Sodium chlorite drying
Sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) is a highly reactive inorganic compound primarily used in water treatment, disinfection, bleaching processes, and the synthesis of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂). Common Drying Methods: Vibration Fluid Bed Dryer, Vacuum Rake Dryer
Sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) is a highly reactive inorganic compound primarily used in water treatment, disinfection, bleaching processes, and the synthesis of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂). Due to its hygroscopic nature and chemical instability under certain conditions, drying sodium chlorite is a crucial step to maintain its purity, shelf life, and effectiveness in industrial and commercial applications.
Purpose of Drying
Sodium chlorite readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, leading to clumping, caking, and potential decomposition. Excess moisture can also promote undesirable reactions, such as:
Oxidation: Degradation into chlorate (ClO₃⁻) or chloride (Cl⁻) ions.
Reduced reactivity: Compromised performance in ClO₂ generation or bleaching.
Safety risks: Increased sensitivity to heat or organic contaminants.
Drying ensures a stable, free-flowing powder with controlled moisture content, critical for safe handling and precise formulation.
Common Drying Methods
Vibration Fluid Bed Dryer
The vibration source is driven by a vibration motor, which has balanced operation, easy maintenance, low noise and long service life.
High effection, raw material is heates evenly and heated evenly and heat exchange is fully used and dry capacity is high. Compared with ordinary drier, the energy can be saved about 30%.
Vacuum Rake Dryer
The vacuum rake dryer is a novel horizontal intermittent vacuum drying equipment. The wet material evaporates through conduction. The scraper stirrer continuously removes the material on the hot surface and pushes it in the container to form a circulating flow. After the water evaporates, it is pumped out by the vacuum pump. This machine adopts large-area inter-layer heating method, with large heat transfer surface and high thermal efficiency. T
Desiccator Storage
Dried sodium chlorite is stored with desiccants (e.g., silica gel, molecular sieves) in airtight containers to prevent rehydration.
Key Considerations
Temperature Sensitivity: Excessive heat accelerates oxidation and decomposition, reducing active chlorine content.
Compatibility: Avoid contact with organic materials, acids, or reducing agents during drying, as NaClO₂ is a strong oxidizer and may cause fires or explosions.
Atmosphere: Use inert environments (e.g., nitrogen purging) for high-purity batches to prevent oxidation.
Safety: Ensure proper ventilation and grounding of equipment to mitigate static discharge risks.
Post-Drying Handling
Store dried sodium chlorite in moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., HDPE or glass).
Label containers clearly and keep away from heat sources, acids, or combustible materials.
Applications of Dried Sodium Chlorite
Water treatment: Disinfection and ClO₂ generation for potable water systems.
Textile/paper industries: Bleaching agent for fabrics and pulp.
Healthcare: Surface disinfectants and antimicrobial formulations.
Proper drying of sodium chlorite is essential to preserve its oxidative capacity, ensure safe storage, and meet regulatory standards for industrial and consumer applications. Controlled protocols balance efficiency with chemical stability, underscoring its role in critical sanitation and manufacturing processes.
