Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KOH, commonly called caustic potash. Along with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), this colorless solid is a prototypical strong base PROCESS OVERVIEW Over 95% of the capacity to produce chlorine and essentially 100% of the capacity to produce caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) are based on the electrolysis of brine. In this process a sodium chloride (NaCl, salt) solution (brine) is electrolytically decomposed to elemental chlorine (in the anode compartment), and sodium hydroxide solution and elemental hydrogen (in the cathode compartment). A chemical facility which co-produces caustic soda and chlorine is typically referred to as a chlor-alkali (C/A) facility. USES AND APPLICATIONS Production of Soaps Production of Potassium Carbonate Production of Fertilizers It is used as a neutralizer in petroleum refining Paint stripper (although it's so caustic that its use is being phased out) It's used in the production of aluminum Used in chemical analysis to measure the concentration of acids Used in soap making Used in paper making to separate lignin from cellulose fibers Used as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel Used to etch aluminum Washing or chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables Chocolate and cocoa processing Caramel color production Production of Potassium Phosphates CAUSTIC SODA MARKET Caustic Soda Imports as percent share of demand (2012-13) = 13% Imports as percent share of demand have increased in last one decade. Indian industry is capable of meeting its domestic demand but because of high input costs & poor infrastructure, is not competitive internationally and face dumping of cheap imports from other countries like Iran, Saudi, Korea RP, Japan, etc ; in where power ,except in Japan, is available at a lower price. Indian import/ export (April 2013 to March 2014) Import: 16207 metric tonne per annum Export 761 metric tonne per annum INDIAN MANUFACTURERS Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals,Gujarat, Sree Rayalaseema Alkalies and Chemicals,Andhra Pradesh The Andhra Sugars Ltd.,Andhra Pradesh Universal Chemical and Industries, Gujarat INDIAN DEMAND The demand for caustic potash is driven by the performance of the application sectors such as dyestuff, pharmaceutical as well aspotassium based chemicals / salts particularly potassium carbonate. Indian demand for caustic potash ( Period from April 2014 to March 2015) 58,000 metric tonne per annum