Sodium chlorate
Product information manualContent
Introduction................................................................................. 3
Applications................................................................................. 4
Technical data and physical properties............................ 5
Safety and handling.................................................................. 8
Transportation............................................................................11
Unloading................................................................................... 12
Equipment.................................................................................. 14
Analytical procedures............................................................ 16

Eka®, SVP® , SVP-LITE® and HP-A® are registeredtrademarks of Nouryon in some countries worldwide.

2

Introduction

Sodium chlorate (NaClO3) is a powerful oxidizing
agent available in both the crystal and solution
forms manufactured and supplied by Nouryon.
When handled correctly, associated risks areminimal. However, like many other oxidizing
chemicals, if handled incorrectly sodium chlorate can pose a serious hazard to human health,safety and the environment.
Knowledge of the possible risks, correct and appropriate safeguards, and the necessary response
to situations that could arise is therefore

essential for anyone dealing with this chemical.
This manual contains important informationon the safe handling of sodium chlorate; it has
been compiled based on experience gained
from many years of producing and handling thischemical.
Please do not hesitate to contact yourNouryon Representative for advice and instructions concerning the handling of sodium chlorate: https://eka.nouryon.com/contact-sales/

Disclaimer
Information herein is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Information and suggestions are made without warranty or guarantee of results. Before using,user should determine the suitability of the product for its intended use and assess how to
use the product safely in their particular manufacturing setting and user assumes the risk
and liability in connection therewith. The application, use and processing of our products
and the products manufactured by you on the basis of our technical advice are beyond ourcontrol and, therefore, entirely your own responsibility. We do not suggest violation of any
existing patents or give permission to practice any patented invention without a license.

3

Applications

Sodium chlorate has a high oxidizing potential
and functions as a powerful oxidizing agent. An
example of this type of reaction would be theproduction of chlorine dioxide.
In 2012, more than 90% of all sodium chlorate
produced worldwide was consumed by the pulp
industry where it is used for generation of chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is a key bleaching
agent and is used in the production of Elemental
Chlorine-Free (ECF) bleached wood pulp all over
the world.

Some common industrial applications for
sodium chlorate include the surface treatment ofmetals and cupric chloride etch regeneration in
the electronics and automotive industries.
Additional uses of sodium chlorate are as anoxidant in chemical synthesis; in the mining industry for the extraction of uranium and vanadium; in the production of oxygen candles utilizedon aircraft and submarines; and by manufacturers of breathing apparatus for firefighters andmine rescue crews.

Presented in the table below are examples
of today's technologies for producing a chlorine-free chlorine dioxide solution for ECF
bleaching.

Product grades
Sodium chlorate is available in both solution andcrystal forms from our network of production
facilities.
Your Nouryon Representative will be pleased
to help you determine which form of sodium
chlorate product is appropriate for your particular application.

The major use of sodium chlorate remains in
the pulp and paper industry; it is also the preferred intermediate for sodium perchlorate andsodium chlorite manufacture.

4

Process

Reaction

SVP-LITE:

12NaClO3 + 8H2SO4 + 3CH3OH ¨ 12ClO2 + 3HCOOH + 9H2O + 4Na3H(SO4)2

SVP-HP:

2NaClO3 + H2O2 + H2SO4 ¨ 2ClO2 + Na2SO4 + 2H2O + O2

HP-A:

