Southern Ionics

I N C O R P O R A T E D

C R E A T I V E S O L U T I O N S T O D A Y

SI I

Sulfur Products Handbook

 C R E AT I V E S O L U T I O N S
SII manufactures and markets the following products:
ALUMINUM CHLORIDE
POLYALUMINUM CHLORIDE
ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDRATE
ALUMINUM SULFATE SOLUTION
AQUA-CAT™ AQUA AMMONIA
CEMENT MANUFACTURING ADDITIVES
SI-SOLV™ FOR DEINKING RECYCLED PULP
SODIUM ALUMINATE
SODIUM BISULFITE
SODIUM SULFITE
SODIUM THIOSULFATE
MAGNESIUM SULFATE
VARIOUS ZIRCONIUM COMPOUNDS
CUSTOM COMPOUNDS & FORMULATIONS
1
T O D AY
Southern Ionics Incorporated (SII) was founded in 1980. The corporate
headquarters and research facilities are located in West Point, Mississippi. The
company has eleven facilities located in Port Allen, Louisiana; Baton Rouge,
Louisiana; Calhoun, Tennessee; Chickasaw, Alabama; Columbus, Mississippi;
Lake Charles, Louisiana; Midlothian, Texas; Pasadena, Texas; Terrell, Texas;
Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and West Point, Mississippi.
CUSTOMER FOCUS
Southern Ionics is committed to building a team of motivated individuals who
can advance the technology of our business, manufacture quality products, and
provide our customers with the service and know-how to maximize the value
of our products. We provide comprehensive technical service and application
assistance for our products through our engineering, technical, sales, and R&D
personnel. Southern Ionics’ quality management system is certified to meet
ISO 9001:2000 Standards. Potable water treatment products are NSF certified
for use. Many of our products meet the Food Chemical Codex specifications
and are classified by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Our number one priority is meeting our customers’ expectations. SII has a
centrally located Customer Service Department with toll free telephone and
facsimile numbers for the customers’ convenience in ordering during business
hours, and there is a toll free number for after hours and emergencies. The
after-hours operator is equipped with pertinent information to handle any
customer request. This allows for 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
service to handle customers’ needs.
Inventory management is also available. SII personnel simply contact the
customer via an electronic dial-up remote tank level monitor system. SII then
schedules delivery based on the customer’s inventory targets and usage rates.
Customer contacts for inventory management are also made by scheduled
phone or internet queries.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Southern Ionics manufactures sodium bisulfite solutions and sodium sulfite
solutions at Pasadena, Texas and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Sodium Thiosulfate
solutions are produced at Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Pasadena, Texas. All
three products are aqueous solutions. Standard products are a 40% sodium
bisulfite solution, 15% sodium sulfite solution, and 30% sodium thiosulfate
solution. Other concentrations of these products are available; however, the
solubility of the materials and individual customer requirements dictate the
practical concentrations that can be produced, shipped and stored (see
Temperature Solubility Curves on pages 18 & 19.)
The chemistry of the three products is similar in that they are sulfur based
reducing agents and will react with many of the same oxidizing agents. They
are also similar in that they can be used in reactions that add functionality to
the compounds produced.
 The solutions range from mildly acidic, as in the case of bisulfite, to slightly basic, in the case of
sodium sulfite and sodium thiosulfate. The pH of these sulfite solutions dictates the existence of
sodium bisulfite and/or sodium sulfite (see Speciation of Sulfurous Acid-Bisulfite-Sulfite vs. pH on
page 21). Sodium thiosulfate on the other hand is more stable and usable at pH levels above 8.
There is a long list of applications where these products are used.
The most significant uses are:
• In chemical reactions as a raw material
• As a reducing agent to destroy active halogen compounds
• As an oxygen scavenger (sulfite and bisulfite)
• As a sulfonating agent for organics
• Acrylic polymerization catalyst component (bisulfite)
• Metals reduction
• Photographic developer compounding
• Pulp and paper production
• Food preservation (bisulfite)

MANUFACTURING PROCESS
While there are a number of potential processes that yield bisulfite, sulfite, and thiosulfate, all
commercial processes react sulfur or sulfur dioxide with alkali in an aqueous solution. Southern
Ionics produces sodium bisulfite by burning elemental sulfur in air to form a gas containing sulfur
dioxide. The combustion gas is cooled and absorbed into an alkaline solution, either caustic soda
or soda ash, to form sodium bisulfite.
Sodium bisulfite is further reacted with caustic soda or soda ash to produce sodium sulfite. By
adding additional sulfur and heat, the sodium sulfite can be converted to sodium thiosulfate solution.

