Potassium formate liquid
Certificate Of Analysis
Product name: Potassium formate
Production Date:15th May 2023 | Batch No.: 2023051501 | |
Test Date:15th May 2023 | Report No.: 2023051501 | |
Item | Specification | Result |
Appearance | Colorless,clear liquid | Up to standard |
Purity % ≥ | 75 | 76.2 |
K2CO3 as CO32- %≤ | 1.5 | 0.13 |
KCl as Cl– %≤ | 0.2 | 0.003 |
KOH as OH– %≤ | 0.5 | No detected |
Density(25℃) g/ml ≥ | 1.57 | 1.573 |
Fe2+ PPM ≤ | 10 | No Detected |
Mg2+ PPM ≤ | 10 | No Detected |
Na+ % ≤ | 0.5 | 0.25 |
Turbidity (25℃) NTU≤ | 10 | 0.36 |
PH (25℃) | 9~11 | 10.17 |
Result | Pass test |
Product Data Sheet of
Potassium Formate 75%
CAS NO.: 590-29-4
Item | Specification |
Appearance | Colorless,clear liquid |
Purity % ≥ | 75 |
K2CO3 as CO32- %≤ | 1.5 |
KCl as Cl– %≤ | 0.2 |
KOH as OH– %≤ | 0.5 |
Density(25℃) g/ml ≥ | 1.57 |
Fe2+ PPM ≤ | 10 |
Mg2+ PPM ≤ | 10 |
Na+ % ≤ | 0.5 |
Turbidity (25℃) NTU≤ | 10 |
PH (25℃) | 9~11 |




Potassium Formate Liquid (Aqueous Solution) – Technical Overview
1. Basic Properties
- Chemical Formula: HCOOK (aqueous solution)
- CAS No.: 590-29-4
- Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid
- Odor: Odorless or mild formic acid-like smell
- Density: Varies with concentration (typically 1.35–1.57 g/cm³ at 25°C)
- pH: ~9–11 (alkaline)
- Freezing Point: Depends on concentration (e.g., −50°C for ~75% solution)
2. Common Concentrations & Specifications
Concentration | Density (g/cm³) | Freezing Point | Typical Use |
---|---|---|---|
50% solution | ~1.35 | ~−35°C | De-icing, drilling fluids |
75% solution | ~1.57 | ~−50°C | High-density brine, oilfield applications |
Purity: Industrial grade (≥95% HCOOK) or high-purity (≥98%).
3. Key Applications
✅ Oil & Gas Industry
- High-density drilling/completion fluid (replaces CaCl₂, ZnBr₂).
- Shale stabilizer – Reduces clay swelling better than chlorides.
✅ De-icing & Anti-icing
- Airport runways, roads – Non-corrosive, biodegradable.
- Effective down to −50°C (better than urea or glycols).
✅ Industrial Uses
- Heat transfer fluid (high thermal stability).
- Leather tanning, textile dyeing (pH regulator).
✅ Chemical Synthesis
- Reducing agent in organic reactions.
- Formic acid precursor.
4. Advantages Over Solid Form
✔ Ready-to-use – No dissolution required.
✔ Lower dust risk – Safer handling than powder.
✔ Pumpable – Easier for industrial applications.
5. Safety & Handling
- Toxicity: Low (LD₅₀ oral, rat: >2,000 mg/kg).
- Skin/Eye Contact: Mild irritation – rinse with water.
- Storage:
- Keep in HDPE or stainless steel tanks (resists corrosion).
- Avoid contact with strong acids (releases formic acid).
- Environmental Impact:
- Biodegradable (breaks into K⁺ + formate).
- Less toxic to aquatic life than chlorides.
6. Comparison with Other De-icers
Property | Potassium Formate | Sodium Formate | Calcium Chloride |
---|---|---|---|
Freezing Point | −50°C (75%) | −20°C (saturated) | −51°C (30%) |
Corrosivity | Low | Low | Moderate |
Eco-Friendliness | High | High | Low (chloride pollution) |
Cost | Higher | Moderate | Low |
7. Suppliers & Packaging
- Common Packaging:
- IBC totes (1,000 L), drums (200 L), bulk tankers.
- Leading Suppliers:
- Perstorp, BASF, ADDCON, Taminco.
8. Regulatory Status
- Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for industrial uses.
- Not classified as hazardous under OSHA/REACH.
- EU Approved for airport de-icing (EC No. 1272/2008).
Conclusion
Potassium formate liquid is a high-performance, eco-friendly fluid for oilfield, de-icing, and chemical applications. Its low corrosion, ultra-low freezing point, and biodegradability make it superior to traditional salts.