2NaClO3 + H2O2 + 2H2SO4 ¨ 2ClO2 + 2NaHSO4 + O2 + 2H2O

Technical data andphysical properties
Sodium chlorate is a white to off-white crystalline material. Crystals are similar in appearance
to table salt. Sodium chlorate is odorless andvery soluble in water.
In its crystal form, sodium chlorate is stable attemperatures up to 250°C. Above this temperature chlorate decomposes slowly and steadily
forming salt (sodium chloride) and oxygen.
Sodium chlorate in its pure form is not flammable but due to the fact it releases oxygen duringdecomposition it will act as an extreme combustion accelerant in the presence of flammable materials.
In liquid form, extra caution should be taken.
Sodium chlorate solution is a clear odorless
liquid and becomes virtually invisible (salt-like
residue is often apparent) when it dries on any
organic material like cloth, leather, paper orwood. All that is then required is a spark, minor
friction or heat to ignite. Sodium chlorate itself
does not burn but as previously stated acts as
an extreme combustion accelerant by emitting
oxygen. Consequently, fires involving sodium
chlorate spread very rapidly and explosively andcannot be extinguished by smothering. Other
substances which cause fire in mixtures containing sodium chlorate are phosphorus, sulfur,
sulfides, metallic powder and ammonium salts.
When sodium chlorate is mixed with strong
acids, chlorine dioxide and or chlorine gases
are formed, both are toxic and when chlorine
dioxide is present may become explosive. Consequently, due to this reaction potential it is recommended to store acids and sodium chlorate
crystal and/or solutions separately.

5Technical data andphysical properties
Typical properties
Please refer to the CURRENT sodium chlorate SDS for the CURRENT regulatory information about the physical properties for this product. Your Nouryon
Representative will be able to provide you with this document.
Sodium chlorate
Chemical formula

NaClO3

Molecular weight106.4 g/moleAppearance

white to off-white crystalline material, odorless

Melting point

248–250 °C

Boiling point	none, is decomposed at temperatures higher than 250–300°C into sodium chloride
and oxygen gas

6

Bulk density

approximate 1500 kg/m3

Solubility

soluble in water, refer to diagram on the following pagepH

neutral, assumes the pH of the solvent

1,44

1,39

ion

lut

So
te
a
r
hlo

d
ate
tur
Sa

ium

780

C

d

So

680

1,34
580
1,29

1,24

480

Ice

380

1,19

1,14
-20

Grams NaCIO3 per liter

Specific Gravity measured by 60°/60°F, Hydrometer

Solubility of sodium chlorate in water
An illustration of the density of sodium chlorate solution at different temperaturesand concentrations.

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

280
100

Solution temperature, oC

7

Safety and handling

Please refer to the latest product SDS in yourlocal language for the most current regulatory information about the safety and handlingof sodium chlorate. Your Nouryon Representative will be able to provide you withthis document. The following are guidelines
for the handling and use of sodium chlorate
solutions. You should assess how to use theproduct safely in your particular manufacturing setting.

Mandatory protective equipment
when handing sodium chlorate
Because sodium chlorate should never comein contact with organic materials like cloth andleather, make sure all personnel are provided
with, and required to wear, the following items:
1.	A protective suit (preferred anti-flammable
treated) made of vinyl, neoprene, or PVC.
2. A pair of vinyl or neoprene boots.
3.	Protective goggles that fit snugly overthe eyes.
4. Rubber gloves.
5.	Dust mask or in instances of high dust concentrations a dust respirator.
6.	A hardhat with a full-face safety visor.

Nouryon recommends a number of othersafeguards and procedures be observed:
1.	Safety showers or jump tanks and eye wash
stations should be located close to where sodium chlorate is unloaded, stored and used.
2.	Do not allow sodium chlorate to accumulate.
Promptly clean up spills/leaks using copious
amounts of water.
8

3.	Keep sodium chlorate areas free of any
combustible organic materials, including
cloth, paper, leather, paint, wood, sawdust,
solvents, grease and oils.
4.	Wood and leather are especially porous andabsorb sodium chlorate solution so thoroughly it can't be washed out. We recommend non-leather clothing be professionallylaundered before reuse, but shoes, pallets or
any other organic material that gets soakedwith sodium chlorate solution be destroyedby burning them in a safe and controlledenvironment.
5.	To prevent the contamination and possible
ignition, anything made of leather, including
but not limited to shoes, belts and watchbands should not be worn when handlingsodium chlorate in crystal or liquid forms.
6.	Smoking is expressly prohibited in areas
where sodium chlorate in crystal or liquid
forms may be present. Even the smallest
spark or heat source can ignite combustible
materials contaminated with sodium chlorate.
7.	All safety clothing should be kept separate
from street clothes.
8.	Clean safety clothing should be worn during
each shift, then washed immediately afterwards.
9.	Workers should shower with soap and water
after each shift.
10.Equipment contaminated with sodium chlorate crystal or liquid should be thoroughly
washed with water before being transported
or moved from the controlled area.
11. Sodium chlorate should always be unloaded
separately from other chemical deliveries.