SODIUM THIOSULFATE PROCESS

Sodium Sulfite
Solution Heat
REACTOR
Sulfur

SODIUM Loading
FILTER THIOSULFATE
STORAGE

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 S A F E T Y

SAFETY
Sodium bisulfite solution is classified as a Hazardous Chemical Class A by DOT standards.
Sodium sulfite solutions and sodium thiosulfate solutions are not regulated by DOT; however, all
three products deserve respect as reactive chemicals in regard to personal safety during handling
and use. Contact with eyes, skin, or mucous membranes can cause severe irritation and even
burns. To avoid irritation, these products should be handled in well-ventilated areas and all
personal protective equipment should be utilized.
Appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, chemical goggles, rubber
boots, chemical resistant gloves, rubber apron, and face shield should be worn. In the case of
sodium bisulfite, respirators should be worn unless ventilation is adequate to keep concentrations
of sulfur dioxide below exposure standards. Some individuals are highly sensitive to sulfur dioxide
and sulfites. These individuals should not be placed in a situation where they could become
exposed to these products or the vapors from the products. THE MSDS SHOULD BE READ,
UNDERSTOOD, AND FOLLOWED BEFORE HANDLING THESE OR ANY OTHER
CHEMICALS.

FIRST AID
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with a large amount of water for at least 15 minutes. Get prompt
medical attention.
Skin: If exposed to skin: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated
clothing while continuing to apply water. Get prompt medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has
stopped, start artificial respiration. Get prompt medical attention.
Ingestion: Induce vomiting by giving 2 glasses of water to drink and touching back of subject’s
throat with finger. IMMEDIATELY see a physician. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Contact local Poison Control Center. In case of ingestion of sodium
thiosulfate, induce vomiting if gross amounts are swallowed. See MSDS for more information.

FIRE PROTECTION
FLAMMABLE LIMITS EXTINGUISHING MEDIA SPECIAL FIREFIGHTING PROCEDURES

Sodium Bisulfite Non Flammable Use extinguishing media Move containers promptly out of fire zone. If
appropriate for surrounding fire. removal is impossible, cool containers with water
spray. Remain upwind. Avoid breathing noxious
fumes (sulfur dioxide) from fire-exposed material.

Sodium Sulfite Non Flammable Use extinguishing media Wear complete fire service protective equipment,
appropriate for surrounding fire. including full-face piece MSHA/NIOSH approved
self-contained breathing apparatus. Use water to
cool fire-exposed container/structure/protect
personnel. Water or foam may cause frothing, if
product is heated above 93ºC/200ºF.

Sodium Thiosulfate Non Flammable Use extinguishing media For fires involving this material wear SCBA.
appropriate for surrounding fire.

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REACTIVITY
Stability Conditions To Avoid Incompatibility Hazardous Decomposition Products Hazardous Polymerization

Sodium Bisulfite Stable Avoid exposure to Avoid contact Thermal decomposition may yield the Will not occur.
excessive heat. Sulfur with acids and following: sulfur dioxide – toxic
dioxide may be released oxidizing agents. fumes.
if allowed to contact
strong acids or if dried
material is overheated.

Sodium Sulfite Stable Avoid exposure to Liberates sulfur Oxides of sulfur fumes emitted when Will not occur.
excessive heat. Sulfur dioxide in the heated to decomposition
dioxide may be released presence of
if allowed to contact strong acids.
strong acids or if dried
material is overheated.

Sodium Thiosulfate Stable Avoid exposure to Strong Acids If dried material is overheated, sulfur Will not occur.
excessive heat. Sulfur dioxide is given off.
dioxide may be released
if allowed to contact
strong acids or if dried
material is overheated.

