M2CO3 + x SiO2

M2O . x SiO2 +
C02 (M = Na, K)

Introduction

Contents

PQ Europe represents the European subsidiary of

PQ Corporation, USA. PQ Corporation was founded
in 1831 and belongs today to the worlds most
succesful developers and producers of inorganic
chemicals, in particular on the field of soluble
silicates, silica derived products and glass spheres.
PQ operates worldwide over 60 manufacturing
plants in 20 countries. PQ serves a large variety of
industries, including detergents, high way safety,
pulp and paper, petroleum processing and food and
beverages with a broad range of environmental
friendly performance products.
More than 150 years of experience in R&D and
production of silicates in USA and Europe guarantee
high performance and high quality silicates made
according to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards
and marketed via our extensive network of sales
offices, agents and distributors.

1 The production process

2 Physical properties of soluble silicates

- ratio
- density
- viscosity
- potassium silicate

3 Chemical properties of
soluble silicates
- pH behavior and buffering capacity
- stability of silicate solutions
- reactions with acids (sol and gel formation)
- reaction with acid forming products
("In-situ"gel formation)
- precipitation reactions, reaction with metal ions
- interaction with organic compounds
- adsorption
- complex formation

4 Properties of potassium silicates

vs. sodium silicates

5 Chemistry of silicate solutions

6 Applications

11

7 Storing and handling of PQ Europe

liquid silicates
- storage
- pumps
- handling and safety

14

8 Production locations

15

Sand

Caustic
soda

Premix
Water

Reactor

Temporary
storage

The Hydrothermal Route

Filter

Final
storage

1
The production
process

Sodium and potassium silicate glasses (lumps) are

produced by the direct fusion of precisely measured
portions of pure silica sand (SiO2) and soda ash
(Na2CO3) or potash (K2CO3) in oil, gas or electrically
fired furnaces at temperatures above 1000 C
according to the following reaction:

M2CO3 + x SiO2 M2O . x SiO2 + C02 (M = Na, K)

The Furnace Route

Sand

Soda
ash

Furnace

Sodiumsilicate lumps

Dissolver

Solutions of alkali silicates ("waterglass") may be produced

either by dissolving the alkali silicate lumps in water at
elevated temperatures (and partly at elevated pressure) or
for certain qualities also by hydrothermally dissolving a
reactive silica source (mainly silica sand) in the respective
alkali hydroxide solution according to the equation:

2 MOH +

x SiO 2 M 2O . x SiO 2 + H 2O

Temporary
storage

Filter

Final
storage

In general, solutions are subsequently filtered to remove

any residual turbidity and adjusted to yield products to a
particular specification.
Amorphous silicate powders are made by drying aqueous
solutions by means of spray or drum dryers. These products
may then be further treated in order to modify powder
properties, e.g. particle size, bulk density.
Crystalline alkali silicate powders of a specific composition
but containing different amounts of water of crystallisation
can be produced by various routes; e.g. sodium metasilicate
pentahydrate (Na2SiO3 5H2O) is normally produced by
blending sodium silicate solutions and additional caustic
soda (NaOH) to achieve a mother liquor with ratio SiO2:
Na2O = 1.0, from which the final product is crystallised.

The products are then separated, sieved and processed as

required.

Raw materials
The main raw materials for the production of alkali silicates
are quartz sand (or other silica sources), alkali carbonates
(e.g. soda ash Na2CO3, potash K2CO3), alkali hydroxides
(e.g. NaOH, KOH), water and fuels / energy, e.g. oil, gas,
electricity). Filter aids (mostly from natural sources) may
also be used.

2
Physical properties
of soluble silicates

Ratio

Density
At a given ratio, the density of a solution is defined by
the concentration or total solids content. The higher the
ratio, the lower the density at a given concentration. In
the silicates industry, density has long been expressed
in degrees Baum which can be converted to specific
gravity using the following formula:

Fig. 1

1:2.0

1:2.5

1:3.0

1:3.5

10000

1000

1:1.5

The factors for converting from weight ratio to molar ratio

for both sodium and potassium silicate are as follows:
- sodium silicate
: 1.033 x wt ratio
- potassium silicate : 1.567 x wt ratio
PQ Europe normally expresses ratios on a weight basis.

