What is Phosphoric Acid?

Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is the leading inorganic acid produced and consumed in terms of production value and it is the second largest in terms of volume—after sulfuric acid. By far its greatest use is in the manufacture of phosphate chemicals consumed primarily as carriers of phosphorus values in fertilizers. Use in the production of animal feeds is of secondary importance. Chemicals Phosphoric acid is also used in the manufacture of phosphate chemicals for use in water treatment and detergent builders, dentifrices, fire control chemicals, and a host of smaller markets. Consumption of phosphoric acid for its acid properties is relatively small (e.g., treatment of metal surfaces, beverage acidulation). Phosphoric acid is the leading intermediate product or processing step between phosphate rock and the end markets for phosphorus in phosphate form. Now we want to introduce you to phosphoric acid in chemicals.

Phosphoric Acid in chemicals

Phosphoric acid (PA) is an important industrial chemical.The PA industry is spread out worldwide in Europe, Asia and America, including countries that operate phosphate rock (PR) mines and produce PA, phosphatic fertilizers and phosphate-based products.Phosphoric acid: production processes and industrial plantsThe main wet processes for PA production are

a. The Wet process acid (WPA) uses sulfuric acid to convert the PR into PA and

b. The solvent extraction (SX) process, where the PR is acidulated with HCl and PA is separated applying an industrial alcohol as solvent.

Phosphoric acid is made by two processes, either the so-called ‘wet’ process or the ‘thermal’ process. Phosphate rock (fluorapatite) is the predominant source of phosphorus and is mined in countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Morocco, Jordan and Algeria.

Wet process

Here, phosphoric acid is produced from phosphate rock by reacting it with concentrated sulphuric acid in a series of reactor vessels. This results in phosphoric acid and calcium sulphate (gypsum) together with smaller volumes of impurities from the mined rock. Water is added and the gypsum is removed by filtration along with other insoluble materials (e.g. silica).

Thermal process

Here, phosphorus is burnt in air at elevated temperatures and passed into a hydration tower where the phosphorus oxide gas is absorbed into a phosphoric acid solution. This is a more energy-intensive process as you have to initial produce phosphorus, before converting it to acid, although it will produce a more concentrated and purer solution. Given the main application in fertilisers and cost-sensitivities the wet process dominates this is a Applications Phosphoric acid.

Does phosphoric acid damage rubber?

It contains phosphoric acid but is pretty easy to use. It will not harm your rubber bushing.

Beside this, does rubber react with acid?

Acids are chemical compounds with a pH less than 7.0. Acetic acid is a strong organic acid and is harmful to Viton and Buna-N rubber seals. Hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid attack and degrade Buna-N rubber. The preservative benzoic acid is detrimental to EPDM rubber seals.

Also, what does phosphoric acid react with? PHOSPHORIC ACID reacts exothermically with bases. May react with active metals, including such structural metals as aluminum and iron, to release hydrogen, a flammable gas. Reacts with cyanide compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide.

What are the dangers of chemicals phosphoric acid?

Health Hazards Associated with chemical Phosphoric acid can be very hazardous in the case of skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion. It can also cause irritation if vapors are inhaled. This chemical can cause damage to the skin, eyes, mouth, and respiratory tract.

Conclusion

Phosphoric acid is a widely used chemical. This chemical is used in the production of fertilizers and chemicals. It should be noted that this chemical phosphoric acid may damage the skin, respiratory system and human health.