Sodium Sulfite: Where do you get it?

[gbenaim]

Hi all,

I'm looking for non-photographic sources of sodium sulfite, as shipping overseas is prohibitively expensive. WHere would you look for this stuff in other sources? I've heard it's used as a food additive, for instance, what kind of store might carry it? I'm not in the States. so none of the usual sources for photo chems apply. Thanks.

GB

 

[Ian Grant]

Say where you are, then it would be easier to help.

Its usually Potassium or Sodium Metabisulphite that are used with food. Sometimes peeled potatoes or chips are stored in a weak solution, stops them going brown.

Ian

 

[gbenaim]

I'm in Israel, Ian. How's that easier for you?

 

[dpurdy]

This was recently touched on. I get mine at a chemical supply house for much less than photo stores and it was advised that you can get it in swimming pool supply houses as well. I think it has several uses.

 

[Ian Grant]

Then I won't recommend a UK supplier

It should be very easy to find, ask a school where they get there lab supplies, it isn't expensive and is very common. It's definitely not worth posting from abroad.

Another option is ask your pharmacist/chemist shop (drugstore) often they can either buy for you or suggest where to try.

Ian

 

[Fanshaw]

Then I won't recommend a UK supplier



Ian

Which UK supplier would you recommend for cheap sulphite?

 

[Ian Grant]

Fanshaw, I was used to buying chemicals in bulk, some like Borax by the metric tonne, others in 50kg bags. So I have contacs with a number of suppliers.

I generally use Scientific & Chemical Supplies in Darlaston for smaller quantities, but they supply school, colleges, universities and companies, not the public.

Ian

 

[Fanshaw]

Fanshaw, I was used to buying chemicals in bulk, some like Borax by the metric tonne, others in 50kg bags. So I have contacs with a number of suppliers.

I generally use Scientific & Chemical Supplies in Darlaston for smaller quantities, but they supply school, colleges, universities and companies, not the public.

Ian

Thanks Ian
I think a tonne of borax would exceed my lifetime needs by several orders of magnitude!
50 Kg of sodium sulphite, though, would be worth considering if the price was right. I have contacted swimming pool chemical suppliers, but they don't appear to use sulphite in the UK.