Formic Acid

Formic acid (methanoic acid, HCOOH, CAS 64-18-6) is the organic acid of the oilfield: a clear, colourless liquid supplied by Global Chemicals LLC at 85% and 94% strength, specific gravity 1.22 at 20 °C for the 94% grade, pH below 2, in drums, 1,000 L IBCs and ISO tanks from stock in Muscat, with delivery to the interior fields and the GCC.

In acidizing it is the slow, gentle acid. Hydrochloric acid spends almost instantly on carbonate rock, which is wasteful in hot, deep wells and hard on tubulars; formic acid reacts more slowly and corrodes steel far less, so at 3–15% strength, alone or blended with hydrochloric acid, it is the choice for high-temperature carbonate matrix treatments, for retarded acid systems that penetrate deeper before spending, and for the sandstone acidizing sequences and scale-removal jobs where corrosion inhibitor cost and tubing life matter. It dissolves carbonate scale from tubing, flowlines and pumps with the same advantage. Neutralised with potassium or caesium hydroxide it makes the formate brines, the solids-free, low-corrosion high-density fluids used for drilling and completing high-pressure, high-temperature wells, and it adjusts pH in those fluids. It is readily biodegradable, which helps where flowback is treated and discharged. The oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists the companion acids, inhibitors and brines.

Industrial uses: leather tanning and dyeing, textile finishing, rubber latex coagulation, silage preservation, descaling and cleaning formulations, and as an intermediate.

Handling: formic acid is corrosive to skin, eyes and airways and its vapour is pungent; the 94% grade is also flammable, with a flash point near 48 °C, and concentrated formic acid slowly decomposes to carbon monoxide in a sealed container, so drums and tanks must be vented and stored cool, shaded and upright. Use stainless steel (316), HDPE or PTFE-lined equipment, never mild steel or aluminium; wear acid-resistant gloves, goggles, a face shield and respiratory protection for open handling; and store it away from oxidisers, bases and sulphuric acid. It ships as UN 1779, Class 8 with a flammable subsidiary risk for the 94% grade. Every delivery carries a certificate of analysis giving assay, colour and chloride, a technical data sheet and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to the interior fields by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the strength, pack type and volume.