Soda Ash Lite vs Dense: A Weight-y Question

 

Soda Ash (also known as Sodium Carbonate) is a chemical compound used as an alkalizer, or base, in various industrial applications. If you work with this chemical, you may have heard the terms ‘Lite’ and ‘Dense’. These terms refer to different forms or grades of Soda Ash, primarily based on their density and particle size. Which is correct for your application? Well, for starters, it’s a question of weight.

Density (Weight per Unit Volume):

 

• Dense:

  Soda Ash Dense is, you guessed it, dense! This means it has a higher mass per unit volume. Unit volumes can be measured in various ways- i.e. pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). The Soda Ash Dense supplied by CORECHEM is typically 60 – 70 (lb/ft3)- more compact and heavier when compared to Soda Ash Lite.

• Lite:

  Soda Ash Lite is less compact and lighter, when compared to Soda Ash Dense, and has a lower mass per unit volume. Product supplied by CORECHEM has a typical density of 44 – 54 (lb/ft3).

 

Ok, so Dense Soda Ash is heavier, Lite Soda Ash is lighter- but why? Both products are mined from the mineral Trona. During the mining process, variations of particle size are produced. These variations contribute to the weight difference. This is, in fact, the only difference between the two products.

Particle Size:

 

• Dense:

  Typically, Soda Ash Dense has larger particle sizes, when compared to Soda Ash Lite. The larger particles contribute to its higher density.

• Lite:

  This grade usually has finer particle sizes, which contribute to its lower density. The finer particles allow for a larger surface area.

 

When you need to decide which grade should be used for your application, keep in mind that the Dense grade is typically more economical and used in applications where a slower dissolution rate is okay. Common uses for Dense grade would be glass manufacturing, detergents, and certain chemical processes. With its finer particle size and lower density, Lite Soda Ash will dissolve quicker, and is preferred for applications where quick dissolution is needed, such as in water treatment processes.

 

When choosing a grade of Soda Ash for your application, feel free to reach out to a CORECHEM representative for more information or with any further questions you may have! We look forward to hearing from you!