Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical compound with the formula Na HCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate). The natural mineral form is nacolite. It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs. It is found in dissolved form in bile, where it serves to neutralize the acidity of the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach, and is excreted into the duodenum of the small intestine via the bile duct. It is also produced artificially.
Agricultural Applications
Animal Feed Grade Sodium Bicarbonate is used in dairy cattle as a rumen buffer to increase feed intake and improve productivity. Other applications include beef cattle, poultry and swine. Sodium Bicarbonate can also be used in citrus packaging operations to significantly improve product shelf life.
Industrial Applications
A specialized Coarse Granular BICAR Sodium Bicarbonate is used in soda blasting to clean surfaces. Industries such as leather tanning, plastic, and swimming pool applications use sodium bicarbonate to provide pH adjustment. Industrial applications utilize sodium bicarbonate as a reactive carbonate or sodium source and as a pH buffer. It is used in industries such as oil well drilling, textile processing, and pulp & paper.