Calcium thiosulfate

Types of Calcium Thiosulfate

Calcium thiosulfate refers to the chemical compound that gets marketed in various forms. These include the liquid, crystalline, and powder forms. Each of these forms serves different purposes.

• Granular calcium thiosulfate

  This form contains the compound in its crystalline or powdery state. Usually, it’s prepared by heating calcium sulfate and sodium thiosulfate solutions before letting them cool down. This form is marketed as a solid thiosulfate calcium fertilizer. It can be easily measured, stored, and transported. Moreover, it dissolves pretty fast in water. Because of these properties, it is good for quick application in farming.

• Liq calcium thiosulfate

  The liquid variant is usually prepared in either concentrated or diluted forms. In most cases, it comes prepared in a ready-to-use form with sodium acetate buffering. Users predominantly incorporate this form into their fertigation or liquid fertilizer systems. Some also combine it with other liquid fertilizers before application. That said, it’s important to check compatibility first.

• Calcium thiosulfate powder

  It contains the compound in a powdered form that is either fine or coarse. It comes as a powdery form of sodium thiosulfate and calcium sulfate compounds. It’s mainly ideal for users who prefer the flexibility of mixing their solutions or who need the compound for industrial processes. Storage is easy, but users have to prepare it for use by mixing with water beforehand.

Features of Calcium Thiosulfate

Calcium thiosulfate boasts several valuable features. These features make it an indispensable product in both agricultural and industrial markets.

• Reduces soil salinity

  This compound contains the thiosulfate ion. It counteracts the concentration effect of sulfate ions and helps to reduce soil salinity. The thiosulfate ion also stimulates microbial activity in the soil. This, in turn, promotes nutrient availability and helps crops to thrive even in high-salinity conditions.

• Low toxicity

  Apart from the positive properties that calcium thiosulfate boasts, this compound also has low toxicity to humans and aquatic life. This makes it a safe choice for environmentally conscious users. It also doesn’t have any adverse effects on non-target organisms. This makes it ideal for sustainable farming practices.

• Flocculation and stability

  The thiosulfate ions are integral to stabilizing soil aggregates and promoting flocculation. This property improves soil structure and enhances the accessibility of water and nutrients to crops. Consequently, the aggregation helps to reduce erosion levels and boosts microbial activity. These lead to overall enhanced soil health.

• Granulated and liquid formulations

  Calcium thiosulfate can be found in both granulated and liquid formulations. That makes it convenient for a variety of applications. Granular formulations are ideal for soil amendment during land preparation. On the flip side, liquid formulations can easily integrate into fertigation systems. Besides, they allow for targeted nutrient delivery in crop production.

Industrial Applications of Calcium Thiosulfate

Calcium thiosulfate has a huge pool of industrial applications. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a staple in many industries.

• Farming

  The compound gets used as a dechlorinating agent during water treatment. In this case, dechlorination refers to the reduction or removal of chloride from the water. It neutralizes chlorine residues in water. This makes water safe for use in processes such as food preparation and aquaculture. It also prevents chlorine-related corrosion in equipment.

• Tanning in leather industry

  In the leather industry, calcium thiosulfate comes in handy during the tanning process. Users can substitute sodium sulfite with calcium thiosulfate when they degrease and soften leather. That’s because calcium thiosulfate has sulfite ions, which are essential for collagen reaction. It also helps reduce the overall sodium content in the tanned leather. This makes the leather safer for its end uses.

• Textile production

  Calcium thiosulfate helps in producing aniox dye. Thiosulfate ions play a part in the reduction of dyeing agent concentration. Thus, helping in the production of more stable and vivid colors in textiles. It also helps in photo-developing emulsions to produce images in photography.

• Metal extraction

  Mining industries use calcium thiosulfate in extracting metals such as gold and silver. It does this by creating a leaching solution that selectively binds to precious metals during the cyanide-free leaching process. This is a more environmentally friendly metal extraction method. That’s because, unlike cyanide, calcium thiosulfate is less toxic and doesn’t pollute water sources.

