NaOCl (Bleach): Properties, Applications & Price Quotes for 2025

Date: · Author: Hóa chất Lộc Thiên

Summary: NaOCl (Sodium Hypochlorite) — commonly known as Javen Water — is a strong oxidizing chemical that plays a pivotal role in potable water treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, textile dyeing, and chemical production. This article compiles in-depth knowledge about NaOCl, covering its properties, industrial concentrations, B2B applications, as well as purchasing guidelines and pricing from Loc Thien Chemicals — a leading industrial chemical supplier with a nationwide warehouse network.

1. What is NaOCl?

Sodium Hypochlorite (chemical formula: NaOCl) is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid, existing as an aqueous solution — commonly known by the trade names Javel Water or Sodium Hypochlorite.

In aqueous solution, NaOCl dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and hypochlorite ions (OCl⁻)—it is the OCl⁻ ion that acts as a strong oxidizing agent, providing all of Javen Water’s disinfecting, bleaching, and oxidizing capabilities. This is one of the most widely consumed basic industrial chemicals in Vietnam, particularly in industrial parks, water treatment plants, and textile and dyeing facilities.

2. Properties of NaOCl (Javen Water)

2.1. Physical Properties

• State: Liquid, pale yellow to greenish-yellow (color darkens with increasing concentration and storage time).
• Odor: Characteristic, pungent chlorine odor, easily detectable even at low concentrations.
• Density: ~1.07–1.21 g/cm³ (depending on concentration; the higher the concentration, the greater the density).
• Solubility: Completely soluble in water in all proportions.
• Freezing point: Decreases with concentration; 10% NaOCl freezes at approximately -7°C, and 15% NaOCl at approximately -17°C.

2.2. Chemical Properties

• Strong oxidizing power: NaOCl is the most potent oxidizing agent among the halogens. The OCl⁻ ion has a high oxidation potential (E° = +0.89 V in an alkaline environment), enabling it to destroy the cellular structure of microorganisms, decompose organic matter, and oxidize colored compounds.

• Alkalinity: Commercial NaOCl solutions always have a pH > 11 due to excess NaOH in the production process—a factor that helps stabilize the product during storage.

• Decomposition over time: NaOCl is thermally and photochemically unstable. When exposed to high temperatures (>30°C), direct sunlight, or heavy metal impurities (Fe, Cu, Ni), NaOCl decomposes into NaCl (table salt) and O₂, reducing its active concentration:

  2 NaOCl → 2 NaCl + O₂↑

• Reaction with acids: Serious safety warning — upon contact with acids, NaOCl releases highly toxic chlorine gas (Cl₂):

  NaOCl + 2 HCl → NaCl + Cl₂↑ + H₂O

• Chemical incompatibilities: Do not mix with acids, ammonia, reducing agents, organic solvents, or hydrogen peroxide.

⚠️ Important Note for Industrial Customers: NaOCl loses an average of 1–2% of its activity per month under ideal storage conditions (temperature <25°C, protected from light). In Vietnam’s hot and humid climate, the decomposition rate may be higher. Lộc Thiên Chemicals recommends that customers place orders at an appropriate frequency and do not stockpile for more than 30–45 days to ensure optimal effectiveness.

3. Industrial NaOCl Concentrations and Applications

In industrial settings, NaOCl is available in various concentrations, with 10% and 12% being the most common (equivalent to 100–120 g/L of active chlorine). Selecting the appropriate concentration helps optimize transportation and storage costs as well as usage efficiency.

Loc Thien Chemicals primarily supplies 10% and 12% NaOCl—the two concentrations that offer the best balance of economic and technical efficiency for industrial customers. For specialized needs, we can provide consulting services and supply 15% NaOCl.