SYMPTOMS & EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE

Sodium Bisulfite Sodium Sulfite Sodium Thiosulfate
Eyes Severe Irritation; Mild irritation Slight irritation
corneal burning possible
Skin Irritation – dermatitis Mild irritation Moderate to low irritant.
Inhalation Irritation of nose, throat, and lungs Sulfite-sensitive individuals, N/A
– coughing – shortness of breath upon inhalation of this product
may experience a severe allergic
reaction.
Ingestion Harmful if swallowed. Oral exposure or swallowing Up to 12 grams can be taken daily by
Gastrointestinal irritation; allergic may produce gastrointestinal mouth with no ill effects except catharsis.
reaction; In large doses may cause: upset. Sulfite sensitive
abdominal pain, control nervous individuals may experience a
system depression, diarrhea, severe allergic reaction.
depression and death.
Toxicity LD50 in rats 2000 mg/kg orally LD50 in rats is 5.66 g/kg. Large doses internally have a cathartic
Dermal toxicity in LD50 rabbit action.
is >16.0 g/kg

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

DOT DOT UN/ID Packing Other

Shipping Name Classification Number Group Labels
Bisulfites, inorganics,
Sodium Bisulfite 8 UN2693 III Corrosive
aqueous solutions, n.o.s.
(Sodium Bisulfite)

Sodium Sulfite Sodium Sulfite Solution N/A N/A N/A N/A

Sodium Thiosulfate Sodium Thiosulfate N/A N/A N/A N/A
Solution

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 SODIUM BISULFITE SOLUTION

BULK STORAGE
Bulk storage of sodium bisulfite solution is straightforward; there are four important
considerations addressed here that can have major impact on the successful planning of a storage
system.

VOLUME OF SOLUTION STORED

Standard bulk deliveries of sodium bisulfite solution are 4,200 gallons by tank truck and 17,000
gallons by tank car. It is normal practice to install tanks that have at least 1.5 times the capacity
of the expected deliveries. Other factors will also influence the decision on the tank volume. The
rate at which the solution will be used could require a larger tank. Installing a smaller tank could
increase the cost of deliveries for the life of the system. It is important to remember that sodium
bisulfite solution is quite stable, and bulk economics are favored even if deliveries are required
only a few times a year.

TANK CONSTRUCTION
Sodium Bisulfite Solution is corrosive to mild steel, brass, and copper alloys. Premium resin FRP,
316 SS, rubber-lined carbon steel, or polyethylene are all suitable material for sodium bisulfite
storage tanks. Tanks can be of single wall or double wall construction. Local regulations on
containment will determine what is required in a specific situation, but materials such as sodium
bisulfite normally require either double wall construction or some form of containment.
Tank insulation is generally recommended for single walled tanks and even for some double
walled tank installations. Most installations in the south do not require tank heaters. If a heating
system is considered necessary because of the specific product or location, the equipment selected
should avoid prolonged product contact with surfaces heated above 150 degrees F. Some type
of recirculation is generally adequate in preventing such situations.
A schematic of a typical sodium bisulfite storage tank is shown on the next page. Southern Ionics
personnel are available for consultation and to answer specific questions.

STORAGE TANK VAPORS

The vapor above a solution of sodium bisulfite contains water vapor and sulfur dioxide. The
vapor pressure of the solution is low (32.5 mm Hg) and not a significant concern except during
unloading into the tank. During a normal unloading into the tank, vapor from the tank is
displaced through the tank vent. The vapor displaced by unloading a 4,200 gallon tank truck will
contain about 0.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide at 25 degrees C. This vapor can be discharged to the
atmosphere at many locations, but may require special handling in some situations. Small vent
scrubbers, as shown in the tank schematic, or piping to return the vapor to the tank trailers can
handle this issue.

