Phosphates & Corrosion Inhibitors
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
CAS 7601-54-9 — Heavy-Duty Cleaner & Boiler Treatment
TSP is a powerful alkaline cleaner, degreaser, and boiler water treatment chemical. Texas-Chem supplies industrial and food-grade TSP in bulk drums, totes, and super sacks for cleaning, water treatment, and food processing applications.
CAS Number
7601-54-9
Formula
Na₃PO₄
pH (1% solution)
11.5–12.0
Pack Sizes
Bags · Super Sacks · Bulk
Structure
Na₃PO₄ — Trisodium Phosphate — CAS 7601-54-9
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate irritant
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Non-flammable
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (dust)
- 5 mg/m³
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated
- Skin/Eye
- Corrosive at high concentrations — wear PPE
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Also Known As
Physical & Chemical Properties
| CAS Number | 7601-54-9 |
| Molecular Formula | Na₃PO₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 163.94 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
| Solubility in Water | 12 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| pH (1% solution) | 11.5–12.0 |
| Melting Point | 1,340 °C (anhydrous) |
| Bulk Density | 0.8–1.1 g/cm³ |
| Phosphorus Content | ~18.9% as P₂O₅ |
| Alkalinity | High — equivalent to NaOH at low concentrations |
| Grades Available | Industrial / Food Grade (FCC) / Technical |
| Hygroscopicity | Low — stable in dry storage |
Industrial Applications
Industrial Cleaning & Degreasing
TSP is a heavy-duty alkaline cleaner and degreaser for industrial equipment, concrete floors, and masonry surfaces. Used in food plant sanitation and pre-paint surface preparation at pH 11.5–12.0.
Boiler Water Treatment
Used as a corrosion inhibitor and scale control agent in boiler water treatment, precipitating calcium as calcium phosphate to prevent scale on heat transfer surfaces.
Food Processing
Food-grade TSP is used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and antimicrobial agent in poultry processing (reduces Salmonella) and as an emulsifying salt in processed cheese manufacturing.
Paint & Coatings Preparation
TSP solution is used to clean and etch surfaces before painting, removing grease, oil, and chalk from exterior surfaces to improve paint adhesion on wood and masonry.
Cooling Water Treatment
Used as a corrosion inhibitor in cooling water systems, forming a protective calcium phosphate film on metal surfaces to prevent corrosion.
Textile Processing
TSP is used as a scouring agent and pH adjuster in textile wet processing, removing oils and sizing agents from fabric before dyeing.
Why Source TSP from Texas-Chem
- Industrial and food-grade TSP in stock — drums, totes, and super sacks
- Consistent quality with CoA on every lot
- Same-week delivery across Texas; nationwide LTL
- Technical support for cleaning, boiler treatment, and food applications
- One rep from first call to final delivery
TSP — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TSP and STPP for cleaning?▾
TSP (trisodium phosphate) is a stronger alkaline cleaner with pH 11.5–12.0 in solution — suitable for heavy-duty degreasing, concrete cleaning, and pre-paint preparation. STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate) is a milder builder (pH 9.5–10.0) used primarily as a detergent builder and sequestrant. For heavy-duty industrial cleaning, TSP is the preferred choice.
Is TSP safe for food plant cleaning?▾
Yes. Food-grade TSP is approved for use in food plant sanitation and food contact surface cleaning when properly rinsed. TSP is also used directly in food processing — as an antimicrobial treatment in poultry processing and as an emulsifying salt in processed cheese. Contact Texas-Chem for food-grade TSP with FCC specification compliance.
What concentration of TSP should I use for surface cleaning?▾
For general degreasing and surface preparation, 1–2 oz TSP per gallon of warm water (0.75–1.5% solution) is typical. For heavy grease and oil removal, 4–8 oz per gallon (3–6% solution) may be needed. For pre-paint preparation on exterior surfaces, 1 oz per gallon is standard. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Can TSP be used in boiler water treatment?▾
Yes. TSP is used as a phosphate treatment in boiler water to control scale and corrosion. It precipitates calcium as calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) and maintains alkalinity to protect steel boiler surfaces. The treat rate depends on boiler operating pressure and feedwater hardness — contact Texas-Chem at 855-TEX-CHEM for boiler water treatment guidance.