Trisodium Phosphate

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Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is an inorganic, highly alkaline compound commonly available as a white, granular or crystalline solid. It is widely used for its powerful cleaning, degreasing, buffering, and water-softening properties. TSP is a versatile compound with significant utility across food processing, detergents, industrial cleaning, water treatment, and construction industries. It also acts as a flux, pH adjuster, emulsifier, and sequestrant. Both technical and food grades are available depending on the application.

Description

Primary Uses
Cleaning & Detergent Industry:

Acts as a heavy-duty degreaser and surface cleaner for walls, floors, and equipment prior to painting or coating.

Key component in industrial detergents and household cleaners for removing stubborn grease, mildew, and stains.

Softens hard water to enhance detergent performance.

Water Treatment:

Serves as a water softening agent by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions.

Used in boiler and cooling water systems to control scale buildup and corrosion.

Food Industry (Food Grade TSP):

Employed as an emulsifier and thickener in processed meats, cheeses, and seafood.

Functions as a pH buffer and sequestrant to stabilize food texture and extend shelf life.

Used to improve water retention and color in meat and poultry processing.

Construction & Paint Industry:

Used to clean and prepare surfaces before painting by removing grease and chalk residue.

Sometimes added to paint removers and strippers for enhanced effectiveness.

Secondary Uses
Textile Industry:

Used as a cleaning agent and water softener in fabric processing and dyeing.

Pulp & Paper Industry:

Acts as a pH buffer and dispersing agent during paper pulping and bleaching.

Photography & Film Processing:

Serves as a buffering agent and cleaner in photographic developers.

Ceramics & Enamels:

Acts as a flux in ceramic and enamel production to reduce melting temperatures.

Metal Treatment & Plating:

Used in metal cleaning and electroplating pre-treatment processes.

Agriculture:

Occasionally used as a phosphate source in fertilizers and animal feed supplements

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Trisodium phosphate

Common/Trade Name: Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

CAS Number: 7601-54-9

HS Code: 2835.11.00

Synonyms: TSP, Sodium phosphate tribasic, Sodium orthophosphate

 

Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Solid (granules or powder)

Color & Odor: White; odorless

Melting Point: 1583 °C (decomposes)

Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol

pH (1% solution): ~12.0 (strongly alkaline)

Density: Approx. 2.5 g/cm³

 

Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification:

Hazard: Causes serious eye damage; may cause skin irritation

Signal Word: Danger

Toxicity: Moderate if ingested in large amounts; food grade is safe when used as directed

Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits; general dust precautions apply

 

Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from acids and moisture

Container Type: HDPE bags, fiber drums, or bulk containers

Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage

Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; use PPE to prevent exposure

 

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Complies with applicable food-grade (FCC) or technical-grade standards depending on usage

Meets REACH and TSCA inventory requirements

Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food and pharma grades

FDA-approved for specific food applications within regulated limits

Adheres to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and GHS labeling

 

Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Inorganic compound – not biodegradable, but breaks down into non-toxic ions

Ecotoxicity: High phosphate levels may cause eutrophication in water bodies

Bioaccumulation: Not expected

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator for powder handling

Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation; avoid dust generation

Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry

 

First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs

Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes; seek immediate medical help

Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if symptoms occur

 

Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Non-flammable

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical

Hazardous Combustion Products: Sodium oxides, phosphorus oxides