Personal injuries and first aid
1. Skin: If sodium chlorate in crystal or solution
form comes in direct contact with skin and/or
mucous membranes, the result can be moderate to severe irritation of skin accompanied
by reddening and pain. Overexposure to thechemical may cause burns.
First aid: Immediately get under a safety
shower. Thoroughly flush affected areas for atleast 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Then get medical attention.
2. Eyes: Getting sodium chlorate in one's eyes
will be immediately apparent. Moderate tosevere irritation and pain will occur. Prolonged contact may result in permanent eye
damage.
	First aid: Go immediately to an eye wash station and rinse eyes thoroughly for at least 15
minutes. Then get medical attention.
3. Inhalation: Inhaling sodium chlorate dust
may irritate the respiratory tract and mucous
membranes. To minimize this potential makesure there is good ventilation in work areas.
Workers should wear dust respirators where
there are heavy concentrations of sodium
chlorate dust.
	First aid: In case of inhalation, get fresh air. If
breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, give oxygen. Then
seek medical attention immediately.

4. Ingestion: Swallowing sodium chlorate isharmful and, in extreme situations, could befatal. Affected workers will exhibit abdominal
pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. It may cause
difficulty in breathing and unconsciousness.
To avoid the problem, workers should never eat or drink around sodium chlorate, andwash their hands well before eating.
First aid: In case of ingestion, drink as muchwater as possible. Do not induce vomiting.
Keep breathing passages clear. If the victim is
unconscious, do not give anything by mouth.
Then get medical attention immediately.

9Safety and handlingFire
A fire involving sodium chlorate can spread rapidly and explosively. Attempts to smother such afire with a blanket or a chemical fire extinguisher will have no effect because sodium chlorate
gives off oxygen during decomposition.
Water, if applied immediately, is the only possible means of controlling a fire involving sodium
chlorate.
Safety action
If clothing catches fire, instantly get into a jumptank or under a safety shower and remove allclothing.

Jump tank installed at our Columbus, Mississippi facility

Procedures for safe handling
Observe the following recommendations toprevent both personal injuries and material
damage at your facilities:

10

Procedures for safe handling
Observe the following recommendations toprevent both personal injuries and material
damage at your facilities:
1. Any sodium chlorate spills or leaks should becontained, or quickly taken care of by workers
wearing proper safety attire.
2. Spills should be cleaned up with a non-combustible absorbent and put in containers for
disposal. (Consult your local, state and federal
regulations for accepted means of disposal.)
3. Never flush sodium chlorate into water
sources and public sewers.
4. Never wash sodium chlorate into a sewer
where acids have been dumped or may bepresent. A dangerous reaction could result.
For example, certain acids could turn sodium
chlorate into chlorine dioxide and or chlorine, which is hazardous and toxic and may
become explosive.
5. M ake sure sodium chlorate never comes incontact with petroleum based oils, greases
and lubricants. In rare instances when this has
happened, explosions have resulted.
6. If you use sodium chlorate in super sacs,
bags or drums always store directly on concrete floors. Nouryon does not recommend
the use of wooden pallets; please use steel
or plastic pallets. Any sodium chlorate crystals from a spill or a broken bag should be
swept up and put into clean, dry containers.
Dispose according to local, state, federal, orgovernment regulations.

Transportation

Please refer to the CURRENT sodium chlorate
SDS for the CURRENT regulatory information
about the transportation of this product. Your
Nouryon Representative will be able to provide
you with this document.

an individual capacity of 1000–1250 kg.
Sodium chlorate is classified as hazardous
goods – transportation and packaging design
must therefore adhere to the internationaltransportation regulations.

