HomeService by FluidCaustic Soda (NaOH)

corrosiveNaOHCAS 1310-73-2

Valves for Caustic Soda (NaOH) Service

Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is used extensively in the chlor-alkali industry, paper & pulp, alumina refining, and chemical manufacturing. Concentrated NaOH attacks aluminium and zinc. Hot caustic above 60°C attacks SS 304/316 via stress corrosion cracking (caustic SCC).

Pressure Range

1–25 bar

Temperature

Ambient to 130°C

Industries

Chlor-alkali production, Paper & pulp (kraft pulping), Alumina refining (Bayer process)

INDICATIVE ONLY - Reference DisclaimerCaustic SCC in stainless steel is temperature and stress dependent. Post-weld heat treatment requirements per NACE SP0403 must be verified with your materials engineer. All hot caustic specifications require engineering review. Vajra Industrial Solutions accepts no liability for material selection decisions based on this guide.

What valves are used for Caustic Soda (NaOH) service?

Nickel 200 globe valve are recommended for Caustic Soda (NaOH) service: Hot concentrated NaOH - gold standard material, no SCC risk.

Key Properties - Caustic Soda (NaOH)

  • Strong alkali - highly corrosive to aluminium, zinc, and tin
  • Caustic SCC: SS 304/316 susceptible above 60°C
  • Carbon steel generally acceptable at concentrations up to 50% at ambient temperature
  • Exothermic dissolution - generates heat on dilution
  • Solidifies below ~12°C at 50% concentration - freeze protection required

Vajra Industrial Solutions manufactures and supplies valves for Caustic Soda (NaOH) service — including nickel 200 globe valve — in corrosion-appropriate materials selected for the operating conditions described here, with full material and test documentation.

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Material Compatibility - Caustic Soda (NaOH)

Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.

MaterialRatingNotes
Carbon Steel (WCB/A105)GoodAcceptable up to 50% NaOH at ambient temperature. Not for hot concentrated caustic.
SS 316LFairRisk of caustic SCC above 60°C. Cold dilute service only - verify.
Nickel 200/201ExcellentBest all-round material for hot concentrated NaOH. Industry standard.
Monel 400GoodGood for hot caustic service - preferred where Nickel 200 is cost-prohibitive.
PTFE-linedExcellentChemically inert to all NaOH concentrations.
Rubber-lined (natural rubber/EPDM)GoodGood up to 50% at ambient temperature.
Aluminium alloysNot RecommendedRapidly attacked at all concentrations.

Recommended Valves

Nickel 200 globe valve

Hot concentrated NaOH - gold standard material, no SCC risk

Full selection guide

PTFE-lined ball valve

All concentrations - inert lining, no metal contact

Full selection guide

Carbon steel gate valve

Ambient dilute caustic process service

Full selection guide

Rubber-lined butterfly valve

Large bore, low-pressure dilute NaOH systems

Full selection guide

Valves to Avoid

Aluminium-bodied valves (any concentration)

Zinc die-cast components

SS 304/316 in hot caustic above 60°C

Bronze or brass valves

Special Considerations

Heat tracing required where caustic may solidify in dead legs or low-flow areas
Nickel alloys must be used for hot evaporator service
All welds on CS in hot caustic must be stress-relieved per NACE SP0403
Flushing connections required - caustic crystallises on exposed surfaces

Applicable Standards

ASME B16.34API 607 (fire safe)ISO 15848 (fugitive emissions)

Shop Valves for Caustic Soda (NaOH) Service

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Caustic Soda (NaOH) Service — Procurement & Specification

Typical Applications

Chlor-alkali productionPaper & pulp (kraft pulping)Alumina refining (Bayer process)Soap & detergentWater treatment (pH adjustment)

Available Standards

ASME B16.34API 607 (fire safe)ISO 15848 (fugitive emissions)

Material Options

Carbon Steel (WCB/A105)Nickel 200/201Monel 400PTFE-linedRubber-lined (natural rubber/EPDM)

Documentation Available

  • -EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificates (heat traceable)
  • -API 598 hydrostatic shell & seat test reports
  • -Dimensional inspection reports
  • -Full Manufacturing Data Record (MDR) / data book on request
View documentation package

Inspection Options

  • -In-house QC inspection on every order
  • -Third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / TÜV / DNV) coordination
  • -Witness and hold points accommodated on request
View inspection & testing

Order Quantities

Flexible — from single critical-spare valves to full project lots.

Export

Worldwide export with complete documentation (COO, EUR.1, packing lists) to 20+ countries.

Custom Engineering

Built to your specification — materials, trim, pressure class and special service (NACE, fire-safe, IBR, cryogenic).

Delivery Support

Dispatch from Vadodara, Gujarat with documented lead times and priority handling for urgent requirements.

Engineering references

Reviewed by Process Engineering, Vajra Industrial SolutionsDiscipline: Process & Fluid Service EngineeringLast reviewed: 20 June 2026

Connected Engineering

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