Sodium Sulphide 60% Red & Yellow Flakes (Na2S)

Sodium sulphide red and yellow flakes are crucial inorganic chemicals used in a variety of industrial applications, including ore flotation, leather processing, and dye production. These flakes serve as strong reducing agents and are available in two distinct colors, red and yellow, which are differentiated by their sulfur composition. In the following article, we will explore the different aspects of sodium sulphide red and yellow flakes, including their production, properties, and industrial uses.

Before focusing on the specific topic of this article, it is helpful to introduce Nobel Trading Co. This company is a prominent firm based in China, recognized for its extensive production capabilities. The company owns numerous well-equipped factories and has established powerful relationships with various mines worldwide. These connections enable Nobel Trading Co. to maintain a steady supply of high-quality raw materials, ensuring they can consistently meet customer demand for sodium sulphide and other chemical products.

 

What are Sodium Sulphide 60% Red & Yellow Flakes?

Sodium sulphide (Na₂S) is an important inorganic compound widely used in different industrial processes. It is primarily utilized as a reducing agent and plays a key role in various chemical reactions. Sodium sulphide is produced by reducing sodium sulfate with carbon at high temperatures, resulting in a compound with strong alkaline and reducing properties. It is typically supplied in the form of flakes and is available in different purity levels depending on its intended use.

Red and Yellow Variants of Sodium Sulphide

Sodium sulphide flakes are typically available in two colors: red and yellow. These color variations arise from differences in the polysulfide content of the product. Red flakes are produced by adding elemental sulfur to sodium sulphide, forming higher polysulfide compounds. This results in a distinctive red color, which is preferred for specific applications requiring higher polysulfide content. On the other hand, yellow flakes have minimal or no added sulfur, resulting in a lower polysulfide content and giving them a yellow hue. Both variants have similar chemical properties but differ slightly in their sulfur composition, which can influence their use in particular applications.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The red and yellow grades of sodium sulphide possess a number of significant physical and chemical properties that make them suitable for various industrial applications. These include:

  • Chemical Formula: Na₂S
  • Purity: 60% sodium sulphide content, with variations in polysulfide levels
  • Appearance: Red or yellow flakes, depending on the polysulfide content
  • Odor: Characteristic rotten egg odor due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water, producing an alkaline solution
  • pH: The aqueous solution has a strongly basic pH, typically above 11
  • Reactivity: Acts as a strong reducing agent, capable of reducing metal ions and other compounds

The high solubility and reducing nature of sodium sulfide make it an effective agent in processes such as ore flotation, leather detailing, and dye production. The different colors, red and yellow, provide flexibility for industries to choose the variant that best suits their specific needs.

 

Different Grades of Sodium Sulphide Red & Yellow Flakes

As mentioned, yellow and red flakes are two specific grades of sodium sulfide. However, they can still be provided in various grades based on purity. The purity level of sodium sulfide affects its applications, and the product is categorized into high-purity, industrial, and low-purity grades.

High Purity Grade

The high purity grade of sodium sulfide has a Na₂S content of at least 60%. The Na₂CO₃ content is limited to a maximum of 1.5%, while the iron (Fe) content should not exceed 0.002% (20 ppm). The water-insoluble matter is kept below 0.15%. This grade appears as uniform red or yellow flakes with minimal impurities.

Applications for the high-purity grade include the dye and textile industry, where it is utilized in the synthesis of organic intermediates and dyes requiring high purity. In the pharmaceutical sector, it acts as a reagent for specific syntheses that need minimal impurities. It is also suitable for laboratory use, particularly in analytical and research settings, due to its high purity.

Industrial Grade

The industrial grade of sodium sulfide contains at least 60% Na₂S. The Na₂CO₃ content is kept at or below 2.0%, and the iron (Fe) content is limited to 0.01% (100 ppm). Water-insoluble matter does not exceed 0.2%. This grade comes in red or yellow flakes, which may have slight variations in color and minor impurities.

The industrial grade is commonly used in leather processing, specifically in tanneries’ dehairing and liming processes. It is also employed in ore flotation, acting as a depressant in the flotation of sulfide ores. It is utilized in the paper industry during the Kraft process for pulping wood.

Low Purity Grade

The low purity grade of sodium sulfide has a Na₂S content of at least 58%. The Na₂CO₃ content is limited to a maximum of 3.0%, while the iron (Fe) content should not exceed 0.03% (300 ppm). The water-insoluble matter is kept below 0.3%. This grade may have less uniform flakes with possible discoloration due to higher impurity levels.

