What is HEDP (Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic) Acid?
HEDP (Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic Acid) is a phosphonic acid compound that is widely used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in water treatment applications. It is a clear, colorless liquid or crystalline solid with the chemical formula C2H8O7P2.
It is highly effective in preventing the formation of scale and inhibiting corrosion in various water systems. It has excellent chelating properties, which means it can bind with metal ions, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, forming stable complexes with them. By binding with these metal ions, HEDP prevents their precipitation and deposition as scale, helping to maintain the efficiency of heat transfer equipment, such as boilers and heat exchangers.
In addition to scale inhibition, it also acts as a corrosion inhibitor. It forms a protective film on metal surfaces, which acts as a barrier, reducing the rate of corrosion by preventing direct contact between the metal and corrosive substances present in the water.
HEDP is known for its stability over a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, making it suitable for use in various water treatment applications. It is commonly used in industrial settings, including power plants, oil refineries, chemical processing plants, and water treatment systems for cooling towers and swimming pools.
HEDP solid is a high-purity product, suitable for extremely cold regions in winter; it is especially suitable as a cleaning agent for the electronics industry and as an additive for daily chemical products.
Synonyms: HEDP; HEDP(A); HEDPA; Etidronic Acid; 1-Hydroxy Ethylidene-1,1-Diphosphonic Acid
CAS No.: 2809-21-4
HS code: 29310000
Active content (HEDP): ≥58-62% (liquid), ≥90% (solid)
Place of origin: China
Appearance: colorless, odorless liquid or white crystalline particles.
Molecular formula: C2H8O7P2
Key Features and Benefits:
- Unmatched Scale Inhibition: HEDP’s chelating properties prevent the aggregation of metal ions, thwarting scale formation, and ensuring optimal equipment performance.
- Corrosion Inhibition Excellence: Its ability to form a protective film on metal surfaces protects the equipment against corrosive substances, prolonging its lifespan.
- Adaptable pH Stability: With consistent efficacy across a wide pH range, HEDP adapts to varying operational environments.
- Thermal Robustness: High thermal stability of HEDP makes it suitable for systems operating at elevated temperatures without compromising its performance.
- Exceptional Solubility and Compatibility: Its solubility and cooperative behavior with other water treatment chemicals result in amplified water treatment effects.
- Durable Complex Formation: The ability to form stable complexes with metals ensures the stability and effectiveness of HEDP in various applications.
- Diverse Industrial Utility: Suitable for a myriad of applications, from cooling systems to domestic cleaning, making it a versatile steward of quality and efficiency.
Target Industries
- Water Treatment Industry: Ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of cooling towers, boilers, and heat exchangers.
- Textile Industry: Providing metal ion control for consistent coloring and bleaching stabilization, paramount to fabric quality.
- Industrial Cleaning Sector: Upgrading the cleaning efficacy of industrial cleaning products.
- Pulp and Paper Industry: Rendering scale control and enhanced brightness, contributing vitally to paper product quality.
Detailed Industry Benefits
- In Water Treatment: By preventing scale and corrosion, HEDP saves on maintenance costs and minimizes operational disruptions in critical water systems.
- In Textile Manufacturing: It performs as an essential agent in maintaining color fidelity and fabric integrity during the bleaching process.
- In Industrial Cleaning: Its action as a sequestering agent improves cleaning effectiveness, leading to cleaner facilities and longer-lasting equipment.
- In Pulp and Paper Production: HEDP contributes to higher quality paper products by preventing scale, improving brightness, and streamlining production processes.
Instructions for Use
HEDP can be used for multiple purposes, such as a scale inhibitor, corrosion inhibitor, and cleaning agent. Here are the recommended usage concentrations for each application:
- Scale Inhibitor: For preventing scale formation, it is generally recommended to use at a concentration of 1-10 mg/L.
- Corrosion Inhibitor: To protect against corrosion, the suggested concentration range is 10-50 mg/L.
- Cleaning Agent: When used as a cleaning agent, it is typically applied at a concentration of 1000-2000 mg/L.
It is advisable to combine HEDP with polycarboxylic acid-based scale dispersants for enhanced performance.