Viscosities of sodium silicate solutions

as a function of concentration.

Absolute viscosity in poises

The chemical composition of soluble silicates can be

identified by the following formula: (SiO2)x (M2O)
where M is an alkali metal, usually Na or K.
Generally silicates are identified by the SiO2 :
M2O ratio. It has become practice in the silicates
industry to characterize the chemical composition of the
silicates in terms of both weight ratio and molar ratio.
Since the molar weights of SiO2 and Na2O are almost
the equivalent (60, resp. 62) only a small difference
exists between the molar ratio and the weight ratio for
a given sodium silicate. However, this is not applicable
for potassium silicate, because of the large difference in
molar weights of SiO2 and K2O (60 resp. 94).

100

10

1.0

0.1

0.01

10

12

14

16

18

20

% Na 0
2

S.G. = 145 / (145 - Be)

Our measurements of density are made at a standard
temperature of 20 C. The density of a silicate solution
is inversely proportional to temperature: as temperature
increases, density decreases.

Viscosity
The viscosity of a sodium silicate solution is a function of
concentration, density, ratio and temperature. Figure 1
shows that the viscosity strongly increases with increasing
ratio. High ratio solutions will increase in viscosity until
they become semisolid. Comparison of viscosity at constant
solids content at different ratios shows that silicate
solutions are at a minimum viscosity at 2.00 weight ratio.
Viscosity increases as the weight ratio of the sodium silicate
product becomes either more siliceous or more alkaline
(Figure 2).

Viscosities of sodium silicate

solutions as a function of ratio
at constant solids.

Viscosities of sodium silicate

solutions as a function of temperature.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

11

10
10
46% solids

9
8

6
42
30

43

2O
Na

44

Viscosity-poises.

45

,9%
10
io,
Rat
2.9

Viscosity-poises at 20 C.

5
4
3

40

3.
22
2.
0R
Ra
tio
ati
, 9,
o, 1
2%
4,5
Na2
%N
O
a2O

41

2
1
0

29

38
30

34

1:1.0

2
1

36
1:1.8

1:2.6

1:3.4

Wt. Ratio SiO2 : Na2O

2O
Na
3,7%
tio, 1
2.4 Ra

0
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Temperature C

Figure 3 shows that viscosity of sodium silicate solutions at

commercial concentrations can be decreased to less than 1 poise
if heated sufficiently and if evaporation is prevented.

Potassium
Potassium silicate solutions are similar to solutions of sodium
silicate. One significant difference, however, is that potassium
silicate solutions are somewhat more viscous than corresponding
sodium silicate solutions at equal concentrations.
But, like sodium silicate, the viscosity of solutions is affected by
ratio, concentration, and temperature.

3
Chemical
properties of
soluble silicates

pH behavior and buffering capacity

The pH of silicate solutions is dependent on
concentration and ratio. It is shown in figure 4 that pH
decreases as ratio increases. Electrometric titrations with
acids show that a high pH of silicate solutions is
maintained until the alkali is almost completely
neutralized. The buffering capacity (the ability of a
solution to resists changes in pH) increases with
increasing proportions of soluble silica. However, even
dilute silicate solutions will maintain a relatively
constant pH despite the addition of acid.

on solution concentrations, temperature, pH and other

factors. As figure 5 shows, gelation occurs most rapidly at
neutral pH.
Time-delayed gelation (unstable sols) can occur in pH
ranges of 8-10 and 2-5. Gel formation is generally very
rapid in the intermediate range (5-8). Colloidal silica sols
can be prepared from sodium silicates through ion
exchange, dialysis and other means.

Stability of silicate solutions

All silicate solutions are alkaline, the pH of commercial
silicate solutions ranges from approximately 10 to 13.
The pH is a function of ratio and concentration and
decreases with increasing silica content.
The stability of a sodium silicate solution depends to a
large extent on pH. All sodium silicate solutions will
polymerize to form a silica gel when the pH value is
reduced below 10.

Reaction with acids

(sol and gel formation)
pH Values for solutions of
silicates of various ratios.

Sodium silicates react with acidic compounds.