• Hydrocal

  Hydrocal refers to the high-strength gypsum cement product with numerous uses. One of the key ingredients to make hydrocal is calcium thiosulfate. It’s used in many applications. These applications include architectural moldings, dental impressions, and casting. Besides, it sets rapidly and offers high durability.

How to Choose Calcium Thiosulfate

The calcium thiosulfate a buyer settles for can affect the overall effectiveness of their operations. Therefore, a buyer should consider the following factors as they choose the compound’s variant.

• Purity level

  Buyers should look for calcium thiosulfate with high purity levels, especially those that intend to apply the compound in sensitive industries such as food and farming. In farming, for instance, the presence of impurities can have adverse effects on crop safety and health. This is because impurities can contaminate water and soil. In the food processing industry, they can affect the quality and safety of foods.

• Fertilizer-grade calcium thiosulfate

  Buyers in the farming industry should get fertilizer-grade calcium thiosulfate. This thiosulfate contains calcium and sulfur. It plays a vital role in promoting healthy root development, improving soil structure, and boosting crop resistance to diseases. Buyers should also consider the formulation type based on their application needs. Calcium thiosulfate products for farming usually come in liquid or granulated forms.

• Industrial-grade calcium thiosulfate

  Wholesale buyers in the industrial and chemical sectors can settle for chemical-grade calcium thiosulfate. Such products normally have slightly lower purity compared to agricultural ones. This is so because they are suitable for various industrial processes like metal extraction and water treatment. When searching for chemical-grade products, buyers should ensure the calcium thiosulfate is manufactured according to strict quality standards.

• Product compatibility

  Calcium thiosulfate is compatible with a wide variety of products, including other fertilizers and chemical agents. However, there are exceptions, since it can cause precipitation when mixed with calcium nitrate. Therefore, buyers should look for products that will be compatible with their current systems and agents. This will help them avoid any adverse reactions that will negatively affect their operations.

• Quality and consistency

  Buyers should prioritize suppliers that guarantee product quality and consistency. This will ensure the efficacy of their products. Moreover, it will ensure uniform results in their operations. Buyers can start by researching suppliers care and certification. They should also seek third-party validation in the form of reviews and testimonials.

Q & A

Q1. Which are the predominant factors that affect the price of calcium thiosulfate?

Many factors affect the price of calcium thiosulfate. First is the purity level. Higher purity levels often come with a higher price tag. This is primarily due to the complex and lengthy production processes required. The formulation type also affects the price of the product. Liquid formulations are usually pricier than solid or powder forms. Buyers also have to factor in transportation costs, which can add to the overall cost of the product, especially if the product has to be ferried over long distances.

Q2. What happens when one mixes calcium thiosulfate with calcium nitrate?

Mixing calcium thiosulfate with calcium nitrate leads to precipitation. In simple terms, calcium thiosulfate contains thiosulfate ions, while calcium nitrate incorporates nitrate ions. When the two solutions are meshed, they produce calcium sulfate. This is an insoluble compound that will precipitate out of the mixture and settle at the bottom. The precipitation not only reduces the effectiveness of the two compounds but also clogs spraying and irrigation equipment.

Q3. Can calcium thiosulfate be coupled with other liquid fertilizers?

Yes, liquid calcium thiosulfate can be coupled with other liquid fertilizers. That is, of course, when the other fertilizers are compatible with it. Many farmers combine calcium thiosulfate with nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea or ammonium sulfate. This enhances the effectiveness of the fertilizer. It’s, however, crucial for farmers to ascertain the compatibility of calcium thiosulfate with other fertilizers first. Mixing incompatible fertilizers can lead to adverse reactions that can harm crops and equipment.

Q4. Does calcium thiosulfate have an ideal storage condition?

This compound does not have a specific storage condition. Liquid calcium thiosulfate should be stored in opaque containers. The containers should be stored in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. High temperatures can reduce the efficacy of the compound. On the other hand, granular and powdered calcium thiosulfate need to be stored in airtight containers. It is advisable for buyers to store them in dry, cool places and protect them from moisture. Moisture can cause the products to clump together and reduce their effectiveness.