What Does
Sodium Chloride Mean?
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound having the chemical formula NaCl and is commonly called halite or salt. In sodium chloride the ions of sodium and chlorine are found in a 1:1 ratio.
The salinity of seawater is due to the presence of sodium chloride. This ionic compound is used in our day-to-day life as table salt and as a food preservative. It is frequently used in chemical manufacturing plants as a feedstock for chemical synthesis. It is also used to de-ice roadways in sub-freezing weather conditions.
Corrosionpedia Explains Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride forms when a sodium atom interacts with chlorine atoms and the sodium donates a negatively charged electron to the chlorine. This process makes sodium positively charged and chlorine negatively charged. As a result both ions are attracted to each other on the principle of “opposite charges attract.” This opposite charge binding forms an ionic bond between the two compounds and results in the crystallized salt sodium chloride (NaCl).
Industries located in or near oceans (e.g., oil and gas offshore platforms, refineries, petrochemical plants, ship building and others) must coat their steel structures with paints or emulsions to protect them from corrosion caused by high humidity and sodium chloride. When such industries operate, they frequently release pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide that readily react with sodium chloride and moisture. High humidity increases the chances of corrosion if proper protection measures are not implemented.