When solutions of relatively high concentrations are
acidified, the soluble silicate anions polymerize to form
a gel. When relatively dilute concentrations of dissolved
silica are acidified, activated colloidal silicate solutions
(sols) can be formed. The degree of polymerization of
the silicate anions of sodium silicate solutions depends

Fig. 4

pH value

13
1.60
2.00

12

2.50
2.88
3.27
11

10
0
100
Grams per 1000 g water

200

300

M2CO3 + x SiO2 M2O . x SiO2 + CO2 (M = Na, K)

6

Reactions with acid forming products

in-situ gel formation)
A large number of applications of silicates are based on the
ability of in-situ formation of a silica hydrogel. When
silicates react with acid forming products such as organic
esters, the alkalinity of the silicate solution is consumed by
the hydrolysis of these esters over an extended period of
time. The gel forms an adhesive bonding with the
surrounding substrate (e.g. sand, fly ash, cement and
wood).

Precipitation reactions, reactions

with metal ions
Solutions of sodium silicates react with dissolved polyvalent
cations such as Ca2+, Al3+, and Mg2+ to form insoluble
forms of silicate. This type of reaction can be used to form
pigments or compounds which can be used as extenders or
fillers, ion exchange media, catalysts, adsorbents, and other
products.

Gel times of 3.2 ratio sodium

silicate-H 2 SO 4 mixtures at 25 C.

Fig. 5

Gel time-minutes (log scale)

3.5% SIO2
1.000
15%
1%

3.5%

100

10

1
0

6
pH

Interaction with organic

compounds
Relatively few organic compounds are compatible with
concentrated soluble silicate solutions.
Simple polar solvents can cause phase separation or
dehydration. In mixtures with water immiscible lipophilic
substances, the silicate separates into the aqueous phase,
although in the case of liquid detergent formulations this
phenomenon can often be overcome by the addition of a
suitable emulsion stabilizer. A few compounds such as
glycerine, sugar sorbitol and ethylene glycol are miscible
and are sometimes used as humectants.

Adsorption

10.000

15%

Calcium chloride reacts instantaneously with silicate

solutions. The reaction is also an effective mechanism
for insolubilizing a silicate bond or coating.
Sodium aluminum silicates are formed by reactions
between aluminum compounds and sodium silicate.
The resulting products can serve as ion exchange media
for water softening, as synthetic zeolites or molecular
sieves. The extent and rate of reaction of silicates with
various metallic salts depends on the nature of the salt
and its physical and molecular structure. For example,
mineral calcium carbonates, such as calcite, exhibit
limited interaction with soluble silicate, whereas
precipitated calcium carbonate shows high reactivity.

10

11

The functional versatility of dissolved silica, as provided

by sodium and potassium silicates, is markedly
demonstrated by its ability to alter the surface
characteristics of various materials in different ways.
Silicates adsorb onto charged mineral and oxide
surfaces. The resulting effects can be, coagulation/
flocculation, dispersion/deflocculation,
emulsification/demulsification and corrosion inhibition
depending on the following choices:
- silicate type (SiO2/Na2O ratio)
- solution concentration
- choice of sodium or potassium alkali source
- solution conditions - principally pH

Complex formation
Silicates react with multivalent metal ions in solution to
form complexes, thus inactivating these ions. The result
is an enhancement of the action of surfactants in
detergents (builder action).

4
Properties of
potassium silicates
vs. sodium silicates

Generally, potassium silicates resemble sodium silicates

in their properties, but the differences are finding
increased recognition and expanding industrial
applications. One easily recognized difference is flame
color: the violet color of potassium versus the intense
yellow of sodium.
This is the basis of one of the early uses of potassium
silicate as a binder for carbon electrodes. Benefits of
potassium over sodium silicates include:

A convenient source of
potassium
Where potassium is a necessary ingredient, it is often
convenient to introduce it as silicate. This is important
in certain catalyst gels, welding rod coatings and
concentrated liquid detergents.

No efflorescence
Potassium silicate coatings are less likely to develop a
conspicuous white carbonate film, or efflorescence, on
exposure to the atmosphere.
Consequently, potassium silicate is preferred for
decorative coatings, paints and ceramic binders.

