Sodium Metabisulfite (E223)

Description

1. Product Overview
   Sodium Metabisulfite (E223) is a crystalline inorganic sulfite widely used as an oxygen scavenger, reducing agent, and preservative across industrial processes. Primarily applied in water treatment, pulp & paper, textiles, metal finishing, and chemical synthesis, it protects systems from oxidation, controls microbial growth, and enables safe, high-quality production outcomes. Its key value proposition is reliable, high-purity reducing chemistry that reduces operational costs through improved process stability, extended equipment life, and consistent product quality. Strategically, Sodium Metabisulfite is a critical commodity chemical for manufacturers and processors requiring robust antioxidant and dechlorination performance with predictable supply and regulatory compliance.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Sodium metabisulfite, formula Na2S2O5.

• Active content / purity: Typical purity ≥ 96.0% (industrial grade); custom higher-purity batches available on request.

• Physical form: Free-flowing crystalline powder or granules.

• Color: White to slightly yellowish crystals.

• Particle size: Standard 0.5–2.5 mm (custom sieving available for specific applications).

• Bulk density (approx.): 0.7–0.9 g/cm³ (packed).

• Solubility: Readily soluble in water; decomposes slowly in aqueous solution releasing sulfur dioxide.

• Moisture content: ≤ 1.5% (typical; controlled to specification).

• pH (1% aqueous solution): ~4.0–6.0 (acidic due to sulfite equilibria).

• Impurities: Trace sulfates, sodium sulfate; heavy metals below industrial acceptance limits.

• Packaging options: 25 kg multiwall kraft bags with PE liner, 500 kg bags (FIBC), and bulk ISO tank or truck deliveries for bulk orders; palletized and shrink-wrapped as standard.

• Shelf life / storage: Recommended 12 months in cool, dry, ventilated storage away from oxidizers and moisture; shelf life dependent on packaging integrity and storage conditions.

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Water treatment: Dechlorination and oxygen scavenging in potable and industrial water systems; protects downstream catalysts and reduces corrosion, delivering lower treatment costs and longer asset life.

• Pulp and paper: Bleaching and antioxidant control during pulping and stock washing; improves brightness stability and reduces chemical consumption versus over-oxidation-prone alternatives.

• Textiles and dyes: Reducing agent in vat dyeing and bleaching operations; delivers consistent shade control and improved dye uptake with lower rework rates.

• Metal processing and electroplating: Oxygen scavenger and reducing agent for pickling, descaling, and plating baths; enhances surface finish and reduces defect-related scrap.

• Food and beverage (where permitted under E223): Preservative and antioxidant for controlled applications, subject to regulatory and customer specifications.

• Chemical intermediates and synthesis: Used as a reductant in organic and inorganic syntheses, offering a cost-effective alternative to more hazardous reducing agents.
  Why it outperforms alternatives: Sodium Metabisulfite provides a balance of strong reducing power, ease of handling (solid form), predictable reactivity in aqueous systems, and typically lower total cost of ownership compared with gaseous SO2 or more expensive proprietary antioxidants. Its solubility and controllability reduce dosing variability and process downtime.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Produced and quality-checked to meet batch-to-batch purity and impurity specifications; certificate of analysis (CoA) provided with every shipment.

• Supply reliability: Contract manufacturing and multi-sourcing strategies ensure continuous availability for large-scale industrial programs.

• Logistics capability: Flexible packaging and bulk options (FIBC, ISO tank, containerized bulk) support efficient loading, lower freight per MT, and simplified inbound handling at industrial sites.

• Price competitiveness: Optimized production and sourcing deliver market-competitive pricing with volume discounts and long-term supply agreements available.

• Sustainability / environmental benefits: Solid handling reduces fugitive emissions versus gaseous alternatives; supply chain optimization minimizes transport-related CO2 per MT; handling and dosing controls lower chemical waste.

• Technical support and documentation: Full technical data sheet (TDS), safety data sheet (SDS), handling guidelines, and on-demand application support for process integration and regulatory compliance.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT.

• Loading capacity (per container):

  • 20-foot container (bagged): up to ~20 MT (depending on bag type and palletization).

  • 40-foot container (bagged): up to ~24–25 MT.

  • ISO bulk tank / bulk truck: variable, contact supplier for configuration-specific capacities.