Descaler Chemicals

Descaler Chemicals

Descaler chemicals remove or dissolve calcium carbonate, limescale, rust and other mineral deposits found in both natural and treated water sources, that see water forming deposits build on surfaces. The deposits can block flows, or impede operating efficiency of equipment.

Descaler chemicals are acidic with a PH of 1-2. After use, surfaces should be neutralised either with a lot of water flow, or an alkaline chemical. An acidic chemical will attack the problem deposits, but may also attack surfaces, so the process needs to be controlled.

Descalers can contain citric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid and hydrochloric acid, some of which are extremely corrosive and hazardous. That requires PPE be used including masks, gloves and goggles. For food surfaces including coffee machines or kettles, vinegar can be used for cleaning, it tends to be weak and needs a strong mix of 1.1 to descale, and takes time compared with stronger industrial descalers.