Format options
Solid citric acid (anhydrous/monohydrate) or liquid blends depending on your dosing and handling needs.
Product Industrial Cleaning
Citric Acid Descaler
Citric-acid based descaling chemistry for removing mineral deposits (limescale/carbonates and mixed inorganic fouling) where gentler acid performance and operator-friendly handling are preferred.
Formats: solid citric acid or liquid blends (per inquiry)
Packaging: bags / drums / IBC / bulk (as applicable)
Documentation: SDS / COA / TDS on request
When citric acid is the right choice
Citric acid is commonly selected for maintenance descaling where aggressive mineral acids are not preferred, or where operators want a balance of scale removal, material compatibility, and manageable fuming/odor. Final suitability depends on deposit type and metallurgy—share your system details so we can align the best format and guidance.
- Light-to-moderate carbonate scale (limescale) and mixed deposits
- Equipment with sensitive alloys or where gentler chemistry is preferred
- Maintenance routines requiring controlled reaction and easy rinsing
Commercial overview
Atlas Global Trading Co. supplies citric acid descaling options as a procurement-ready lane for maintenance and process cleaning. We match format (solid vs. liquid blend), concentration, packaging, and documentation so your team can qualify the product and reorder reliably. Tell us the deposit and equipment type and we’ll propose a practical offer aligned to your operation.
Repeat procurement
Pack sizes aligned to your consumption—bags for make-up tanks, drums/IBC for routine circulation programs.
Documentation set
SDS and COA available; TDS and QC parameters can be included where required.
Common performance goals
Customers typically use citric acid descaling to restore heat transfer, reduce pressure drop, improve flow, and remove mineral film prior to inspection, passivation, or system restart. Deposits vary widely—confirm deposit type for best chemistry selection.
- Restore heat exchanger efficiency and reduce energy loss
- Reduce blockages and pressure loss in lines and jackets
- Improve rinse quality before passivation or final sanitation steps
Applications
Citric acid descaling is commonly used for controlled removal of mineral scale in maintenance cleaning. It can be applied by circulation, soak, or CIP-style programs depending on equipment design and plant procedures.
- Light-to-moderate scale removal (carbonates / limescale)
- Heat exchanger, jacket, and line descaling (maintenance)
- Surface preparation before passivation, inspection, or rinse steps
- Descaling in systems where low fuming/odor is preferred (relative to strong mineral acids)
Deposit-fit guidance
Citric acid is typically effective on carbonate-based scale. For heavy iron oxide, silica/silicate scale, or highly tenacious mixed deposits, alternative chemistries or multi-step programs may be required. If you share deposit details, we can advise whether citric acid is a fit or whether a different descaler (e.g., phosphoric-based) is better aligned.
- Best fit: calcium carbonate (limescale) and many mixed inorganic films
- Case dependent: iron staining and mixed rust/mineral deposits
- Often needs alternatives: silica/silicate scale and heavy oxide scale
Typical specifications & formats
Values depend on grade, format, and customer requirements. Confirm details on quotation and supporting documents. Citric acid may be supplied as solid (for make-up solutions) or as a formulated liquid descaler for direct use.
Chemistry
Citric acid (organic acid) — grade dependent
Formats
Solid (anhydrous/monohydrate) or liquid blends (per inquiry)
Target deposits
Carbonates / limescale / mixed mineral scale (confirm deposit type)
Typical use range
Concentration and contact time set by system (confirm on offer/TDS)
Compatibility
Confirm with metals, seals, and coatings in your system
Documentation
SDS / COA / TDS available on request
Typical dosing & procedure (starting points)
The guidance below is indicative only—your site procedure, metallurgy, and deposit type determine final parameters. For critical equipment, perform a small-area test or trial loop and follow the SDS.
| Method | Indicative concentration* | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulation / loop cleaning | ~2–10% w/w (as made-up solution) | Ambient to warm (site limits) | Higher flow improves contact; monitor pH/acid exhaustion |
| Soak / immersion | ~5–15% w/w (deposit dependent) | Ambient to warm (site limits) | Extend time for thicker scale; agitate where possible |
| CIP-style descaling | Case dependent | Per CIP design | Confirm foam, rinse, and sanitizer compatibility in your sequence |
*Starting ranges only. Final concentration/time/temperature must be validated by your procedure, deposit type, and material compatibility.
Handling & safety (summary)
Citric acid is an acid and must be handled with appropriate PPE and procedures. Avoid mixing with incompatible chemicals. Always add acid to water when making solutions (not water to acid), and follow SDS guidance for storage, ventilation, and spill response.
- Use suitable PPE and follow plant lockout/isolation procedures
- Confirm compatibility with soft metals and elastomers before use
- Neutralize/rinse per site environmental and discharge requirements
Specifications may vary depending on batch, origin, and packaging selection. Offer + SDS/COA/TDS are controlling documents.
FAQ
Common questions from maintenance and procurement teams.
What deposits does it remove best?
Citric acid is typically strongest on carbonate scale (limescale) and many mixed mineral films. For silica/silicates or heavy oxides, you may need alternative chemistries or multi-step programs.
Solid vs. liquid descaler—what’s the difference?
Solid citric acid is often used where sites prefer make-up tanks and controlled dosing. Liquid blends can simplify handling and may include additives based on application needs (grade dependent).
Is it safe for stainless steel?
Many stainless systems tolerate citric acid well, but results depend on concentration, temperature, time, and weld/passivation condition. Confirm with your metallurgy and procedure.
Do you provide inhibitors?
Inhibitor needs depend on metals (e.g., mild steel/copper alloys), temperature, and exposure time. Share your system and we’ll propose an appropriate option.
Can I use it in CIP?
It can be used in certain CIP descaling sequences, but compatibility with the full cleaning/sanitizing program must be confirmed. Provide your CIP steps and targets for a better recommendation.
What documents can you provide?
SDS and COA are available on request; TDS and QC parameters can be included depending on grade and customer requirements.