Soda Ash and its Uses and Applications
Subject: Soda Ash and its Uses and Applications
Soda ash, or sodium carbonate (NaCO3), can be derived from natural deposits (two main sources: the hard rock mineral trona and lake brines), or more commonly, synthetic processes, such as the Solvay process which uses salt, lime, coal and ammonia.
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Soda ash is a chemical with a worldwide demand approaching 50 million tons per year. Its main application is in the glass industry, and about 50% of total consumption is from the production of glass sheets, glass containers, fiberglass and various other items such as dishware. |
The glass sheet sector is probably the most dynamic of these given demand from the construction industry and automobile production. The demand for glass windows can be particularly intense when housing construction booms and when tall buildings are constructed.
Fiberglass might also experience attractive growth rates, given its use in optical fiber and building insulation, although the market for these is much smaller than that for glass sheets. |
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The glass container industry has approximately half the total glass production by weight, but it is continuously experiencing aggressive competition from increased use of plastic bottles.
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Other important uses for soda ash are found in the chemical industry, soap and detergents, pulp and paper, flue gas desulfurization, and water treatment. Most of these applications of sodium carbonate were developed long ago; therefore, changes in demand for the product are now mainly influenced by economic growth. In fact, in the developed economies of Western Europe and North America, growth in demand is generally lower than GDP trends. |
By contrast, in the developing economies of Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America, growth is often at or above GDP levels. In all cases, the demand for soda ash is usually predictable and not subject to any significant volatility.
(Source: IM INDUSTRIAL MINERALS MAGAZINE June 2010 No. 513)
Courtesy of Koprimo
KOPRIMO, S.A. de C.V. is a company with over 25 years of experience in chemical products distribution and has developed a wide range of important commercial activities.
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