Nouryon ships sodium chlorate in many regions of the world, primarily by rail or truck.
Product is usually packaged in super sacs
when long distance transportation is required,especially to overseas customers. Alternative
packaging in small metal drums is also available.
All vessels for transportation of sodium chlorate are made of compatible materials. The supersacs, utilized for long distance transportation, aremade of polypropylene/polyethylene and haveTransportation regulations
Sodium chlorate is supplied in crystalline andsolution form and must always be packaged
in UN-approved packaging. Packaging must
always be marked with the required labelling.
Transportation may take place by road, railway, sea or air (sample quantities). Each modeof transport has its own regulations with special
requirements regarding packaging, vehicle typeand documentation.

Examples of containers/packaging

Hopper truck – crystal productTanker truck – solution product

Supersac – crystal product

Rail car – crystal product11

Unloading

For questions regarding unloading and/or site
specific material recommendations, please
consult with your Nouryon Representative.
General unloading of sodium chlorate
All unloading operations must be performed
exclusively by dependable, well-trained workers or truck drivers who are fully aware of theproper safety procedures and first aid actions.
The transporting vessel must be properly secured and with warning signs in place.
All unloading connections must be securely
attached before opening any discharge valves.
A dedicated worker or a truck driver must bepresent at all times to monitor the attachmentof connections and the unloading of the vessel.
Be sure to unload incompatible materials,
such as strong acids or combustibles, in a separate area isolated from the sodium chlorate
facility.
Unloading crystal productBecause of its high solubility in water, sodium
chlorate crystals can be easily dissolved andunloaded as a liquid solution. Hot water circulating between the vessel and a mixing tankdissolves the chlorate crystals and forms thedesired solution. Since the dissolving action
absorbs heat, it is necessary to pre-heat the12

solution water to 65–80 °C (142–180 °F).
During the unloading process, this temperature
should not drop below 45 °C (113 °F). A sourceof additional heat, such as steam coils within
the mixing tank or an external heat exchanger
in the recirculation line, should be provided tomaintain an adequate temperature.
The volume of water needed to unload adelivery will depend on both the amount of
sodium chlorate delivered and the concentration required. The information provided in thetables presented on page 13 gives an example
of recipes for various sodium chlorate concentrations.
Be sure the storage tank has adequate capacity for the solution to be received, see final
volumes detailed in the tables presented on
page 13.
Unloading and dissolving crystal productfrom supersacs
When sodium chlorate is shipped in supersacs, each bag has to be lifted up by a truck ora crane, tipped into a discharging unit and fed
to a dissolving tank.
Please contact your Nouryon Representative
for specific recommendations on the design ofthe discharging unit and dissolving tank system.

Sodium chlorate crystal – dilution water requirements and final volume
Metric units
DesiredConcentration (g/l)

Dissolving
water
Dissolving
water
m3/metric
tonne
m3/metric
tonne
sodiumchlorate@ 65°Csodiumchlorate@ 65°C

Dissolving water
m3/metric tonne
sodium chlorate @ 80°C

Final Volume/metrictonne dissolved sodium
chlorate

550

1.39m3/tonne

1.37m3/tonne

1.82m3/tonne

600

1.11m3/tonne

1.10m3/tonne

1.54m3/tonne

650

1.00m3/tonne

0.99m3/tonne

1.43m3/tonne

700

0.96m3/tonne

0.95m3/tonne

1.39m3/tonne

Imperial units
Desired Concentration (g/l)

Dissolving
water
Gal/short
Dissolving
water
US US
Gal/short
tontonsodiumchlorate@ 175°F
sodiumchlorate@ 175°F

Final Volume/short ton dissolved
sodium chlorate

550

330 gallons/ton

435 gallons/ton

600

300 gallons/ton

410 gallons/ton

650

265 gallons/ton

370 gallons/ton

700

238 gallons/ton

345 gallons/ton

Specific gravity of sodium chlorate solutions at various temperatures
Sodium Chlorate Solution
700
690

71°C (160°F)

Grams per liter (GPL)

680
670
660
650

51°C (125°F)

60°C (140°F)

