M C H A U S T I C A N D B O O K P O T A S H

1 OXYCHEM. C AUSTIC P OTASH. H ANDBOOK. Occidental Chemical Corporation (OxyChem) is a leading North American manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, chlorine and caustic soda, key building blocks for a variety of indispensable products such as plastics, pharmaceuticals and water treatment chemicals. Other OxyChem products include caustic potash, chlorinated organics, sodium silicates, chlorinated isocyanurates and calcium chloride. For every product it makes, OxyChem's market position is No. 1 or No. 2 in the Based in Dallas, Texas, the company has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada and Chile. OxyChem has been an active participant in the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care initiative since its inception in 1988.

2 Demonstrating their commitment to attaining the highest levels of safety and environmental achievement, Responsible Care companies implement world-class management systems, measure performance based on industry wide metrics, and are subject to review by independent auditors. Foreword This handbook outlines recommended methods for handling, storing, and using caustic potash. It also includes information on the manufacture, physical properties, safety considerations and analytical methods for testing caustic potash. Additional information and contacts can be found on the internet at "IMPORTANT: THE INFORMATION PRESENTED HEREIN, WHILE NOT GUARANTEED, WAS. PREPARED BY TECHNICAL PERSONNEL AND IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF OUR.

3 KNOWLEDGE AS OF SEPTEMBER 2013. NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF. FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR WARRANTY OR GUARANTY OF ANY OTHER. KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE REGARDING PURITY, PERFORMANCE, SAFETY, SUITABILITY, STABILITY OR OTHERWISE. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL- INCLUSIVE AS TO THE MANNER AND CONDITIONS OF CAUSTIC POTASH USE, HANDLING, STORAGE, DISPOSAL AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY INVOLVE OTHER OR ADDITIONAL. LEGAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY OR PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS, AND OXYCHEM. ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR THE USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS. INFORMATION. OXYCHEM DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR CORRECT THE. INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN. WHILE OUR TECHNICAL PERSONNEL WILL BE HAPPY.

4 TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS, SAFE HANDLING AND USE OF THE PRODUCT REMAINS THE. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAUSTIC POTASH USER. NO SUGGESTIONS FOR USE ARE. INTENDED AS, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS, A RECOMMENDATION TO. INFRINGE ANY EXISTING PATENTS OR TO VIOLATE ANY FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR. FOREIGN LAWS.". Page 2 of 39. INTRODUCTION. Caustic potash (potassium hydroxide or KOH) is most commonly manufactured by the electrolysis of a potassium chloride (KCl) solution. OxyChem manufactures caustic potash using membrane electrolytic cells. OxyChem does not use mercury based electrolytic cells to produce caustic potash. The co-products formed from the electrolytic production of caustic potash are chlorine and hydrogen.

5 The largest users of caustic potash are the soap and detergent, fertilizer, and chemical industries. Minor uses for caustic potash are molten salts, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and photographic chemicals. OxyChem has played a leading role in providing caustic potash to meet the increasing demands of industry. Terminals are used to maintain stocks of our caustic potash in many principal cities. Distributor stocks are also available in these and many other cities and form a network of supply for the end user s convenience. Liquid caustic potash is available as a 45% or 50% solution. Caustic potash is also available in dry form as flakes or crystals. Specification sheets for each grade can be found on our website at Page 3 of 39.

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Introduction and Principal Uses 5. Manufacturing 6. Methods of Shipping Caustic Potash 8. Safe Handling of Caustic Potash 9. Unloading Caustic Potash 12. Equipment for Handling Caustic Potash 22. Technical Data 26. Methods of Analysis 37. Page 4 of 39. PRINCIPAL USES AND CONSUMPTION OF CAUSTIC POTASH. Caustic potash is one of the very few chemicals utilized in a very broad range of applications. Some principal products or processes in which caustic potash is used are: Dehydrating agent for drying gases A lubricant in the extrusion pressing of high melting alloys A scavenger in gasoline treating process (dual layer) for removing mercaptans A methylating agent An alkaline builder in detergent formulations In refining petroleum fractions In removing insulating coatings from wire In purifying olefin feedstock In stabilizing synthetic lubricants In removing naphthenic acids from natural gas In fertilizers In descaling ferrous metals In sweetening sour petroleum fractions In a fused alkaline salt mixture used for metal cleaning In lye peeling In electrolytic stripping baths In chemical compounding In a molten bath for removing polyesters and polyurethanes from steel objects As a chemical desiccant As an agent for lowering the sulfur content of coal In alkaline batteries As a catalyst for biodiesel

7 Production Page 5 of 39. MANUFACTURING PROCESS. Caustic potash is produced by OxyChem by an electrolytic process as shown in the following diagram. Brine, prepared from potassium chloride (KCl), is electrolyzed in a membrane cell. The production of caustic potash (KOH) also results in the co-products of chlorine and hydrogen. In the membrane process, a solution of approximately 32% strength is formed. The solution is then sent to evaporators, which concentrate it to a strength of 45% or 50% by removing the appropriate amount of water. The caustic potash solution is inventoried in storage tanks prior to shipment. The product is shipped via tank trucks, railcars, barges and ships. The dry form of caustic potash ships in drums, supersacks and plastic bags.

8 OxyChem s caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) meets the test requirements specified in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), Eighth Edition, 2012. However, caustic potash is not produced under all cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) requirements as defined by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). OxyChem does not represent or warrant general compliance of this product for food use. Each prospective use of a product in a food or food related application must be carefully assessed against appropriate regulations by the user and it cannot be assumed that products meeting FCC test requirements are satisfactory for all uses without such assessment. MEMBRANE CELL. Page 6 of 39. MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

9 Page 7 of 39. SHIPPING METHODS. Liquid caustic potash is available from OxyChem s plant and terminals in tank truck, rail car, barge and ship quantities. Each form of transportation has its own advantages. The type of shipping method selected will depend upon such factors as size and location of storage, rate of consumption, plant location, freight rates, etc. Anhydrous caustic potash is marketed in flake and crystal form. Drum packages include sizes of 100, 400 and 450 pounds. Both flake and crystal forms are also available in bulk 2000 pound supersacks. The flake form is available in 50 pound bags. Caustic potash is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and is classified as a corrosive material.

10 The DOT identification number is UN 1814 for liquid and UN 1813 for dry caustic potash. Page 8 of 39. SAFELY HANDLING CAUSTIC POTASH. Caustic potash in any form or concentration must be respected by everyone who handles and uses it. Before starting to work with it, the user should be aware of its properties, know what safety precautions to follow, and know how to react in case of contact. Accidental exposure to caustic potash may occur under several conditions. Potentially hazardous situations include handling and packaging operations, equipment cleaning and repair, decontamination following spills and equipment failures. Employees who may be subject to such exposure must be provided with proper personal protective equipment and trained in its use.