Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless, inorganic compound. It is mainly found as an aqueous solution with a concentration of about 85%. It is included among the famous chemicals with the formula H3PO4. Due to its unique properties and versatility, it finds functionality in a wide range of fields, particularly agriculture and food.
In this article, we will learn about some real-life applications of phosphoric acid in detail.
What is Phosphoric Acid?
The formula of phosphoric acid is H3PO4. It is a mineral acid. It has a clear, colorless, transparent liquid form. It is odorless, tasteless, and clean. Phosphoric acid is taken as a byproduct from phosphate rock which is produced in multiple chemical steps. The presence of this acid is regarded as a weak acid but, it behaves exactly as a strong acid to those compounds exposed to it.
Phosphoric acid is widely used in large-scale industries as a primary chemical due to its properties and applications. It is also used to produce phosphate fertilizers, metal surface treatment, detergents, medicines, etc.
Real-Life Applications of Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is the central material across numerous industries because of the range of its abilities. In agriculture, it is required in phosphate fertilizer production where we raise soil fertility and hence favor plant growth.
The food and beverage sector takes advantage of the properties of phosphoric acid for development and acidity improvement, by adding it to soft drinks and jams.
In wastewater treatment, pH adjustment and corrosion control are the tasks, which have to be done in order to maintain the tolerable quality and safe standards for drinking water.
Some of the most common real-life applications of Phosphoric Acid are :
- Fertilizer Production and Agriculture
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Water Treatment and Purification
- Industrial Chemical Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products
- Energy Storage and Batteries
- Metallurgical Processes
Let’s learn about each of them in detail.
Fertilizer Production and Agriculture
Phosphoric acid is the main component in production of the fertilizers in the first place, mainly phosphate ones. These fertilizers give crops the demanded phosphorus nutrients which in turn enhance the growth of crops, and increase the yield. Phosphoric acid may be used to fix the soil conditions as well as to maintain the proper pH levels for the plants, which in turn would improve the nutrient uptake.
Example: Farmers apply phosphoric acid-based fertilizers to their fields to compensate for the loss of phosphorous and improve the crop productivity.
Food and Beverage Industry
Phosphoric acid does a major task in the area of food and beverage production in which it is applied as an additive in different products such as soda drinks, jam and meats. In non alcoholic beverage industry, it gives sourness and tartness, improving quality and increasing shelf life. Apart from this, it serves as a preservative and ensure product safety and stability.
Example: The distinctive tanginess of carbonated beverages like cola is in part imparted by phosphoric acid and it also extends their shelf life by acting as a preservative.
Water Treatment and Purification
Phosphoric Acid is also used in the water treatments, where this acid is employed to change pH values and control alkalinity for the drinking water and wastewater treatment processes. Through its interaction with alkaline components, it is capable of countering acidic substances and, consequently, preventing corrosion in pipes and other infrastructure. In addition, phosphoric acid does not form scale and deposits in drinking water networks thus it ensures smooth water flow and quality in the long term.
Example: Municipal water treatment plants consider phosphoric acid as a pH balancer in order to ensure the correct environment for disinfection and filtration processes.
Industrial Chemical Manufacturing
Phosphoric acid is utilized by the chemical industry for manufacturing several compounds which include, phosphates, detergents, and flame retardants. Phosphorous is the essential raw material in compounds, which are applied in manufacturing of numerous industries like textile, ceramics, and metallurgy. Furthermore, phosphoric acid is used in metal surface treatment and rust inhibition applications.
Example: Phosphoric acid is the primary chemical constituent of most cleaning agents utilized by humans in domestic and non-domestic applications.
Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products
Phosphoric acid is an ingredient used in the formula of many pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products, apart from that it is an active component in oral care products. In the pharmaceuticals sector, phosphoric acid is usually a drug formulation excipient that provides stability to the drug. In personal care products, it act as a pH adjuster as well as a buffering agent to ensure the stability as well as skin compatibility.
Example: Phosphoric acid is used in medicines such as antacids, oral rehydration and hydration solutions to neutralize stomach acid and soothe digestive problems.
Energy Storage and Batteries
Using phosphoric acid in performing energy storages, especially in the production of lead-acid batteries is a very widespread application nowadays. The electrolyte is soaked up by the ions during the charging and discharging cycles of this battery. The presence of the phosphoric acid-based electrolytes allows the battery to maintain stability, efficiency and longevity, hence making the lead-acid batteries suitable for applications such as auto engines and telecommunications.
Example: In some variants of lead-acid batteries, phosphoric acid is added to the sulfuric acid electrolyte to improve certain performance characteristics.
Metallurgical Processes
Phosphoric acid is a crucial material that is used in metal industries, such as in steel production and metal surface treatment. Phosphoric acid is used as a pickling agent to remove oxides, scales, and other surface impurities from metals such as steel, iron, and aluminum. It is also used in metal surface treatment processes to promote adhesion and improve the corrosion resistance of coatings such as paints, primers, and metal platings.
Example: Phosphoric acid is added to molten metal alloys, particularly in the production of certain types of steel and aluminum alloys, to modify their composition and properties.
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FAQs on Real Life Applications of Phosphoric Acid
What are the primary uses of phosphoric acid in agriculture?
The use of phosphoric acids is in the production of fertilizers so that crops are supplied with the necessary phosphorus for the sustainable development of soil fertility and increase of agricultural productivity.
How does phosphoric acid contribute to water treatment processes?
Phosphoric acid is used for getting pH levels adjusted, controlling of alkalinity and preventing of corrosion in pipes and other infrastructures thereby ensure the safety and quality of drinking water.
What role does phosphoric acid play in the food and beverage industry?
Phosphoric acid is a nutrient in foods and beverages, supplying sour, acidic and stabilizing characteristics which recognize and enhance tastes and prolong shelf life.
In which industrial sectors is phosphoric acid commonly used as a raw material?
Phosphoric acid is employed as an industrial chemical in chemical manufacturing to produce phosphates, detergents, flame retardants, as well as textiles, ceramics and metallurgy related compounds that are comprised of phosphorus.
How does phosphoric acid contribute to environmental sustainability?
Phosphoric acid holds significant place in environmental sustainability due to its implications in agriculture and water treatment.
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