Potassium Carbonate

Potassium carbonate (potash, K2CO3, CAS 584-08-7) is a white granular alkali supplied by Global Chemicals LLC at 99% minimum purity, pH 11–12 in 1% solution and solubility of 112 g per 100 mL at 25 °C, in 25 kg bags and big bags from stock in Muscat to gas-processing, chemical, glass, soap and food customers across Oman and the GCC.

Its largest industrial duty is carbon-dioxide removal. The hot potassium carbonate process scrubs CO2 from synthesis gas, hydrogen and natural gas with a 20–40% potassium carbonate solution at around 100–120 °C, often activated with an amine such as diethanolamine or piperazine; the solution absorbs CO2 as bicarbonate under pressure and releases it when the pressure drops, so regeneration needs far less heat than an amine system where the CO2 partial pressure is high. Ammonia plants, hydrogen units and gas plants with CO2-rich feed run it, and they take potassium carbonate for the initial charge and for make-up of the solution that is lost to degradation, filtration and carry-over. The oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists the amines used alongside it.

Other uses: a flux and alkali in specialty, optical and television glass, where it replaces soda ash to give lower expansion and higher refractive index; the alkali of soft (potassium) soaps and liquid soaps; a drying agent in organic synthesis and a base in pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacture; the active agent in wet-chemical kitchen fire extinguishers; pH control and buffering in industrial processes; and as the food additive E501 for alkalising cocoa, noodles and baked goods in the food grade.

Handling and storage: potassium carbonate is strongly hygroscopic and cakes quickly in humid coastal air, so keep bags sealed, dry and off the floor and use opened bags promptly. Its solutions are alkaline and irritate skin and eyes, and the dust irritates the airways; wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask, and store it away from acids. It is not hazardous for transport. Every lot carries a certificate of analysis giving assay, chloride, iron and loss on drying, and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to the interior gas plants by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the grade, tonnage and delivery point.