The rise of the industrial phosphates industry has gone hand in hand with technologies to purify phosphoric acid. During the 1960s and 70s, chemical producers raced to develop an adequately pure phosphoric acid for manufacture.
Two processes prevailed in the manufacturing of purified Phosphoric acid:
- the ‘wet’ process
- the thermal process
The thermal process typically produces a more concentrated and purer product. Still, it is energy-intensive, whereas the wet process undergoes a ten-step purified process of Ag grade phosphoric acid (involves sulphuric acid & rock phosphate).
Both methods meet FCC standards for food use.
How is Phosphoric acid being used?
It’s a highly versatile and economical product where users are generally chasing its medium-strong strength acidic nature, Phosphorus (P) content or both.
Main uses include –
- source of Phosphorus in Agriculture
- cleaning & metal treatment agent
- food & beverage additive as an acidulant or flavouring agent
- pH adjuster in cosmetics
- reagent in water treatment
- production of detergents and many more.
The latest and most exciting use is in Lithium batteries for electric cars.
The future: Tesla, among other manufactures announce intentions to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry in its smaller vehicles.
Announced as part of the third-quarter earnings report, Tesla reported that all entry-level Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles would be equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, an excellent stimulus for the iron phosphate industry.
Our commitment to our customers
We deal in Purified Phosphoric Acid (PPA – white or clean), white being the most commercially important, accounting for 99% of demand worldwide.
We have established a substantial Australian & New Zealand market share due to our long term partnerships with some of the worlds most prominent and most reliable PPA producers.
Whilst PPA is predominately produced in China, we have sources in Europe, Vietnam, the USA and some other smaller regions, ensuring continuity of supply to our many customers across Australia, New Zealand, and now into the USA and Malaysia.
This year, in particular, had demonstrated our capacity to continue to supply when the market fluctuations were at their highest, due primarily to China’s energy and environmental constraints as well as world shipping difficulties linked with the COVID pandemic.
How we can help
We supply 1000L IBC’s in Australia, bringing drums, carboys, and Isotainers. Strengths are 85%, 81% and 75%, and generally, in lower temp climates, users will use lower strength to avoid a slight chance of crystallisation.
Our massive stock levels across our warehouses allow us to fulfil orders at short notice regardless of the required quantity and deliver them to any location across our customer base.
Working with a supplier that can guarantee consistent quality is critical; Redox is in a great position to meet and exceed your expectations. Contact one of our industry specialists today.
