Bromine Compounds in Dow Caustic Soda Solution 50%

An application for sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is for the disinfection of drinking water. EPA regulations limit the level of bromate in drinking water. Chemicals used in the treatment of drinking water may be required to meet the requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals.

Bleach is manufactured by reacting caustic soda solution with chlorine.  Caustic Soda Solution 50%, Commerical Grade and Caustic Soda Solution 50%, Membrane Grade manufactured by Dow are certified by NSF International to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 60.  However, NSF/ANSI Standard 60 certification of caustic soda solution is not required for use in manufacturing bleach.  Being NSF/ANSI Standard 60 certified does not aid the bleach manufacturer in meeting their bleach certification by NSF International.

The following information is being shared to enable bleach manufacturers to determine if DOW Caustic Soda Solution 50% is appropriate for their bleach production. Dow does not routinely analyze for bromine containing compounds in its caustic soda solution. The information in the table below is based on a limited number of samplings.

^aAnalysis by ion chromatography.
^bBelow level of detection at the designated value. Detection limit of commercial grade is higher due to interference from sodium chloride.

Dow does not assume any obligation or make any representations regarding the use and application of the information provided. The user is responsible for confirming the bromide and bromate composition in the raw material and final bromate composition of the manufactured bleach. The user will need to use their independent judgment in selecting the caustic soda solution and chlorine best suited for use in their bleach manufacturing process.

Download Bromine Compounds in Dow Chlorine and Caustic Soda Solution 50% (13KB PDF)