STORAGE TEMPERATURE
Sodium Bisulfite Solution is sensitive to storage temperatures. The product is shipped at about
90 degrees F. The recommended storage temperature is 60 to 95 degrees F. Forty-percent (40%)
sodium bisulfite will begin to crystallize at approximately 43 degrees F. Care must be taken to
prevent the 40% product from falling to this level or below. Tank insulation is generally sufficient
to do this, but if material is stored for long periods during cold weather, heating of the product could
be required. In any event, if heating is required, isolated temperatures above 150 degrees and bulk
temperatures above 100 degrees F should be avoided. 9
10
 STORAGE AND HANDLING

Southern Ionics has experience with customers with tanks in many different locations and can
make recommendations consistent with your particular area. Please contact your Southern Ionics
technical/sales representative if you have questions or need additional information.

PIPING AND PUMPS

Stainless steel, PVC, rubber-lined steel, CPVC, and Teflon lined steel piping are recommended
for sodium bisulfite service. Pumps with wetted parts of these materials are suitable as well. Any
piping exposed to the outdoors should be insulated, and if the system runs intermittently, or if
temperatures get to freezing or below, heat tracing the piping is recommended.
Piping assembly should be via welded or flanged connection. Threaded connections are
discouraged due to the difficulty in maintaining a positive seal with aqueous solutions of this type.

DELIVERIES AND UNLOADING

Tank truck deliveries are the most common bulk deliveries. Tank car deliveries are possible but
will not be addressed here.
Southern Ionics has its own tank trucks and makes many of the deliveries with this equipment;
however, common carrier tank trucks are also used on occasion to supplement our equipment
and assure timely delivery.
Five thousand (5,000) to seven thousand (7,000) gallon stainless steel tank trailers are used to
deliver sodium bisulfite solution. These trailers are equipped with 40 feet of 2” chemical hose
with cam and groove fittings. The trucks are capable of unloading with their own air supply;
however, it is faster to unload using a customer supplied unloading pump or plant air regulated
at 25 psi. In special situations, a truck mounted transfer pump can be provided; however, there
is an extra cost assessed for each such delivery. A product transfer pump is required (either a truck
mounted pump or a pump provided by the customer) if vapor recovery to the trailer is required.
The tank trailers are 40 feet long, and with the tractor, the entire rig may be as long as 70 feet.
This information should be kept in mind to provide adequate access for the tank truck for
deliveries.
The unloading area, and particularly the location where the trailer is placed for unloading, should
be arranged to contain any spill. The customer is also asked to provide for the disposal of the
product remaining in the hoses when delivery is completed. The driver will attempt to minimize
the volume of this material, but, typically, several gallons of product are drained from the hoses
at the end of the unloading.
On arrival at the delivery location, the tank truck driver will report to designated customer
personnel with appropriate paperwork and will verify the specific tank and connections for
unloading. The driver will be equipped with all required personal protective gear and will adhere
to the customer’s safety practices and policies. The driver will hook up the unloading hoses and
operate valves, pump, and any other necessary equipment to enable the unloading. The driver
will also close all valves as required, unhook all hoses, and dispose of any product from the hoses
as directed by customer personnel. Any special requirements during deliveries should be
discussed with Southern Ionics personnel prior to delivery, no later than at the time the purchase
order is placed.

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SODIUM SULFITE & SODIUM THIOSULFATE

Bulk storage of sodium sulfite and sodium thiosulfate solutions is simple and straightforward.
The following considerations can have a major impact on the successful planning of a storage
system.

VOLUME OF SOLUTION STORED

Standard bulk deliveries of sodium sulfite solution are 4,600 gallons by tank truck and 19,500
gallons by tank car. For sodium thiosulfate, the respective volumes are 4,300 gallons and 18,200
gallons. It is normal practice to install tanks that have at least 1.5 times the capacity of the expected
deliveries. Other factors will also influence the decision on the tank volume. The rate at which
the solution will be used could require a larger tank. Installing a smaller tank may increase the
cost of deliveries for the life of the system. It is important to remember that these solutions are quite
stable, and bulk economics are favored even if deliveries are required only a few times a year.

