Sodium Nitrite Liquid

Viva Blu’s Sodium nitrite holds significant importance in the water treatment industry, primarily serving as a corrosion inhibitor in various water systems. By effectively preventing corrosion in pipelines, cooling systems, and industrial equipment, sodium nitrite helps maintain infrastructure integrity, prolonging the lifespan of crucial components and reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, its application aids in mitigating scale formation, ensuring efficient heat exchange and optimal performance of water treatment processes. Moreover, sodium nitrite plays a vital role in safeguarding public health by inhibiting microbial growth and preventing biofilm formation in water distribution systems, thus ensuring the delivery of safe and clean drinking water to communities. These benefits underscore sodium nitrite’s essential contribution to enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and safety of water treatment operations.

Technical Reference

Technical Specifications

Applications & Use Cases

• Closed-loop cooling water corrosion inhibition: Primary anodic inhibitor for ferrous metals in chilled water, heating water, and process cooling circuits throughout Australian commercial and industrial HVAC systems.
• Hot water system and boiler feed water treatment: Inhibits corrosion in low-pressure boiler systems and plant hot water reticulation where oxygen ingress risk is managed.
• Metalworking and cutting fluid formulation: Incorporated into water-miscible metalworking fluids as a ferrous corrosion inhibitor at concentrations typically 0.05–0.15% w/v in the working dilution.
• Glycol-based antifreeze and heat transfer fluid treatment: Used as a corrosion inhibitor additive in ethylene glycol and propylene glycol systems protecting ferrous components in food-grade and industrial refrigeration circuits.
• Concrete and construction admixtures: Applied as a corrosion inhibitor for reinforcing steel in concrete structures, particularly in marine and coastal environments common in Queensland, NSW, and WA.
• Industrial water treatment — scale and corrosion mitigation: Protects mild steel pipework, heat exchangers, and cooling towers from pitting and general corrosion in open and closed recirculating systems.
• Fire protection sprinkler systems: Used in closed-loop dry and pre-action sprinkler systems to protect ferrous pipework from internal corrosion per relevant AS 2118 system maintenance protocols.
• Rubber curing and chemical synthesis: Intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals processed at Australian industrial sites.
• Food processing — curing agent: Approved as a food additive (INS 250) in Australia and New Zealand under FSANZ Standard 1.3.1 for use as a preservative and colour fixative in cured meat products (requires separate food-grade product; confirm grade before use).

Dosing Rates & Guidelines

Note: All dosing rates are indicative and based on standard Australian industry practice. Actual requirements will vary with system volume, water quality (hardness, chloride content, dissolved oxygen), temperature, metallurgy, and cycles of concentration. Commission a water treatment professional to conduct a system assessment and establish a site-specific treatment programme.

Dilution Instructions

General Principles

• Sodium nitrite liquid (40–42%) is an oxidising agent and a moderately alkaline solution. Dilution is straightforward but must be conducted with appropriate PPE in place before commencing any handling.
• Sodium nitrite solutions do not require the same acid-to-water order-of-addition precaution as strong acids; however, the solution is corrosive to skin and eyes and must be handled with care.
• Always add sodium nitrite solution to water — never add water to the concentrated product in a confined vessel to avoid spattering.
• Never add sodium nitrite to acidic solutions or mix with acids — this produces toxic nitrous acid / nitrogen oxide gases (see Chemical Compatibility).

Procedure for Preparing a Dilute Working Solution

• Step 1 — Gather PPE: Don chemical splash goggles, face shield, nitrile or neoprene gloves (minimum 0.4 mm thickness), chemical-resistant apron, and enclosed footwear before opening any container.
• Step 2 — Select appropriate vessel: Use a clean, clearly labelled polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene container of sufficient volume. Do not use galvanised steel or copper-alloy vessels — sodium nitrite will corrode these materials and may cause unexpected reactions.
• Step 3 — Add the required volume of clean water first: Fill the dilution vessel with approximately 80% of the total required water volume before adding chemical.
• Step 4 — Measure the sodium nitrite liquid: Use a calibrated HDPE measuring cylinder or graduated dosing vessel. Do not use metal measuring equipment. For example, to achieve 1,000 mg/L NaNO₂ in 1,000 L of system water using a 40% w/v product:
  Volume of product required = (Target concentration mg/L × System volume L) ÷ (Product concentration mg/L)
  = (1,000 × 1,000) ÷ 400,000 = 2.5 L of 40% product per 1,000 L system volume.
• Step 5 — Add sodium nitrite solution slowly to the water: Pour or pump the measured product volume gently into the water in the dilution vessel. Stir continuously using a non-metallic paddle or recirculation pump. Avoid splashing.
• Step 6 — Top up with remaining water: Add the remaining water volume to achieve the final target concentration. Mix thoroughly for a minimum of 5 minutes.
• Step 7 — Verify concentration: Test the final solution using a calibrated sodium nitrite test kit (colorimetric or titration method) to confirm residual is within the target dosing range before introducing to the system.
• Step 8 — Label and store: Label all working solutions clearly with chemical name, concentration, date of preparation, and hazard information. Store in a cool, ventilated area away from incompatible materials.

Equipment Required

• HDPE or polypropylene dilution vessel (sized to application)
• Calibrated HDPE measuring cylinder or flow meter
• Non-metallic mixing paddle or recirculation pump
• Sodium nitrite test kit (colorimetric strips or titration kit)
• Chemical-resistant funnel and transfer hose (HDPE or PVC)
• Spill containment tray or bunded area

Chemical Compatibility

Compatible Materials (for storage and handling equipment)

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) — preferred for storage and piping
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — for dilute solutions at ambient temperature
• Fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP/GRP)
• 316 stainless steel — acceptable for dilute solutions; avoid prolonged contact with concentrated solutions
• EPDM rubber gaskets and seals

Incompatible Materials — Do NOT Use

• Galvanised steel — zinc reacts with nitrite solutions
• Copper and copper alloys (brass, bronze) — accelerated corrosion
• Mild steel — corrodes in concentrated solutions; acceptable in treated closed systems where the nitrite is performing its inhibitory function
• Natural rubber — may degrade on prolonged contact

Chemical Incompatibilities — Critical Hazards

• Acids (any strength — hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric, acetic, citric etc.): Reaction produces toxic nitrous acid (HNO₂) and nitrogen oxide gases (NOₓ), including nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). These gases are extremely toxic and can cause rapid lung injury. Never mix with any acid under any circumstances.
• Ammonium compounds and ammonium salts: Reaction with ammonium ions produces nitrogen gas and heat; at elevated temperatures this reaction can become violent and exothermic. Do not mix with ammonium sulphate, ammonium chloride, or ammonia solutions.
• Oxidising agents (chlorine, hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, sodium bromate): Sodium nitrite is itself an oxidising agent; contact with stronger oxidisers can produce violent reactions, fire, or explosive mixtures.
• Reducing agents (sodium bisulphite, sodium thiosulphate, sodium metabisulphite): Risk of vigorous exothermic reaction. Do not