Citric Acid Industrial Grade
Citric Acid Industrial Grade is a highly effective, non-toxic, and biodegradable organic acid (C6H8O7) produced commercially via fermentation. It is used as a powerful chelating agent, scale remover, pH regulator, and metal surface treatment agent in large-scale industrial processes.
This grade provides a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to harsh mineral acids, making it critical for water treatment, industrial cleaning, and chemical manufacturing where food-grade certification is not required.
Main Function and Characteristics
The primary function is Metal Ion Chelation and Acidification. It efficiently binds to metal ions, removing mineral deposits (scale) and acting as a mild, controllable acid for various non-food chemical processes.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY INDUSTRIAL FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.5% min (Non-Food Grade) | Cost-effective source of acid/chelate for technical applications. |
| Chelation Power | HIGH | Sequesters Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺ ions; prevents scaling. |
| Corrosivity | MILD | Effective descaler, safer for metal surfaces than strong mineral acids. |
CLASSIFICATION
- Material Focus: Organic Acid / Chelating Agent
- Primary Application Focus: Tri-protic Carboxylic Acid
- Applications: Boiler Descaling, Water Treatment, Concrete Retardant, Textile Dyeing
Key Performance Metrics
- Toxicity Profile: LOW — Safer handling and disposal than mineral acids.
- Scale Removal: EXCELLENT — Dissolves carbonate, phosphate, and sulfate scales efficiently.
- Buffering Capacity: HIGH — Provides stable pH control in process solutions.
Citric Acid Industrial Grade
1. The Role of Chelation in Industrial Processes
In the industrial sector, the strength of Citric Acid lies in its ability to chelate (firmly bind) metal ions. This is critical in two main areas:
- Descaling and Cleaning: Hard water and process fluids leave mineral deposits (scale) containing calcium, magnesium, and iron oxides on heat exchangers, boilers, and pipes. Citric Acid’s chelating action breaks down these deposits by seizing the metal ions, effectively dissolving the scale without aggressively attacking the underlying steel or specialized alloys. This makes it an ideal choice for in-situ cleaning.
- Water Treatment: Used in cooling towers and industrial water systems to prevent mineral fouling and scale formation before it starts. By chelating trace metal ions, it enhances the efficacy of other water treatment chemicals and prevents metal-catalyzed corrosion.
2. Applications in Chemical and Construction
The Industrial Grade is optimized for cost and technical performance outside of human consumption:
- Detergents and Cleaners: Acts as a builder or water softener in non-phosphate detergents by chelating hardness ions, allowing surfactants to perform more effectively.
- Textile Industry: Used as an eco-friendly pH regulator and as a chelating agent to remove metal ions that could interfere with dyeing and printing processes.
- Construction: Used as a concrete retardant. It slows the hydration reaction of cement, allowing for extended working time when large batches of concrete need to be transported or placed in hot environments.
- Metal Surface Treatment: Utilized in pickling, passivation, and electroplating baths as a non-toxic alternative to remove rust and condition metal surfaces.
The use of this grade ensures high performance and technical purity while leveraging the cost-saving benefits of a non-food certified material.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
