Trisodium Phosphate
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.
Trisodium Phosphate
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.
1. Basic Key Attributes
- 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
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