Si(OH)4
Q0
SiO

Greater refractoriness

Q1
SiO

Si(OH)2

Higher solubility
Potassium silicates are often used in the formulation of
liquid, heavy duty detergents and in built liquid and
paste potassium soaps because of their greater
solubility and compatibility with other ingredients.

SiOSi(OH)3

SiO

SiOSi OH

SiO
Q2

Q3

Even at the same silica to alkali molar ratio, potassium

silicates soften and flow at a higher temperature than
corresponding sodium silicates. For this reason, they are
used in various high-temperature binders.

Q0 = not linked to a second silicate group

Q1 = linked to only one other silicate group
Q2 = linked to two silicate groups
Qn = linked to silicate groups

5
Chemistry of
silicate solutions

Commercial alkali silicate solutions can

be divided into two fractions:
1. dissolved molecules:
sodium/potassium ions, hydroxide
ions and silicate ions (SiO44-)
2. colloidal fraction

The very large colloidal fraction is a complex mixture of

polysilicate anions; larger species up to colloidal size.
The colloidal particles are reactive due to their negative
charge at pH values above approximately 3.5 and their
hydroxylated surface is capable of adsorbing cations and
polar substances.
In concentrated commercial solutions of sodium silicate
(25% SiO2), up to 75% of the silica is present in the
polymerized or colloidal form.
The surface of the particles is probably saturated with
adsorbed sodium ions. Since the colloidal fraction plays a
very important role in understanding properties and
applications of silicates we will briefly deal with the size
and structure of these silicate particles.
The basic building block in the polymerization is the
monomer mono silicic acid (this tetrahedral unit carries four
negative charges and is written as (SiO44-). Mono-silicic
acid (Si(OH)4) is an unstable compound and has the
property of polymerization involving sharing of OH- groups
between Si atoms. This results in the formation of siloxane
(Si-O-Si) bonds and the elimination of water.

Si(OH)4

Apparent relative concentration

Qualitative interpretation of Silicate Anion Structure

Equilibria Source: G. Engelhardt, et al., "Z.Anorg,
Allg, Chem.," 4188, 17-28 (1975)
Fig. 6
80

80

70

70

60

60
50

50
40
30

monosilicate

chains and
cyclic trimers

20

larges
rings

40
30
branched rings
and increasingly
complex structures
"Polysilicate Anions"

20
10

10

ratio
SiO2
Na 2O

0.5
1.0
ortho- metasilicate silicate

2.0
disilicate

3.0
trisilicate

4.0

(OH-)3 Si O Si (OH)3 +H2O

Si O-+HO Si

Si O Si

+OH-

The polymer species are not of uniform size, they may be

linear or cyclic. They can be characterized by the number of
oxygen bridges to other silicon atoms. A method of
describing silicate polymeric species is presented alongside.
The capital Q represents the silicate group and the suffix
represents the number of other groups to which it is
attached.
Polysilicate ions have been identified with up to 12 Si
atoms. These polymeric species are in thermodynamic
equilibrium. The type and relative distribution of these

silicate groups depend upon the ratio and the

concentration of the particular silicate solution. As the ratio
increases, the presence of the higher polymeric species
increases; the complexity of the solution increases and so
does the viscosity. Solutions having a ratio of 2 or less will
tend to be nearer to true solutions containing monomeric
SiO44+ and Si2O52- ions usually in a hydrated form.
With increasing concentration, the larger polysilicate anions
prevail; when solutions are diluted there is an instant
partial depolymerization and re-arrangement.

6
Applications

Bleaching of pulp
Hydrogen peroxide bleaching is an established technology
for pulp bleaching, offering an alternative to chlorine-based
bleaching processes. PQ Europe silicates are an important
component in hydrogen peroxide bleach liquors.
In this function, the silicates act to stabilize the peroxide,
resulting in brighter pulp at a lower cost. The sodium
silicates deactivate metals such as iron, copper, and
manganese, which catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide. In addition, silicates buffer the bleach liquor at
the pH at which the peroxide is most effective.
For more information we refer to our brochure 'Waterglass
in Bleaching of Mechanical Pulps'.

