What is Sodium Metasilicac and what is it in the food industry?

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What is a sodium metasileicate

Sodium metasiliccate

Sodium metasilicate is a mineral compound with Na₂sio chemical formula that falls into the category of alkaline silicates. It is used in various industries, especially detergent, paper, textile, automotive, automotive, automotive, automotive, automotive, and in some parts of the food industry because of its unique features such as alkaline properties, cleansing, deterrence and emulsion capability.

In this article, we will introduce this substance, its physical and chemical properties, how it works and its applications in the food industry.

Application of sodium metasilicate

Chemical and physical characteristics

Chemical formula: NA₂SIO₃

Molly mass: 1.2 g / mol

Appearance: White crystals or solid powder

Solubility: Water -soluble, insoluble in alcohol

The nature of the blue solution: Alkaline (high pH)

Melting point: About 2 degrees Celsius

Frequently forms: Waterless, Pentahidrat, Nonahidrat

Production

Sodium metacileicate is produced by the direct reaction of silica (sio₂) and sodium carbonate (na₂co₃) or sodium oxide (Na₂o) at high temperatures. The final product may be supplied in solid or water solution, and depending on the amount of crystal water, it can also be accessible as pentahidrates or nonaidrat.

Functional features

Strong cleansing: Unable to break down fats and proteins

Disinfectant: Antibacterial properties in alkaline environments

Anti -Cruise: Rusty metal protection

Emulsion: Preservation of fat particles in blue solutions

Reduce the hardness of water: Suitable for the formulation of detergents and cleaners

The disadvantages of sodium metasilicate

Application of sodium metasileicate in the food industry

Although the direct use of sodium metasileicate is not common in human food products, it plays an important role in the indirect processes of the food industry. Its applications are as follows:

1. Cleansing and disinfecting food equipment

Sodium metasileicate is used as a key component in the formulation of industrial cleaners used to wash food processing equipment (Clean-in-Place-CIP). The strong alkaline properties of this substance break down fat, protein and other organic contamination on the equipment.

Benefits in this section:

Effective Fat and Protein Materials

No damage to metal surfaces

Compatible with automatic industrial cleaning systems

2. Stabilizer in the food preparation process

In some specific cases, sodium metasilicate is used as a buffer or pH regulator in canned food processing lines or meat products. Of course, its consumption should be under strict food safety monitoring and in many countries it is not directly permitted in food.

1. Processing in the sugar and sugar industry

In sugar and sugar factories, it is used to settle soluble impurities in raw syrup. By increasing alkalinity, sodium metacileicate provides conditions for suspended particles and impurities to be better coaled and settled.

1. Anti -Factor

In some food production lines that can be problematic (such as the processing of concentrate beverage or concentrate solutions), metasyleicate acts as an anti -foam agent.

1. Indirect maintenance of eggs

In the past, the dilute solution of sodium metasileicate was used to cover the eggs and prevent oxygen and bacteria from penetrating into the shell. This method was a kind of increased shelf life, but today it is less applicable and modern methods have been replaced.

Sodium metasillicate in the food industry

Safety and legal considerations

Sodium metasilicate is a strong corrosive and alkaline substance; In direct contact it can damage the skin, eyes and digestive tract.

It is not allowed to use it in food in many countries, except in indirect processing applications.

In the United States and the European Union, Metasilicate has not been listed as a permissible food additive in the E-Numbers list, but may be permitted in some countries with restrictions.

Frequently asked questions about sodium metaphilicate

1. What are the sodium metacileicate and what are the characteristics of?

Metasylicicate is a mineral combined with na₂sio chemical formula, which is seen as a powder or white crystal. It has strong alkaline properties, water dissolution and widespread application in various industries such as detergents, paper making, and food industries.

2. Is Sodium Metasilicacs used in the food industry?

Yes, sodium metacileicate is indirectly used in some manufacturing processes in the food industry to wash equipment, improve the treatment process, and control pH. Its direct use in the food product itself is usually not allowed.

3. Does sodium metasilicate be harmful to humans?

Sodium metacileicate as a strong alkaline substance can be traumatic in direct contact with the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Therefore, safety equipment such as gloves and glasses should be used when industrial use.

4. What kind of metasilicates are used in the industry?

Sodium metacileicate is commonly used in the forms of waterless, pentheiders (na₂sio₃ · 5h₂o) and nonahidrat (na₂sio₃ · 9h₂o) in the industry. Each of these forms has its own applications in different industries.

5. Is the use of sodium metasileicate in clearing the food industry equipment?

Yes, if used in accordance with safety and hygiene guidelines and is completely rinsed after washing, sodium metasileicate is one of the most effective and safe materials for clearing equipment in the food industry.

Conclusion

Sodium metasileicate is an important chemical in the processing industry that is most commonly used in the role of processing, industrial cleanser and process regulator in the food industry. Despite its beneficial effects on removing contamination and improving production conditions, its direct use in food composition is limited due to corrosion and alkaline properties and is permitted only in certain cases with severe supervision.

In the food industry, the role of this substance is more behind the scenes of processing and health processing than in the final composition of the product that comes to the consumer.

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