The Various Uses of Phosphoric Acid & Its Key Industrial Applications
Phosphoric acid goes by many names. That’s because this mineral acid is used in countless different manufacturing processes all across the world. Commonly known as Phosphoric (V) Acid and orthophosphoric acid, this widely used material is represented by the chemical formula H3PO4.
It features three atoms of hydrogen, one atom of phosphorus, and four atoms of oxygen. Its raw form is extracted from phosphate rocks. White phosphorus is used to produce its purest form. The latter production method is preferred in most industrial applications.
Pure phosphoric acid is typically in a less concentrated, crystalline, and solid-state form. This completely pure version of orthophosphoric acid is colourless, odourless, non-volatile, and syrupy in its texture. This liquid version of this mineral acid has a myriad of uses in various industries, including –
- Agriculture
- Pharma
- Food and Beverage
- Personal care products
It is also used for rust elimination in various industries. The leading phosphoric acid suppliers in the world play an undeniably vital role in global commerce. Let’s explore the different industries that these specialists help survive and thrive.
The Agriculture Industry
Most of the orthophosphoric acid produced in the world goes into the manufacturing of fertilizers. Some estimates suggest that almost 80% of all the phosphoric acid manufactured globally is sent to agricultural industries across the globe. This mineral acid is also used as additives/flavouring agents in the food items fed to cattle, pigs, and poultry.
When it comes to the partnership between phosphoric acid manufacturers and fertilizer manufacturers, three main phosphate salts are used as fertilizers –
- Monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate (MAP)
- Diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP)
- Triple superphosphate (TSP)
The Food Additive Industry
Different versions of phosphoric acid are frequently used as food additives. This mineral acid serves as acidity regulators in household food items like –
- Jams
- Cereal Bars
- Processed Meats
- Cheese
- Other readymade foods
The top phosphoric acid suppliers play a key role in the global beverage industry as well. In beverage manufacturing plants, phosphoric acid is used as acidulants. Acidulants help keep a check on bacteria or fungi formation in beverage manufacturing processes. The acid also directly impacts the taste of these drinks.
For example, many modern-day soft drinks contain dilute solutions of phosphoric acid. It gives these drinks their pleasant acidic tastes. It is also used to impart acidic properties to various water treatment products. Overall, phosphoric acid suppliers and manufacturers are key to the global beverage manufacturing industry.
Rust Removal
There are various reasons why orthophosphoric acid is almost ubiquitous in most manufacturing plants across the world. After all, this acid is directly used in the manufacture of activated carbon. Activated carbon is a key component in various manufacturing processes.
It would be impossible to manufacture gelatine, soil stabilizers, waxes, polishes, ceramics, etc., without using phosphoric acid. However, the most common use of this mineral acid is rust removal. When applied to rust in metals like steel/iron, this mineral acid has strong reactions.
It essentially converts rust into black-colored compounds, which are easily removable. That’s why phosphoric acid manufacturers and suppliers frequently tie-up with these industries –
- Industrial fermentation.
- Chemical distribution.
- Plastic and rubber product manufacturing.
- Photographic industry (the manufacture of photo chemicals and films).
- Paper products industry.
- Paints and coatings industry.
- The manufacture of lawn/garden care products.
- Laundry and dishwashing product manufacturing.
- Food packaging industry.
- Electrical and electronic industry.
- Cleaning and furnishing industry.
- Semiconductor manufacturing industry.
- Battery manufacturing industry.
- The manufacture of automotive care products.
These are the most important uses/applications of orthophosphoric acid in today’s world. It is mainly used to remove rust and to control the pH levels in various consumer products.
