Sulfamic Acid - Alkalinity Controllers

Sulfamic Acid - Oil & Gas Drilling Chemicals

Sulfamic Acid

Sulfamic Acid is also known as Sulphamic Acid, Amidosulfonic acid, Amidosulfuric acid, Minosulfonic acid, or Sulfamidic acid.

It is a molecular compound with the formula H3NSO3. It is a dry, non-volatile, non-hygroscopic, stable solid. It is soluble in water and forms a strongly acidic aqueous solution that is comparable in acidity to the common strong mineral acids, but it can be safely handled and stored in the dry form. The CAS Number for Sulfamic acid is 5329-14-6.

The main reason why Sulfamic Acids is used in oil and gas drilling is to reduce the pH of used extraction fluids and compounds prior to the disposal of these fluids. The benefits of using Sulphamic Acid is its ease of handling, solubility and low corrosiveness.

Sulfamic acid can also be used as an acidic cleaning agent, sometimes on its own or mixed with other products, typically for metals and ceramics. It is frequently used for removing rust and limescale.

Sulfamic acid is produced industrially by treating urea with a mixture of sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid (or oleum). Sulfamic acid melts at 205 °C before decomposing at higher temperatures to water, sulfur trioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen.

Preparation & Procedures

Sulphamic Acid should always be added to water, never add water to sulfamic acid.

At room temperature, diluted aqueous Sulphamic Acid is stable for a long period of time but hydrolysis occurs at elevated temperatures.

Concentrated sulfamic acid can be corrosive and can cause burns on the skin when it is not properly handled. This chemical is unique because it not only causes chemical burns, but also secondary thermal burns as a result of dehydration. It is vital to use proper PPE such as Rubber gloves, full clothing, rubber apron, and eye and face protection when mixing to avoid contact with unprotected skin. Contaminated clothing should be washed before being used again.