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BC Surfactant NP-9
In order to discuss the merits of industrial ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s Surfactant NP-9 (Nonylphenol Ethoxylate), it is important to break down the individual portions of its name to determine what exactly this versatile chemical is capable of performing for your industry.
First, a surfactant is a chemical that reduces the surface tension of the solvent in which it is placed. Without surface tension, any additional chemicals are absorbed within the liquid much more easily and rapidly. Dye added to a fabric tends to mottle the area in which it was initially placed. Adding a surfactant spreads the dye more evenly throughout the liquid, thereby giving the fabric an even color.
The number ‘9’ within the product’s name focuses on bond placement. NP-9 means the structure of BC Surfactant NP-9 contains a chain of 9 carbon molecules for its tail. A molecule’s shape is important since different forms give rise to different functions. For NP-9, its structure gives it the ability to be both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, depending on the direction of the molecule. This aids in removing water from some areas while adding water to others, leveling the wetness distribution.
Nonylphenol ethoxylates are metabolites of alkylphenol ethoxylates. They are light orange in color, fading to almost clear in liquid form. Because they are nonionic (they hold no charge), they work well in “hard” water. Their non-charged molecules are resistant to being deactivated in water containing strong metals, such as magnesium or calcium. Therefore, nonylphenol ethoxylates are generally used in detergents, dishwashing, laundry and on kitchen or bathroom fixtures that are in repeated contact with hard water. They quickly snag and surround substances with oil or grease bases, removing them from fabric, pipes or porcelain to be washed away.
BC Surfactant NP-9 has uses across industries. It is regularly found in the following products as a surfactant:
paints and wood finishes
personal hygiene products
lawn care products
pesticides
drain cleaners
laundry detergents
metal working
Find more about BC Surfactant NP-9 and other chemicals in Bell Chem’s vast inventory by visiting our website. Bell Chem is a sanitation chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
When to Use Granulated Sugar
The holidays are just around the corner, and professional bakers around the globe are prepping their kitchens to create the perfect culinary delights for their customers. From baklava for Hanukkah to chocolate fruit cake for Kwanzaa, winter months are resplendent in delicious desserts. At Bell Chem, your food ingredient distributor, we want to go over different varieties of sugar and explain how each one can enhance holiday baking in an industrial kitchen.
Brown sugar: Almost every professional baker stocks brown sugar and granulated sugar in their kitchens. How do these differ? Brown sugar is simply granulated sugar with molasses. Why would you add molasses to sugar? You don’t. Sugar sources naturally contain molasses, which is removed for refined sugars. Light brown sugar, not surprisingly, has less molasses per volume than dark brown sugar.
Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar has various sized grains (both words are derived from the Latin granum) that can mean the difference between confectioner’s sugar and turbinado (raw or unrefined) sugar.
Granulated sugar is 99.95% sucrose, whether it is derived from beets or sugarcane. This form is by far the most popular form used by professional bakers since it’s easy to use in all applications from main meat courses to desserts. Sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it tends to collect water, which keeps bakery items fresher longer. This fact is also handy when sugar is an ingredient in a sauce since it acts as a thickener, although sugar may clump when left on the shelf for an extended time. However, sugar, like salt and honey, does not spoil.
Regardless of the variety, sugar decelerates the formation of gluten in wheat flour, causing goods to be softer, lighter, and have a more delicate texture.
Confectioner’s sugar: Powdered sugar is the top ingredient in candy making and icings. Many baked goods are often dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Powdered sugar is rated 10X, 6X, XXX or XX, with 10X being ground to the finest consistency. While 10X will give foods (especially frostings) a creamy mouthfeel, it is often too fine-grained to dust atop baked goods since it dissolves. Confectioner’s sugar contains 3%-5% cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Superfine sugar: Known as baker’s sugar, caster sugar, or ultrafine sugar, the grains are still crystalline, but not quite as finely ground as confectioner’s sugar. Superfine sugar dissolves more rapidly and gives baked goods a finer texture.
Raw granulated sugar: Also called turbinado or demerara sugar, raw sugars contain molasses, but are dry crystals rather than thick, clumpy brown sugar. Raw sugar adds texture and crunch to the top of baked goods, and is often added to hot or cold beverages.
