Deep Applications of GLDA in Industrial Equipment Cleaning (Boilers / Heat Exchangers / Pipelines / Reactors)

GLDA (Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, GLDA-Na₄) is a new generation green chelating agent synthesized from plant-based L-glutamic acid. With outstanding advantages such as biodegradability (≥80% degradation within 28 days, up to 98% under strict conditions), phosphate-free and non-toxic properties, strong chelating ability, a wide pH compatibility range (2–13), high-temperature stability (maintaining activity above 120°C), and excellent compatibility, GLDA effectively breaks through the long-standing industry challenges of strong acid corrosion, phosphorus pollution, and non-degradable residues in traditional industrial cleaning processes. It has become a core additive for green industrial equipment cleaning.

In industrial equipment cleaning, critical equipment such as boilers, heat exchangers, pipelines, and reactors often accumulate scale, rust deposits, fouling, and material residues during long-term operation. These deposits significantly reduce heat transfer efficiency, increase energy consumption, and shorten equipment lifespan. In severe cases, they can cause equipment failure and forced shutdowns, leading to significant economic losses.

With its core functions of chelating dissolution, corrosion protection, and environmentally friendly residue-free performance, GLDA efficiently removes stubborn deposits while protecting the metal substrate of industrial equipment. After cleaning, wastewater can meet discharge standards directly or be reused after simple treatment. This aligns perfectly with the global trend toward green, low-carbon, and environmentally compliant industrial production, and GLDA is now widely used in chemical, power generation, metallurgy, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.

The mechanism of GLDA in industrial cleaning lies in its molecular structure rich in carboxyl and amino functional groups, which form stable 1:1 water-soluble complexes with metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron (Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺), and copper contained in deposits. This process converts insoluble scales such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, iron oxide, and copper rust into soluble compounds, allowing rapid dissolution and removal of deposits. Meanwhile, GLDA forms a protective film on metal surfaces, inhibiting corrosion during cleaning. Its phosphate-free and biodegradable nature eliminates environmental pollution issues caused by traditional cleaning agents.

1. Application of GLDA in Boiler Cleaning (Core Scenario)

Boilers (including industrial boilers, power station boilers, and waste heat boilers) are key heat-energy equipment in industrial production. During long-term operation, calcium and magnesium ions in feed water precipitate under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, forming calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium phosphate scales. At the same time, the inner metal surfaces of boilers can oxidize, producing iron oxide rust deposits.

These deposits have extremely low thermal conductivity (only 1/10–1/50 of steel), causing significant reductions in heat transfer efficiency and increased energy consumption. Long-term accumulation may lead to tube scaling, bulging, and even pipe rupture, posing serious safety risks.

Due to its high-temperature resistance, strong chelating capability, and corrosion inhibition, GLDA is an ideal additive for boiler cleaning. It can replace traditional strong acid cleaning agents (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) and non-degradable chelating agents such as EDTA and DTPA. Typical recommended dosage is 1%–5% depending on scale thickness and water quality.

Core Applications

1. Scale Removal

For calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium phosphate scale, GLDA rapidly chelates calcium and magnesium ions, converting insoluble deposits into soluble complexes. Effective cleaning can be achieved even at room temperature, avoiding the corrosion risks associated with strong acids.

Compared with traditional acid cleaning:

• Higher cleaning efficiency (up to 30% improvement)

• No acid mist generation

• Better working environment

2. Rust and Corrosion Product Removal

GLDA strongly chelates Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, quickly dissolving rust deposits while inhibiting further oxidation. This enables integrated descaling and anti-rust protection, leaving boiler surfaces clean without pitting or corrosion damage.

3. Preventive Maintenance Cleaning

Adding small amounts of GLDA (0.1%–0.5%) during boiler feed water treatment helps chelate metal ions and prevent scale formation.

Experimental results show:

• Scale formation rate reduced by over 70%

• Heat transfer efficiency maintained at 95% of design value

• 1–2 major cleaning shutdowns reduced annually

4. Environmentally Friendly Wastewater Treatment

Boiler cleaning wastewater containing GLDA is phosphate-free and biodegradable. After simple neutralization (pH 6–9), it can meet discharge standards, reducing environmental treatment costs.

