Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process - Discussion

Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash, is not used in the manufacture of baking powder, detergents, or sugar. However, it is used in the manufacture of fire extinguishers, glass, soaps, and paper.

Sodium carbonate is used in a type of fire extinguisher called a soda-acid extinguisher. When the striker breaks a glass flask containing sulfuric acid, the sodium carbonate turns into sodium sulfate, which then breaks down into water and carbon dioxide.