Sodium Metabisulfite
Sodium Metabisulfite (Na₂S₂O₅) Industrial Grade is a white, crystalline, inorganic salt valued for its strong reducing and preservative properties. When dissolved in water, it releases Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) gas, which is the active agent in its primary functions as an oxygen scavenger, biocide, and bleaching agent.
This industrial grade is a high-volume chemical used extensively in water treatment (dechlorination), mining (flotation/cyanide destruction), textile processing, and chemical synthesis, offering a cost-effective, powerful chemical reducing agent.
Main Function and Characteristics
The primary function is Reducing Agent and SO₂ Source. In water, it rapidly consumes dissolved oxygen and reduces chlorine, making it critical for environmental and industrial processing applications.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY INDUSTRIAL FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (Na₂S₂O₅ min) | 96.5% min | Technical purity optimized for bulk industrial use. |
| SO₂ Content | 65% to 67% | High SO₂ content makes it a powerful source for bleaching and chemical reactions. |
| Stability | GOOD (Dry form) | Highly stable in solid form but moisture-sensitive; reacts strongly with acids. |
CLASSIFICATION
- Material Focus: Inorganic Salt / Reducing Agent
- Primary Application Focus: Sulfur Dioxide Donor
- Applications: Water Treatment (Dechlorination), Mining, Chemical Synthesis, Pulp & Paper
Key Performance Metrics
- Dechlorination Rate: FAST — Rapidly reduces hypochlorite, making it ideal for treating wastewater effluent.
- Antioxidant Power: HIGH — Effectively scavenges dissolved oxygen, protecting process fluids and materials.
- Cost-Effectiveness: SUPERIOR — One of the most economical sources of a powerful reducing agent.
Sodium Metabisulfite Industrial Grade
1. The SO₂ Release Mechanism
The chemical effectiveness of Na₂S₂O₅ stems from its reaction with water:
Na₂S₂O₅ + H₂O → 2 NaHSO₃
The sodium bisulfite (NaHSO₃) then further reacts to release sulfurous acid or SO₂ gas, which acts as the active reducing agent in solution.
2. Key Industrial Applications
The Industrial Grade is chosen for its bulk performance and chemical strength in non-food applications:
- Water Treatment (Dechlorination): A crucial step in municipal and industrial wastewater management. Na₂S₂O₅ is added to effluent to neutralize (reduce) excess chlorine or hypochlorite remaining after disinfection, preventing the discharge of harmful chlorine compounds into natural waterways.
- Mining and Ore Processing:
- Cyanide Destruction: Used to detoxify tailings. It reduces residual cyanide in process water before discharge, often in conjunction with copper catalysis.
- Flotation: Acts as a depressant in the froth flotation process, helping to separate valuable minerals from the ore by inhibiting the flotation of unwanted sulfides.
- Textile and Pulp Industry: Used as a bleaching agent for fibers and pulps and as a reducing agent in dye processes to control color and remove residual chemicals.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Functions as a general reducing agent in various chemical syntheses, and as a potent preservative in rubber and film development.
- Oil and Gas: Used in fracturing fluids and drilling muds as an oxygen scavenger to prevent corrosion of downhole equipment.
3. Safety and Handling
While non-toxic in its primary form, the handling of Na₂S₂O₅ requires care. When exposed to heat or strong acids, it can release large volumes of SO₂ gas, which is a respiratory irritant, necessitating adequate ventilation and proper PPE.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