Applications for the low-purity grade include chemical manufacturing, where high purity is not a critical factor. It is also used in water treatment as an oxygen scavenger to remove dissolved oxygen. Additionally, it is occasionally used in agriculture for soil treatment processes.

 

Sodium Sulphide Red & Yellow Flakes Production Process

Sodium sulfide is commonly produced in two forms: red and yellow flakes, which differ mainly in their polysulfide content and the production conditions used. The following detailed overview covers the production process for both types of sodium sulfide flakes, highlighting differences in raw material preparation, chemical reactions, and quality control.

Raw Materials Preparation

The first step in producing sodium sulfide flakes involves preparing the necessary raw materials. These include:

  • Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄): Sodium sulfate is a primary component, usually sourced from natural mineral deposits or obtained as a by-product from other industrial processes.
  • Carbon Source: A carbon-based reducing agent, typically coal, coke, or charcoal, is used in the reduction reaction. The choice of carbon source depends on its availability and reactivity.
  • Sulfur (S₈): Elemental sulfur may be introduced during production to adjust the final sulfide content, mainly to increase the polysulfide levels in red flakes.
  • Iron Filings or Other Catalysts (Optional): Iron filings or similar catalysts may be added in some production methods to enhance reaction rates and improve process efficiency.
  • Water: Water is employed throughout the production to assist in dissolving and purifying the final product.

Reduction of Sodium Sulfate

The core of the sodium sulfide production process involves reducing sodium sulfate with carbon at high temperatures. The chemical reaction that takes place is as follows:

Na₂SO₄ + 2C → Na₂S + 2CO₂

This reduction process is typically carried out at temperatures around 1000°C in a specialized furnace or kiln. Here are the significant steps involved in this stage:

  1. Mixing: To ensure uniformity, sodium sulfate is thoroughly mixed with the carbon source.
  2. Feeding into Furnace: The mixture is fed into a high-temperature furnace or rotary kiln, heated to approximately 1000°C.
  3. Maintaining an Oxygen-Deficient Environment: To promote efficient reduction, keeping an oxygen-deficient atmosphere inside the furnace is critical. This minimizes the formation of unwanted side products and helps achieve a high yield of sodium sulfide.

Adjustment of Sulfur Content

Once the sodium sulfide is formed, sulfur content adjustments are made to create either red or yellow flakes. The specific differences are:

  • For Red Flakes: Additional elemental sulfur is introduced to the sodium sulfide to produce polysulfides, generally noted as Na₂Sₓ (where x > 1). The higher concentration of polysulfides imparts a distinctive red color to the product.
  • For Yellow Flakes: Little to no sulfur is added, resulting in a lower polysulfide content and, thus, a yellow coloration.

Polysulfide Formation Reaction:

Na₂S + (x – 1)S → Na₂Sₓ

Where the value of x determines the specific form of polysulfide being produced.

Melting and Homogenization

The resultant sodium sulfide (with or without added sulfur) is melted to form a homogenous liquid following sulfur adjustment. During this stage:

  • The mixture is subjected to continuous stirring, ensuring that the sulfur and other components are evenly distributed throughout the molten sodium sulfide. This step is critical to achieving a uniform quality in the final flake product.

Cooling and Flaking

After melting and homogenization, the sodium sulfide must be solidified into flakes. The cooling and flaking process generally involves:

  • Rapid Cooling: The molten sodium sulfide is rapidly cooled by passing it over cooled rollers or metal belts.
  • Flaking: As the material cools, it solidifies into thin flakes. The flakes are then collected for further processing. Rapid cooling helps maintain sodium sulfide’s physical and chemical properties by preventing unwanted side reactions.

Purification and Quality Control

To meet industry specifications, sodium sulfide flakes undergo several purification and quality control steps:

  • Washing: The flakes may be washed to remove surface impurities that may affect product quality.
  • Drying: Any excess moisture is removed to ensure the flakes meet the specified moisture content requirements. This is crucial because moisture levels can impact the storage stability of the product.
  • Testing: The final product is tested for sodium sulfide content, polysulfide levels, and the presence of impurities such as iron. Maintaining low levels of impurities is essential to ensure the product meets the standards required for its intended industrial applications.

Factors Influencing Color and Quality

Several factors influence the final color and quality of sodium sulfide flakes:

  • Polysulfide Content: The concentration of polysulfides directly affects whether the product appears red or yellow. Adjusting the amount of sulfur during production allows precise control over the final appearance.
  • Impurities: The presence of impurities, especially metals such as iron, can affect both the color and the overall purity of the sodium sulfide. Employing high-purity raw materials and avoiding contamination during production are key to minimizing impurities.
  • Reaction Conditions: Maintaining optimal temperature and atmosphere within the furnace is essential for efficiently reducing sodium sulfate. A well-controlled furnace environment results in higher-quality sodium sulfide with consistent properties.

