[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties and uses of dilute phosphoric acid, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, reaction of rare earth phosphoric acid with concentrated hydrochloric acid

Dilute phosphoric acid properties

Dilute phosphoric acid is a dilute solution of phosphoric acid (HZPO4), usually referring to a solution with a phosphoric acid content of less than 40%. Its chemical properties are similar to those of concentrated phosphoric acid, but due to its lower concentration, some physical and chemical behaviors are different. Dilute phosphoric acid is a transparent, colorless liquid with low viscosity and high conductivity, easily soluble in water and release heat. It has weak acidity and can react with alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxides and hydroxides to generate corresponding phosphates. Dilute phosphoric acid can also be esterified with alcohols under appropriate conditions to produce organic phosphates.

Dilute phosphoric acid use

Dilute phosphoric acid has been widely used in many fields because of its unique properties. In the food industry, it is often used as an acidity regulator, preservative and nutritional additive. For example, in carbonated beverages, dilute phosphoric acid is used to adjust the pH of the beverage, imparting a characteristic sour taste to the beverage. In agriculture, dilute phosphoric acid is used as a raw material for fertilizers to provide phosphorus for plant growth. In chemical production, dilute phosphoric acid is used as a catalyst and metal surface treatment agent, especially in metal rust removal and electroplating. The pharmaceutical industry also utilizes dilute phosphoric acid as an important component of buffers and pharmaceutical formulations. Dilute phosphoric acid is also used in dental products such as toothpastes and enamel restoratives.

Dilute phosphoric acid upstream feedstock

The main upstream raw materials for the production of dilute phosphoric acid are phosphate rock and sulfuric acid. Phosphate rock is mineral extracted and processed to produce calcium phosphate. Subsequently, the calcium phosphate reacts with sulfuric acid to form phosphoric acid and calcium sulfate. This process is called wet process phosphoric acid production process, which is one of the most common phosphoric acid production methods in the industry. In addition to phosphate rock and sulfuric acid, water is also an indispensable raw material in the production of dilute phosphoric acid, which is used to adjust the concentration of phosphoric acid and prepare dilute phosphoric acid solutions with different concentrations.

Dilute phosphoric acid downstream products

The downstream products of dilute phosphoric acid cover many fields, including phosphate fertilizer, food additives and industrial chemicals. Phosphate fertilizer is one of the indispensable important fertilizers in agricultural production, mainly including phosphate compounds such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. In the food industry, dilute phosphoric acid is used as a preservative, acidifier and nutritional fortifier in the production of various foods and beverages. Dilute phosphoric acid is also used in the production of detergents, flame retardants and water treatment chemicals, downstream products that play an important role in daily life and industrial production.

Dilute phosphoric acid storage method

Dilute phosphoric acid is corrosive to a certain extent, so its storage requires special attention. Generally, dilute phosphoric acid should be stored in acid-resistant plastic containers or glass-reinforced plastic containers to avoid corrosion reactions with metals. During storage, the container should be kept sealed to avoid contact with moisture and impurities in the air to prevent changes in solution concentration and contamination. Dilute phosphoric acid should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment, away from heat and fire sources to ensure its stability and safety. The storage site should also be equipped with emergency sprinkler equipment and spill emergency treatment materials to deal with possible accidental spills.

Dilute phosphoric acid safe use

When using dilute phosphoric acid, you must strictly follow the safety procedures and wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles and protective clothing, to prevent skin and eyes from contacting the acid. In the acid dilution or deployment, the acid should be gradually added to the water, do not add water to the acid, in order to avoid the severe reaction caused by the sputtering accident. The operation site should be equipped with good ventilation equipment to prevent acid mist accumulation. Where dilute phosphoric acid is used, an emergency neutralizer, such as sodium bicarbonate solution, should be available to deal with possible acid leakage.

Environmental Protection and Regulations

The production and use of dilute phosphoric acid has a certain impact on the environment, so relevant regulations and standards put forward strict requirements for its management and control. In the production process, the discharge of waste water, waste gas and solid waste must meet environmental protection standards to prevent pollution to the environment. Enterprises that use dilute phosphoric acid should establish complete wastewater treatment and exhaust gas purification facilities, and conduct regular environmental monitoring. The transportation and storage of dilute phosphoric acid must also comply with hazardous chemical management regulations to ensure safety during transportation and storage.

future development prospects

With the enhancement of environmental awareness and technological progress, the production and application of dilute phosphoric acid continue to expand. In the future, the application of dilute phosphoric acid in the fields of green chemical industry, renewable energy and new materials is expected to achieve new breakthroughs. For example, in the production of new energy batteries, dilute phosphoric acid is used as an electrolyte additive to help improve the performance and life of the battery. In the field of biomedicine, the research and application of dilute phosphoric acid will further promote the innovation and development of pharmaceutical preparations. The application of dilute phosphoric acid in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation will also receive more attention and make greater contributions to environmental protection.

As an important chemical product, dilute phosphoric acid has broad application prospects. By continuously optimizing the production process and strengthening safety management, dilute phosphoric acid will play a more prominent role in industry, agriculture and daily life, providing strong support for economic development and environmental protection.