TANK CONSTRUCTION
Neither sodium sulfite solution nor sodium thiosulfate is corrosive to mild steel. However, we
recommend polyethylene, premium resin FRP, 316 SS to minimize the pickup of iron that would
happen to some degree with mild steel. Aluminum, copper, brass, or zinc fittings will be attacked
by the alkalinity in sulfite and thiosulfate solutions, and their use should be avoided. Tanks can be
of single wall or double wall construction. Local regulations on containment will determine what
is required in a specific situation. Since these materials are not considered hazardous, regulations
are generally less strict than with sodium bisulfite, but local regulations and/or company
standards should be consulted.
Tank insulation is generally recommended for single walled tanks and even for some double
walled tank installations for sodium sulfite solutions. Sodium thiosulfate tanks may or may not
require insulation since the crystallization temperature is lower for this product. Most
installations in the South do not require tank heaters for either product. If a heating system is
considered necessary because of the specific product or location, the equipment selected should
avoid prolonged product contact with surfaces heated above 180 degrees F. Some type of re-
circulation is generally adequate in preventing such situations.
A schematic of a typical tank installation for sodium sulfite and sodium thiosulfate storage tank is
shown on the next page. The schematics are similar to sodium bisulfite, but no vent scrubber is
required. Neither of these products have sulfur dioxide in the vapor above the solutions.
Southern Ionics personnel are available for consultation and to answer specific questions.

STORAGE TEMPERATURE
Sodium sulfite solution and, to a lesser degree, sodium thiosulfate solutions are sensitive to
storage temperatures. The products are shipped at between 90 and 140 degrees F. The
recommended storage temperature range for these products is 60 to 80 degrees F, but
temperatures as high as 150 degrees are not a problem for the product.
Fifteen percent (15%) sodium sulfite will crystallize at approximately 40 degrees F. Care must be
taken to prevent the fifteen percent (15%) product from falling to this level or below. Thirty
percent (30%) sodium thiosulfate will crystallize at about 14 degrees F. Tank insulation is
generally sufficient to deal with ambient temperatures in the South, but, if material is stored for
long periods during cold weather, heating of the product could be required. In any event, if
heating is required, isolated temperatures above 180 degrees and bulk temperatures above 150
degrees F should be avoided.

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13
 STORAGE AND DELIVERY

Southern Ionics has experience with customers with tanks in many different locations and can
make recommendations consistent with your particular area. Please contact your Southern Ionics
technical/sales representative if you have questions or need additional information.

PIPING AND PUMPS

Stainless steel, CPVC piping, and plastic-lined steel piping are recommended for sodium sulfite
and or sodium thiosulfate service. Pumps with wetted parts of these same materials are suitable
as well. Any piping exposed to the outdoors should be insulated, and if the system runs
intermittently, or if temperatures get to freezing or below, heat tracing the piping is
recommended.
Piping assembly should be via welded or flanged connection. Threaded connections are
discouraged due to the difficulty in maintaining a positive seal with aqueous solutions of this type.

DELIVERIES AND UNLOADING

Tank truck deliveries are the most common bulk deliveries. Tank car deliveries are possible but
will not be addressed here.
Southern Ionics has its own tank trucks and makes many of the deliveries with this equipment;
however, common carrier tank trucks are also used on occasion to supplement our equipment
and assure timely delivery.
Five thousand (5,000) to seven thousand (7,000) gallon stainless steel tank trailers are used to
deliver sodium bisulfite solution. These trailers are equipped with 40 feet of 2” chemical hose
with cam and groove fittings. The trucks are capable of unloading with their own air supply;
however, it is faster to unload using a customer supplied unloading pump or plant air regulated
at 25 psi. In special situations, a truck mounted transfer pump can be provided; however, there
is an extra cost assessed for each such delivery.
The tank trailers are 40 feet long, and with the tractor, the entire rig may be as long as 70 feet.
This information should be kept in mind to provide adequate assess for the tank truck for
deliveries.
The unloading area, and particularly the location where the trailer is placed for unloading, should
be arranged to contain any spill. The customer is also asked to provide for the disposal of the
product remaining in the hoses when delivery is completed. The driver will attempt to minimize
the volume of this material, but, typically, several gallons of product are drained from the hoses
at the end of the unloading.
On arrival at the delivery location, the tank truck driver will report to designated customer
personnel with appropriate paperwork and will verify the specific tank and connections for
unloading. The driver will be equipped with all required personal protective gear and will adhere
to the customer’s safety practices and policies as advised. The driver will hook up the unloading
hoses and operate valves, pump, and any other necessary equipment to enable the unloading.
The driver will also close all valves as required, unhook all hoses, and dispose of any product from
the hoses as directed by customer personnel. Any special requirements during deliveries should
be discussed with Southern Ionics personnel prior to delivery, no later than at the time the
purchase order is placed.

