Formic Acid for Efficient pH Control
Formic acid meets multiple customer needs beyond the capabilities of other acids by combining high efficiency with a low environmental impact.
What is pH control?
pH (potential for hydrogen ion concentration) refers to the amount of hydrogen ions in a solution. Water in equilibrium has a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxide ion (OH-). When more hydrogen ions (H+) are added, the solution becomes more acidic. Therefore, an acid is a compound that donates a hydrogen ion. When you are trying to reduce the pH of a solution, you would add an acid, which would donate more H+ to the solution.
Why Organic Acids?
Organic acids are a group of acidic substances that have carbon atoms in their formula. They have a dissociated and undissociated state. In it’s dissociated state, it can work to bring down the pH quickly. In it’s undissociated state, it can work to penetrate the cells of organic material (bacteria, minerals, etc.) to have additional positive effects.
Understanding Organic vs. Inorganic Acids
The properties of formic acid make it a versatile chemical with many advantages versus other organic acids and inorganic acids.
Formic acid advantages vs. other organic acids
- One of the strongest organic acids
- Highest acid density (acid weight equivalent per unit)
- Lowest chemical oxygen demand (COD)
- Lowest biological oxygen demand (BOD)
- Simplest carboxylic acid
Formic acid advantages vs. most inorganic acids
- No release of phosphates or nitrates that cause eutrophication
- Less corrosive than most inorganic acids
- Readily biodegradable