Sodium Sulfite Storage — Na2SO3 Boiler O2 Scavenger Tank
Storing Sodium Sulfite? Start Here
If you're dealing with sodium sulfite, you're likely using it as a boiler oxygen scavenger or in processes like pulp milling or wastewater treatment. It's a white crystalline solid or a solution, and it's crucial to store it properly to maintain its effectiveness. Sodium sulfite solutions can oxidize when exposed to air, turning into sulfate and losing their reducing power. So, minimizing air exposure during storage is key to keeping it active.
Can you store it in a poly tank?
Yes, you can store sodium sulfite in a polyethylene tank. It's compatible with HDPE and XLPE, making them great choices for day tanks and bulk storage. Just ensure the tank is sealed to prevent air exposure.
Watch out for air exposure
The main issue with sodium sulfite storage is its tendency to oxidize when it comes into contact with air. This means you'll need to keep your storage tanks well-sealed and consider using a nitrogen blanket for larger tanks to keep the air out.
The safety that actually matters
- Keep tanks sealed to prevent oxidation.
- Use appropriate gaskets—check the manufacturer's chart to match them correctly.
- Handle with care to avoid skin and eye irritation.
Common questions
- Can sodium sulfite be stored outside?
- Yes, but ensure the tank is sealed and protected from the elements to prevent air exposure.
- What should I do if sodium sulfite oxidizes?
- Once oxidized, it loses its effectiveness as a reducing agent. Prevent this by maintaining airtight storage.
- Is a special permit needed for storing sodium sulfite?
- Generally, no special permit is needed, but always check local regulations for specific requirements.
Sodium Sulfite storage tanks from OneSource
For sodium sulfite storage, specify HDLPE_OR_XLPE rated to specific gravity 1.9. Verified, compatibility-matched options:
- Snyder Industries 22 Gallon ASTM XLPE Black Heavy Duty Vertical Storage Tank (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 150 Gallon XLPE Chemical Feed Station Tank (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 500 Gallon ASTM XLPE Black Double Wall Tank (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 1500 Gallon 45 Degree XLPE Cone Bottom Tank in White (1.9 SG)
- Snyder Industries 5000 Gallon XLPE Vertical Liquid Storage Tank with ASTM Certification (1.9 SG)
Confirm chemical compatibility and a ZIP freight quote with our team at 866-418-1777.
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Sources & References
All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.
- PubChem Compound Database — entry for Sodium Sulfite (CID 24437, CAS 7757-83-7). pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine / NCBI. Canonical chemical-identity reference.
- Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
- Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
- NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
- UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
- ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Sodium Sulfite. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.