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WHAT ARE PHOSPHATES? According to the dictionary, Phosphate (Fos'Fate) n. is 1. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid. 2. A fertilize containing Phosphorous compounds. 3. A carbonated beverage of water, flavoring and a small amount of phosphoric acid. The dictionary lists phosphoric acid, n. a clear colorless liquid used in fertilizers, detergents and food flavorings. There are two main types of phosphates used by NAPCO in potable water treatment. These are orthophosphate (naturally occurring in nature) and polyphosphate, man made and does not occur naturally. HOW DOES PHOSPHATE WORK: In potable water there are certain things that can happen which will require the use of phosphate. Some of these are: 1. Very hard water causing scale 2. Iron or manganese in the water causing discoloration. 3. Corrosive water 4. Distribution piping is made of iron 5. System fails to meet Safe Drinking Water Act lead and copper levels. It is necessary to prevent red water by using a corrosion inhibitor, It is necessary to prevent iron and manganese from being oxidized and forming discolored water. This is done with phosphates. Orthophosphates are true corrosion inhibitors and will form a film on metal piping. This film protects the metal and reduces corrosion. Orthophosphate can be added to the water, or it can be formed as polyphosphate degrades to orthophosphate. If either iron or manganese is present in sufficient quantities they will be oxidized to form red iron oxide and black manganese oxide. Both iron oxide and manganese oxide products will cause discolored water. When polyphosphate comes in contact with iron or manganese, the metal is sequestered. The process of sequestering is "the inhibition or prevention of normal metal ion behaviors by combining with added materials, especially the prevention of metallic ion precipitation from solution by formation of a coordination complex with a polyphosphate." In every day language, polyphosphates tie up metal and reduce oxidation that caused discolored water. USERS OF PHOSPHATE: Phosphates are used in a variety of applications, that include but are not limited to: Textiles, water treatment for both industrial and potable water, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, gelatin, sugar processing, soft drinks, metal finishing, tooth paste and powder, cheese making, baking, detergents and laundries. The general food industry uses phosphates for a wide variety of applications. Several products are labeled as Kosher. There are government regulations limiting the amount of phosphate that can be used in various foods. The USDA generally sets a limit of 0.5% or 5000 mg/1 for phosphate. The baking industry uses phosphate in items ranging from baking powder to waffle mixes. Practically every type of meat, poultry and seafood use phosphate in the preparation of products for the general population. Cheeses and milk products including ice cream use phosphate. Potable water treatment uses phosphates to prevent discoloration, retard scale formation, prevent corrosion and to reduce lead and copper levels at the customers tap. There are varying individual phosphates compounds used in potable systems. Specialty chemical companies blend these compounds together to produce proprietary products that will provide multifunctional properties. Ceertainly there are many uses of phosphate that are not listed in this bulletin. For additional information regarding uses of phosphate contact NAPCO Chemical Company, Inc. |
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Water Equipment