2. Application of GLDA in Heat Exchanger Cleaning (Key Scenario)

Heat exchangers (shell-and-tube, plate, and finned heat exchangers) are essential equipment for heat transfer in industries such as chemical processing, power generation, metallurgy, and refrigeration.

Over time, surfaces accumulate:

• Calcium and magnesium scale

• Iron rust

• Oil contamination

• Process residues

These deposits reduce heat transfer efficiency and may even block heat exchanger tubes.

Due to its strong chelating ability, dispersion performance, and mild corrosion behavior, GLDA is highly suitable for both online cleaning (without shutdown) and offline cleaning.

Recommended dosage: 0.5%–3%.

Core Applications

1. Heat Transfer Tube Scale Removal

GLDA dissolves calcium scale and rust deposits while dispersing detached particles, preventing tube blockage. Cleaning efficiency can restore heat exchanger performance to over 98% of design efficiency.

2. Oil and Residue Removal

In chemical and pharmaceutical heat exchangers, deposits often include oils and organic residues. GLDA works synergistically with surfactants and alkaline additives to achieve integrated descaling and degreasing.

3. Online Cleaning

GLDA cleaning solutions can circulate through heat exchangers during operation, enabling non-stop maintenance cleaning. With concentrations of 0.5%–1%, moderate scaling can be removed within 2–4 hours.

4. Equipment Protection

GLDA forms a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing corrosion and extending equipment life by 2–3 years.

3. Application of GLDA in Industrial Pipeline Cleaning (Fundamental Scenario)

Industrial pipelines are essential for transporting water, steam, chemicals, and process materials. Long-term operation often leads to the accumulation of:

• Scale deposits

• Rust

• Material sediments

• Microbial slime

These deposits reduce pipe diameter and increase resistance.

With its strong chelation and dispersion ability, GLDA provides efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning.

Recommended dosage: 1%–3% for circulation cleaning.

Core Applications

1. Scale and Rust Removal

GLDA chelates metal ions within scale deposits, dissolving them and dispersing detached particles, ensuring pipelines remain unobstructed.

2. Removal of Process Residues

For chemical or pharmaceutical pipelines, GLDA breaks down metal-ion-bound deposits such as polymers and crystalline residues, enabling complete removal.

3. Corrosion and Biofilm Prevention

GLDA forms protective layers that inhibit corrosion and reduce microbial slime formation by chelating essential metal ions.

4. Hygienic Cleaning for Food and Pharmaceutical Pipelines

GLDA is phosphate-free, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it ideal for industries with strict hygiene requirements.

4. Application of GLDA in Reactor Cleaning (Special Scenario)

Industrial reactors are widely used in chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing.

Residues often include:

• Polymer deposits

• Catalyst residues

• Scale and rust

GLDA offers a mild yet highly effective cleaning solution.

Recommended dosage: 1%–4%.

Core Applications

1. Removal of Material Deposits and Catalysts

GLDA chelates metal ions within catalyst residues and polymer deposits, breaking their adhesion to reactor surfaces.

2. Jacket Scale Removal

GLDA cleaning solutions can circulate through reactor jackets to remove scale and rust, improving temperature control.

3. Equipment Protection

Unlike strong acid cleaning agents, GLDA cleaning is mild and forms a protective film on metal surfaces.

4. Compliance with Food and Pharmaceutical Standards

Because GLDA leaves no harmful residues, reactors can quickly return to production after simple rinsing.

5. Core Advantages of GLDA in Industrial Cleaning

1. Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable

• Plant-based raw materials

• Phosphate-free

• Biodegradable chelating agent

2. Non-Corrosive Equipment Protection

Compatible with carbon steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, and titanium alloys.

3. High Cleaning Efficiency

Effective removal of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, and iron oxide deposits.

4. Excellent Compatibility

Compatible with surfactants, dispersants, and alkaline additives.

5. Lower Operational Costs

• Reduced chemical consumption

• Shorter cleaning cycles

• Reduced equipment downtime

6. Application Precautions

1. Control dosage accurately (0.5%–5% for cleaning, 0.1%–0.5% for maintenance).

2. Check material compatibility, especially for aluminum or titanium alloys.

3. Control cleaning temperature (recommended 30–60°C).

4. Treat wastewater properly by neutralizing to pH 6–9 before discharge.

5. Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated environment, away from strong oxidizing agents.