Chelating & Cleaning Agent

Citric Acid Premium Chelating, Cleaning & pH Control Agent

A multifunctional organic acid used for scale inhibition, descaling, metal chelation, pH control, and membrane maintenance across potable, industrial, and process water applications.

C₆H₈O₇Formula
99.5%Assay
59.2g/100mL
36M+Shelf Life

A Safe, Versatile Organic Acid for Water Treatment

Citric Acid is a cornerstone organic acid in the water treatment industry, prized for its exceptional versatility, safety profile, and environmental compatibility. As a weak tricarboxylic acid naturally found in citrus fruits, it functions as a highly effective chelating agent, descaling solution, pH regulator, and metal sequestering compound.

Hydrochem supplies industry-leading, high-purity Citric Acid in both anhydrous and monohydrate grades, rigorously tested to meet international standards for potable water, industrial process water, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. It provides a sustainable alternative to harsher mineral acids and supports better corrosion control, lower chemical consumption, and improved environmental compliance.

Citric Acid is a preferred choice where scale control, metal chelation, and safer chemical handling are essential.

Scale Inhibition

Controls calcium, magnesium, and sulfate scale in cooling towers, boilers, and process lines.

RO Membrane Cleaning

Removes inorganic foulants and metal oxides while preserving membrane integrity.

pH Control

Provides stable, buffered acidification for coagulation and neutralization assistance.

Comprehensive Product Specification

Citric Acid is a tricarboxylic acid with broad utility in water treatment and cleaning operations. Its chemical behavior supports both preventive and corrective treatment programs.

Core Properties

  • Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇ (anhydrous); C₆H₈O₇·H₂O (monohydrate)
  • Molecular Weight: 192.12 g/mol (anhydrous); 210.14 g/mol (monohydrate)
  • Assay/Purity: 99.5% – 101.0% (anhydrous basis)
  • Appearance: White crystalline powder, granules, or coarse crystals
  • Odor: Odorless
  • Taste: Strongly acidic, characteristic of citrus

Physical Data

  • pH: 1% w/v solution ≈ 2.2; 5% w/v solution ≈ 1.8
  • Solubility: 59.2 g/100 mL water at 20°C; increases significantly with temperature
  • Density: 1.542 g/cm³ (anhydrous); 1.665 g/cm³ (monohydrate)
  • Melting Point: 153°C (anhydrous, decomposes); 135°C (monohydrate)
  • Hygroscopic Nature: Moderately hygroscopic
  • Thermal Stability: Stable up to ~175°C; decomposes at higher temp
  • Packaging: 25 kg bags, 500–1000 kg FIBC, or bulk tanker delivery
  • Shelf Life: 36+ months in original unopened packaging below 25°C

How Citric Acid Is Used in Water Treatment

Its multifunctional profile makes it valuable across the complete water treatment spectrum, from preventive scale control to effective membrane and CIP cleaning programs.

01

Scale Inhibition

Helps prevent and remove CaCO₃, CaSO₄, BaSO₄, SrSO₄, and magnesium silicate deposits.

02

RO Maintenance

Removes inorganic foulants, metal oxides, and carbonates from RO, NF, and UF membranes.

03

pH & Alkalinity Control

Provides stable acidification and buffering for coagulation and neutralization processes.

04

Metal Chelation

Sequesters Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, and other metals to reduce deposition and corrosion.

Citric Acid is commonly used in preventive dosing, offline descaling, CIP programs, and wastewater treatment streams requiring metal stabilization and cleaner process chemistry.

Operational Benefits That Matter

Citric Acid delivers strong process support with lower corrosion risk, higher safety, and easier compliance than more aggressive mineral acids.

Lower Corrosivity

Safer for metals, seals, and gaskets than hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.

Biodegradable

Completely biodegradable in natural environments and suitable for sensitive systems.

Safer Handling

Lower hazard classification and suitable for food-contact and high-purity applications.

Economic Value

Improves heat transfer, reduces cleaning frequency, and extends equipment service life.

Why Citric Acid Is a Preferred Choice

Citric Acid gives operators a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable treatment chemistry without sacrificing performance.

Food & Water Safe

Widely accepted for potable water and food processing systems.

Stable Buffering

Works effectively around pH 3–6 for controlled process adjustment.

Corrosion Assistance

Reduces metal deposition and supports passivation of steel surfaces.

CIP Compatibility

Performs well in food, dairy, brewery, and pharmaceutical cleaning protocols.

Improved Heat Transfer

Helps maintain efficiency by limiting scale accumulation in exchangers and piping.

Metal Sequestration

Captures dissolved metals to prevent fouling and surface damage.

Cleaning-in-Place

Strong value in descaling and sanitation cycles across process systems.

Regulatory Acceptance

Preferred in facilities that need safer and cleaner chemical choices.

Need a Safe and Effective Citric Acid Program?

Our technical team can help specify the right grade, dosing profile, and cleaning strategy for your water treatment and process operations.