What is PBTC.Na4? (2-Phosphonobutane -1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid, Sodium salt)
PBTC.Na4 is the tetrasodium salt form of PBTC. It is an exceptional scale inhibitor for calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate, maintaining high stability even in harsh, high-temperature industrial environments.
Unlike its acid counterpart (PBTC), the sodium salt version can be conveniently used in systems that operate at any pH level without the need for additional acid adjustment. This makes it an essential additive for specialized cleaning formulations and alkaline water treatment programs.
PBTC.Na4 is often used in combination with AA/AMPS and Zinc Salts for a complete corrosion and scale control program
Key Features & Benefits
- Neutral pH Application: Can be directly dosed into systems without affecting pH balance or requiring pre-neutralization.
- Exceptional Thermal Stability: Far exceeds the performance of common organophosphines in high-heat process water.
- Multi-Functional Performance: Excellent synergy when blended with zinc salts, copolymers, and imidazoles.
- Versatile Forms: Available as a 30% min liquid for easy dosing or a 90% min powder for dry-mix applications.
- Chlorine Resistance: The powder form is highly recommended for chlorine-bleach-based cleaning products.
Technical Specifications (Liquid & Powder)
| Items | Liquid Specification | Powder Specification |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish liquid | White powder |
| Active content (PBTC), % | 30.0 min | 67.0 – 73.0 |
| Active content (PBTC•Na4), % | 40.0 min | 88.8 – 96.8 |
| pH (1% water solution) | 9.0 – 12.0 | 6.5 – 8.0 |
| Density (20℃), g/cm3 | 1.35 min | – |
| Bulk Density (kg/m3) | – | 400 – 700 |
| Fe (Iron content), mg/L | – | 35.0 max |
Typical Applications
- Cooling & Process Water: Used as a primary scale inhibitor in open recirculating systems.
- Cleaning Formulations: A key ingredient in industrial detergents and dishwash formulations.
- Dry-Mix Bleach: The powder form is ideal for chlorine-stable cleaning agents.
- Construction Chemicals: Functions as an effective retardant in cement and concrete mixtures.
- Synergistic Blends: Perfect for compounding with other water treatment chemicals like organophosphine and zinc salts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between PBTC and PBTC.Na4? PBTC is the acid form (pH 1.5-2.0), while PBTC.Na4 is the tetrasodium salt form (pH 9.0-12.0 for liquid). PBTC.Na4 is preferred in applications where acid handling is restricted or when formulating neutral/alkaline cleaners.
2. Is PBTC.Na4 stable at high temperatures? Yes. it offers significantly better scale inhibition and thermal stability compared to traditional organophosphines, making it ideal for high-temperature process water.
3. What are the packaging options for export? WaterCareChem provides liquid in 200L drums or IBC tanks, and powder in 25kg bags or Big bags, optimized for international sea and rail logistics.



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