640
630
620
610
600
1.345

1.355

1.365

1.375

1.385

1.395

1.405

1.415

Specific Gravity (SG)13

Equipment

For site specific material recommendations,please consult with your Nouryon Representative.
Materials in general
Please refer to the information presented in thetable on page 15. In general, 316/316L stainlesssteel and titanium are recommended as themost appropriate design materials for pure sodium chlorate. When using stainless steel, use
316 stainless steel alloy for cast components
and use 316L stainless steel alloy for welded or
fabricated applications.
Electrical systems must be dust-proof andcomply with all applicable code standards.
Electrical motors must be Totally Enclosed,
Fan-Cooled (TEFC).
For fully dissolved sodium chlorate solutions it is recommended that pipes, valves andconnectors be made of 316/316L stainless steel,titanium, Kynar® lined steel or FRP. Pipes, valvesand connectors used with partially dissolved
sodium chlorate slurries should only be madefrom 316/316L stainless steel or titanium.
Centrifugal pumps are the best choice forconveying sodium chlorate solutions. The
pump must have a double mechanical seal witha minimum differential pressure of 35 kPa. A
suitable design material would be titanium or
316 stainless steel.
Heat exchangers should be of Monel® 400 or
titanium construction.
Gaskets must be made of inert materials such
as Teflon®, Hypalon® or EPDM.
Petroleum-based lubricants should not be
used. It is recommended that fluorinated lubricants are utilized on sodium chlorate systems.
Hoses must be made of EPDM, Teflon® or FEP.
14

Tanks
Storage tanks must be large enough to receivea full delivery. In general, the tank should be
one and a half times the normal anticipateddelivery volume.
Tanks should be constructed of FRP withadded fire retardant or 316L stainless steel. If
316L stainless steel is used, measures to avoid
stress corrosion should be employed.
Labeling on tanks
All tanks containing sodium chlorate should belabeled SODIUM CHLORATE SOLUTION andshould have the required hazard labels. Follow
the regulation given in the local country’s safety
data sheets, SDS. If you have questions regarding the proper labeling, please contact yourNouryon Representative.
Location of tanks
Tanks are to be surrounded by containment
dikes and must be separated from areas containing flammable substances or where strong
acids are being handled. Pipelines for othersubstances (e.g. sulphuric acid) should not belocated where any leaks can come into contact
with spillages of sodium chlorate.
The discharging area should be located in aneasily accessible position. All risk of the sodium chlorate being mixed with other chemicals
must be eliminated.

Recommendations on construction materials for sodium chlorate systems

Vessel		Best		

Good		

Satisfactory

Tanks

FRP

316L Stainless Steel(SS 2353) Alloy​Titanium

Pipes fully dissolved
solution

316L Stainless Steel(SS 2353) Alloy

FRP or
CPVC wrapped with FRP

Titanium, Teflon or
Kynar lined steel

Pipes partially dissolved
slurry​316L Stainless Steel(SS 2353) Alloy​

Titanium

Heat Exchanger
PlatesMonel 400​

Titanium

Pumps

Titanium

316 Stainless Steel(SS 2343) Alloy​​

Valves316 Stainless Steel(SS 2343) Alloy

Titanium

Gaskets

Teflon

EPDM

Hoses

EPDM

TeflonTeflon or Kynar lined
steel, FRP

FEP

15

Analytical procedures

Sodium chlorate concentrationin chlorate feed solution
Safety•	Read the Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals
before starting.
•	Study local regulations for information about
handling of hazardous chemicals and waste.
•	Clothes contaminated with sodium chlorate
can self ignite. Thoroughly wash with plenty ofwater if clothes are contaminated. However,contaminated leather clothes cannot be laundered and must be disposed immediately.
•	Rinse with plenty of water if there is chlorateon the skin.

