The high stability of these complexes prevents metal ions from participating in typical chemical reactions. For instance,
manganese, iron and copper are no longer able to catalyse the decomposition of peroxide bleach.
The stability of complexes depends on the pH. Complexing agents need to be selected according to the nature of the metal
ions that are present and the prevailing pH.
Very large quantities of weak complexing agents are often required to reduce the concentration of metal ions to the required level. The result is that formulations are less cost-effective.
Solutane is chemically very stable.
SoluTane has been shown to be very stable compared to other organic complexing agents such as citric acid, tartaric acid and gluconates, especially at high temperatures.
Whereas inorganic sequestring agents (eg. phosphates) may hydrolyse at high temperatures, Solutane is stable –
even when heated to 200 °C under pressure. SoluTane concentrate Granules begin to decompose at approx. 300 °C.
pH stability
SoluTaneis resistant to being broken down across the whole pH 2 – 14 range, even at elevated temperatures.
For instance, formulations that contain SoluTane and high concentrations of sodium hydroxide remain stable and
do not precipitate. Other readily biodegradable complexing agents such as iminodisuccinate precipitate in alkaline media,
and these weak complexing agents are then no longer able to keep metal ions in solution.
The miscibility and stability of SoluTane is excellent, even in highly acidic solutions. Many complexing agents
cannot be employed in acidic formulations because they precipitate in the form of their sparingly soluble free acids.
SoluTane has the advantage that it remains soluble and chemically stable, even in the acidic pH range.
Inorganic scale
Alkali earth cations such as calcium and magnesium and inorganic anions such as carbonate and phosphate are present in
virtually all aqueous systems. Their salts form scale that can disrupt many industrial processes.
SoluTane can be used to redissolve precipitated metal salts and hydroxides. Traces of free metal ions are always
present in equilibrium even with very sparingly soluble salts. If these free ions are chelated, the equilibrium is gradually
displaced in favour of the soluble chelates. The rate at which precipitates dissolve depends on their crystal structure and
age and on the temperature. The rate at which they dissolve can be increased by raising the temperature.
Dissolving calcium carbonate scale
The equilibrium of the reaction by which scale forms has to be displaced in favour of the soluble species in order for the
scale to dissolve.
SoluTane has a very high calcium binding power, which enables it to dissolve existing calcium scale and to prevent
new scale from forming. It displaces the equilibrium of the precipitation reaction by sequestering the calcium cations.
Solutane has a very high affinity for calcium compared to weak complexing agents such as iminodisuccinate (IDS).
Inhibiting Calcium Carbonate Scale
Phosphonates and water-soluble polymers are often used to prevent calcium carbonate from precipitating and forming scale.
These substances act by temporarily delaying the onset of crystallisation. Chelating agents such as SoluTane act
differently, because they prevent salts from precipitating and forming scale by sequestering the calcium ions.
Scale can form if phosphonates or water-soluble polymers are used, depending on the concentrations of calcium ions and
polymer or phosphonates, because the calcium ions do not form permanent bonds.
SoluTane concentrate can be used to boost the action of polyacrylates and phosphonates in inhibiting scale formation. It can
enhance the overall performance of scale inhibitor formulations.
Dissolving calcium phosphate scale
Calcium phosphate also forms scale that is difficult to dissolve. This type of scale is often encountered in applications
in which high concentrations of phosphate are present. Scale often gives rise to problems in dairies, because milk contains
high concentrations of calcium phosphate and this sparingly soluble salt precipitates when milk is processed.
SoluTane is effective for removing calcium phosphate scale. The high performance of SoluTane is by far the
best of all of the readily biodegradable complexing agents.
Weak complexing agents such as iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminedisuccinate (EDDS), hydroxyethyliminodiacetate (HEIDA) and citrate are completely ineffective for dissolving stubborn
calcium phosphate scale.
SoluTane is the best choice when it comes to finding a readily biodegradable complexing agent for dissolving calcium phosphate scale.
Organic scale
Calcium stearate and calcium oleate (lime soaps)
Fatty acids and soaps also react with calcium ions to form soluble deposits in automated industrial component washing processes and bottle washing processes.
Lime, magnesium and heavy metals can form soaps that precipitate and give rise to spots and stains, dull surfaces, a rancid odour and poor wettability. They can also cause turbidity and cause rubber to perish.
SoluTaneis very effective for dissolving the scale formed by lime soaps and preventing scale from building up, and they are much more effective than weak complexing agents such as IDS or HEIDA.
Calcium oxalate
Calcium oxalate forms sparingly soluble deposits in milk-processing plants and pulp mills. SoluTane can be used in these and other applications as an effective but gentle means of removing calcium oxalate scale.
Acids and weak complexing agents such as IDS or HEIDA cannot be used to remove calcium oxalate.
Health & Safety
We know of NO ill effects that could have resulted from using SoluTane for the purpose for which it is intended and from processing it in accordance with current practice.
According to the experience we have gained over many years and other information at our disposal, SoluTane does not exert any harmful effects on health, provided that it is used properly,
Conclusion
Because SoluTane is an eco friendly bio-degradable product, it is fast replacing all previous aggressive hydrochloric acid based products.
The management of limescale and rust from the waterside of your equipment and
associated piping is of paramount importance for the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment.
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