- What it is. This sodium hydroxide is a 30% (w/w) aqueous solution supplied in a 55-gallon drum. It is a clear, colorless, strongly alkaline liquid for production-scale cleaning, pH control, neutralization, and chemical processing.
- Concentration. Every 100 g of solution contains 30 g of sodium hydroxide. Weight-percent strength is the standard way to specify caustic solutions for industrial use, and it stays constant regardless of temperature, unlike volume-based measures.
- Chemical identity. Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda, CAS 1310-73-2, NaOH, 40.00 g/mol) is a strong base that dissociates completely in water. It neutralizes acids, saponifies fats and oils, and dissolves aluminum, zinc, and many organic residues.
- Why buy a liquid concentrate. Dissolving solid sodium hydroxide releases a large amount of heat and creates caustic dust and spatter. A prepared solution removes that hazard, is easier to meter and pump, and gives consistent strength for dilution and dosing.
- Why 30%. A 30% solution offers high alkalinity while remaining liquid at lower temperatures than 50% caustic, which can crystallize near 12 °C. That makes 30% easier to store and pump in unheated areas and simpler to dilute.
- Industrial cleaning and CIP. Hot caustic solutions remove fats, proteins, and organic soils, which is why sodium hydroxide is the core chemical in clean-in-place systems in food, dairy, beverage, and pharmaceutical plants, and in parts washing and degreasing.
- Neutralization and pH control. Sodium hydroxide neutralizes acidic wastewater and process streams and raises pH in water treatment, scrubbers, and chemical processes, where its strong, complete dissociation gives predictable dosing.
- Carbon dioxide uptake. Like all hydroxide solutions, sodium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, forming sodium carbonate and slowly lowering effective alkalinity. Keep containers sealed between uses.
- Handling at a glance. Concentrated sodium hydroxide causes severe burns that may not be immediately painful, and it is especially damaging to the eyes. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and alkali-resistant gloves, and keep an eyewash station and safety shower nearby.
- Where it is used. Thirty-percent caustic soda is used in clean-in-place and equipment cleaning, wastewater neutralization, pH control in water treatment and scrubbers, chemical manufacturing, pulp and textile processing, and as a stock for diluted cleaning solutions.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name | Sodium hydroxide, aqueous solution |
| CAS Numbers | 1310-73-2 (sodium hydroxide); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number (NaOH) | 215-185-5 |
| Synonyms | Caustic soda solution, lye solution, NaOH solution |
| Formula (active) | NaOH |
| Molecular Weight (active) | 40.00 g/mol |
| Concentration | 30% (w/w) |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Hazard Statements (typical NaOH solutions) | H290 (corrosive to metals), H314 (severe burns) |
| DOT (typical) | UN1824, Sodium hydroxide solution, Class 8 ( SDS) |
| Exposure Limit | NIOSH REL 2 mg/m³ ceiling |
| Package Size | 55 gallon drum |
Applications / Common Uses
- Clean-in-place: Removes organic soils in food and pharmaceutical plants.
- Wastewater neutralization: Raises pH of acidic effluent.
- Scrubbers: Absorbs acid gases in scrubber systems.
- Chemical processing: Supplies alkalinity for reactions and processing.
- Degreasing: Removes fats and oils from parts and equipment.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: Concentrated sodium hydroxide causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is corrosive to aluminum and zinc. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and alkali-resistant gloves, and always add base slowly to water when diluting.
Store tightly closed in a corrosives area for bases, separated from acids, reactive metals such as aluminum and zinc, and organic halogen compounds. Use secondary containment and keep containers sealed to limit carbon dioxide uptake. Use alkali-rated drum pumps and fittings for dispensing.
- Incompatible materials: Acids, aluminum, zinc, tin, and other reactive metals, and organic halogen compounds.
- Exposure limit (NaOH): NIOSH REL 2 mg/m³ ceiling.
- Spill response: Contain with inert absorbent, neutralize cautiously with a weak acid, and rinse with water.
- First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Related Categories & Services
- Shop Bases for related products in this category.
- Explore Inorganic Chemicals and ACS Grade Laboratory Chemicals.
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Program: Lab Pro can stock, track, and replenish this item on site so it never runs out. Contact info@labproinc.com or 888-452-2776 to set up a VMI assessment.
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FAQs
What is 30% sodium hydroxide used for?
It is used for clean-in-place and equipment cleaning in food, dairy, and pharmaceutical plants; neutralizing acidic wastewater; pH control in water treatment and scrubbers; chemical processing; and as a stock solution for preparing diluted cleaning solutions. Its strength balances effectiveness with easier handling than 50% caustic.
Why choose 30% instead of 50% caustic soda?
50% caustic soda can crystallize near 12 °C, complicating storage and pumping in unheated areas. A 30% solution stays liquid at lower temperatures, is easier to handle and dilute, and still delivers strong alkalinity for most cleaning and neutralization tasks. It is also easier to meter accurately.
How do I dilute 30% sodium hydroxide safely?
Wear goggles, a face shield, and alkali-resistant gloves, and add the caustic slowly to cold water while stirring. Never add water to concentrated caustic, since dilution releases heat. Let the solution cool before adjusting the final volume or using it. Label the diluted solution clearly with its concentration.
How should a sodium hydroxide drum be stored?
Store it in a cool, dry area on secondary containment, away from acids, aluminum, zinc, and organic halogen compounds. Keep it sealed to limit carbon dioxide uptake, and use alkali-rated drum pumps and fittings for dispensing to prevent leaks and corrosion. Inspect it regularly for leaks.
What first aid is needed for caustic soda exposure?
Flush skin or eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Caustic burns may not hurt at first but continue to damage tissue, so do not delay rinsing. Keep an eyewash station and safety shower nearby. Remove contaminated clothing.
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