Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium

Our sodium (Na) has a content of at least 99.8 %. The potassium content (K) is max. 400 ppm, the calcium content (Ca) also max. 400 ppm. The complete specification is available on the Sodium metal trading page and in the product data sheet under Downloads.

We supply lightly oiled, cylindrical sodium ingots in two sizes: 2 kg (diameter 10–12 cm, length approx. 30 cm) and 3.5 kg (diameter 14 cm, length 22–23 cm). The ingots are packed in double-layer polythene bags in UN-approved steel drums with 140 kg or 150 kg net. With BINAL® we also offer vacuum-packed sodium in pieces from 25 g to 500 g. Specification and enquiry: buy sodium.

Sodium is a versatile substance. Key applications include filling engine valves (hollow valves) for heat dissipation, refining aluminium melts in sand and chill casting, etching Teflon (PTFE), the pharmaceutical industry, metallurgy as a reducing agent, pickling of stainless steel, organic synthesis as a reducing reagent, the production of sodium borohydride, indigo and vitamin A, and the recycling of lead batteries.

BINAL® is sodium in aluminium composite foil. The foil protects the sodium from moisture and air. This improves occupational safety, ensures high efficiency thanks to pure sodium and allows long storage without loss of quality. Standard diameters are 43 mm, 30 mm and 23 mm with a length of up to 350 mm and weights from 25 g to 500 g; custom-made pieces are available on request. BINAL® is used, among other things, for PTFE etching and as an additive for aluminium melts.

Packaged sodium can be stored indefinitely if stored correctly. There must be no open water sources or water-carrying pipes in the storage rooms, and sprinkler systems are not permitted. Further information is provided in the safety data sheet, available under Downloads.

Sodium reacts violently with water, forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen: 2 Na + 2 H₂O → 2 NaOH + H₂. The heat released can ignite the hydrogen. This is why sodium is packed and stored protected from moisture, and fires must never be extinguished with water.

Sodium is an alkali metal with atomic number 11. It has a density of 0.97 g/cm³, a melting point of 97.8 °C and a boiling point of 882.9 °C. Due to its high reactivity it does not occur in elemental form in nature, but mainly in compounds, especially as sodium chloride.

Sir Humphry Davy first succeeded in producing metallic sodium in 1807 by electrolysis of caustic soda. Today practically all producers use the Downs process, a fused-salt electrolysis of sodium chloride introduced in 1921. A mixture of NaCl, CaCl₂ and BaCl₂ is used, which melts at around 600 °C. The crude sodium obtained is purified by filtration and then cast into ingots, among other forms.

Sodium is classified as dangerous goods (UN 1428, class 4.3: substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases). At the customer’s request, we organise shipping with one of our forwarding partners, who are specially trained in handling hazardous goods. Depending on the destination, transport is by land, sea or air freight.

Yes. We solve your individual disposal question about the recycling of old sodium or NaK from production or laboratory. This includes testing for recyclability, removal from containers, pipes and plant components, provision of special recovery containers and organisation of transport. More on the Disposal of old sodium page.

Sodium is a hazardous substance and is classified as UN1428, Class 4.3, Packing Group I. We may therefore supply sodium to commercial customers and institutions only, not to private individuals.

In principle, no. Please note, however, that for small quantities the packaging and transport costs are comparatively high in relation to the product price.

Simply send us your required quantity by e-mail to info@bilgergmbh.de. You will then receive an individual quotation.