Chemical Type(s)
Location(s)
- Chicago
Description
Sulfamic Acid (H₃NSO₃)
Sulfamic acid is a strong, versatile acid with a wide array of industrial, commercial, and even household applications. It’s a white, crystalline solid, generally considered safer to handle than some other strong mineral acids in its dry form. However, it’s crucial to remember that when dissolved in water, it forms a strong acid solution and should be handled with appropriate precautions.
Key Uses:
Cleaning:
- Descaling Agent: Sulfamic acid is highly effective at removing limescale (calcium carbonate deposits) and other mineral deposits. It’s used in:
- Bathroom Fixtures: Cleaning tubs, sinks, toilets, and showerheads.
- Household Appliances: Descaling coffee makers, kettles, dishwashers, and washing machines.
- Industrial Equipment: Removing scale from boilers, heat exchangers, and other industrial equipment.
- Rust Removal: Can be used to remove rust stains from metal surfaces, often in combination with other chemicals.
Industrial Applications:
- Chemical Manufacturing: A key intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including:
- Sulfamates: Used as herbicides, sweeteners, and other applications.
- Herbicides: A component in the synthesis of certain herbicides.
- Dyes: Used in the production of some dyes and pigments.
- Pulp and Paper Industry: Employed in the pulp and paper industry for bleaching, pH adjustment, and other processes.
- Metal Finishing: Used in metal finishing processes, such as cleaning and pickling, to remove oxides and prepare metal surfaces for further treatment.
- Concrete and Masonry Cleaning: Used to remove efflorescence (white mineral deposits) from concrete and masonry surfaces.
Other Applications:
- Swimming Pool Sanitizer: A component in some swimming pool sanitizers, though its use in pools is less common than other sanitizers.
- Laboratory Reagent: Used in various laboratory settings as a reagent in chemical reactions and analyses.
- Plastic Manufacturing: Used in some specialized plastic manufacturing processes.
Packaging: Available in bags