0
Most acids will remove limescale which is basically calcium carbonate. Even though sulfamic acid is classed as a weak acid and does not produce many protons, it does produce some. The generic equation for this reaction is:
CaCO3 + 2H+ -----> Ca2+ (soluble and can be washed away) + H2O + CO2
Sulfamic acid prefers calcium carbonate ("lime" or "scale" over metal). There are "inhibited" sulfamic acids that actually are even better at "choosing" the scale over the metal surfaces.
Basically, the acid attacks the scale and re-dissolves it adding a H molecule to the carbonate, making bicarbonate. This, then weakens the crystalline structure and forces the Calcium (+2) to reach for stabilizing electrons from the water. Some dissolves, most falls off into solution.
When removing calcium carbonate, sulfamic acid should not be in the system for more than 8 hours, or passivation of metal (referring to galvanized steel) will deteriorate and require repassivation with phosphate treatments.
However, in cases of severe scaling, this may be the only way.
Typically, it takes two (2) pounds of sulfamic acid per every one (1) pound of scale. So buying tubs of sulfamic acid at 100 pounds each isn't uncommon. AFCO and many other suppliers have these ready to go.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Sulfamic acid is an effective descaling agent because it reacts with the calcium carbonate in limescale to form soluble calcium salts, which can be easily washed away. The acidic nature of sulfamic acid helps break down and dissolve the limescale deposits, making it a popular choice for cleaning and descaling applications. Additionally, sulfamic acid is safe to use on various surfaces like tiles, ceramics, and metals, making it a versatile descaling solution.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is sulfamic acid?
Sulfamic acid is a compound with the chemical formula H3NSO3. It is a white crystalline solid and is used in various industrial applications such as descaling metals, cleaning of boiler systems, and in the formulation of household cleaners. It is also known for its ability to remove rust and limescale.
What is the formula for sulfamic acid?
The formula for sulfamic acid is H3NSO3.
Is natural limescale remover an acid or alkaline?
Natural limescale removers are typically acidic in nature. Substances like vinegar, lemon juice, and citric acid are commonly used to remove limescale due to their acidic properties, which help to break down the mineral deposits.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of acetic acid citric acid and sulfamic acid to descale And can you give sources please?
Acetic acid (vinegar) is safe for food contact surfaces, citric acid is natural and environmentally friendly, and sulfamic acid is effective for heavy-duty descaling. However, acetic acid may have a stronger odor, citric acid may not be as effective on tough limescale, and sulfamic acid can be irritating to skin and eyes. Sources: "Cleaning with Vinegar," University of Illinois Extension, https://extension.illinois.edu/stain/acid.cfm "Citric Acid for Cleaning - What's That All About?," My Home For Life, https://www.myhomeforlife.com/citric-acid-for-cleaning/ "Safety Data Sheet Sulfamic Acid," The Science Company, https://www.sciencecompany.com/msds/SulfamicAcid7757-83-7.SDS.pdf
Does limescale remover have acid in it?
Yes, limescale removers often contain acids such as citric acid, acetic acid (found in vinegar), or hydrochloric acid to dissolve and remove the mineral deposits. These acids help break down the limescale so it can be easily wiped away.
How does sulfamic acid remove lime scale?
Well becasue the sulfamic acid is formed in a giant, roaring volcano in hawai, the sulfamic acid slowly over 10 million years disintigrates the lime scale 1 atom at a time you can tell this by using the simple formula of s=1x10^6-2y(35.6*0.11112)/0.3455471=sulfamic acid. Beacuse the limescale atoms have strong bonds with the nucleus, it is very very hard for the sulfamic acid to break them, so the sulfamic acid gets his acid gang and they break the limescales legs. Overall the best way to remove limescale is to hit your kettle with a sledgehammer, unless you can hire a hitman to blow up your kettle. THE GAME.
What is sulfamic acid?
Sulfamic acid is a compound with the chemical formula H3NSO3. It is a white crystalline solid and is used in various industrial applications such as descaling metals, cleaning of boiler systems, and in the formulation of household cleaners. It is also known for its ability to remove rust and limescale.
Can you use sulfamic acid to clean dentures?
Sulfamic acid is used to clean dentures.
Is natural limescale remover an acid or alkaline?
Natural limescale removers are typically acidic in nature. Substances like vinegar, lemon juice, and citric acid are commonly used to remove limescale due to their acidic properties, which help to break down the mineral deposits.
What is the anion in sulfamic acid?
Sulfuric Acid
What is the ka value for sulfamic acid?
The Ka value for sulfamic acid is approximately 1.0 x 10^-1.
What are the elements in sulfamic acid?
There are a few different elements in the compound of sulfamic acid. They include hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen.
What is the formula for sulfamic acid?
The formula for sulfamic acid is H3NSO3.
Will caustic soda remove limescale?
No - Bicarbonate of Soda is alkaline and will not remove the alkaline limescale. Vinegar is acidic and will therefore dissolve the alkaline limescale.
What is the result of a chemical reaction with sulfamic acid and calcium carbonate?
The reaction between sulfamic acid and calcium carbonate produces calcium sulfamate, water, and carbon dioxide. This is a double displacement reaction where the carbonate ion in calcium carbonate exchanges places with the sulfate ion in sulfamic acid.
Does limescale remover have acid in it?
Yes, limescale removers often contain acids such as citric acid, acetic acid (found in vinegar), or hydrochloric acid to dissolve and remove the mineral deposits. These acids help break down the limescale so it can be easily wiped away.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of acetic acid citric acid and sulfamic acid to descale And can you give sources please?
Acetic acid (vinegar) is safe for food contact surfaces, citric acid is natural and environmentally friendly, and sulfamic acid is effective for heavy-duty descaling. However, acetic acid may have a stronger odor, citric acid may not be as effective on tough limescale, and sulfamic acid can be irritating to skin and eyes. Sources: "Cleaning with Vinegar," University of Illinois Extension, https://extension.illinois.edu/stain/acid.cfm "Citric Acid for Cleaning - What's That All About?," My Home For Life, https://www.myhomeforlife.com/citric-acid-for-cleaning/ "Safety Data Sheet Sulfamic Acid," The Science Company, https://www.sciencecompany.com/msds/SulfamicAcid7757-83-7.SDS.pdf
