Why It Matters
In hard water, Ca2+/Mg2+ deactivate anionic surfactant (lime-soap precipitation) and consume detergency; the design calls for builder + chelant selection to soften water and sustain alkalinity
Solution Approach
In hard water, Ca2+/Mg2+ deactivate anionic surfactant (lime-soap precipitation) and consume detergency; the design calls for builder + chelant selection to soften water and sustain alkalinity RawSource supplies the base chemicals that go into these programs. We can help with product selection, grade matching, and sourcing from multiple origins for supply security.
Typical Treatment Workflow
1
System Assessment
Characterize operating conditions—fluid composition, temperature, pressure, flow rates—and benchmark current treatment performance.
2
Chemistry Selection
Match base chemicals to your operating envelope. Factor in compatibility with existing programs, regulatory constraints, and downstream impacts.
3
Dosage & Delivery
Determine optimal treat rates through jar testing or field trials. Configure packaging (drums, totes, ISO tanks) to match consumption and storage logistics.
4
Monitoring & Adjustment
Track KPIs—coupon rates, residuals, separator performance, water quality. Adjust chemistry and dosage as conditions change.
Recommended Chemistries (6)
Tetrasodium EDTA (EDTA Na4)
CAS 64-02-8
Amines & Amides
Broad-spectrum chelant binding Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu across wide pH range
Broad-spectrum aminopolycarboxylate that sequesters Ca2+/Mg2+/Fe so they cannot precipitate surfactant as lime soap, restoring detergency in hard water
Melting Point: 300 °C (decomposes) Density: 6.9 lb/gal /Apparent density/ Solubility: Slightly soluble in ethanol
Full Details
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)
CAS 7758-29-4
Acids & Salts
Chelation / Sequestration
Classic detergent builder: sequesters hardness ions and provides buffering/anti-redeposition, the historical workhorse for hard-water laundry powders
Melting Point: 622 °C Density: 2.52 g/cm3 Solubility: Freely soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol
Full Details
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
CAS 497-19-8
Acids & Salts
Water softener and alkaline builder for powder and liquid laundry
Precipitates hardness as carbonate and supplies wash-liquor alkalinity, sparing the surfactant and raising soil saponification
Melting Point: 856 °C Boiling Point: Decomposes on heating by CO2 loss Density: 2.54 g/cu cm
Full Details
Citric Acid (Anhydrous, FCC Food Grade)
CAS 77-92-9
Acids & Salts
Biodegradable acid descaler and chelating agent
Biodegradable chelant that binds Ca2+/Mg2+; preferred where phosphate/EDTA are restricted
Melting Point: 153 °C (anhydrous) Boiling Point: Decomposes Density: 1.54 at 20 °C
Full Details
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CAS 68439-57-6
Surfactants
Mild anionic with better hard water tolerance than LAS
Alpha-olefin sulfonate tolerates hardness better than LAS, holding foam and cleaning where LAS would precipitate
Full Details
Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
CAS 10124-56-8
Specialty Additives
Chelation / Sequestration
Threshold sequestrant/builder that ties up Ca2+/Mg2+ below stoichiometric dose and disperses hardness crystallites, a hard-water builder laundry formulators expect alongside STPP
Physical Description: Polymeric sodium metaphosphates: Clear hygrosco… Solubility: CLEAR, HYGROSCOPIC GLASS; MP 628 °C; SOL IN WAT… Decomposition: When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fum…
Full Details
Related Product Families
● Available
Anionic Surfactants
LAS, SLES, SLS, and AOS — the primary cleaning workhorses for laundry detergent, liquid dish, hard surface cleaners, and shampoos
DetergencyFoamingWettingEmulsification
65 chemistries
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● Available
Alkaline Builders & pH Adjusters
Caustic soda, soda ash, silicates, and amine-based alkaline systems for laundry, industrial, and floor-stripping applications
pH AdjustmentSoil EmulsificationWater Softening
25 chemistries
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● Available
Acids & Descalers
Phosphoric, citric, and hydrochloric acid systems for lime scale removal, bathroom cleaning, and industrial descaling
DescalingpH AdjustmentRust Removal
12 chemistries
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● Available
Chelants & Sequestrants
EDTA, HEDP, citrate, and gluconate chelation systems for hard water mineral control, scale inhibition, and surfactant performance
ChelationScale InhibitionWater Softening
28 chemistries
View family