4. Industrial Applications of NaOCl

4.1. Disinfection of Industrial Park Water Supplies

This is the largest application of NaOCl in Vietnam. NaOCl is dosed into the industrial park’s water supply system at precisely controlled levels to:

• Eliminate bacteria (E. coli, coliforms, Salmonella), viruses, and other pathogens in the water.
• Maintain a residual chlorine concentration of 0.3–0.5 mg/L at the end of the distribution network, ensuring the water is not recontaminated in the pipes.
• Oxidize iron (Fe²⁺ → Fe³⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺ → Mn⁴⁺), supporting the flocculation and sedimentation process.

Compared to gaseous chlorine (Cl₂), NaOCl is significantly safer during transportation, storage, and operation—it does not require high-pressure chlorine injection equipment, minimizing the risk of toxic gas leaks.

4.2. Industrial Wastewater Treatment (IWT)

In the centralized WWT system of industrial parks, NaOCl serves three objectives simultaneously:

• Outflow disinfection: Eliminates pathogenic microorganisms before discharge into the environment, ensuring compliance with QCVN standards for coliform levels.
• Oxidation of hard-to-degrade organic compounds: Breaks down the structure of persistent organic compounds (COD that is difficult to treat biologically), phenols, and cyanides—converting them into more easily degradable substances or CO₂ + H₂O.
• Decolorization and deodorization: Oxidizing color-bearing compounds (commonly found in wastewater from the textile dyeing, paper, and food industries) and odor-causing compounds (H₂S, mercaptans, amines).

A typical H₂S reduction reaction:

4 NaOCl + H₂S → H₂SO₄ + 4 NaCl

4.3. Textile and Dyeing Industry

In the industrial textile and dyeing sector, NaOCl is the primary bleaching agent for cotton and cellulose-based fabrics:

• Bleaching raw fabric (unbleached fabric) before dyeing — to remove natural impurities, wax, pectin, and the yellowish tint of cotton fibers.
• Finishing white fabric to achieve the required whiteness.
• Removing streaks and cleaning denim/jeans.

Industrial bleaching processes typically operate at a pH of 9–11, a temperature of 40–60°C, and a NaOCl concentration of 2–5 g/L of active Cl₂. After bleaching, the fabric is treated with a reducing agent (NaHSO₃ or H₂O₂) to remove residual chlorine.

4.4. Chemical Production

NaOCl is a feedstock for many industrial chemical production processes:

• Production of TCCA (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid) and NaDCC (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate) — organic chlorine compounds used in swimming pool disinfectant tablets and water treatment.
• Production of Chloramine — a secondary disinfectant in potable water systems.
• Production of Hydrazine (N₂H₄) — a precursor for many industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals.
• Synthesis of organic chlorine compounds for pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

5. NaOCl Production Process

Industrial-grade NaOCl is primarily produced via the diaphragm electrolysis method, using simple raw materials: table salt (NaCl), water, and electrical energy.

Process Flowchart (Summary):

Step 1 — Electrolysis of Saltwater: Electrolysis of a saturated NaCl solution in a diaphragm electrolysis cell yields chlorine gas (Cl₂) at the anode and a NaOH solution plus hydrogen gas (H₂) at the cathode:

2 NaCl + 2 H₂O → Cl₂↑ (anode) + 2 NaOH + H₂↑ (cathode)

Step 2 — Absorption of chlorine into the NaOH solution: Cl₂ gas from the anode is fed into an absorption tower containing NaOH solution. The reaction produces NaOCl:

Cl₂ + 2 NaOH → NaOCl + NaCl + H₂O

Step 3 — Stabilization and concentration adjustment: The crude NaOCl solution is stabilized with excess NaOH (maintaining a pH > 11), filtered to remove impurities, and adjusted to the required commercial concentration (10%, 12%, or 15%).

Step 4 — Quality Control: The product is tested for active chlorine concentration (iodometric titration), pH, iron content, and heavy metals before shipment.

6. Guidelines for Purchasing NaOCl at Loc Thien Chemicals

6.1. Packaging Specifications

6.2. Transportation

NaOCl is transported by specialized trucks in compliance with hazardous chemical transport regulations (UN No. 1791, Class 8 — Corrosive Substances). Loc Thien Chemicals operates its own fleet in conjunction with logistics partners to ensure safe and on-time delivery.

