Bath Bomb Press (Maker)

Lip Balm and Pouring Trays

Shipping

Beginner Soap Makers Suggestions

Liquid Soap

Soap Making Tools and Accessories

Candle Wax Equipment

Loaf Soap Cutters™

Soap Making Questions

Custom Single Bar Mold, Shapes, Graphic Designs

Lye Tanks

Soap Molds & Liners

Drying Trays

Oil - Wax Tanks (Melters)

Soap Shaper

Financing

Pot Tippers & Pot Whippers

Soap Stampers

Formulation

Professional Air Soap Cutter™ System

Soapmaker Software

General Information - Cutters & Molds & Mold Liners

Professional Manual Soap Cutter™ System

Start Up Questions

General Questions

Pumps

Warranty

Hot Process Soap

Scales (General) - (Troubleshooting)

Question:

Why do you have a gasket on your lye tank? Does that increase the length of time you can keep solution in it?
 

Answer:

The answer to your second question is a resounding….Yes! Without a gasket, we would not recommend even holding it overnight. Your lye solution strength is critical to your formula. There is nothing more important to soapmaking that the ratio of lye (NaOh) to oils. We recommend keeping solution no more than 3 to 4 weeks in the tank, even though it is very well sealed. Always stay on the side of caution when dealing with lye.

Actually that answers the first, doesn’t it? The tank loses about 50% of its value without the gasket.

Question:

Do you have lye tanks?

Answer:

Yes, we do make special tanks for lye. They are made of 16 gauge, stainless steel and come complete, with lid, heating element, thermostat and valve. They are extremely efficient, due to the special heating element that is right in the liquid. These special alloy, heating elements are made to last and will withstand the rigors of lye (NaOH) and commercial usage.

Question:

In case of a large production, can you tell me how to solve the problem of lye fumes?

Answer:

If mixing in pails, it is easiest to mix it outside and wait till it cools and stops out-gassing. Another way is to set up an exhaust hood over the pails, container or tank and vent the fumes outside. An inexpensive kitchen exhaust hood works well. With our NaOH tanks, you can cut a hole in the lid and vent out with PVC pipe or flexible drying vent hose to the outside. For a small charge, we can do this for you.

In all cases when working with lye be sure to use a proper respirator with Organic/Acid cartridges. A regular paint mask or respirator will not protect you. Use Nitrile gloves and protective clothing. We carry all of these.

Question:

We are looking into buying a lye tank and need to know if we will need to have a vent over it.

Answer:

We suggest mixing your lye/water at the end of the day, as the last thing you do. Just put the lid on and leave. Even then, very little vapor will escape, the moisture will condense and drop back down into the tank. Timing it this way, also allows the batch to cool down overnight.

If you do have to mix during the day, you can put a hood over the tank, like a kitchen exhaust or have one made at a sheet metal shop with an exhaust fan. You will probably find though that just putting the lid on and letting it go through it's initial chemical reaction will be fine.