What is phosphoric acid used for?
VBT Global · Published
Short answer: Most phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) goes into phosphate fertilizers such as MAP and DAP. Food-grade acid is an acidity regulator in drinks and processed food (INS 338). Technical-grade acid is used for metal treatment, cleaning, water treatment and to make other phosphate salts.
Fertilizers
Reacting phosphoric acid with ammonia gives MAP and DAP. Reacting it with phosphate rock gives triple superphosphate. Fertilizer is the main use of the acid worldwide.
Food and beverages (food grade only)
Food-grade phosphoric acid adds a sharp, tangy taste and controls acidity in soft drinks, jams and processed foods. It is also used to make food phosphates. Its food additive number is INS 338.
Industry
- Metal treatment: phosphating before painting, rust removal, pickling and polishing
- Cleaning: descalers and industrial cleaners
- Water treatment: pH control and phosphate dosing
- Feed and chemicals: feed phosphates and other phosphate salts
Technical grade vs food grade
Vietnam sets two standards:
- Technical grade: TCVN 6618:2000, phosphoric acid for food and for technical purposes
- Food grade: TCVN 8570:2010, food additives: phosphoric acid. It replaced the food part of TCVN 6618:2000 and requires an active content of not less than 75 %.
Food grade is held to tighter impurity limits because it ends up in what people eat. Technical grade is fine for fertilizer and industrial use, but it must never be used in food.
Is phosphoric acid dangerous?
Concentrated phosphoric acid is corrosive: it burns skin and eyes and attacks some metals. That is why it is handled with gloves and eye protection, stored in acid-resistant containers, and shipped as a dangerous good. In the very dilute amounts used in food it is a permitted additive.
Trade details
HS code 2809.20 (phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids). Packed in IBC tanks, ISO tank containers or drums.
Sourcing phosphoric acid from Vietnam
VBT Global sources phosphoric acid from plants in Lào Cai province, the centre of Vietnam's phosphorus chemical industry, for industrial buyers abroad. State the grade and specification you need and we quote per lot. Phosphoric acid · Request a quotation