be expressed. Thus, a large quantity of molten sodium nitrate can release significant heat energy as it cools from 565°C down to ~290°C. 🏭 4. Industrial Applications of Discharging Process Sector / System Use of Sodium Nitrate During Discharge Solar Thermal Power Plants (CSP) Heat stored in daytime is released at night to produce steam and electricity continuously. Molten Salt Heat Exchangers Acts as a heat reservoir that transfers energy to process fluids when primary heat source is off. Metal Treatment / Annealing Units Provides steady high-temperature heat during controlled cooling cycles. Glass, Ceramics, and Chemical Processing Releases stored heat to maintain uniform process temperature during intermittent operations. Waste Heat Recovery Systems Reuses stored energy from flue gases or furnaces for secondary heating needs. ⚙️ 5. Features of Laxmi Enterprise Sodium Nitrate in Discharge Systems Property Advantage in Discharging Use High purity (≥99%) Ensures consistent heat release without decomposition or residue formation Thermally stable up to 600°C Ideal for repeated heating/cooling cycles in CSP and industrial units Excellent heat transfer capacity Provides smooth and efficient discharging without hot spots Non-corrosive (with compatible alloys) Safe for use in stainless steel or nickel alloy exchangers Locally produced in Vadodara Reduces cost and logistics time for Western Indian industries 🔋 6. Energy Example: For 1, 000 kg of Sodium Nitrate cooling from 565°C to 300°C: That equals roughly 118 kWh of usable thermal energy — enough to run an industrial boiler or solar turbine for several minutes at full load. 🌞 7. Real-World Use Case In a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plant: Daytime: Solar collectors heat Sodium Nitrate to ~565°C (charging phase). Nighttime: The hot molten salt transfers stored heat to water in a steam generator. Result: Continuous steam generation and electricity production even when sunlight is absent. Laxmi Enterprise Sodium Nitrate is ideal for such systems because of: Uniform particle distribution High thermal conductivity Proven cycle stability ♻️ 8. Environmental and Economic Benefits 100% reusable over hundreds of charge–discharge cycles Zero carbon emission thermal storage medium Reduces fuel cost by utilizing stored solar or waste heat Eco-safe and recyclable inorganic compound 🏢 9. Target Users of Laxmi Enterprise Sodium Nitrate Solar Thermal Power Plants (CSP, Parabolic Trough, Tower Systems) Industrial Furnaces and Heat Recovery Units Metal Processing and Annealing Plants Chemical Process Industries needing consistent heat supply Research Institutes and Engineering Colleges for PCM and TES studies 🧾 10. Summary: Discharging Value of Laxmi Enterprise Sodium Nitrate Parameter Details Chemical formula NaNO₃ Melting point 306°C Operating temperature range 290°C – 565°C Type of heat storage Sensible heat Energy density ~118 kWh per ton (for 265°C range) Cycle life 500–1, 000+ thermal cycles Primary discharge use Controlled heat release for power, steam, or industrial heating Sodium Nitrate Manufacturers Sodium Nitrate Wholesale Industrial Grade Sodium Nitrate Food Grade Sodium Nitrate High Purity Sodium Nitrate Sodium Nitrate Fertilizer Nitrogen Fertilizer Supplier Nitrate-Based Fertilizers Crop Nutrition Solutions Agricultural Chemicals Supplier Sodium Nitrate Food Additive Curing Salt Additive Sodium Nitrate used as heating Catalyst by Laxmi Enterprise, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.