Deinking of wastepaper
PQ Europe sodium silicates are key ingredients in deinking
formulations. They help remove inks from the paper surface
and enhance dispersion which prevents the ink particles
from redepositing on the fibers.
Silicates also contribute alkalinity to the deinking
operation, and they allow the process to be carried out at a
lower pH than possible when using caustic soda alone.
Deinking at a lower pH minimizes alkali darkening, which
tends to be a problem with mechanical pulps.
Silicates also stabilize hydrogen peroxide which may be
added to deinking formulations. Silicates work efficiently in
both washing and flotation deinking processes, and with a
variety of inks and papers, including newsprint, colored or
varnished magazine stock, and rotogravure stocks.
For more information we refer to our deinking brochures.

Detergency
As detergent builders in spray-dried, agglomerated, or
dry-blended formulations, PQ Europe sodium silicates offer
several properties to enhance detergents:

Alkalinity and buffering

The alkalinity of sodium silicates enables them to
neutralize acidic soils, emulsify fats and oils, and
disperse or dissolve proteins. Their buffering capacity,
stronger than most alkaline salts, maintains the desired
pH in the presence of acidic compounds or in dilution.

Calcium and magnesium sequestration

Sodium silicates act as a water softener by sequestering
calcium and magnesium ions. Sodium silicates are
especially effective in removing magnesium. This ensures
optimal performance of the surfactant system even in
hard water.

Corrosion inhibition
The polysilicate ion forms a physical barrier to alkali
attack and protects sensitive glazed dishware, glass,
and metallic surfaces, including metal pipes.

In the formulation of spray-dried detergent powders,

silicate solutions are easily added to the detergent slurry,
where they help control the viscosity at the proper level
for producing a powder of the desired density. Sodium
silicate acts as a binder in heavy-duty laundry detergent
and autodish washing tablets.

10

Adhesives
For materials such as paper and foil, PQ Europe sodium
silicate adhesives offer several advantages:

Good spreading and penetration.

Good bond formation.
Set-rates controllable over wide limits.
Strong, rigid bond that resists heat and
moderately resists water.

2.8 to 3.2 ratio silicates are very useful as adhesives or

binders due to their higher content of polymeric silica.
These materials are converted from a liquid to a solid by
the removal of very small amounts of water. Silicates are
a cost effective alternative to PVA adhesives and dextrin
in many applications. While sodium silicates for adhesives
are shipped ready for use, they can be modified with clay,
casein, and organic additives for special applications.

Drilling fluids
Drilling operators are able to replace oil based muds with
water based muds that contain soluble silicates to stabilize
shale and clay sections in a cost effective way. This allows
them to comply with increasingly stringent environmental
regulations while maintaining borehole stability.
The stabilization mechanism is the result of the in-situ
gelation and precipitation of silicates when exposed to
neutral shale pore fluid and/or polyvalent ions.
The relationship between silicate ratio and a number of
drilling mud properties is listed in the figure below. Higher
ratio, more polymeric materials typically form gels more
readily and inhibit shale better than lower ratio products,
but are less stable in brines and salt water. A compromise
between shale inhibition and salt water stability is usually
found in a 2.0 ratio product.

Water treatment
Activated silica is an excellent, cost effective polymer acting
as a co-flocculant in cleaning industrial water, removal of
humus in drinking water and cleaning of water in disposal
plants.
For all of these applications, activated silica can replace
polyacrylamide products.
Used in conjunction with alum, ferric salts, and other
primary coagulants, activated silica increases the speed of
floc formation, as well as floc size, density, and stability.
Activated silica offers more efficient coagulation at low
temperatures and can also act as a filter aid. Many
industries achieve a clear effluent by using activated silica
to capture finely divided impurities into fast-forming floc.
The floc is separated from the water by sedimentation
and/or filtration.

Oilfield Product Characteristics

Lower

Shale inhibition

Higher

Lower

Calcium Stability

Low

Higher

Stability in Salt Water

Lower

Higher

pH

Lower

1.6

2.0

2.4

2.8

3.2

SiO : Na O RATIO
2

11

Making drinking water safer

Sodium silicates are one of the solutions recognized by
environmental authorities to reduce lead, copper, and
other heavy metals in drinking water. They function as a
corrosion inhibitor to form a microscopic film on the
inside of water supply pipes, preventing the leaching of
lead solders and other metals throughout the system.
Unlike other corrosion inhibitors, sodium silicate adds
no phosphate or zinc to the water supply.
Also when compared to phosphate-based corrosion
inhibitors, sodium silicates have a beneficial effect on pH.
Added in the proper amount, sodium silicate can raise
system pH into the alkaline range to lower lead levels in
a municipal water system. Acidic (pH < 7) and very soft
water tends to dissolve more lead than water with a pH
in the 8 to 10 range, which sodium silicate can help to
maintain.
Small amounts of silicate can be added to water
supplies containing high levels of iron or manganese to
eliminate "red water" staining.