 

Sodium Sulphide Red & Yellow Flakes Applications

Sodium sulfide red and yellow flakes have a variety of applications across different industries, each serving a specific role based on the amount of purity and properties of the compound. The following are the main applications for both red and yellow flakes:

Leather Processing

Sodium sulfide is extensively used in leather processing, especially in the dehairing step. The compound helps to break down the keratin in animal hides, making it easier to remove hair and prepare the hide for further processing. Both the red and yellow flakes can be used in this process, depending on the specific requirements of the tannery.

Dye and Textile Industry

High-purity sodium sulfide flakes are utilized to synthesize organic intermediates and sulfur dyes. The compound is a reducing agent, facilitating various chemical reactions essential for dye production. The high purity grade is preferred for this application to ensure consistent results and avoid impurities that may affect the dye quality.

Ore Flotation

In the mining sector, sodium sulfide is used as a depressant in the flotation of sulfide ores. The compound helps separate valuable minerals from unwanted gangue material by selectively depressing certain minerals while allowing others to float. This application typically uses industrial-grade sodium sulfide.

Paper Industry

Sodium sulfide is also used in the paper industry, particularly in the Kraft process for pulping wood. The compound aids in breaking down lignin, which binds cellulose fibers in wood. This process helps produce vital pulp used to make high-quality paper products.

Chemical Manufacturing

Low-purity sodium sulfide is used in various chemical manufacturing processes where the purity of the compound is not a critical factor. It can act as a reducing agent in the production of other chemicals and can also be used to synthesize sulfur-containing compounds.

Water Treatment

In water treatment, sodium sulfide acts as an oxygen scavenger, helping to remove dissolved oxygen from water. This is important in preventing corrosion in boilers and other equipment where dissolved oxygen could cause damage. A low purity grade is usually sufficient for this purpose.

Pharmaceuticals

The high-purity grade of sodium sulfide is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a reagent for specific chemical syntheses. The minimal level of impurities in this grade is crucial for ensuring that the pharmaceutical products meet the required quality and safety standards.

Agriculture

Sodium sulfide, particularly the low purity grade, is occasionally used in agriculture for soil treatment. It helps alter the soil’s chemical properties, which can be beneficial in certain conditions to enhance crop growth.

 

About Nobel Trading Co’s Sodium Sulphide 60% Red & Yellow Flakes

Nobel Trading Co. is a trusted and reliable supplier of sodium sulphide 60% red and yellow flakes, offering high-quality products that cater to a variety of industrial needs. The company stands out for its commitment to product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.

High-Quality Products

Nobel Trading Co. delivers sodium sulfide flakes with a consistent 60% purity, available in both red and yellow variants. The company ensures that each batch maintains the same quality, meeting industry expectations and customer demands. They offer various grades of sodium sulfide, including high purity, industrial, and low purity, each tailored to specific applications. By strictly adhering to industry standards, Nobel Trading Co. ensures that impurity levels, polysulfide content, and physical properties consistently meet customer requirements.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations

Nobel Trading Co. takes regulatory compliance seriously, meeting both local and international regulations in chemical production, handling, and transportation. The company provides up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all their products, which is crucial for safe handling and use. Additionally, they align with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) and GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) standards, demonstrating their commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Consistent Supply and Reliability

One of the key strengths of Nobel Trading Co. is its reliable supply chain. The company prioritizes timely deliveries to minimize any disruption to customers’ operations. Their robust production capacity ensures they can meet both regular and increased demand. By maintaining efficient logistics and inventory systems, Nobel Trading Co. minimizes the risk of stockouts or delays, ensuring that customers receive their orders as scheduled.

Competitive Pricing

Nobel Trading Co. offers competitive pricing for sodium sulfide flakes without compromising quality. They maintain transparency in their cost structure, providing clear quotations with no hidden fees. This approach makes budgeting and cost management easier for customers. Additionally, Nobel Trading Co. offers flexible payment terms, accommodating different financial needs to support customer convenience.

Technical Expertise and Support

Nobel Trading Co. prides itself on its knowledgeable team, including experts who understand sodium sulfide’s chemical properties and various applications. The company offers technical assistance to help customers select the right product for their specific needs and provides guidance on optimal usage and troubleshooting. In addition, they invest in research and development to enhance product quality and introduce new solutions that cater to evolving customer needs.