A PRESENTATION ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK SCHEME (SIWES)

TITLE:
THE ESSENTIAL PROCESS: PREPARING SODIUM
HYDROXIDE SOLUTION

By
Ahmed Emmanuel Wakili
TSU/FSC/ICH/20/3001

Carried Out At
Taraba State Polytechnic
Chemistry Laboratory
INTRODUCTION

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a critical

component of a chemistry student's education, providing real-world
experience in laboratory settings.
SIWES was established by Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 to
solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills preparatory for
employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions.

Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo Campus Main
Gate.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
ORGANIZATION
The establishment of Taraba State Polytechnic
was initiated by the Administration of Navy
Captain A.A. Afolahan in 1991. The
Administration of Rev. Jolly T. Nyame put in place
the necessary machinery for its take-off with the
aim of commencing admission of qualified
candidates into pre-National Diploma and
National Diploma courses. The Edict Establishing
the Taraba State Polytechnic was signed into law
by the then Military Administrator, Col. Yohanna
Dickson in 1994. This Edict was later amended by
the Taraba State House of Assembly and came
into enforcement on the 16th December, 2011.
KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED

1. Laboratory Techniques
During the training, I was exposed to a wide 2. Safety Measures
range of laboratory techniques, including: Safety was paramount throughout the
 Analytical Chemistry: Conducting various training. I received comprehensive training
quantitative and qualitative analyses, such on:
as titrations, stock taking of chemical  Chemical Handling: Proper storage and
products, apparatus sorting
handling of chemicals, including
 Sample Preparation: Proper sample hazardous materials.
handling, preparation, and storage
techniques.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
The use of PPE, including lab coats,
 Instrumentation: Operating and maintaining gloves, safety goggles, and fume hoods.
laboratory instruments like electric heater,
spectrometer, balances, and pH meters.
 Emergency Procedures: Protocols for
handling chemical spills, fires, and other
 Chemical Synthesis: Participating in the
emergencies.
synthesis of chemical compounds and
reagents.
PREPARING SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as
caustic soda, is an inorganic compound consisting
of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). It
is a strong base and highly caustic, making it a
vital ingredient in various industrial processes.
1. Safety First: Always wear appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE), such as lab coats, gloves and
safety goggles, when handling sodium hydroxide. Work
in a well-ventilated area or under a chemical fume hood.
2. Measure the Required Amount: Determine the
desired concentration and volume of the sodium
hydroxide solution needed for your specific application.
(Let’s say 1 mol of NaOH in 500 ml of solution). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Pellets.
THE PREPARATION PROCESS
To prepare 1 mole of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in 500 mL of solution, you'll need to
calculate the amount of NaOH required based on its molar mass and the desired
molarity (concentration). Here are the steps:
Calculate the molar mass of NaOH:
- Sodium (Na) has a molar mass of approximately 23 g/mol.
- Oxygen (O) has a molar mass of approximately 16 g/mol.
- Hydrogen (H) has a molar mass of approximately 1 g/mol.
So, the molar mass of NaOH = 23 g/mol (Na) + 16 g/mol (O) + 1 g/mol (H) = 40
g/mol.
Determine the number of moles:
- You want to prepare 1 mole of NaOH.
- Using the molar mass calculated in Step 1 (40 g/mol), 1 mole of NaOH corresponds
to 40 grams.
Calculate the amount of NaOH needed:
- You need 40 grams of NaOH to prepare 1 mole of NaOH.
THE PREPARATION PROCESS (CONT.)
3. Dissolving Sodium Hydroxide: Carefully add
the calculated amount of solid sodium hydroxide to
a container containing a smaller portion of water.
Stir the mixture gently until the solid is fully
dissolved.
4. Dilution: Gradually add more water to the
container, continuing to stir, until you achieve the
desired final volume and concentration.
5. Safety Precautions: Remember to add the
solid to the water, not the other way around, to
minimize the risk of splashing. Always add sodium
hydroxide to water cautiously, as the dissolution
process generates heat. NaOH (aqueous) solution
SOME OF ITS PRIMARY USES INCLUDE:

1. Chemical Manufacturing: Sodium hydroxide is a key raw

material in the production of several essential chemicals, such as
soap, detergents, paper, and textiles.
2. Food Processing: In the food industry, it is used for cleaning and
pH adjustment in processes like food and beverage production.
3. Water Treatment: Sodium hydroxide is employed in water
treatment plants to adjust the pH of water, making it suitable for
consumption and industrial applications.
4. Petroleum Industry: It is used for refining petroleum products,
including the production of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Conclusion
In summary, the preparation of sodium hydroxide solution is an essential and safe process,
despite the misconceptions that sometimes surround it. Sodium hydroxide plays a crucial
role in a multitude of industries, from chemical manufacturing to water treatment and food
processing. Proper preparation and handling of sodium hydroxide solutions are imperative
to ensure its effective and safe use.

References:
Ahmed Emmanuel Wakili (2023). Technical Report: Industrial Training in the Chemistry Lab.
Taraba State Polytechnic Jalingo.
THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.