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CLEANING SECTOR
Purified phosphoric acid and phosphates combine many very useful properties (*) which make them the material of choice in manufacturing most detergents, household and industrial, also referred to as "I&I" (Industrial & Institutional).
(*) Phosphates are valued for their many properties:
- Softening and complexing agent
The water used for washing contains calcium and magnesium salts which are soluble in various quantities. This is known as water hardness. When subject to the effects of temperature, some of these salts become insoluble, and cause deposits to build up on the item being washed causing the fabric fibers to stiffen, leaving marks on glassware, and creating scale on appliances. Using a phosphate creates "complex" soluble products with calcium and magnesium, and prevents them from being deposited on the surface to be cleaned or in the machine. - Dispersing agent for fats and prevents re-deposit of mineral impurities
Phosphates are excellent emulsifiers of oil and fat, turning them into minute droplets dispersed in the detergent. They supplement the emulsifying effect of surfactants and/or sodium disilicate. Due to their dispersing properties, phosphates prevent the re-deposit of mineral impurities. STPP is considered one of the best dispersing agents. - Buffer agent able to regulate the acidity of washing water
To make a detergent as effective as possible, it is essential that the pH of the bath remains as stable as possible throughout the washing process. However, some impurities are acidic. The pH of the bath can fall slightly, especially during industrial cleaning where the baths are kept for several days or even weeks. Due to their buffer (pH-controlling) capacity, phosphates neutralize this variation and maintain optimum pH in the bath. - Alkalizing capacity
Solutions of tripolyphosphates are alkaline with a pH of approximately 10. Alkalinity helps the chemicals attack impurities by strengthening the action of the other constituent ingredients of the detergent (e.g. sodium silicate, sodium carbonate). - Synergy with surfactants
The presence of phosphates makes surfactants more effective, resulting in a more effective detergent.
Purified phosphoric acid is mainly used in I&I for manufacturing "acidic" detergents, which are the most effective on limescale, soot, glue and dairy derivatives. Phosphates perform best against grease and oil.
In domestic cleaning, phosphates are sometimes replaced by other formulas. However, products containing phosphates clean more effectively and require less use of other ingredients, especially surfactants. Phosphates are also the only recyclable components present in detergents, which is a distinct environmental advantage and helps to safeguard sustainable development.
Various types of phosphates are used in cleaning, the main one being sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP).
We have developed over 20 grades of sodium tripolyphosphate that are specifically suited to different types of preparations.
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Various potassic solutions and 3 potassium phosphates available in powder or granulated form are to be added to the range. We also sell purified phosphoric acid in various grades and concentrations.
METAL TREATMENT
Metal phosphating
Cars, refrigerators, washing machines, and other painted or enameled equipment all have a phosphated coating between the metallic surface and the paint. Purified phosphoric acid and phosphates are used in the process of phosphating metal surfaces. This operation (*) reduces the risk of metals corroding, insulates them electrically, and encourages paint to adhere to the treated surface.
(*) When a 'reactive' metal is plunged into a phosphating solution (purified phosphoric acid and/or phosphates in solution), certain elements — such as iron — are dissolved and remain at the metal-solution interface. The acidity level at the interface is reduced. The metal phosphate salts produced, combined with the cations (Ni2+, Zn2+,Mn2+) already present in the solution, precipitate on the surface of the treated metals. The resulting coating makes it easier to form the pieces of metal when cold by placing between the metal and the tool a surface that can be lubricated more easily. In addition, in the case of alkaline phosphating, solutions of sodium and potassium orthophosphates are often used on account of their buffer capacity. Moreover, when this process is carried out correctly, the metal surface, which is a natural conductor, is changed into an insulating surface offering greater resistance to corrosion when live.
Cleaning metals
These various products are also used to clean metal surfaces: before carrying out any phosphating treatment, the surfaces to be treated must be absolutely clean. This stage is vital because it ensures that there are no imperfections in the films covering the metal surfaces since any such imperfections would make them susceptible to localized corrosion. A specific product is selected to remove a specific type of impurity. For example, acidic or neutral preparations are more effective in removing limescale, while alkaline detergents perform better on grease and oily residues.
Production of electrical sheets
The electrical sheet industry also uses a particular grade of phosphate — MALP (monoaluminium phosphate) and/or purified phosphoric acid. These phosphates are used in the manufacture of magnetic grain-oriented electrical sheets, which themselves are used in the production of high quality low-loss transformers.
Treatment and polishing (electropolishing) of aluminum
Purified phosphoric acid and fluorine derivatives are used in the aluminum industry. Fluorine derivatives are used in aluminum foundries as cast covers for baths. Purified phosphoric acid, in combination with sulfuric acid, is also used in aluminum polishing (electropolishing).
WATER TREATMENT
For many years, our researchers have been developing various products for use in water treatment. On account of their special properties, phosphates and purified phosphoric acid help to reduce the risk of pipework corroding, prevent the deposit of limescale, control the pH of water, and control red and black liquors. Fluorine derivatives such as NaF and SSF are used in the fluoridation of water.
