Chemical Technology

Phosphoric Acid Industry

Dr. Abhi Mukherjee
Department of Chemical Engineering
Contai Polytechnic

1 Introduction
Phosphoric acid, also known as orthophosphoric acid or phosphoric(V) acid, is a weak acid
with the chemical formula H3 PO4 . It is normally encountered as a colorless syrup of 85%
concentration in water. The pure compound is a colorless solid.
Phosphoric acid is produced in industries in mainly two different ways:-
1. Wet Chemical Process
2. Electro-chemical Process

2 Raw Materials for Wet Chemical Process

Phosphate Rock, Concentrated Sulphuric Acid.

3 Reaction
CaF2 , 3 Ca3 (PO4 )2 + 10 H2 SO4 −−→ 10 CaSO4 , 2 H2 O + 2 HF + 6 H3 PO4 (1)

4 Process Description
The wet process is according to the acids (sulfuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid) used
to decompose the phosphate rock. The process using sulfuric acid is the most common among
all particularly for producing fertilizer grade phosphoric acid.
The wet process phosphoric acid, also called as green acid. Depending upon the hydrate
forms of calcium sulfate produced during the wet process, it is classifiedas anhydrate, hemi
hydrate and dihydrate. The hydrate form is controlled mainly by temperature and acid con-
centration.
Sulfuric acid on reaction with phosphate rock along with precipitation of calcium sulfate
results into the formation of phosphoric acid. The process is simple and requires grinding
of phosphate rock reacting with dilute phosphoric acid so that melt is produced which in a
reactor as mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid for 4 to 8hrs in the temperature range of 75-
80◦ C. Lot of air is required to control the temperature. Resulting gases includes HF and P2 O5
which in the absorption tower is separated and finally treated to give fluorosilicates and dilute
phosphoric acid. The main product in the liquid form which is phosphoric acid and calcium
sulfate is filtered and washed. Thus, gypsum and phosphoric acid are separated and after minor
purification the phosphoric acid is concentrated into the evaporator.

1
Dr. Abhi Mukherjee Contai Polytechnic

Figure 1: Production of H3 PO4 by wet chemical process

5 Usage
1. In anti-rust treatment by phosphate conversion coating or passivation

2. As an external standard for phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance.

3. In phosphoric acid fuel cells.

4. In activated carbon production.

5. In compound semiconductor processing, to etch Indium gallium arsenide selectively with

respect to indium phosphide.

6. In microfabrication to etch silicon nitride selectively with respect to silicon dioxide.

7. As a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skin-care products.

8. As a sanitizing agent in the dairy, food, and brewing industries.

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