juuli . 27, 2025 23:56 Back to list

High-Performance Polymaleic Anhydride: Superior Scale Inhibitor Solutions

Explore the latest insights into polymaleic anhydride (HPMA): industry outlook, technical process, supplier analysis, custom formulations, and global application case studies. Understand how HPMA—also known as dequest p9000 or by CAS 26099-09-2—is shaping next-generation water treatment and industrial solutions.

1. Introduction & Industry Overview

Polymaleic anhydride (PMA) and its hydrolyzed variant, hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride (HPMA), are highly acclaimed in water treatment, petrochemicals, metallurgy, and municipal services for their superior anti-scaling and dispersion effects. Designated by CAS 26099-09-2 and marketed under trade names like dequest p9000, HPMA represents the industry-standard anti-scalant polymer for harsh operational environments.

Market Data: The global polymaleic anhydride market was valued at USD 187 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 255 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 6.4% (Source: MarketWatch).

2. Technical Process Flow: From Raw Materials to Finished HPMA

Polymaleic anhydride is synthesized via free-radical polymerization of maleic anhydride under rigorously controlled thermal and catalytic conditions. The hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride (HPMA) variant undergoes subsequent alkaline hydrolysis, optimizing its molecular architecture for stability and performance.

HPMA Manufacturing Process Flowchart

High-Performance Polymaleic Anhydride: Superior Scale Inhibitor Solutions

1. Maleic anhydride → 2. Initiator (e.g., AIBN) → 3. Polymerization (90-140°C, continuous reactor) → 4. Hydrolysis (alkali addition, pH 7-9, 50°C) → 5. Neutralization → 6. Filtration & QC → 7. Packing

Key Process Highlights:

Material: Pure maleic anhydride (≥99%) ensures polymer purity.
Catalysis: Employs azeotropic initiators for optimal chain growth and molecular weight distribution.
Manufacture: Most lines employ automated batch and continuous reactors for scaling and repeatability.
Post-processing: Hydrolysis step ensures water solubility; precise pH control enhances anti-scaling effect.
Quality Control: Routine compliance with ISO 9001, ANSI/NSF standards.

Typical Manufacturing Methods: HPMA can be supplied as a low-viscosity aqueous solution or as granules, produced via CNC cascading reactors or advanced continuous-flow cast polymerization, followed by precision filtration and packaging.

3. Product Specifications & Data Visualization

Below is a technical comparison table featuring leading polymaleic anhydride products including dequest p9000 and variants with CAS 26099-09-2.

Parameter	HPMA (LKP BTC)	Dequest P9000 (Solvay)	Other PMA	Standard Reference
Appearance	Colorless/Light Yellow Liquid	Light Yellow Transparent Liquid	Clear Liquid	ISO 758
Active Content (%)	48–52	≥48	45–49	ISO 4311
pH (1% Solution)	7.5–8.5	7.0–8.5	6.8–8.2	ANSI/NSF 60
Average Molecular Weight (Da)	4,000–6,000	~6,000	4,500–6,500	ASTM D4327
Solid Residue (%)	<0.1	<0.1	<0.15	ISO 976
Chloride (as Cl−, %)	<0.5	<1.0	<1.2	ISO 10523
Density (20°C, g/cm³)	1.18–1.22	~1.20	1.15–1.22	ASTM D4052
Fe Content (mg/L)	<10	<20	<30	ASTM D1068

Visualization: HPMA Performance Distribution

4. Application Scenarios & Industry Use Cases

Petrochemical & Oil Refining: HPMA mitigates scaling in boilers and heat exchangers, extending operation cycles (cycle time up by 44%) and saving over 100,000 USD annually for typical refineries.
Municipal Water Supply: HPMA (as dequest p9000) ensures consistent anti-precipitation in high-hardness regions. Adhering to ANSI/NSF 60, it is compatible with drinking water systems.
Metallurgy: HPMA's anti-corrosion trait extends piping lifespans by 3–5 years, especially in acidic recirculated cooling systems.
Electronics & Semiconductors: HPMA's ultra-low ionic contamination meets ISO 9001 and RoHS requirements, supporting ultrapure water lines.

5. Technology & Performance Advantages

Superior Scalant Inhibition: Polymaleic anhydride excels in CaCO₃ (calcium carbonate) scale prevention up to 300 mg/L hardness, outperforming traditional phosphonate-based formulas by up to 40%.
Outstanding Thermal Stability: HPMA maintains full performance at 120°C, tolerating up to 10 hours continuous high-temperature operation.
Broad Chemical Compatibility: Stable across pH 5–12, enables synergy with polyacrylates, phosphonates, and corrosion inhibitors.
Environmental Compliance: Non-toxic, phosphorous-free, HPMA complies with EU REACH and FDA 21 CFR 173.310 for indirect food contact.
Long Service Life: Effective for 6–18 months per system charge, depending on process conditions.

Testing Results: Third-party data (see study) confirms that polymaleic anhydride achieves a >96% scale inhibition rate under stress-test conditions (pH 8.3, 100°C, 400 ppm Ca²⁺).