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 EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS

PUMPS Ernst Flow Ind COMPRESSOR FITTINGS STORAGE TANKS

Goulds Pumps P.O. Box 925 FOR TUBING – FRP TANKS
240 Fall Street Farmingdale, NJ 07727 Swagelok Red Ewald, Inc.
Seneca Falls, NY 13148 800-992-2843 29500 Solon Road P.O. Box 519
315-568-2811 www.ernstflow.com Solon, OH 44139 Karnes City, TX
www.gouldspumps.com www.swagelok.com 800-242-3524
www.redewald.com
Flowserve Corporation VAPOR SCRUBBERS Tube Fittings Division
Rotating Equipment Div. Bionomic Industries Inc. 3885 Gateway Blvd. Augusta Fiberglass
P.O. Box 1145 777 Corporate Drive Columbus, OH 43228 Rt. 2 Box 138
Dayton, OH 45401 Mahwah, NJ 07430 914-279-7070 Highway 3 South
937-226-4000 800-311-6767 www.parker.com Blackville, SC 29817
www.flowserve.com www.bionomicind.com 803-284-2246

Branch Environmental STORAGE TANKS Tankinetics, Inc.

STORAGE TANK Corp. P.O. Box 1195
– METAL TANKS
CONSERVATION P.O. Box 5265 Harrison, AR 72601
Reco USA
VENT/BREATHER Somerville, NJ 08876 P.O. Box 4147 870-741-3626
The Protectoseal Company 908-526-1114 West Columbia, SC 29171
225 West Forester Avenue www.branchenv.com 803-794-3360 Viatec Process/Storage
Bensenville, IL 60106 www.recousatanks.com Systems
630-595-0800 EST Corporation P.O. Box 99
www.protectoseal.com P.O. Box 890 Paul Mueller Company Belding, MI 48809
Quakertown, PA 18951 P.O. Box 828 800-942-4702
Groth Corporation 215-538-7000 Springfield, MO 65801
P.O. Box 15293 800-683-5537 Troy Mfg, Inc.
Houston, TX 77020 Indusco Inc. www.muel.com 200 Preston Road
800-552-2960 P.O. Box 43447 Henderson, TX 75653
www.grothcorp.com Birmingham, AL 35243 Alloy Fabricators, Inc. 903-657-9404
205-967-7721 P.O. Box 650
L&J Technologies Trenton, GA 36752 AC Plastiques
(Shand & Jurs) 800-275-7565 1395 Montee Chenier
5911 Butterfield Road Les Cedres, Quebec JOP 1L0
STORAGE TANKS DESIGN www.alloyfab.com
450-455-3311
Hillside, IL 60162
708-236-6000 STANDARDS
American Petroleum Southwest Tank & Treator
www.ljtechnologies.com Manufacturing Diamond Fiberglass
Institute Fabricators, Inc.
1220 L. Street, Northwest P.O. Box 340
Henderson, TX 75653 P.O. Box 106
MAGNETIC TANK Washington, D.C. 20005 Victoria, TX 77902
202-682-8000 903-657-3556
LEVEL GAUGES Email: swtank@tvcom.net 361-572-4040
www.api.org www.diamondfiberglass.com
ISE – Magtech
907 Bay Star Blvd Dal-Worth Fabrication
API 650 – Welded Steel Belco Manufacturing
Webster, TX 77598 2750 E. Main Street
Tanks for Oil Storage P.O. Box 210
800-221-3653 Grand Prairie, TX 75050
API 653 Belts, TX 76513
www.isemagtech.com 800-325-8265
API 2000 – Venting 800-251-8265
Atmospheric and Low- www.dalworthfabrication.com
K-Tek www.belco-mfg.com
Pressure Storage Tanks
18321 Swamp Road Southern Tank & Repair
Prairieville, LA 70769 P.O. Drawer 697
American Society of
800-735-5835
Mechanical Engineers Grand Bay, AL 36541 RESIN MANUFACTURERS
www.ktekcorp.com 251-865-6153 AND RESIN NAMES
3 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Jogler Dow – Derekane
800-843-2763
9715 Derrington Ashland – Hetron
Houston, TX 77064 Reichold – Dion
800-223-8469
www.jogler.com 15
TYPICAL PRODUCT INFORMATION

