What is TCCA and How is it Really Used?
TCCA is a compound that is immensely effective for modern life. But many don’t know just how effective. Read here to understand everything you need to know about what TCCA is and how it is used.
If you claim you’ve never heard of trichloroisocyanuric acid, you’ll hardly be held to blame. Unless you’re a person of science or one that has some particular relationship with the compound, you’re only likely to remember it for its long name.
However, there’s a lot more that is memorable about trichloroisocyanuric acid apart from a name that is quite frankly a mouthful.
If you’ve ever enjoyed the comforts of a clean, albeit slightly chlorinated swimming pool, then you’ve come in contact with the compound. Trichloroisocyanuric acid, also known as TCCA, is a popular disinfectant and bleaching agent.
Although it doesn’t show up often in popular culture, much of what drives our ability to enjoy clean, simple comforts is derived from TCCA. When you talk about clean swimming pools, drinking water, recycled sewage, healthy livestock and pretty much anything that needs a clean boost, you’ll likely find TCCA there.
Now you’re surprised you’ve never heard of such a compound that seems so important to your daily life. If you’re looking to learn about this super compound and how it contributes to your daily life, then you’ve come to the right place.
This article explains all you need to know about TCCA and how it is used. The article also explains why it is more desirable than other similar compounds and how to get your hands on quality TCCA. But first, what is TCCA?
What is Trichloroisocyanuric Acid?
TCCA, also called Trichlor and Chloreal, is an organic compound with various domestic and industrial applications. It is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used as an outstanding source of chlorine.
Usually containing varying mixes of chlorine, it can be found with up to 90%, 86% or 50% chlorine concentration. One of the characteristics of the compound is its strong “chlorine odour” which you would usually notice when it is unmixed.
There’s a lot of science behind how TCCA functions, including its production. For instance, TCCA is prepared from cyanuric acid by way of a reaction with chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. Its preparation as such is to enable it display strong biocide, bactericide and disinfectant qualities. These make it extremely useful for sanitation and disinfection of a great variety of matter.
Importantly, TCCA is made to be very human friendly. When used properly, it causes no side effects. It can be used to purify drinking water, making it perfectly safe for use and even when used on other bodies of water, such as swimming pools, it is very safe.
The only hazard that may result from TCCA is the possibility of lung irritation. This can only be the case when it is ingested in its concentrate form or when it is carried in the air. It doesn’t burn either, although it may contribute to the burning of other matter when there is an outbreak of fire.
TCCA is usually produced and shipped in chlorine granular or chlorine tablet states. This makes for very easy handling, shipping, storing and application. In its chlorine granular state, the compound is delivered in a rough powder like state with 8-30 or 20-60 mesh granules. For its chlorine tablet state, it is often shipped in sizes ranging from 3g, 10g, 20g, 200g, 500g etc.
The production and delivery of the compound in these states allows for not only easy delivery but also easy dosing. It can be applied conveniently without any need to purchase and use expensive dosing equipment.
This is often why TCCA is considered a superior and more economical source for chlorination than sodium hypochlorite and bleaching.
How is TCCA used?
As you would imagine, TCCA is in very popular use. This is due to its significance for several health and disinfecting applications in domestic and industrial use. Some of the ways and areas in which it can be used include the following:
Swimming pools and fountains
This is one of the most popular ways of using TCCA. It acts as a disinfecting agent in swimming pools and is great for achieving sparkling water. Since the compound has no side effect on hair, eyes or skin, it is perfectly safe for immersion and contact with body parts.
Much of the reason why TCCA is so preferred for swimming pools is down to the science behind its functioning. When it is added in the pool, it combines with the water and releases cyanuric acid and hypochlorous acid. This helps chlorinate the pool and act against the disease germs in the water. It thus acts as a perfect sterilizer of the pool and does not get stripped away by sunlight.
The aim of adding TCCA into the pool is to increase the production of free chlorine. At this point, the pool will be perfectly clean, sterilize all germs and have no chlorine smell or irritation. In its ideal quantity, TCCA should only be present in 1-3 parts per million (ppm) in the pool.
The pH level of the pool should also be continually tested to ensure it does not fall below 7.2 or rise above 7.6. This is pretty much the same as the pH of human tears. Thus, maintaining the pool at this level keeps eyes from burning.
Textile industry
One of the common uses of TCCA is its application as a bleaching agent. It is usually used in the textile industry in this regard, with common application as a bleaching agent for textiles.
It is also used as a disinfectant for dyestuffs and an anti-shrink treatment for woolen products. The application of TCCA in the textile industry helps ensure that textiles are safe for use.
Animal husbandry and fisheries
TCCA has an excellent bactericidal performance. It is recognized as a new generation compound that provide very high-efficiency fungicidal performance. This is why it has found application for the treatment of a wide variety of fish and livestock diseases.
It helps kill almost all types of fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores. It also has great effect on hepatitis A and B viruses, helping livestock and fish stay disease free.
Fruit and vegetable treatment
When there is a need to disinfect or sterilize food and dairy products, TCCA is one compound that is often turned to. Due to its safe and convenient application, it is widely used for fruit preservation, treatment of food products such as rice seeds and general disinfection.
Wastewater treatment
Treatment of wastewater is very important for communities that have recycling and safe disposal goals. TCCA plays a significant part in the process, both for the treatment of black and grey wastewater.
Black wastewater usually includes toilet discharge, and may be further divided into yellow water and brown water. Grey water mostly emanates from kitchen, shower, wash basin and laundry discharge.
TCCA is used to disinfect the discharge, sterilizing the separated clean water and aiding proper recycling for renewed use.
Reduction of algae growth
TCCA helps kill or reduce algae growth through a process called oxidation. Algae can grow in pools and fountains when sufficient nutrients are present for their flourishing. They will flourish even more when the level of free chlorine is insufficient.
Adding TCCA to the pool or fountain early in the morning on a bright, sunny day will allow for best algae killing results.
Get in touch with us
Now that you know exactly what TCCA is and how it is used, you can understand better why it is important for daily life. If you are looking to find a reliable supplier of TCCA products, then KingNod can put you right.
At KingNod Group Co., we provide world class TCCA products that can be shipped to any location around the world. Our products are made to high quality standards to enable effective use in a variety of applications.
We are able to accommodate custom specifications and packaging in accordance with your requirements. Call us today on +86-532-8387-5218 or send us a mail at sales@ikingnod.com.