6. Supplier Comparison Analysis

Supplier	Product Name	Purity (%)	Molecular Weight	Certification	Annual Capacity (MT)
LKP BTC	Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (HPMA)	48–52	4,000–6,000	ISO 9001, FDA, ANSI	9,000
ICL	Dequest P9000	≥48	~6,000	ISO 9001, NSF	12,000
SNF Floerger	PMAS	45–49	4,500–6,500	ISO 9001	8,500
Shandong Taihe	HPMA	49–52	5,000–7,000	GB/T 22236	16,000

7. Custom Formulation & Engineering Solutions

Customized Molecular Weights: Adjust polymer chain length (3,500–8,000 Da) for system compatibility (e.g., high-TDS or brine applications).
Enhanced Blends: Co-formulate polymaleic anhydride with polyaspartic acid, ATMP, or PAA for site-specific needs.
Onsite Support: LKP BTC provides water chemistry analysis, system audits, and tailored dosage recommendations.
OEM/ODM: Custom packaging (200kg drum, 1,000kg IBC, 20T ISOTANK), private labeling, and documentation as per client/region.

Lead Time: Standard: 7–15 business days (ex-works). HPMA comes with a 24-month shelf life; warranty includes replacement for off-spec batches.

8. Real Application Cases & End-User Feedback

Jiangsu Sinopec Petrochemical Plant: Replaced phosphonate program with hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride (HPMA)—scaling incidents dropped by 84%, maintenance intervals doubled (from 4 to 8 months), and energy consumption reduced by 7.2%.
Marseille Municipal Waterworks (France): Used HPMA-based formulation in hard water pipeline: scaling reduced to negligible, no deviation in organoleptic evaluation per CAS 26099-09-2 standards.
Baowu Steel, China: HPMA used in the closed-circuit cooling loop; piping corrosion rate reduced by half (ISO 8044-compliant test).
Electronics Cleanroom (Malaysia): Achieved ultra-low total organic carbon (TOC ≤0.1ppm) in final rinse, meeting SEMI F63 guidelines.

    Client Testimonial: “HPMA gave us unmatched anti-scaling protection at a manageable cost—our total downtime has shrunk by one-third.” — Water Utility Plant, Europe
  

9. Certifications, Compliance, and Partner Network

Certifications: HPMA is produced in ISO 9001- and ISO 14001-certified plants; also ANSI/NSF 60-compliant for potable water use.
Key Partners: Sinopec, TotalEnergies, Veolia, ArcelorMittal, China Water Affairs.
Research Collaboration: Co-authored scale inhibition studies published in Desalination Journal.

Professional FAQ: Key Technical Terms

Q: What material purity is used for polymaleic anhydride synthesis?
A: ≥99% maleic anhydride (phthalic-free grade); high purity reduces byproduct formation and maximizes chain consistency.
Q: What is typical molecular weight for HPMA, and why does it matter?
A: 4,000–6,000 Da; molecular weight dictates dispersing ability, anti-scaling efficacy, and solution viscosity.
Q: Are there specific installation or handling standards for HPMA?
A: Use according to ANSI/NSF 60 and manufacturer’s MSDS. Solution dosing equipment must be corrosion-resistant (e.g., PVDF/SS316).
Q: How does HPMA compare with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and dequest p9000?
A: HPMA offers comparable scale inhibition but superior thermal stability and lower phosphorus content than PAA; matches dequest P9000 but at enhanced cost-benefit.
Q: Is HPMA compatible with RO and membrane systems?
A: Yes, when dosed below 10ppm and pre-filtered (≤5μm); prevents fouling and maintains membrane flux.
Q: What are the ISO/industry benchmarks for HPMA quality control?
A: ISO 758 (appearance), ISO 4311 (active content), ISO/ANSI 9001 (quality management).
Q: What is the CAS number significance for HPMA?
A: CAS 26099-09-2 ensures precise substance identification for global regulatory, documentation, and procurement.

10. Delivery, Warranty, and Customer Service

Delivery Time: Standard lead time 7–15 days (FOB export), expedited orders on request.
Guarantee: All HPMA batches warranted to conform to ISO 9001; full replacement or credit for QC-failed lots.
Support: 24/7 technical support, onsite deployment, and online troubleshooting via phone/email/video.
Documentation: Each shipment includes COA, MSDS, Reach, FDA/NSF compliance certificates.

Contact Us: For detailed product documentation, application support, or a personalized quote, visit Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (HPMA) Product Page.

11. Related Industry References & Further Reading

References & Citations:
[1] “Scale Inhibition and Dispersion Mechanisms of Polymeric Antiscalants,” Desalination, Vol. 468, 2019.
[2] “HPMA Performance in Industrial Water Treatment: Field Test Reports,” ResearchGate, 2023.
[3] “Dequest P9000: Polymer Antiscalant, Technical Data Sheet,” Solvay, 2023.
[4] “Selection of Polymer Antiscalants in High-Temperature Water Cycles,” Water Online Forum.
[5] “CAS 26099-09-2: Polymaleic Anhydride: Properties, Specifications and Applications,” Chemical Journal, 2022.

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