6.3. Warehouse System

With a nationwide network of warehouses, we ensure fast delivery times and optimized shipping costs:

• Ho Chi Minh City — Main warehouse, largest capacity
• Dong Nai — Serving the Bien Hoa, Nhon Trach, and Long Thanh industrial zones
• Ba Ria – Vung Tau — Serving the Phu My and Cai Mep industrial zones
• Da Nang — Serving industrial zones in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands
• Can Tho — Serving the Mekong Delta industrial zones
• Bac Ninh — Serving northern industrial zones (Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hung Yen)

6.4. Pricing

The price of NaOCl depends on:

• Required concentration (10%, 12%, or 15%)
• Order volume and delivery frequency
• Transportation distance from the warehouse to the plant
• Long-term contract or one-time batch purchase

📞 Call our Hotline now: 0979 891 929 to receive the latest NaOCl price quote. The technical team at Loc Thien Chemicals is ready to advise you on the concentration and specifications best suited for your system.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

7.1. 10% and 12% NaOCl — Which Should You Choose for a Wastewater Treatment Plant?

10% NaOCl is the most economical and widely used option for most wastewater treatment plants. 12% NaOCl is suitable for large-capacity plants (>5,000 m³/day), helping to save on transportation costs and reduce the frequency of deliveries. However, 12% NaOCl degrades more quickly and requires better storage conditions. Contact our technical team for specific advice tailored to your system.

7.2. What is the maximum shelf life of NaOCl?

Under ideal storage conditions (temperature <25°C, protected from direct light, in sealed HDPE or composite containers), 10% NaOCl can be stored for 45–60 days with an activity loss of <5%. In the hot climate of southern Vietnam, we recommend not storing it for more than 30 days. 12% and 15% NaOCl degrade more quickly, so they should be stored for a maximum of 20–30 days.

7.3. Can 10% NaOCl be diluted to 5%? What kind of water should be used?

Absolutely. Use clean water (tap water or demineralized water); avoid water with high iron or heavy metal content, as these accelerate the decomposition of NaOCl. Dilution ratio: 1 part 10% NaOCl + 1 part water = ~5% NaOCl. Note: Only prepare the amount needed for immediate use; do not store diluted NaOCl.

7.4. Is NaOCl corrosive to equipment? What materials should be used for storage tanks?

Yes. NaOCl corrodes most metals (carbon steel, 304 stainless steel, aluminum, copper). Recommended materials for storage tanks, pipes, and fittings:

• Storage tanks: HDPE, PP, PVC, FRP composite (fiberglass-reinforced plastic).
• Pipes: uPVC, CPVC, HDPE.
• Valves & fittings: PVC/CPVC, titanium (for valves that are frequently opened and closed).
• Never use 304/316 stainless steel or carbon steel.

7.5. Does Lộc Thiên Chemicals provide technical support when purchasing NaOCl?

Yes. In addition to supplying products, Loc Thien Chemicals provides free technical consulting: calculating dosing rates, designing chemical dosing systems, testing residual chlorine levels, providing safety guidance, and conducting operational training for plant staff.

8. Conclusion

NaOCl (Javen Water) is a foundational industrial chemical that is indispensable for the operations of industrial parks, water treatment plants, textile and dyeing facilities, and chemical manufacturing plants. Selecting the correct concentration, specifications, and a reputable supplier directly impacts treatment efficiency and operating costs.

Loc Thien Chemicals is proud to be a trusted partner to hundreds of factories and industrial parks nationwide, providing NaOCl of consistent quality, on-time delivery from a network of six strategic warehouses, and in-depth technical support.

📞 Contact us now for consultation and a quote: Hotline: 0979 891 929 Website: hoachatlocthien.com

Loc Thien Chemicals — Your business’s trusted partner for industrial chemicals.

This article was compiled by the technical team at Loc Thien Chemicals. Updated: 2025.