Water tanks or channels inevitably accumulate salts and minerals over time. Although the accumulations may not seem significant, they can adversely impact sensitive industrial processes. Therefore, experts use chemical compounds called scale inhibitors like pbtc and PBTCA to prevent scaling.
PBTCA is an acronym for 2-phosphonobutane-1 2 4-tricarboxylic acids. It belongs to the class of organic inhibitors and is famous for its stability in hard water and lower phosphorus value. Since PBTCA can often contain by-products, evaluating its purity before usage is necessary.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Carbon Spectrum
The nuclear magnetic carbon spectrum method is the first process that industry experts use for the quality evaluation of PBTCA. Chemical compounds own their properties to the structural arrangement. Similarly, PBTCA, due to its structure, offers effective carbon inhibition and zinc stabilization.
NMR spectroscopy is the most common method for observing the electric fields around the atom’s nuclei. The process requires enclosing the sample in a magnetic field and then bombarding it with an NMR signal. The procedure produces radio waves which the wave receivers detect and form a graph on an attached screen.
The magnetic fields around the individual atom’s nucleus alter the resonance frequency of the bounced wave. Analysis of these frequencies helps determine the functional properties of each chemical compound involved in the target element.
Since PBTCA has a more significant number of carbon atoms, NMR carbon spectroscopy is a more suitable assessment method. Using carbon NMR for PBTCA is advantageous as it is cost-effective, outputs a relatively simple spectrum, and provides comprehensive information.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Phosphorus Spectroscopy
Since PBTCA has carbon and phosphorus compounds, phosphorus NMR spectroscopy is another method that can help assess the quality. Unwanted raw materials during the synthesis of PBTCA strictly alter the anti-scaling properties of the inhibitor. Therefore, the concentration of these compounds requires containment.
Using phosphorus NMR spectroscopy helps identify the functional properties of the Phosphorus atoms in the PBTCA. Although NMR spectroscopy provides valuable information about the PBTCA sample, more evaluations are necessary for further assurances.
Another assessment method involves proportioning the total signal produced by the phosphorus atoms to the entire signal produced by the whole PBTCA sample. It is an indirect method, and a percentage greater than 80 makes PBTCA fit for industrial uses.
Is PBTCA Environmentally Friendly?
Since PBTCA contains carbon and phosphorus elements, users generally remain confused about whether it is eco-friendly. Therefore, scientists analyzed the structure of the compound profoundly.
Results showed that PBTCA contains a phosphorus index of only 11 to 15% and is perfectly safe for the environment as there are no damaging emissions. Therefore, many developed countries use it as a top anti-scaling agent for industrial purposes.
The Bottom Line
PBTCA is an excellent anti-scaling agent for water systems. It has both carbon and phosphorus compounds. However, specific unwanted molecules lower their anti-scaling and stabilizing properties. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the quality before using PBTCA for industrial purposes.
Two standard methods used for the quality assessment of PBCTA are carbon and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both these methods help attain the properties of carbon and phosphorus compounds so experts can analyze if the element will work effectively or not. Also, its phosphorus proportion is perfectly safe for the environment.
