The price of ATMP (Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid) scale inhibitor is generally considered moderate to relatively low in the water treatment chemical market, especially when compared to more advanced polymer-based or specialty phosphonates (like PAPEMP). However, its price is influenced by several factors.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Price Range & Influencing Factors
| Factor | Impact on Price | Typical Range (Global Market) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity/Active Content | Higher purity (>50% active acid, low Cl⁻) commands a premium. | 50-60% liquid ATMP (acid form): $800 – $1,500 USD/ton (bulk, FOB China). Solid ATMP (90%+ purity): $1,800 – $3,000 USD/ton. |
| Form (Acid vs. Sodium Salt) | Sodium salts (e.g., ATMP·Na₅) are easier to handle but slightly more expensive due to neutralization. | ATMP·Na₅ (40-50% solution): $900 – $1,600 USD/ton. |
| Region & Supply Chain | Prices vary by region (e.g., higher in North America/Europe due to logistics and regulations). | In the US/EU, prices can be 20-40% higher than Asian imports. |
| Raw Material Costs | Linked to phosphorus (from phosphoric acid/PCl₃) and amine (ammonia/ethylamine) prices. | Volatility in energy/phosphorus markets directly affects ATMP price. |
| Production Scale | Large-scale contracts (e.g., >100 tons/year) receive significant discounts. | Bulk purchases may reduce cost by 15-25%. |
| Environmental Compliance | “Green” or low-chloride variants may cost more. | N/A |
2. Price Comparison with Other Common Scale Inhibitors
| Scale Inhibitor | Relative Price (Index, ATMP = 1.0) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ATMP | 1.0 (Baseline) | Cost-effective for carbonate scales, but limited functionality. |
| HEDP | 1.1 – 1.3 | Slightly better Ca tolerance, thus slightly more expensive. |
| PBTCA | 1.5 – 2.0 | Superior chlorine resistance & stability, higher synthesis cost. |
| PAPEMP | 2.5 – 4.0 | High-performance polymer with excellent silica inhibition, much costlier. |
| Green Polymers (e.g., PAA, PMA) | 0.8 – 1.5 | Some are cheaper but less effective for phosphate/phosphonate-specific roles. |
3. Cost-Effectiveness & Why ATMP Remains Popular
Despite not being the absolute cheapest option, ATMP offers a high performance-to-price ratio for many applications:
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Strong chelation: Effective against CaCO₃ scale at low dosages (often 2-10 ppm).
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Synergistic effects: Often blended with cheaper polymers (e.g., polyacrylates) to reduce overall treatment cost.
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Long history: Mature production technology ensures stable supply and competitive pricing.
4. Tips for Cost Reduction
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Purchase in bulk (e.g., iso-tanks or large drums) to lower unit cost.
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Consider blends: Use ATMP in formulated products where it complements cheaper ingredients.
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Source from reputable manufacturers in Asia (China, India) for competitive pricing, but ensure quality certifications (e.g., REACH, ISO 9001).
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Monitor raw material trends: Buy during periods of low phosphorus/ammonia prices if possible.
5. Current Market Trends (2024–2025)
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Prices are relatively stable but sensitive to energy costs (phosphorus production is energy-intensive).
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Environmental pressures in China (main global producer) may tighten supply and slightly increase prices.
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Demand shift towards more eco-friendly inhibitors could reduce ATMP growth, but its low cost ensures steady use in industrial cooling, oilfields, and detergents.
Conclusion
ATMP is not considered a high-priced scale inhibitor. It sits in the lower-to-mid range of the phosphonate family, offering a reliable, economical solution for common scaling problems. For projects with stringent performance requirements (e.g., high silica, high chloride, or high temperature), investing in more expensive inhibitors like PBTCA or PAPEMP may be justified. However, for routine industrial water treatment, ATMP remains a cost-effective workhorse.
Recommendation: Always request samples and conduct pilot tests to evaluate cost-performance in your specific water system before large-scale procurement.