Sodium Sulphite

Industrial Uses:

1. Pulp and Paper Industry:

   • Bleaching Agent: Sodium sulphite is used to bleach wood pulp, making it suitable for paper production.
   • Delignification: It helps in the removal of lignin from wood, which is essential in the paper-making process.

2. Water Treatment:

   • Oxygen Scavenger: It removes dissolved oxygen from boiler feedwater, preventing corrosion in boilers and piping.

3. Textile Industry:

   • Bleaching: Used to bleach textiles, removing unwanted colors and preparing fabrics for dyeing.
   • Dechlorination: It is employed to neutralize residual chlorine after bleaching processes.

4. Photography:

   • Fixer Solution: Sodium sulphite acts as a preservative in photographic developer solutions, preventing oxidation of the developer.

5. Chemical Manufacturing:

   • Reducing Agent: It is used as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions and processes.

6. Food Industry:

   • Preservative: Used to preserve dried fruits, vegetables, and meat products by preventing discoloration and microbial growth.

7. Pharmaceutical Industry:

   • Antioxidant: It is used as an antioxidant in some pharmaceutical formulations to prevent oxidation of active ingredients.

Safety Considerations:

• Handling: Proper safety measures should be taken while handling sodium sulphite as it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
• Storage: It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and incompatible substances like strong acids.

Sodium sulphite’s versatility makes it a valuable chemical across these various industries.