B & V Chemicals Blogs

Descaling with Sulphamic acid | B & V Chemicals

Written by Shane Lynch | 28 Aug 2026
Sulphamic acid is widely used in descaling products due to its balance of effectiveness, safety, material compatibility, and ease of handling, making it a preferred choice over many stronger acids. However, the suitability of any descaler should always be assessed against the materials present within the system, particularly aluminium. To better understand the effects of sulphamic acid on aluminium, B & V Chemicals has recently undertaken a series of tests, the results of which are presented below.

Background

BV42 (Sulphamic acid) is under test to determine if it is a viable descalant for a calorifier containing aluminium. This is usually used in combination with BV41 (Sulphamic acid inhibitor) as an inhibitor.

Investigation

Using aluminium coupons, the corrosion of aluminium has been compared between an inhibited solution containing BV42 at 10%, BV41 at 2% and an uninhibited solution containing 10% BV42. A test was performed in 10% BV42 and 2% BV41 after pre-treatment in a weakly acidic solution of BV41.

Preliminary investigation

Test One was performed by submerging an aluminium coupon in a 10% solution of BV42 at 42°C for 1 hour. This was then cleaned, dried, and weighed.


Test Two was performed by submerging an aluminium coupon in a 10% solution of BV42 dosed at 2% with BV41 at 42°C for 1 hour. This was then cleaned, dried, and weighed.


Test Three was performed by submerging an aluminium coupon in a weakly acidic solution of 2% BV41 for 1 minute, then a 10% solution of BV42 dosed at 2% with BV41 at 42°C for 1 hour. This was then cleaned, dried, and weighed.

Investigation - Coupon visuals

Top Left - Control Coupon

Top Right - Test One

Bottom Left - Test Two

Bottom Right - Test Three

 

Data

Discussion and Conclusion

Both the visual inspection and the weight data show that little to no corrosion occurs when Aluminium is exposed to the BV42 solution. The presence of the BV41 causes the aluminium to corrode slightly more that the uninhibited solution, this effect is more pronounced on the coupon pre-treated with the BV41 solution. Therefore, the use of Sulphamic acid, at prescribed concentrations and contact times has very little affect on the Aluminium.

Descaling products

Descaling products can be a good addition to the overall treatment approach of water systems, for more information follow the link to the dedicated product page, or contact us directly here - on 01327709439 or email ownlabel@bvwater.co.uk.