Phosphino-Carboxylic Acid (PCA) is an organic compound with excellent scale inhibition and dispersion properties. It exhibits excellent dispersion of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate scales by introducing a phosphonic acid group into the carboxyl group, and effectively inhibits the deposition of barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, and silica scales.
PCA has wide applicability, good chemical stability, strong chlorine resistance, and is suitable for a wide range of water quality conditions. It is widely used in industrial circulating cooling water system and oilfield reinjection water system as scale inhibitor and corrosion inhibitor. In addition, PCA performs well in the paper and ceramic industries, dispersing calcium carbonate and improving material properties. It is also used in boiler systems to prevent scaling and extend boiler life.
PCA is a multifunctional product that combines the properties of a phosphonate and a polycarboxylate, is stable over a wide pH range, and is unaffected by chlorine or other oxidizing biocides. It also has good thermal and hydrolytic stability and is suitable for use in both high and low pressure boilers.
Typical dosages of PCA are 5-20 mg/L. PCA can be used alone or in combination with other organophosphonic acids, copolymers, zinc salts or BTA. It is supplied as a clear colorless to pale yellow liquid, usually with a solids content of not less than 40%.