SCALES IN A STAINLESS STEEL TANK THAT MANUFACTURES A CAUSTIC BASED DETERGENT

 Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the

formula NaOH.
 It is a white solid ionic compound consistingof sodium cations Na+ and hydroxide anions OH−.
 It is highly soluble in water, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air.
 It forms a series of hydrates NaOH·nH2O.
 The monohydrate NaOH·H2O crystallizes from water solutions between 12.3 and 61.8 °C. 
NEUTRALISATION REACTION

 Neutralization is a chemical reaction in which acid and a base react quantitatively with each

other
 . In a reaction in water, neutralization results in there being no excess of hydrogen or
hydroxide ions present in the solution.
 The pH of the neutralized solution depends on the acid strength of the reactants.

Acid + base (alkali) → salt + water

REACTION BETWEEN NITRIC ACID AND SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC LYE)

NaOH (aq) + HNO 3 (aq) → NaNO 3 (aq) + H 2 O (l)

 According to the stoichiometry, 1 mole of nitric acid neutralizes 1 mole of NaOH.

Routine cleaning steps for the stainless steel tank.

1. Use a soft nylon brush to remove accumulated dirt.

2. Neutralize the alkaline using acid.
3. Follow with a clean-water rinse.
4. Wipe dry with a soft cloth, disposable wipe, or air blower.