Bleach — Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% (Standard Grade)
Commercial-strength sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 12.5% for sanitation, water treatment, odor control, and hard-surface cleaning. Clear to slightly yellow liquid with a strong chlorine odor.
Overview
Level 7 Chemical’s standard-grade bleach is filled at ~12.5% available chlorine (fresh fill typically 12–15%). Hypochlorite solutions gradually lose strength with time, heat, and light; we focus on quality control to help ensure in-spec product at shipment.
Common Applications
- ✓Sanitation & Disinfection: high-efficacy oxidation on hard surfaces (Check Regulations to see if you need NSF grade. Follow label directions).
- ✓Water Treatment: Wastewater chlorination; shock chlorination. (Check Regulations to confirm if a standard grade is Ok, or if you need an NSF grade)
- ✓Pressure Washing & Cleaning: exterior cleaning blends (rinse thoroughly).
- ✓Odor Control: oxidizes odor-causing compounds. (Check Regulations to confirm if standard grade is Ok, or if you need NSF grade)
Verify free available chlorine with our active chlorine test strips.
Typical Specifications
| Grade | Standard / Commercial |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 7681-52-9 |
| Available Chlorine (g/L) | ~144 |
| NaOCl (wt%) | ~12.5% (fresh fill typically 12–15%) |
| Specific Gravity (20/20 °C) | ~1.21 |
| Pounds per Gallon | ~9.88 lb/gal |
| Appearance | Clear to greenish-yellow liquid |
| Odor | Strong, typical bleach (chlorine) |
| pH | ~11–13 |
| Solubility | Completely miscible with water |
| Packaging | ~543 lb net weight drum (≈55 gal). Other options available. |
Formulation & Performance
- ✓Maintain residual alkalinity (e.g., NaOH) to stabilize hypochlorite strength.
- ✓Minimize heat and UV exposure; strength declines faster at higher temps and with light/trace metals.
- ✓Use low-metal, low-hardness water for dilution to reduce decomposition and scaling.
Compatibility & Use
- ✓Never mix with acids or ammonia—dangerous gases may form.
- ✓Prefer compatible plastics (HDPE, PVC) for wetted parts; avoid stainless/carbon steel.
- ✓Maintain appropriate free chlorine residuals for the application; follow label/regulatory guidance.
Handling & Storage Requirements
- ✓Store cool, shaded, and ventilated; keep out of heat/sun; do not freeze.
- ✓Use opaque/vented containers; allow headspace for oxygen off-gassing.
- ✓Segregate from acids, ammonia, organics, and reactive metals; prevent contamination.
- ✓Keep pH high (alkaline) for stability; low pH accelerates decomposition.