Decorative sugars: Many forms of sugar abound to decorate foods and beverages. Among these are sanding sugar and pearl sugar. Pearl sugar has large, opaque grains similar to salt while sanding sugar is shimmery and clear.
Discover more about industrial baking ingredients by reading Bell Chem’s blog. Bell Chem is a food ingredient distributor based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including many varieties of sugar. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
How to Use Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of those ubiquitous chemicals we take for granted. Nearly 4% of the Earth’s crust is composed of calcium carbonate, and the majority of that is derived from the breakdown of prehistoric animals. Find out how Tampa food ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s pure calcium carbonate can enhance your enterprise.
With time and pressure, calcium carbonate transforms into limestone, chalk, and dolomite, although dolomite contains magnesium carbonates as well as calcium carbonate. Each of these types of calcium carbonate has different functions.
As a filler: Calcium carbonate bulks up costlier products, making them less expensive without impeding the integrity of the product. Approximately 30% of the weight of many paints is calcium carbonate. Used as an ingredient in adhesives, coatings, paints, paper, plastic, and sealants, it also brightens these products as it acts as a coating pigment.
As a brightener: The paper industry relies on calcium carbonate for bright white opaque paper because of its light scattering capabilities.
As a dietary supplement: The strong hydrochloric acid in the human stomach is neutralized with a calcium carbonate supplement in the form of an antacid. Calcium carbonate also bonds with phosphate or another base component to create supplements or medicine in tablet form. Animal feeds, such as chicken crumble, also contain calcium carbonate; in this case it aids in the production of strong shells. For other animals, it maintains pH levels and supplements the dietary needs of animals.
As a pH balancer: Many products, such as baking powder or toothpaste, find calcium carbonate a reliable remedy for escalating acidity. Even foods and beverages, such as dessert mixes, dough products, and wine, contain calcium carbonate for this reason. In man made water systems and wastewater plants, calcium carbonate also maintains a proper pH balance.
As a water treatment: As the Earth becomes more polluted with acid rain, many lakes and ponds are no longer able to properly support life. Scientists have found that infusing these waters with powdered calcium carbonate prevents these ecosystems from dying.
As a building material: Calcium carbonate is a beautiful mineral used for building and facades in the form of marble. It is also added to cement and mortar as foundations and bonders. As it decomposes, it releases lime, which is used in the manufacture of glass, paper, and steel.
Bell Chem is your Tampa food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including calcium carbonate. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
What is Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is a unique chemical whose synthetic equivalent, produced from potassium hydroxide and sorbic acid, is deemed “nature identical” because its shape and chemical behavior mimic the natural form found in fruits, such as the mountain ash or rowan berry. Bell Chem, the food ingredient distributor, has information on potassium sorbate to help you decide how your business or industry can utilize this important ingredient.
The main function of potassium sorbate is to control bacteria, which it has done successfully since its discovery in the 1850s in France. Once bacteria and other microbial growth are eliminated, the shelf life of products lengthens considerably. You will find potassium sorbate on the list of ingredients across industries in products consumed by humans, such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Animals also consume potassium sorbate in feed and kibble. Because potassium sorbate has been researched and used more than 50 years across industries, it has a proven record of effectiveness.
In foods and beverages, potassium sorbate eliminates the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, and yeast while not affecting the taste, smell, or appearance of products. Even better, potassium sorbate is active at room temperature and is soluble in water. Potassium sorbate can be found in carbonated beverages, baked goods, dried meats and fruits, fermented foods, canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, and ice cream), fish products (roe, garum, fish patties, and artificial crab), and wines and juices. Wines and other fermented foods and beverages benefit from potassium sorbate’s antimicrobial powers because it stops yeast from reacting with products upon its addition to the finished bottle.
Animal feeds often utilize potassium sorbate as a preservative. It is often found on the ingredient label of moist pet foods and in commercial animal feed.
In cosmetics, look for potassium sorbate in eyeshadow, makeup, lotions, and creams as an antimicrobial and preservative. It is also available in hair products such as shampoos, in sunscreen, and in contact lens solution, where it prevents bacterial growth on lenses. Many products with high water content will contain potassium sorbate.