Foundry binders
PQ Europe sodium silicates are well known as environmentally sound foundry sand binders.
The use of inorganic sodium silicate binder systems
promotes cleaner foundry environments because these
binder systems are nontoxic, produce essentially no fumes,
are odor-free, and are easy to use.
Sodium silicate binders are set by reaction with CO2 gas or
reaction with other acid producing compounds such as
aliphatic organic esters. The only source of fumes in these
processes are the ester catalysts, which are used in very
small amounts, and additives, which are used to improve
shakeout and humidity resistance. Reclamation of silicatebound sands is widely practiced. Spent sands from sodium
silicate castings are low in residual organics, which permits
easier and less expensive disposal.

Grouting
Grouting, or soil solidification, combines PQ Europe sodium
silicates with one or more chemicals that will react with the
silicate to form a grout-gel bond. Sodium silicate and a
gelling agent (sodium aluminate or esters) are mixed and
injected into the ground to react and form an instant grout.
Grouting can be used in several situations:

To strengthen soil formations that are not strong enough

to carry the required load, such as underwalls and
footings of structures.
To make porous soils impermeable, which stops water
penetration.
To prevent water loss from cracks in dams and other
containment structures.

PQ Europe research has extended the knowledge of product

properties and usefulness to include a wide range of
applications. Moreover, new uses are being studied
continually. If you have a problem that silicate might help
to solve, we invite you to consult us.

12

Survey of applications
of PQ Europe silicates
Sodium silicates
Application

Silicate function

Principal benefit

Corrosion inhibitor, buffer

Corrosion protection,
detergency
Detergency, corrosion
protection

Detergents
Household laundry, powders
and autodish
Liquid detergents and cleaners

Dispersion, buffer

Pulp and paper

Peroxide bleaching of pulp
Deinking
Raw water treatment

Chemical reaction
Detergency
Flocculation

Conserves peroxide
Ink removal
Clearer effluent

Adhesion

Adds rigidity, economical

Lead and copper control

Chemical reaction

Raw and wastewater treatment

Flocculant

Corrosion prevention
Iron and manganese stabilization

Film formation
Chemical reaction

Reduces levels of toxic

metals
Improves formation of
flocs
Inhibits corrosive attack
Removes red color

Chemical reaction, sealant

Gel reaction
Chemical reaction

Reduces permeability
Economical binder
Accelerates setting

Chemical reaction
Buffering

Conserves peroxide
Dye fixation

Binder
Dispersion

Improves strength
Reduces water

Colloidal control
Chemical reaction
Chemical reaction

Inhibits clay dispersion

Reduces wear
Breaks emulsion

Dispersion
Binder
Binder

Separation aid
Fast set
Increases green strength

Paper board
Spiral-wound tubes

Water treatment

Construction
Hardening concrete
Soil solidification/grouting
Sprayed concrete

Textiles
Peroxide bleaching
Pad-batch dyeing

Ceramics
Refractory cements
Slurry thinners

Petroleum processing
Drilling muds
Corrosion prevention
Emulsion breaking

Metals
Ore beneficiation
Foundry molds and core binders
Pelletizing/briquetting

Potassium silicates
Application

Silicate function

Principal benefit

Welding electrodes

Binder

Industrial cleaners

Sequestration, corrosion
inhibition
Binder
Gel formation
Nutrient

Improves melting
properties
Detergency

Decorative coatings and paints

Refractories
Horticultural industry

Non blooming
Specialty fertilizers

13

7
Storing and
handling PQ Europe
liquid silicates

Liquid sodium and potassium silicates constitute two

families of products which range from moderately to
strongly alkaline. Due to these properties storage and
handling of these products require special attention.

