Specialty glass
Process Role: Potassium source / flux chemistry Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Assay, Fe/Na impurities, particle size
TECHNICAL PROCUREMENT INTELLIGENCE
Potassium Carbonate (K₂CO₃)
Anhydrous Alkali Supply for Glass, Chemical Processing, Gas Treatment and Formulation
Potassium carbonate is a strongly alkaline, highly water-soluble and hygroscopic potassium salt supplied as anhydrous granules/powder and concentrated aqueous solution.
Industrial procurement should define assay, moisture, particle size/bulk density and grade because dry dense, extra-fine, glass and food grades have different handling and purity requirements.
For GCC and MENA buyers, technical suitability should be confirmed before shipment. OGSCM can coordinate specification review, manufacturer documentation, packaging format, batch traceability, dangerous-goods requirements where applicable, cross-border logistics and receiving-site constraints.
Product claims such as food grade, pharmaceutical grade, oilfield grade, REACH/FCC/USP compliance or OEM approval should only be used when documented for the actual offered grade.
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Chemistry, Manufacturing Route & Material Behaviour
Modern potassium carbonate is commonly produced by absorbing/carbonating carbon dioxide into potassium hydroxide solution followed by concentration and drying/crystallisation. It is strongly hygroscopic, and its carbonate ion hydrolyses in water to produce an alkaline solution. Unlike potassium bicarbonate, K₂CO₃ provides two potassium equivalents per carbonate and has substantially stronger alkalinity at comparable concentration.
Process-Engineering & Grade-Selection Considerations
- For glass, particle size and low impurity levels can influence batch homogeneity, melting and optical quality.
- For dry feeding, dense granular grades reduce dust and improve flow; extra-fine grades dissolve/react rapidly but need stronger dust and moisture control.
- For solution handling, specify wt% concentration and crystallisation temperature; concentrated K₂CO₃ solutions can precipitate if cooled below their solubility envelope.
- K₂CO₃ is used in some acid-gas absorption processes (“hot carbonate” systems); those applications require process-grade impurity control and often activators/corrosion inhibitors.
- Because it is strongly alkaline, solution preparation and dosing require chemical-resistant PPE and controlled addition.
◎ Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | K₂CO₃ |
| CAS | 584-08-7 |
| Molar mass | 138.205 g/mol |
| Appearance | White hygroscopic solid; dense granular or fine grades available |
| Density | ≈2.43 g/cm³ crystal density |
| Melting point | ≈891°C |
| Water solubility | Very high; ~112 g per 100 g water at 20°C in Armand handbook |
| Solution behaviour | Strongly alkaline |
| Commercial forms | Anhydrous dry product and ~47 wt% solution are common |
| Transport | Generally not regulated as dangerous goods; confirm actual SDS |
Values shown are reference/typical values, not a sales specification. Final acceptance must be based on the offered manufacturer grade, test method, COA and buyer specification.
Applications
Detergents / cleaners
Process Role: Alkalinity and pH control Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Assay, solubility, particle form
Gas treating
Process Role: Hot potassium carbonate acid-gas absorption in designed processes Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Solution concentration, activator/corrosion control
Textile / process chemistry
Process Role: Alkalinity / pH adjustment Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Purity and dissolution
Food processing
Process Role: Acidity regulator/processing aid, suitable grade only Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: FCC/food-grade documentation
Chemical synthesis
Process Role: Potassium source/base Critical Procurement / Engineering Parameters: Assay, water, impurity profile
Storage, Handling, Materials Compatibility & HSE
Keep dry product tightly sealed because atmospheric moisture causes caking and loss of free-flowing behaviour. Provide dust control during transfer. Concentrated solutions are strongly alkaline and require compatible tanks, pumps and PPE. For long storage, prevent CO₂/moisture cross-contamination and follow grade-specific shelf-life guidance.
HSE control principle:
Use the current product-specific SDS, local dangerous-goods requirements, receiving-site risk assessment and applicable engineering standards. Website text should never substitute for a supplier SDS or site procedure.
HSE control principle:
Use the current product-specific SDS, local dangerous-goods requirements, receiving-site risk assessment and applicable engineering standards. Website text should never substitute for a supplier SDS or site procedure.
RFQ Specification Checklist
- Dry dense, extra-fine, glass grade, food grade or liquid solution
- Minimum K₂CO₃ assay / total alkalinity
- Maximum water and KOH
- Na, Fe, chloride/sulfate or heavy-metal limits if relevant
- Particle-size/bulk-density requirement
- Packaging: bags, FIBC or bulk/solution tanker
- COA/SDS and FCC/regulated documentation if applicable
Quality Control, COA Parameters & Test Methods
A technically meaningful RFQ should define the key quality parameters affecting process performance. Typical COA requirements include K₂CO₃ assay, alkalinity, KOH, moisture, chloride/sulfate, sodium, iron, heavy metals, particle size, and bulk density, measured by suitable methods such as titration, Karl Fischer, ICP/AAS, ion chromatography, sieve analysis, or supplier standards.
Final testing requirements should be aligned with the producer specification, customer requirements, and intended application..
Final testing requirements should be aligned with the producer specification, customer requirements, and intended application..
Why Choose OGSCM?
Application-Driven Solutions
We match the right grade to your process needs.
Reliable Supply Chain
On-time delivery with strong regional & global logistics.
Quality You Can Trust
Strict quality control and batch consistency.
Expert Support
Technical & commercial support throughout your procurement journey.
Regional Presence
Serving industries across GCC and MENA with local expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. K₂CO₃ is more alkaline and contains two potassium ions per carbonate. KHCO₃ has different chemistry and process behaviour.
It is hygroscopic and absorbs atmospheric moisture, which reduces free flow and can change dosing accuracy.
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