Dietary supplements often include potassium sorbate to extend shelf life.
Bell Chem is a food ingredient distributor based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including potassium sorbate. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
Disinfecting Your Commercial Kitchen
Most businesses are familiar with cleaning products and utilize specialized cleaners for ovens, silverware, and linens. However, COVID-19 has placed emphasis on products not specifically found in every cleaner: namely, sanitizers and disinfectants. Bell Chem, your sanitation ingredient supplier, wants to share this important information with you so you can ensure your business – large or small – operates with the ultimate level of disinfection.
It is first vitally important to recognize the distinct difference between a sanitizer and a disinfectant. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are significantly different, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Take a look at any sanitizer’s label and you will note it claims to “reduce the number of germs/pathogens/bacteria.” The claims will vary depending on the product’s use. A disinfectant is a whole new level of health safety because it actually kills bacteria/pathogens/germs when used properly. Although the cost is greater for a disinfectant, the level of safety is vitally important.
When considering disinfectants, you will find three disinfectant classifications containing seven total categories.
General disinfectant: This nonspecific disinfectant is great for all surfaces and does not target a specific pathogen. Most businesses and industries rely on general disinfectants.
Chlorine compounds remove all traces of body fluids, and are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or dining areas.
Alcohols dry rapidly and are often used on electronic equipment, such as touch screens or keyboards.
Phenolic compounds often destroy more than pathogens, as they mar surfaces and equipment upon application. They are excellent at controlling mycobacterium tuberculosis, viruses, and fungi when used properly.
Hydrogen peroxide is often paired with peracetic acid, which is an effective disinfectant, but highly reactive.
Limited disinfectant: Some industries find their disinfecting needs focus solely on one group of microorganisms.
Aldehydes are often used to stop the spread of bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
Hospital-grade disinfectant: Healthcare-acquired bacterial pathogens require a disinfectant to keep patients, healthcare workers, and staff as healthy as possible.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are highly effective and can be combined with detergents to clean and disinfect simultaneously.
Chlorine compounds such as Bell Chem’s sodium hypochlorite 10-12%, are broad-spectrum disinfectants that remove dried microorganisms and biofilms from surfaces.
Iodophors are not commonly used any longer because they stain, but they are highly effective.
Always ensure the disinfectant you choose is the correct product for the task. Disinfectant labels will give information on the pathogens they target, known as the “kill claim,” as well as proper usage and disposal. Also remember that disinfectants work best on a clean surface. Therefore, areas should be cleaned before disinfecting begins.
Bell Chem is a sanitation ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
Utilizing Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless, viscous, non-volatile liquid also known as H3PO4, orthophosphoric acid, or phosphoric (V) acid, that finds uses in many industries. Bell Chem carries several strengths of phosphoric acid to suit your industry’s needs, whether it is cleaning, pharmaceutical, food, and beverage, or agriculture.
Agriculture
Between 80% and 90% of all phosphoric acid produced eventually becomes fertilizer. Most commercial fertilizers are a combination of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK). Phosphorous is also added in cattle, pig, and poultry feed for flavor.
Cleaner
Phosphoric acid degreases, de-grimes, and removes mineral deposits and hard water stains. Detergents often contain phosphoric acid to treat water and metals since phosphoric acid adheres to metals, flocculating them so they sink to the base of the container. Phosphoric acid is also an oxidizer, ideal for cleaning. Phosphoric acid reacts with rust to discolor ferric oxide into ferric phosphate, a simple-to-remove black compound.
Food and Beverage
As a food additive, phosphoric acid regulates the pH of processed meats and cheeses, cereal bars, and jams and jellies. Beverages find phosphoric acid an excellent acidulant to stave off the growth of bacteria and fungi. Many companies also add phosphoric acid to drinks as a flavor enhancer.
Fuel Cells
Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs) were the first generation of marketable fuel cells. Phosphoric acid was used as PAFCs’ electrolyte to catalyze the reaction.
Health and Beauty
Phosphoric acid combines quickly with metals to form phosphoric acid salts. These salts act as buffers to control the pH of skincare and cosmetic products. When many products are stored for an extended period, they may become overly acidic or basic. Phosphoric acid buffers prevent this, thereby lengthening the product’s shelf life.
