“Global salt” is a commercial term for sodium sulfate (Na2SO4cap N a sub 2 cap S cap O sub 4 𝑁𝑎2𝑆𝑂4), a chemical compound that is widely used in the manufacturing of detergents, paper pulp, and glass.
. Sodium sulfate can be obtained through mining or as a byproduct of chemical processes, such as the reaction between sodium chloride and sulfuric acid.
Key characteristics and sources
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Common names: Sodium sulfate anhydrous, Glauber’s salt (decahydrate)
Sources:
Mining: Extracted from natural deposits like those found in saline lakes.
Chemical byproduct: Produced during industrial processes, for example, the production of hydrochloric acid.
Primary uses
Detergents: Acts as a filler to prevent clumping and allows for the proper concentration of active ingredients in detergent powders.
Pulp and paper: Used in the Kraft process to separate lignin from wood pulp.
Textiles: Functions as a leveling agent in dyeing processes to ensure even color uptake and can help prevent clumping of dyes.
Glass manufacturing: Used as a fining agent to remove bubbles from molten glass.
Other industries: Found in applications such as leather tanning, chemical manufacturing, and animal feed.
