bleach, chlor-alkali & caustic soda production (2812-bc)

overview of bleach, chlor-alkali & caustic soda production (2812-bc)

— chemical facilities that co-produces caustic soda and chlorine are typically referred to as a chlor-alkali (c/a) facilities. the chemicals are simultaneously produced as a result of the electrolysis of salt brine. these facilities typically utilizes two electrolytic processes to produce caustic soda solution and chlorine: the diaphragm cell and membrane cell processes. caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide (naoh), is used as a strong base in the manufacture of products that form a daily part of our lives, including pulp and paper, detergents, foodstuffs, textiles and more. caustic soda solution plays an important role in many industries, including: pulp and paper - the largest application for caustic soda worldwide. uses include in pulping and bleaching processes, the de-inking of waste paper and water treatment. textiles - used to process cotton and dye synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester. soap and detergents - used in saponification, the chemical process that converts fat, tallow and vegetable oils into soap. it also is used to manufacture anionic surfactants, a crucial component in most detergents and cleaning products. bleach manufacturing - used to make bleach, which has industrial and consumer applications such as mold and mildew control around the home. petroleum products - used to explore, produce and process petroleum and natural gas. aluminum production - used to dissolve bauxite ore, the raw material for aluminum production. chemical processing - used as a basic feedstock for a wide range of downstream products, including solvents, plastics, fabrics, adhesives, coatings, herbicides, dyes, inks, pharmaceuticals and more.