Acid Detergent
An acid detergent combines acids and surfactants to dissolve limescale, mineral deposits and residues left by alkaline detergents. Its pH is below 7.
The acids react with the calcium and magnesium carbonates that make up limescale and turn them into soluble salts that are removed with rinsing; the surfactants wet the surface and help loosen the soil. That is why they are used on surfaces and equipment where hard water leaves scale, and in the food industry they are alternated with alkaline detergents: the alkaline one removes fat and protein, and the acid one removes the mineral part. The most common acids in these formulas are phosphoric, nitric and hydrochloric acid, and organic acids such as lactic or citric acid.
They are not suitable for all surfaces: they can attack natural stone, marble or terrazzo, and some metals. Nor must they ever be mixed with bleach or other chlorinated products, because chlorine gas is released. They require protective gloves and goggles and thorough rinsing.
Instaquim acid detergents, according to their technical data sheets:
- Acid Foam (pH 1 %: 2.2; orthophosphoric acid; dose 2–5 %, 20–60 °C): removal of limescale deposits on walls, floors, machinery and facilities in the food industry; can be applied with foam equipment, by immersion or manually.
- Acid Pro (pH 1 %: 2.0; controlled foam; dose 1–3 % in automatic cleaning and CIP, 5–10 % manual, 40–70 °C): cleaning in automatic or recirculation systems.
- Detercal (pH 1 %: 2.0; non-foaming; dose 10–20 %, 40–60 °C): cleaning of dishwashing machines, boilers, towers, condensers and circuits; rinse until neutral pH.
- Detercal + (pH 1 %: 2.0; controlled foam; dose 1–3 % automatic, 5–10 % manual, 40–60 °C): periodic acid cleaning in the food industry.