Calif. H, I PPG Industries, Natrium, W.Va. Total annual capacity for household sodium hypochlorite solution is estimated to be 1 billion gallons. Total annual capacity for industrial sodium hypochlorite solution is estimated to be 1.55 billion gallons, excluding captive product generated for wood pulp bleaching. Most producers consider their manufacturing capacities confidential. Capital requirements are relatively modest, however, so economies of scale are relatively unimportant.
Sodium hypochlorite is manufactured by dissolving chlorine in sodium hydroxide solution.
This is a new profile. There are virtually no imports or exports of sodium hypochlorite. It is supplied in low-concentration aqueous solutions, making transportation costs prohibitive. High, 64c. per gal. Beginning in 1999, the EPA is requiring major chlorine users to develop emergency response plans.