Phosphoric Acid

Introduction

Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), also known as orthophosphoric acid, is a mineral (inorganic) acid.

Produced Phosphoric acid use as acidifying food and beverages, pH adjuster in cosmetic and skin care, dispersing agent in detergent etc.

Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is produced by two commercial methods: wet process and thermal process.

Major Use & Application

• Used in degumming process - Used in degumming process (Edible Oil refining Process) for removal of gums, phospholipids, protein from edible oil.
• In Food and Beverage - Phosphoric acid is often used as a food additive. This acid acts as acidity regulator in foods like jams, cereal bars, processed meats, cheese etc. In beverage industry, phosphoric acid is used as an acidulant. It helps keep a check on fungi and bacteria formation. It also adds to the taste of these drinks.
• Used in Agriculture - Almost 80 percent of the phosphoric acid that is produced is used in the production of fertilizer. Phosphoric acid is also used as an additive and flavoring agent in animal or poultry feed.
• Removal of Rust - Phosphoric acid is used commonly in the removal of rust from metals like iron, steel, etc.
• Clarification - Sugar refining involves addition phosphoric acid to melted sugar and removing the precipitate as a layer from the top of flotation clarifier. Also used found application in Jaggary.
• Personal care - Phosphoric Acid is quite necessary in the production of wide variety of personal care products. Some of them include cleansing products, bath products, fragrances, hair care products and dyes, nail products, makeup, and other skin care products. On the other hand, phosphoric acid is also used in controlling the pH level of these products.
• In Pharmaceutical - Mostly used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical.
  • • Main areas -Dentistry. It is uses as an etching solution and is usually used to clean the teeth. Other uses of phosphoric acid include in teeth whiteners or mouth washing liquids.
  • • Commonly used in anti nausea medicines.
• Oxidizing Agent - It is also used to remove mineral deposits, cement smears, and hard water stains in construction industry. It can act as a chemical oxidizing agent to produce activated carbon products.
• Use as Waste Water treatment Chemicals