Sodium bromine

Types of Sodium Bromine

Sodium bromide is a chemical compound with the formula NaBr, consisting of sodium (Na) and bromine (Br) elements. Commonly found in the medicine and pharmaceutical industry, it exists in various forms. Here’s a look at the types of sodium bromide available in the market:

Dry sodium bromide

This is the most common and widely used form of sodium bromide. Usually available in the form of white crystalline powder, dry sodium bromide is used in multiple applications, ranging from the explosives industry to the oil and gas industry to pharmaceuticals.

Sodium bromide solution

Sodium bromide can also be found in liquid form, especially when used in industrial settings where the concentration of the compound needs to be controlled. This solution, often water-based, is mainly used in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Sodium bromide crystals

These are pure forms of sodium bromide in crystalline structure and shape. They are mostly used in laboratories for research and analytical purposes. Before going for these crystals, check with the vendor for the purity level to ensure they aren’t contaminated with other chemicals.

Sodium bromide bulk

For major industrial users or businesses that require this compound in large-scale use, they can buy it in bulk for better pricing. Just ensure that if going for sodium bromide in bulk, a branded and trusted vendor is used for the purchases.

Economic Value of Sodium Bromide

The global sodium bromide market is valued at USD 203 million and is expected to reach around USD 235 million by 2028. This is a modest growth in market value as the compound is widely used in various industries to serve multiple functions.

Some of the popular applications of sodium bromide include:

Oil and Gas Industry

Sodium bromide is widely used in the oil and gas industry, and specifically in drilling fluids to control the density and viscosity of the fluids during drilling operations. This helps stabilize the wellbore, prevents the collapse of the rock formations, and also reduces production and injection of water.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Another popular industry where sodium bromide is commonly applied is in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, it acts as a sedative and anticonvulsant in certain medications. It is also used in the manufacture of other bromine-containing compounds.

Photography

In photography, sodium bromide is used as a photosensitive material in film and paper coating. This enables capture of images in a clearer and finer manner.

Other applications

Sodium bromide is also used in the manufacture of flame retardants, in water treatment facilities for disinfection, in chemical synthesis as a bromine source, and in pesticides as a fumigant.

Product Specifications and Features of Sodium Bromide

Key product specifications

• Appearance: Crystalline solid or white powder.
• Solubility: Soluble in water and moderate solubility in alcohols.
• Purity: At least 99% or higher purity is required, especially in photography chemicals and pharmaceutical uses.
• Molar mass: 102.9 grams per mole.
• Density: 3.21 grams per cubic centimeter.
• Melting point: 747 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to use

Sodium bromide’s application is dependent on the amount needed and the concentration required. For industrial and oil and gas applications, sodium bromide is commonly used to make up the cement and drilling fluids mixtures.

For the pharmaceutical industry, sodium bromide is used in low concentrations for production of drugs and medicine. In photography, it is also used in low concentrations and preferably in crystalline form.

Maintenance and repair

Sodium bromide is a stable and non-hazardous material at normal working conditions. This means no bromide requires any special maintenance or storage. However, for sodium bromide solution, be sure to check the pH and concentration levels from time to time during long-term storage to ensure they are at optimal working conditions.

As for sodium bromide crystals, make sure they are stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture and air contamination that may lead to impurity of the product. For solid sodium bromide, ensure the packaging is sealed well to avoid contamination during storage and shipment.

Quality and Safety Considerations

The purity and quality of sodium bromide, especially in sensitive applications like the oil and gas industry, photography, and pharmaceutical industry are critical. To maintain product quality, buyers are advised to only get their sodium bromide online from trusted and reputable vendors. Here are specific quality and safety considerations when purchasing:

Quality check measures

• Purity: A good-quality sodium bromide should have at least 99% purity and above. Any lower purity than that and the product may affect product quality and performance.
• Moisture content: Since sodium bromide is highly hygroscopic and will easily absorb moisture from the environment, check to ensure the product has very low moisture content. Look for products with less than 0.5% moisture content.
• Particle size distribution: quality sodium bromide should also have consistent particle size and distribution to ease mixing and solubility.
• Adherence to the standard: Only settle for sodium bromide products that meet industry and national standards. For instance, in the US, the chemical should meet the standards set by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Safety and handling of sodium bromide

• Wear personal protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses when handling sodium bromide to avoid direct skin and eye contact with the chemical.
• The chemical is usually benign but inhaling its dust can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Use in a well-ventilated space or use respiratory protection when necessary.
• Bromide salts can accumulate in the body over time and lead to bromism, a condition that causes nausea, headaches and kidney problems among others. Always follow the recommended dosing when using sodium bromide.

Q&A

Can sodium bromide be taken orally?

Sodium bromide is often used in medicine but in very small and controlled doses. This is because sodium bromide poses a high risk of becoming toxic when accumulated in the body.

Can pancakes have sodium bromide?

Yes, sodium bromide can be found in pancakes and other baked products. This is because it is a very effective flour conditioning agent. However, the amount used must be minimal and within safe consumption levels.

Does sodium bromide have sedative properties?

Yes, sodium bromide was historically used as a sedative and anticonvulsant. However, due to its bromide ion concentration accumulation, it can lead to toxicity and negative health effects. This is why its use has been largely discontinued and often replaced by more modern treatment.

What are some side effects of sodium bromide?

Some side effects include dizziness, headaches, digestive issues, and drowsiness. These effects are common when sodium bromide concentrations in the body are higher than normal.

When should sodium bromide be contraindicated?

Sodium bromide is contraindicated for people with kidney issues, pre-existing respiratory problems, pregnant women, and people with bromine allergies.

Also, children and infants are advised against using sodium bromide because it can cause serious and harmful effects. More so, it is contraindicated to people who are taking medication that interact negatively with sodium bromide.