Sulfamic Acid

What is Sulfamic Acid?
Sulfamic acid with a highly effective inhibitor designed for the cleaning and maintenance of water systems. The product is particularly effective at removing iron and precipitated hardness deposits and is recommended for use where worker safety considerations are of prime importance. It is also USDA approved for use in Federally inspected meat and poultry processing plants.

What are the properties of Sulfamic Acid?
Physical Properties of Steam Boiler Cleaning Chemical

• Appearance: white granular powder
• Odor: slightly pungent
• pH: >2.5 (1% solution)
• Solubility: water (~12%)
• Flashpoint: none
• Density: 65-70 lbs./ft3
• Incompatibility: strong alkali and oxidizing agents

Product Application Q-CID S is usually added to boiler systems at a rate of one to ten percent depending on the amount of deposits to be removed. It is then recirculated to the system for two to eight hours. During this time, acid strength may also be monitored. Product can be heated as well to speed up chemical reaction and deposit removal. After water is drained and flushed, a neutralizing solution should be filled and circulated for at least an hour. This is done to ensure that remaining pockets of trapped acid solution are gone. The whole process ends with passivation to inhibit corrosion on metal surfaces. Handling and Storage Always store the steam boiler cleaning product in a tightly closed container and away from incompatible sources. Place it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Before handling the substance, wear goggles and rubber gloves. As the scale dissolves, the water pH will increase. Keep adding chemical and once the pH stabilizes below 4 you have dissolved all the scale. Use pH test strips to monitor the water pH.

Sulfamic acid can be toxic when ingested and corrosive to human tissue when exposed to skin. If swallowed accidentally, drink at least two glasses of water. For eye exposure, wash eyes with water for 15 minutes or more until relieved. For skin exposure, wash areas thoroughly with soap and water. Remove exposed clothing and wash thoroughly before reuse. In all cases, seek immediate medical help.

Reference:
Bryant, Mike. "Boiler Descaling." Avoiding Rogue Traders. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)., 13 Oct. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.
"Sulfamic acid." HordeNet at The University of Akron. The University of Akron, 27 Sept. 2010. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.