Find HS Code and trade information for descaler

Descaler

A descaler is a chemical agent or device used to remove scale buildup from surfaces, typically metal, within various systems and appliances. Scale is primarily composed of mineral deposits, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, that precipitate out of hard water.

Material Composition

Descalers utilize a variety of chemical compounds, depending on the type of scale and the material being descaled. Common active ingredients include:

• Acids: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfamic acid, citric acid, acetic acid (vinegar), and formic acid are frequently used to dissolve calcium-based scale.
• Chelating Agents: These compounds, like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and phosphonates, bind to the mineral ions, preventing them from adhering to surfaces.
• Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda): Used in some industrial applications, particularly for removing organic scale and certain types of mineral deposits.
• Polymeric Inhibitors: Added to formulations to minimize corrosion of the underlying metal.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a descaler is to restore the efficiency and lifespan of equipment affected by scale. Scale buildup reduces heat transfer, restricts water flow, increases energy consumption, and can lead to equipment failure. Descalers function by:

• Dissolving Scale: Acids react with the mineral deposits, converting them into soluble compounds that can be flushed away.
• Complexing Scale: Chelating agents bind to the scale ions, rendering them harmless and preventing further deposition.
• Dispersing Scale: Some descalers contain surfactants that help to break up and suspend scale particles in the water, facilitating their removal.

Usage Scenarios

Descalers are employed in a wide range of applications, including:

• Household Appliances: Descaling kettles, coffee machines, dishwashers, washing machines, and irons.
• Boilers and Heating Systems: Removing scale from boiler tubes, heat exchangers, and pipelines to maintain heating efficiency.
• Cooling Towers: Preventing scale buildup in cooling water systems to optimize heat rejection.
• Industrial Equipment: Descaling heat exchangers, evaporators, condensers, and other process equipment in power plants, chemical processing facilities, and manufacturing plants.
• Plumbing Systems: Removing scale from pipes and fixtures to improve water flow and prevent blockages.

Common Types

Descalers are available in various forms, categorized by their application and chemical composition:

• Liquid Descalers: Concentrated solutions that are diluted with water before use. Common for household appliances and smaller systems.
• Powder Descalers: Dry formulations that are mixed with water. Often used for larger systems and industrial applications.
• Automatic Descalers: Designed for use in appliances with built-in descaling cycles (e.g., coffee machines).
• Electromagnetic/Electronic Descalers: Devices that claim to prevent scale formation using electromagnetic fields. Their effectiveness is debated and often lacks scientific validation.
• Citric Acid Descalers: A more environmentally friendly option, often used in household applications.
• Hydrochloric Acid Descalers: Stronger, typically used for industrial descaling, requiring careful handling and safety precautions.

Based on the provided information, “descaler” can be classified under the following HS codes:

• 7323100000: This HS code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like”. A descaler, functioning as a scouring or polishing pad for kitchen use, falls within this category. The tax rate details include a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a 30% additional tariff on steel and aluminum products after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 80.0%.

• 7323997000: This HS code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Cookingware”. If the descaler is categorized as cookingware and is not coated or plated with precious metal, it falls under this HS code. The tax rate details include a base tariff of 5.3%, an additional tariff of 0.0%, and a 30% additional tariff on steel and aluminum products after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.3%.

• 7326908688: This HS code covers “Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other”. If the descaler doesn’t fit neatly into the kitchen article classifications and is considered a general iron or steel article, it may fall under this broader category. The tax rate details include a base tariff of 2.9%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a 30% additional tariff on steel and aluminum products after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 82.9%.