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17
 The specific gravity of these reducing agents is not a dependable indication of concentration. Impurities such as sodium sulfate can vary and cause variations
in the specific gravity of solutions. The specific gravity information given here is typical of that expected based on concentration but is provided as a means
of roughly determining the relationship between volume and weight of the solutions. It can also be used to make rough dilutions of concentrated solutions.

The solubility information provided

is intended to assist in making deci-
sions about the use and storage of
the specific sulfur chemical. In prac-
tice, these solutions become super-
saturated as they approach the indi-
cated temperature, and the com-
pound may stay in solution several
degrees below the indicated tem-
perature. Disturbing a supersaturat-
ed solution or adding anything that
will encourage crystallization is very
likely to cause a significant number
of crystals to form very rapidly.

In addition, information on the

water freezing point for dilute solu-
tions of these sulfur chemicals is
given to help manage storage solu-
tions. As indicated, solutions of
sodium bisulfites, sulfites and thio-
sulfates can be diluted to lower the
freezing point to minimize cold
weather storage problems.

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S TA B I L I T Y O F S O D I U M B I S U L F I T E S O L U T I O N S

Sodium bisulfite solutions (SBS) will react with oxygen during storage, resulting in a reduction
in the sodium bisulfite assay, an increase in the level of sulfates, and a decrease in pH. The graph
below shows the change in bisulfite assay (%NaHSO3) as a function of time for a drum of 40%
sodium bisulfite solution stored under ambient conditions. The drum was substantially full and
vented to the atmosphere. The particular situation described here represents less than ideal
storage conditions but does provide some useful information about the decomposition of SBS.

As can be seen, after 138 days storage, the %NaHSO3 decreased from 39.1% to 37.6%. The
%Na2SO4 increased from 0.65% to 1.99%, and the pH decreased from 4.6 to 3.3.

Our experiences suggest that SBS in storage containers closed (or significantly closed) to the
atmosphere and at recommended storage temperatures can be stored for six (6) months with little
or no decomposition. If not sure of how closed to the atmosphere a particular SBS storage
container is, it is recommended that assay, pH, and sulfate levels be checked every 4 to 6 weeks
to determine suitability for a particular use. For proper storage conditions, consult the storage and
handling section of this handbook.

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 Research facilities explore
products and applications for
SII customers.

SII’s large trucking fleet assures

on-time delivery.
Production capacity is supported
by extensive storage capabilities.

Sophisticated technology at Southern

Ionics ensures product consistency.

HOW TO ORDER:
To place an order, obtain samples, prices, and/or technical information from any location in
the continental United States, call Customer Service toll free: 800/953-3585 or use Customer
Service Fax: 800/953-3588.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS: OPERATIONS:

Baton Rouge LA * **
201 Commerce Street Port Allen, LA *
P.O. Drawer 1217 Calhoun, TN * **
Chickasaw (Mobile), AL * **
West Point, Mississippi 39773 Columbus, MS (Barge Terminal)
Telephone: 662/494-3055 Westlake, LA * **
Midlothian, TX (Transloading)
Fax: 662/494-2828 Pasadena, TX * **
E-Mail: info@southernionics.com Terrell, TX **
Tuscaloosa, AL * * ISO 9001:2000 Certified
Website: www.southernionics.com West Point, MS * ** ** NSF International Certified

SOUTHERN IONICS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER N/F/H/V

Southern Ionics
I N C O R P O R A T E D

©2004 SOUTHERN IONICS INCORPORATED

REPRODUCTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF COPYRIGHT OWNER. PRINTED IN USA