For applications in other industries or specific scenarios, it is recommended to conduct experiments to determine the optimal dosage based on the desired results and system requirements.
Safety Precautions:
As HEDP is an acidic substance, it is important to observe proper safety measures during handling.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, to prevent skin and eye contact.
- Avoid Contact: Avoid any direct contact. In case of accidental contact, promptly rinse the affected area with a generous amount of clean water.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the working area to minimize exposure to HEDP fumes or vapors.
- Handling and Spills: Handle with care to avoid spills. In case of a spill, contain and clean it up promptly using suitable inert absorbent materials. Dispose of the waste properly according to applicable regulations.
Packaging and Storage
- HEDP Liquid: Packaged in plastic drums with a capacity of either 25L or 200L per drum. Additionally, custom packaging options are available to accommodate specific requirements.
- HEDP Solid: Packaged in plastic woven bags lined with polyethylene, with a net weight of 25 kg per bag or 1000 kg per bag. The packaging can also be customized based on customer requirements.
- Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area indoors, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It is recommended to keep it in a dry environment to prevent degradation. The recommended storage period is twelve months.

Phosphonates Antiscalants | Water Treatment Chemical | Etidronic Acid
What are the Applications of Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic (HEDP) Acid?
HEDP (Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic Acid) has various applications in different industries. Here are some common applications of:
- Water Treatment: It is used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in cooling towers, boilers, and heat exchangers.
- Industrial Cleaning: It effectively removes scales, deposits, and rust from equipment and surfaces.
- Detergents and Household Products: It enhances the cleaning performance of detergents and household cleaners by removing mineral deposits and stains.
- Oil Field and Petrochemical Industry: It is used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in oil production, drilling, and refining processes.
- Textile Industry: It acts as a chelating agent, assisting in the removal of metal ions during textile dyeing and printing.
- Agriculture: It is used as a chelating agent in fertilizers to improve the utilization of micronutrients by plants.
These are some of the key applications of HEDP, where it helps in scale control, corrosion prevention, and efficient cleaning processes.
Why Buy HEDP (Etidronic Acid) from WaterCareChem?
WaterCareChem is a global supplier of high-purity Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic Acid (HEDP). We provide factory-direct solutions for cooling water systems, boiler treatment, and industrial cleaning.
- Direct Factory Supply: Eliminate middlemen. We provide HEDP directly from our automated production base, ensuring the most competitive pricing and stable active content.
- Comprehensive Product Range: Available in HEDP 60% Liquid, HEDP 90% Solid Crystal, and HEDP·Na4 (Sodium Salt) to meet diverse application and dosage requirements.
- Customization & OEM: We offer flexible options for concentration adjustment, specialized formulations (e.g., HEDP with Zinc salts), and private label packaging.
- Reliable Supply Chain: Our ISO-certified facility ensures a consistent supply with a large monthly output, guaranteeing timely delivery for full container loads (FCL) or bulk orders.
- Rigorous Quality Control: Every batch undergoes strict laboratory testing. We support third-party inspections (SGS/BV) prior to shipment to ensure 100% compliance with your specifications.
Streamlined Procurement Process
Ordering HEDP from WaterCareChem is efficient and transparent:
- Inquiry & Technical Consult: Contact our sales team with your required concentration (Liquid/Crystal) and annual volume.
- Sample Evaluation: We provide free samples for lab testing to verify sequestering and scale inhibition performance.
- Negotiation & Deal: Receive a formal quotation with transparent lead times and payment terms.
- Production & Inspection: Upon manufacturing, we provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) and allow third-party quality verification.
- Global Logistics: Full Containers: Competitive sea freight rates with efficient handling at major Chinese ports.
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- Smaller Orders: Cost-effective consolidated shipments options.
- Flexible Shipping: Use your designated agent or let us arrange door-to-port delivery.
Looking for a Reliable HEDP Supplier?
Trust WaterCareChem for unmatched excellence in organophosphonate supplies. Whether you need HEDP for industrial scale inhibition or detergent formulations, we deliver top-notch stability and effectiveness.
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