Sodium Citrate Storage — Trisodium Citrate Tank Selection

Storing Sodium Citrate? Start Here

Sodium citrate is a versatile and widely used chemical, often found in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. It's a crystalline salt that can be stored in various forms such as granular crystals, anhydrous powder, or pre-mixed aqueous solutions. Known for its buffering and metal-sequestering properties, sodium citrate is considered safe and is commonly used in food preservation, beverage acidity adjustment, and even as an anticoagulant in blood collection.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, sodium citrate can be stored in polyethylene tanks. Both HDPE and XLPE tanks are suitable for storing sodium citrate solutions, as they are FDA-compliant for food contact and offer broad material compatibility. Polypropylene is also a standard choice for fittings and tubing.

Key Issue: Metal Compatibility

While sodium citrate is generally non-corrosive, it can chelate metals like copper, brass, and bronze, causing them to dissolve rapidly. It's crucial to avoid these materials in any part of the storage or handling system that comes into contact with sodium citrate solutions.

The safety that actually matters

• Use EPDM or silicone gaskets for food and beverage applications to meet FDA standards.
• For pharmaceutical use, consider PVDF storage with USP Class VI elastomers.
• Avoid using galvanized steel and copper due to potential metal leaching.

Common questions

Is sodium citrate safe to store?

Yes, it's generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use and poses low hazard risks.

What type of tank is best for industrial use?

HDPE rotomolded tanks with polypropylene fittings are standard for industrial applications.

Can sodium citrate solutions be stored in stainless steel tanks?

Yes, 316L stainless steel is ideal for food-grade and pharmaceutical storage.