BULK SODA ASH
We recommend epoxy-lined steel storage bins. If the granular nature of the ash is intact after conveying and elevating, there should be no problems with the material bridging or hanging up in storage. Ensuring the cone at the bottom is at a 45-55 degree angle from the horizontal is strongly advised. Storage bin capacity should be figured at 55 lb per cubic foot, although Şişecam soda ash normally runs closer to 60 lb per cubic foot. If the storage bin is designed with a sufficient bottom slope, vibration should not be necessary. What’s more, vibration is undesirable, as it promotes segregation and classification of the particle sizes.
SODA ASH SOLUTION
These solutions are generally stored in a tank. Soda ash is inversely soluble above 95.7°F; that is, as the temperature falls, more material goes into the solution. Solubility reaches a maximum of 32.3% soda ash by weight at this inflection point (95.7°F) and then falls steeply with decreasing temperature. Since the presence of soda ash crystals is unacceptable in most processes, the concentration of a substantial amount of solution will require an excessive tankage volume. Example: Adding 100 tons of soda ash to water to make a 25% solution by weight requires about 85,000 gallons of tankage.
SODA ASH SLURRY
An alternative to large volume tankage is a slurry storage system that consists of a tank, a device for slurrying the dry bulk soda ash and transferring it to the storage tank (slurrifier), and a method for reclaiming the solution from the common tank. To slurry a 100-ton hopper car of soda ash to a 70% solids slurry requires a tank about the same size as dry bulk storage. Slurries of up to 90% solids are easily stored.
BAGGED SODA ASH
Bagged soda ash that is stored in a warehouse environment free from excessive humidity or moisture should present no problems. However, if proper inventory management practices such as “FIFO” (First In, First Out) are not applied or the product is exposed to high levels of humidity or moisture, some caking of material is possible.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR SODA ASH HANDLING
Although not listed as a hazardous substance, soda ash is primarily a skin irritant. Dusts or mists containing soda ash are moderately irritating to the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes. The irritation is temporary, however, and symptoms usually disappear shortly after contact ends. Eyes and skin should be flushed with water if exposed. A physician should treat prolonged irritation.
Protective clothing, goggles, and respirators should be used if soda ash in the air exceeds nuisance dust levels. Dusty clothing should be washed before exposure to other compounds. In extreme cases, mixtures of soda ash and lime may produce caustic soda in the presence of perspiration, which may be irritating. Workers in soda ash storage bins or soda ash silos should wear a properly roped safety belt to facilitate rescue in case of shifts or slides. They also should maintain continuous communication with someone stationed outside the storage facility.
Soda ash is non-explosive, non-flammable, and is not regulated for shipping by the U.S. Department of Transportation due to its non-hazardous status. Complete health and safety information is contained in our Soda Ash Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Note: All statements, information, and data given herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but are presented without guaranty, warranty, or responsibility of any kind, express or implied. Statements or suggestions concerning possible use of our products are made without representation or warranty that any such use is free of patent infringement and are not recommendations to infringe on any patent. The user should not assume that all safety measures are indicated or that other measures may not be required.
