Sodium sulfide is a common chemical substance used in industrial applications in the form of flakes. But, this unique compound has a uniform category that comes with specific compositions based on its color, which will surely leave you wondering. In this blog, we will discuss sodium sulfide yellow flakes and sodium sulfide red flakes and how to differentiate them. Let’s get started.
Sodium Sulfide Yellow Flakes and Sodium Sulfide Red Flakes: How to Tell Them Apart
Both sodium sulfide yellow flakes and sodium sulfide red flakes are useful for industrial applications, from textiles to mining to painting, leather, and other various industries. That’s why it’s important to equip yourself with the proper knowledge to distinguish these two flakes. Let’s start by unfolding the secret behind their colors.
Truth behind Colors
Sodium sulfide yellow flakes are a yellowish compound with minimal traces of contaminants and iron content. It contains 60% sodium sulfide with a low purity level of just 10 parts per million (PPM), which means it is a cleaner chemical substance useful for various applications.
On the contrary, there are sodium sulfide red flakes with a high iron content. This sulfur concentration comprises 60% and a concentration of 1500 parts per million (PPM), making this industrial chemical useful for various applications. Its metal impurities contribute to the red color.
Now, if you wonder why these colors matter, let us tell you that your choice of flakes will impact the application for industrial uses. For instance:
Yellow flakes
Due to their low iron content, yellow flakes are used in industrial applications that require a purer chemical substance as an ingredient, such as:
- The leather industry utilizes yellow flake sodium sulfide as a dehairing agent to eliminate hair from the skin and hides during tanning procedures.
- In the pulp and paper industry, these sodium sulfide yellow flakes are a useful delignification agent to break down lignin for producing the best quality paper and pulp.
- In wastewater treatments, this chemical substance plays a crucial role in eliminating heavy metals for environmental protection.
- As a chemical precursor, Sodium Sulfide Yellow Flakes 60% 10 ppm is used in chemical and compound synthesis.
- In painting and dyeing (especially textile dyeing) industries, this chemical compound is a preferred choice to have precise color control due to the presence of iron in a small amount.
Red flakesThe industrial applications ofredsodium sulfide flakes are no different from those of sodium sulfide yellow flakes. It is the most crucial component in the textile industry for the dyeing and desulfurization processes and in the leather industry as a dehairing agent to remove hair during tanning processes from the hides and skin. Also, in the mining sector, this chemical compound is used for metal extraction processes and separating minerals from waste due to its high iron content. Red flakes have a similar contribution in wastewater treatment, chemical synthesis, and pulp and paper industries as yellow flakes.
Additional differences beyond colors
Besides colors, a few more distinctions are noticeable between sodium sulfide yellow flakes and sodium sulfide red flakes, such as:
Purity
When it comes to purity, yellow flakes contain a higher purity level compared to red flakes. Depending on the purity level, you can identify the right industrial use of these chemical compounds. We recommend doing a laboratory analysis or consulting us for sodium sulfide’s specifications.
Odor
Both sodium sulfide yellow flakes and red flakes release hydrogen sulfide gas due to moist air exposure, which smells like a rotten egg. However, the odor intensity is higher in red flakes compared to yellow flakes due to the presence of impurities.
Note: No matter which sodium sulfide form you use in industrial applications, remember to handle the flakes safely, including proper ventilation, wearing PPE, and addressing spills.
In a Nutshell
Understanding these differences between yellow and red sodium sulfide flakes will help you make informed choices for specific industrial applications. And, if you are looking for a top-quality sodium sulfide solution, count on us. We are the leading sodium sulfide manufacturer and supplier of chemical and petrochemical products in bulk. Reach out to us for any further information or to place your order now!