Corrosion inhibition
Phosphates are used to reduce corrosion in water mains. This may be either :
- anodic corrosion: Certain ions present in the water (calcium, lead, etc.) combine with orthophosphates to form precipitates that do not dissolve easily. These precipitates deposit on the walls in the form of a protective film.
- cathodic corrosion: In addition, oxygen present in the water oxidizes the metal on the inner wall, releasing metallic cations into the water. The polyphosphates combine with these released ions to form positively charged bonds, which result in a protective film being deposited on the inner wall. This slows down the corrosion process.
Control of red and black liquors
When water is exposed to the oxidizing action of air and chlorine, color changes can occur in the water. If there is precipitation of iron compounds, water from the system may turn a reddish color (red liquor). Similarly, if manganese precipitates, a blackish color may be observed (black liquor). Some phosphates can trap these metals, even in very weak concentrations, and can control these liquors.
Fluoridation of water
Fluoridation of drinking water has been commonplace for decades in many countries including the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. It is designed to improve the dental health of the population by reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Limescale inhibition — softening agents
Hard water causes the formation of limescale deposits which result in higher operational costs. When limescale builds up it can cause a lower flow rate through the pipes, which in turn inevitably means increased pumping and cleaning costs. Polyphosphates can trap calcium and magnesium. Calcium is the source of limescale formation and can dissolve the compounds formed, which prevents deposits from building up. Depending on the pH of the water, preference will be given to either SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) or STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate).
pH control
Another vital parameter in water treatment is controlling the pH of the water. The pH is the concentration of H+ ions in a water solution, and ranges from 0 (acid) to 14 (alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral. Due to their buffer (pH regulating) capacity, orthophosphates and purified phosphoric acid can keep the pH level of the water as constant as possible.
Lead precipitation agent
Some older buildings still have their original lead piping. The presence of lead (Pb) in the water can be harmful to human health. In order to avoid dangerously high lead content in water from the system, a small amount of purified phosphoric acid can be added to encourage a "'coating"' to form on the inner surface of the lead pipes, thereby preventing the lead from being released into the water.
Lead (Pb) precipitation agent
Older buildings are still sometimes fitted out with lead piping. The presence of lead (Pb) in the water can be harmful to human health. In order to avoid dangerously high lead content in water from the system, a small amount of purified phosphoric acid can be added to encourage a 'coating' to form on the inner surface of the lead pipes thereby preventing the lead from being released into the water.
pH control
Another vital parameter in water treatment is controlling the pH of the water. Due to their buffer (pH regulating) capacity, orthophosphates and purified phosphoric acid can keep the pH level of the water as constant as possible.
Corrosion inhibition
Phosphates are used to reduce corrosion in water mains. This may be either anodic corrosion or cathodic corrosion.
Limescale inhibition — softening agents
Hard water causes the build-up of limescale deposits in pipes, leading to a lower water flow rate and therefore higher pumping and cleaning costs.
Polyphosphates can trap calcium and magnesium. Calcium is the source of limescale formation and can dissolve the compounds formed, which prevents deposits from building up. Depending on the pH of the water, preference will be given to either SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) or STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate).
Source of nutrients
The petrochemicals and agrifood industries, and in general, industries which discharge water with a high BOD (biological oxygen demand), purify the water biologically to reduce the BOD. To be effective and to develop, the bacteria used in these procedures require the nutrient P (phosphorus), but they also need optimum pH conditions. If any of these elements is missing, then the following products can be used as a source of phosphorus (either alone or in combination): purified phosphoric acid, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and monopotassium phosphate (MKP).
Sequestration and precipitation of metal ions
Phosphates, and in particular SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphates) and STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate), can trap and precipitate ions in soluble compounds thus preventing deposits from forming (cf. Corrosion inhibition - Limescale inhibition/softening agents - Control of red and black liquors)..
pH control
Another vital parameter in water treatment is controlling the pH of the water. The pH is the concentration of H+ ions in a water solution, and ranges from 0 (acid) to 14 (alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral. Due to their buffer (pH regulating) capacity, orthophosphates and purified phosphoric acid can keep the pH level of the water as constant as possible.
REFRACTORIES
In the manufacture of refractories, certain phosphates such as TSPP (tetrasodium phosphate) are used as a dispersing agent, but also facilitate the elimination of iron through scrubbing. In addition, MALP (monoaluminum phosphate), MAP (monammonium phosphate) and purified phosphoric acid can be used as binding agents involved directly in the cohesion of the finished product. Our products make it possible to control the hardening speed and reduce the migration of aggregates from the interior to the exterior during the setting phase. In addition to the above-mentioned products, we have another range of products specifically intended for this type of application. These are either phosphate blends or inhibited products and/or additives.
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Prayon delivers very pure fertilisers on the European market
Prayon delivers very pure fertilisers on the European market
Engis, June 16, 2011
Prayon, a world leader in the...
