Main performance and application of PBTC

PBTC is a high-performance phosphonocarboxylic acid water treatment agent known for its excellent scale inhibition, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. Below are its key properties and industrial applications.

1. Key Performance Characteristics

Property Description

Scale Inhibition Highly effective against CaCO₃, Ca₃(PO₄)₂, and CaSO₄ scales, even in high-hardness water.

Corrosion Inhibition Forms a protective film on metal surfaces (carbon steel, copper), reducing corrosion rates.

Thermal Stability Stable up to 200°C, making it suitable for high-temperature systems like boilers.

Tolerance to Chlorine & Oxidizers Resists degradation by chlorine, bromine, and other oxidizing biocides.

Low Phosphorus Content More environmentally friendly than traditional phosphonates (e.g., HEDP, ATMP).

Synergistic Effects Works well with polymers (PAA, PASP), zinc salts, and azoles for enhanced performance.

2. Major Applications

① Industrial Water Treatment

Cooling Water Systems

Prevents scaling (CaCO₃, Ca₃(PO₄)₂) and corrosion in open/closed loops.

Often blended with HEDP, PAA, or Zn²⁺ for synergistic effects.

Boiler Water Treatment

High-temperature stability (up to 200°C) prevents iron oxide deposition and scale formation.

RO (Reverse Osmosis) Systems

Used as an antiscalant to prevent membrane fouling.

② Oilfield Applications

Scale Inhibition in Brine Water

Effective in high-Ca²⁺/Ba²⁺ environments (e.g., produced water reinjection).

Corrosion Control

Protects pipelines and equipment from CO₂/H₂S corrosion.

③ Household & Institutional Use

Detergent Additive

Prevents limescale buildup in washing machines/dishwashers.

Metal Cleaning Agents

Used in acid pickling solutions to reduce metal corrosion.

④ Other Specialized Uses

Pulp & Paper Industry

Controls scaling in digesters and bleach plants.

Textile Dyeing

Prevents metal ion interference (Fe³⁺, Ca²⁺) during dyeing processes.

3. Advantages Over Traditional Phosphonates

✔ Better Calcium Tolerance – Works in water with Ca²⁺ > 2000 ppm.

✔ Higher Chlorine Resistance – Does not degrade easily in chlorinated systems.

✔ Lower Environmental Impact – Biodegradability is better than HEDP/ATMP.

4. Recommended Dosage

Application Dosage (ppm)

Cooling Water 5–20 ppm

Boiler Water 3–15 ppm

RO Antiscalant 2–10 ppm

Oilfield Scale Inhibitor 10–50 ppm

5. Comparison with Other Phosphonates

Parameter PBTC HEDP ATMP

Thermal Stability Up to 200°C Up to 200°C Up to 150°C

Calcium Tolerance Excellent Good Moderate

Chlorine Resistance High Moderate Low

Biodegradability Partial Low Low

Conclusion

PBTC is a versatile, high-efficiency water treatment chemical, particularly valued for its scale inhibition, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. It is widely used in cooling towers, boilers, oilfields, and detergents, often outperforming traditional phosphonates like HEDP and ATMP.

For optimal performance, it is typically blended with polymers (e.g., PAA, PASP) or zinc salts to enhance its effects.