What is Trichloroisocyanuric Acid(TCCA)?
What is Trichloroisocyanuric Acid?
TCCA, also called Trichlor and Chloreal, is an organic compound with various domestic and industrial applications. It is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used as an outstanding source of chlorine.
Usually containing varying mixes of chlorine, it can be found with up to 90%, 86% or 50% chlorine concentration. One of the characteristics of the compound is its strong “chlorine odour” which you would usually notice when it is unmixed.
There’s a lot of science behind how TCCA functions, including its production. For instance, TCCA is prepared from cyanuric acid by way of a reaction with chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. Its preparation as such is to enable it display strong biocide, bactericide and disinfectant qualities. These make it extremely useful for sanitation and disinfection of a great variety of matter.
Importantly, TCCA is made to be very human friendly. When used properly, it causes no side effects. It can be used to purify drinking water, making it perfectly safe for use and even when used on other bodies of water, such as swimming pools, it is very safe.
The only hazard that may result from TCCA is the possibility of lung irritation. This can only be the case when it is ingested in its concentrate form or when it is carried in the air. It doesn’t burn either, although it may contribute to the burning of other matter when there is an outbreak of fire.
TCCA is usually produced and shipped in chlorine granular or chlorine tablet states. This makes for very easy handling, shipping, storing and application. In its chlorine granular state, the compound is delivered in a rough powder like state with 8-30 or 20-60 mesh granules. For its chlorine tablet state, it is often shipped in sizes ranging from 3g, 10g, 20g, 200g, 500g etc.
The production and delivery of the compound in these states allows for not only easy delivery but also easy dosing. It can be applied conveniently without any need to purchase and use expensive dosing equipment.
This is often why TCCA is considered a superior and more economical source for chlorination than sodium hypochlorite and bleaching.