Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC 80%)

Description

Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) 80% is a versatile chemical used as a disinfectant, preservative, and surfactant in various applications. It’s commonly found in household cleaners, personal care products, and even in industrial settings like water treatment and oil fields. The appropriate usage concentration depends heavily on the specific application, ranging from 0.1% to 5% for sanitizers and other uses.
General Usage and Dilution:
Dilution is Key: BKC 80% is a concentrated solution and needs to be diluted before use.
Application Varies: The required dilution ratio of BKC 80% varies significantly based on the application. For example, 0.1% is used for sanitizers, while other uses may require different concentrations.
Consult Instructions: It’s crucial to consult product-specific instructions or seek professional guidance for the correct dilution and application method for a particular use.
Common Applications:
Disinfection and Sanitization:
BKC is a common ingredient in hand sanitizers, surface disinfectants, and cleaning products.
Preservation:
It acts as a preservative in cosmetics, eye drops, and nasal sprays.
Industrial Applications:
BKC is used in water treatment, as an algaecide in agriculture, and as a surfactant in various industrial formulations.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:
BKC is frequently used in hospitals and clinics for surface disinfection and in antiseptic formulations.
Food and Beverage Industry:
It helps maintain hygiene standards in food processing by disinfecting equipment and surfaces.
Important Considerations:
Eye and Skin Contact:
Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin. If contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water for an extended period (at least 30 minutes) and seek medical advice.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials.
Specific Examples:
Fish Ponds:
For disinfecting pond water, dilute BKC 80% with pond water and spread evenly. Aeration is recommended, especially during hot weather.
Industrial Processes:
In the oil and gas industry, BKC 80% can be used to prevent algae growth, control bacterial development, and remove sludge from pipelines.