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99% Phosphorous Acid In Water Treatment Industry

Applications of 99% Phosphorous Acid.CAS,13598-36-2 in Water Treatment


99% high-purity Phosphorous Acid,CAS, 13598-36-2 is a versatile and highly effective multi-functional additive in water treatment. It primarily functions as a corrosion inhibitor, scale inhibitor, and powerful reducing agent, making it particularly suitable for advanced water treatment systems that are sensitive to chloride ions or require strict control over impurities.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of its primary applications and mechanisms:

1. As an Efficient Corrosion and Scale Inhibitor

This is one of the core applications of Phosphorous Acid in water treatment.

Corrosion Inhibition Mechanism:

The phosphite ion (HPO₃²⁻) can form a dense, adherent protective film on the inner surfaces of metal pipes and equipment by interacting with common metal cations in water (such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺).

This film effectively isolates the metal from water, significantly suppressing the process of oxygen corrosion and electrochemical corrosion.

 

Scale Inhibition Mechanism:

Phosphorous Acid interferes with the normal crystal growth of scales like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and calcium sulfate (CaSO₄).

It causes crystal lattice distortion, preventing microcrystals from growing and depositing into hard scale. Instead, they remain dispersed and are easily washed away by the water flow.

 

Advantages over Traditional Phosphates (e.g., Orthophosphates):

Higher Stability: The phosphorus in phosphite is in the +3 oxidation state, making it more stable than orthophosphate (+5). It is less likely to precipitate with calcium and magnesium ions, maintaining its efficacy even in high-hardness water.

Tolerance to Chlorides: It offers higher tolerance to chloride ions in the system, making it suitable for coastal areas or systems using seawater for cooling.

High Efficiency at Low Dosage: Due to its high effectiveness, it often achieves desired corrosion and scale inhibition at lower concentrations compared to some alternatives.

 

2. As a Powerful Reducing Agent and Oxygen Scavenger

Phosphorous Acid and its salts are excellent reducing agents, a property highly valuable in water treatment.

Chlorine Removal (Dechlorination): In pre-treatment for membrane-based water treatment systems like Reverse Osmosis (RO), feed water is often disinfected with chlorine or sodium hypochlorite. However, this residual chlorine can oxidize and damage delicate RO membranes. Phosphorous Acid acts as a dechlorinating agent, rapidly reducing oxidative free chlorine to harmless chloride ions.

Example Reaction: H₃PO₃ + HClO → H₃PO₄ + HCl

 

Oxygen Scavenging: Dissolved oxygen is a primary cause of corrosion in metal pipes and equipment. Phosphorous Acid can react with dissolved oxygen in water, thereby reducing the risk of oxygen-induced corrosion.

 

3. As a Key Component in Composite Water Treatment Formulations

In practice, 99% Phosphorous Acid is rarely used alone but is a key ingredient in blended chemical treatments. It synergizes with other water treatment agents for an enhanced "1+1>2" effect:

Blending with Zinc Salts: Phosphorous Acid combined with zinc salts promotes the rapid formation of a protective film on metal surfaces, providing quick-acting corrosion inhibition.

Blending with Polymer Dispersants: While Phosphorous Acid is responsible for crystal distortion, polymers (e.g., Polyacrylic Acid - PAA, Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride - HPMA) disperse the formed micro-crystals. Together, they provide excellent scale control.

Blending with other Organophosphonates: Although Phosphorous Acid itself is a raw material for other organophosphorus scale inhibitors, it can also be blended with finished products like HEDP or ATMP to broaden the treatment spectrum and adapt to more complex water conditions.

 

Primary Application

Based on these functions, water treatment chemicals formulated with 99% Phosphorous Acid are widely used in:

Open Recirculating Cooling Water Systems: The classic application for protecting cooling towers, heat exchangers, and piping.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: As a pre-treatment dechlorinator and a system corrosion inhibitor.

Boiler Water Treatment: As an oxygen scavenger and scale inhibitor.

Oilfield Water Flooding Systems: To prevent scaling and corrosion in pipelines.

Metal Surface Treatment: To prevent metal corrosion during cleaning and rinsing processes.

 

Summary

In summary, 99% Phosphorous Acid ,CAS, 13598-36-2 serves a three-in-one role in water treatment:

1. An Efficient Corrosion Inhibitor

2. An Excellent Scale Inhibitor

3. A Powerful Reducing Agent (Dechlorination/Oxygen Scavenging)

 

Its high purity ensures a high concentration of the active ingredient and minimizes potential side effects from impurities (such as scaling or microbial growth), making it an ideal choice for formulating high-end, efficient, and environmentally friendly water treatment programs.

 

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