Summary
Chlorate is reduced with acidic Fe (II) in a
known excess. The remainder of the Fe (ll) isthen titrated with potassium permanganate to
Fe (III). The method is applicable for solutions
between 200 and 700 g/l; changing the sample
volumes will make it suitable for other concentrations.
ClO3- + 6 Fe2+ + 6 H+ ¨ Cl- + 6 Fe3+ + 3 H2O
5 Fe2+ + MnO4- + 8 H+ ¨ 5 Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4 H2OApparatus• Titrino 756 or similar• Redox-electrode• Volumetric pipettes: 20, 10, 2 ml
• Heating plate• General lab equipment
Chemicals		• Potassium permanganate,• Iron(II)sulphate,• Mixed acid,

1
16

KMnO4 0.050M
FeSO4 0.45M in 3M H2SO4 (see additional instructions)
MnSO4+H3PO4+H2SO4 (see additional instructions)2

Procedure
Sample preparation
Dilute 10 ml of the feed solution at processtemperature to 100 ml in a measuring cylinder,
mix wellAnalysis
1.	Add 20 ml FeSO4 solution accurately, either by
a volumetric pipette, or dosing from a Dosimat or similar equipment to a 200 ml beaker
2.	Take 2 ml from the diluted sample to thebeaker
3. Add 10 ml Mixed acid
4.	Let the sample boil for a minute with glass
beads, cool to room temperature
5.	Titrate with 0.05M KMnO4 potentiometricor to a faint pink color manually. Note theamount B
6.	Prepare at least 2 Blank samples the same way,
and titrate. Calculate the average consumption
to the blanks and note the amount A

Waste disposal
To the sink with plenty of water
References
1.	Vogel’s textbook of quantitative inorganic analysis
2.	Chemical Analysis; Herbert Laitinen
3.	Standard Methods of chemical analysis; Wilfred
Scott
Additional instructions
FeSO4-solution
Dissolve 125 g FeSO4∙ 7H2O
or 117 g FeSO4 ∙ 6 H2O in deionized water, add
180 ml of concentrated H2SO4 and dilute to1000 ml in a measuring cylinder after cooling.
Note: Always add acid to water – never waterto acid.
Mixed acid
Dissolve 350 g MnSO4 in de-ionized water, diluteto approx. 600 ml. Carefully add 150 ml of concentrated H3PO4 and 150 ml of H2SO4, dilute to1000 ml after cooling.

Calculating and reporting
NaClO (g/dm3) = (A - B) x C x M x 10
V x 6 x 100
3

A  average ml required for the blank titration
B  ml required for the sample titration
C Concentration of KMnO4
M Molecular weight of NaClO3 [106.438]
V Sample volume
5/6 Molar ratio
10/100 Dilution factor
LOQ (limit of quantitation): 25 g/l
Accuracy 2RSD = 1.0 %Suggestions for titrino setup
The actual setup is dependent on the machine
and type and condition of the electrode, so thefollowing can only be considered as an initialsuggestion that might have to be modified.
The method
Separated into two – first a blank determination
with an average calculation and then the determination, which which automatically uses theaverage from the blank titration.

5

17

Analytical procedures

Blank			Chlorate determination

Mode

DET

DET

Min.incr

10μl

10μl

Signal drift

50 mV/min

50 mV/min

Equilibr. Time

26 s

26 s

Start v

38ml

OFF

Statistics

On

Off

Mean

n = 2 (3)-Res.taboriginal

-

EPC

60

60

EP recognition

Greatest

Greatest

Common variables

C30 = MN1

-

RS1

EP1

EP1

Chlorate g/l-=(C30-EP1)*C01*C02*C03*C04

		

18

C00 * C05

C01		0.05 (KMnO4)

C02		

106.43 (Mol. wt.)

C03		

5 ( Molar ratio)C04		

10 ( dilution factor)

C05		

6 ( Molar ratio)

Page intentionally blank19

Nouryon
Sales Offices
Bohus
T +46 31 58 70 00
Marietta
T +1 770 578 0858
JundiaíT +55 11 4589 4800
Shanghai
T +86 21 2289 1000
email
bleaching_experts@nouryon.com

We are a global specialty chemicals leader. Industries worldwide rely on our
essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products such as paper,
plastics, building materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items.
Building on our nearly 400-year history, the dedication of our 10,000 employees, and our shared commitment to business growth, strong financial
performance, safety, sustainability, and innovation, we have established aworld-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We
operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox, and Berol.

eka.nouryon.com

20