P ROCTER & GAMBLE FABRIC & HOME CARE

Supersedes: 95238780.002 GCAS: 95238780.003

R AW MATERIAL PLANT INSTRUCTION
Date: 11 April 2019
*** RESTRICTED ***

C AUSTIC SODA

OBJECTIVE

This standard covers the storage and handling of the materials listed above. The information herewithin is important and should
be followed for reasons of safety and quality. This standard applies to any P&G site using the materials listed above.

For safety specifics and detailed chemical behaviour of the material, the appropriate supplier’s MSDS (Material Safety Data
Sheet) should be referred to.

This standard serves to form the basis for more detailed plant specific standard operating procedures and manufacturing standards.

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION

Caustic Soda is a liquid raw material. It is used in the neutralisation of HLAS Acid to produce NaLAS Surfactant Paste which is
used in the detergent industry. It is also used to adjust pH directly to formula. The typical concentration used in P&G is about 50%
and about 32%.

Caustic Soda is a colourless to slightly blue clear solution of Sodium Hydroxide.

Caustic Soda is a strong alkali and highly corrosive liquid. Refer to MSDS before handling. Restrictions on shipment may be
imposed.

MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS

To note, the following are typical characteristics. If in any doubt or for more specific information, the relevant supplier should be
contacted.

Boiling Point : 115°C – 145°C (e.g. 50% NaOH = 140◦C, 30% NaOH=115◦C)
Freezing Point : 12°C for concentration about 50%; 5°C for concentration around 32%
Flash Point : n/a
Handling Temperatures : 20°C min, 50°C max
Decomposition : If stored correctly it will not decompose over time
Reactivity : Exothermic dilution with water. Violent reactions with acids, chlorine and oxidising agents in
aqueous solutions. Hydrogen liberation by contact with certain metals (explosive hazards)
Density : 1.5g/cm3 @ 20°C
Vapour Pressure : 1.45 – 2.00 mbar @ 15°C
Viscosity : 23 – 30 cP @ 20°C

STORAGE & HANDLING

Unloading
Before unloading, check that material meets Appearance Criteria from IRMS (Colour, Clarity etc.).

Handling
Caustic is highly corrosive. Proper PPE should be weared before handling the material. Supplier MSDS should be read and
followed.

Material of Construction
Tanks: 304SS, CS lined (Amercoat 75), FRP
Gasket: Teflon, PE, PP
Lines: 304SS, CS lined

Material Temperature
Recommended temperature for storage:
LSL (°C) LCL(°C) UCL(°C) USL(°C)
40-50% NaOH 10 20 50 60
32% NaOH 5 10 50 60

Changes to this issue: update on material temperature and extend the RMPI to cover broad caustic soda specs.

Originator: Lizhu Wang Function: Materials Location: BJIC

Business Use - P&G AUTHORIZED 95238780 Rev 003 Effective Date 2019-04-12 Printed 2023-04-19 Page 1 of 2
 P ROCTER & GAMBLE FABRIC & HOME CARE
Supersedes: 95238780.002 GCAS: 95238780.003
R AW MATERIAL PLANT INSTRUCTION
Date: 11 April 2019
*** RESTRICTED ***

C AUSTIC SODA
Plant should follow control limit for the best of material quality. Mateiral can be stored between control limit and spec limit for a
short period (e.g. 1 week) in case a sudden temperature shift.
Storing long term above the maximum temperature can lead to iron pick up and caustic embrittlement/caustic stress corrosion.
Storing long term below minimum temperature can lead to crystallisation/freezing. If freezing happened, it is necessary to heat the
material to melt.

Transfer / Addition to Process

Tanks and lines tracing needs to be kept on at all times to avoid crystallisation. Once formed, caustic crystals are very difficult to
dissolve.

Protection From Environment

Follow temperature guidelines above.

Line Clearance
 Cleaning of pipes and tanks must be done with air, except for SS systems, where steam cleaning may be used.
 Where caustic is manufactured by the Mercury Cell Process, there is a high probability that Mercury will settle out on the
bottom of the storage tanks.
 Because of the vapour pressure of mercury, exposure to individuals who enter confined spaces such as tanks could become
high. In addition, any heat or steam could increase the mercury exposure level.
 Any tank that needs to be entered must be tested prior to entry with a Mercury Draeger Tube with a measuring range from 0.1
to 2.0 mg/m3. If any mercury is found, consult local HS&E Department immediately for additional instructions on PPE and
air sampling which may be needed. This procedure should also be added to the current tank entry permit forms used for
entering caustic tanks.

Shelf-life
12 months from date of manufacture. To extend the shelf life, re-test assay of NaOH to confirm meeting spec, and shelf life can be
extended for 6months.

Changes to this issue: update on material temperature and extend the RMPI to cover broad caustic soda specs.

Originator: Lizhu Wang Function: Materials Location: BJIC

Business Use - P&G AUTHORIZED 95238780 Rev 003 Effective Date 2019-04-12 Printed 2023-04-19 Page 2 of 2