Storage

Bulk storage of liquid silicates

Liquid silicates can be stored in either horizontal or
vertical tanks constructed of carbon steel, stainless
steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or other suitable
materials.
NOTE: Aluminum, galvanized steel, zinc and glass are
generally not used as construction material since
they can be corroded by the alkaline silicate.
The tanks and their supporting structures should be
designed to contain liquid silicates with densities
ranging from 1.31 to 1.68 g/cm3.
They should meet all local code requirements and
regulations.

Pumps
Pumps for handling liquid silicates should be selected on
the basis of the viscosity of the product(s) to be handled,
temperature conditions, required flow rates and piping
system characteristics.
Pumps should be equipped with casing drains to permit
draining and washing when the need arises. Ordinary iron
pump bushings are satisfactory. Mechanical seals can also
be applied. Carbon graphite bushings should not be used.
NOTE: It is suggested that you consult your pump supplier
for additional information and assistance needed to select
the proper type and size of the pump for the silicate
products you process.

Packaging

Tank location
Whenever possible it is desirable to locate liquid
silicate storage tanks in a heated building area, to
minimize the possibility of the silicate freezing and to
avoid pumping problems in cold weather due to the
products' increased viscosity. Storage temperature of
liquid silicates should not exceed 60 C.
NOTE: The freezing point of sodium and potassium
silicate solutions is near that of water. If they freeze,
a separation of the silicate constituent can occur.
Remixing by normal procedures may not be
sufficient to reconstitute the solution to its original
properties. Therefore, it is necessary to make
adequate provisions with storage and handling
equipment to prevent freezing.

14

Tank maintenance
It is advised to clean tanks once a year if they are
used to store liquid silicates with ratios > 2.6.

Sodium and potassium silicates are supplied in drums,

containers and in bulk.

Handling and safety

Because of their alkalinity, care should be exercised in
working with sodium and potassium silicates. All persons
involved in handling the products should be thoroughly
instructed in their proper handling, safety precautions and
first aid procedures in case of skin or eye contact or
ingestion. More information about handling, safety and
labeling is provided in Product Safety Data Sheets supplied
by PQ Europe.

8
Production
locations

Finland
France
Germany
Germany
Italy
The Netherlands
The Netherlands
Norway
Sweden

Naantali
Lamotte
Worms
Wurzen
Livorno
Maastricht
Winschoten
Glomfjord
Karlstad

15

Head Office
PQ Europe
De Brand 24
P.O. Box 664
3800 AR Amersfoort
The Netherlands
tel. +31 33 450 9030
fax. +31 33 450 9031

Customer Service Desk

PQ Europe
Ankerkade 111
6222 NL Maastricht
The Netherlands
tel. +31 43 352 5982
fax. +31 43 352 5919

Production locations
Finland
PQ Finland Oy

The Netherlands
PQ Nederland B.V.

Satamatie 2
21100 Naantali
Finland

Ankerkade 111
6222 NL Maastricht
The Netherlands

France
PQ France S.A.S.

PQ Nederland B.V.

Usine de Lamotte
B.P. 30
60350 Trosly Breuil
France

P. van Dijkstraat 9
9672 AJ Winschoten
P.O. Box 166
9670 AD Winschoten
The Netherlands

Germany
PQ Potters Europe GmbH

Norway
PQ Norge Silicates AS

Werk Worms
Mainzer Strae 184
67547 Worms
Germany

Nedre Industriomrde
8161 Glomfjord
P.O. Box 107
8160 Glomfjord
Norway

PQ Potters Europe GmbH

Am Wachtelberg 8a
04808 Wurzen
Postfach 167
04801 Wurzen
Germany

Italy
PQ Italy S.r.l.

Sweden
PQ Sweden AB
Tegelbruksgatan 4
65672 Skattkrr
P.O. Box 414
65109 Karlstad
Sweden

Via Leonardo da Vinci, 3/7

57123 Livorno
Italy
The information presented in this brochure is true and
accurate to the best of our knowledge, but without any
guarantee unless explicitly given. Since the conditions of
use are beyond our control, we disclaim any liability,
including for patent infringement, incurred in connection
with the use of these products, data or suggestions.
Registered trademark PQ Europe
Copyright PQ Europe
Issue: October 2004