Pharmaceutical
Phosphoric acid’s use as an etching solution in dentistry is renowned. When patients have their teeth cleaned, phosphoric acid is the chemical of choice and is often an ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, and teeth whiteners. Many anti-nausea medicines also contain phosphoric acid, which delays the stomach’s smooth muscle contractions, thereby relieving emesis.
Bell Chem is based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including phosphoric acid. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
Uses of Heptane
Heptane, or C7H16, is a colorless, liquid, alkane hydrocarbon known primarily as a derivative of crude oils. Most people associate heptane with gasoline since it is a component in its manufacture and gives off an odor often associated with gasoline. Water treatment chemical supplier Bell Chem recognizes that heptane’s low density, low toxicity, low boiling point, slow evaporation rate, and insolubility in water strengthens its application in many industries.
Anesthetics
When inhaled as a general anesthetic, heptane has the ability to numb pain receptors in nerve cells, which stops the sensation of pain. Heptane also induces short-term unconsciousness in patients.
Gasoline
Heptane plays a critical role in the creation of gasoline. In fact, the octane rating of gasoline is due to heptane. Heptane is a hydrocarbon and combusts readily, releasing energy in the form of heat. High-octane fuel can be compressed more fully before igniting than low-octane fuel. At a 0% octane rating, heptane combusts much too quickly and is a poor ingredient in gasoline, but fantastic as a standard on how gasoline should combust.
Ink manufacturing
Heptane suspends the dye in printer ink, stamp pad ink, and other types of ink, which provides a smooth and glossy finish that lasts long after the stamp dries and the news is printed.
Laboratory
In a commercial or school lab, heptane acts as a reagent and non-polar solvent. It also proves a catalyst for organic synthesis. Heptane is a solvent in the lab as well since it behaves like a noble gas by not readily associating with other molecules. Lab professionals often rely on heptane to dissolve substances that refuse to dissolve in water.
Oil Extraction
Extracting oil from olives or corn is expensive using a machine press. A chemical extraction that uses heptane is both efficient and cost-effective.
Bell Chem is a water treatment chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products such as heptane stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
Hand Sanitizers
In today’s extremely complicated world, many items we have taken for granted are suddenly in short supply. One of these items is hand sanitizer. Your personal care raw material supplier Bell Chem wishes to spotlight ingredients necessary to manufacture hand sanitizer so your company can meet the needs of our ever-changing world.
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Renowned for its ability to disinfect and clean, 99% isopropyl alcohol is recognized as one of the purest forms of alcohol available for commercial use. In hand sanitizer, 99% isopropyl alcohol is the primary component with most hand sanitizers consisting of 2/3 isopropyl alcohol by volume. It effectively kills most bacteria and viruses within 60 seconds of use.
Glycerin 99.7%
Although glycerin is an inactive ingredient in hand sanitizer, it plays an extremely important role by keeping the alcohol in hand sanitizer from immediately evaporating when it is applied. Because of the excessively high number of hydrogen bonds between the molecules, glycerin ensures hand sanitizer remains on the skin’s surface for 30–60 seconds, the amount of time it takes for isopropyl alcohol to kill germs and bacteria.
Aloe Vera Gel
Dousing your hands with 99% isopropyl alcohol leaves hands feeling dry and chapped. When aloe vera gel is added to hand sanitizer, the isopropyl alcohol will evaporate after 30–60 seconds, but the aloe vera gel remains to soothe irritated skin and keep it feeling soft.
Hydrogen Peroxide 35%
Hydrogen peroxide disinfects your disinfectant. In other words, even if all equipment used in the production of hand sanitizer meets every quality guideline, germs may infiltrate at some point along the line. Hydrogen peroxide added to the production of hand sanitizer physically kills the bacteria that can accidentally enter bottles of sanitizer. Within 72 hours, any introduced bacteria are eradicated with the addition of hydrogen peroxide.
Bell Chem is a personal care raw material supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in its 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including a vast amount of ingredients and chemicals to keep your work areas as clean and sanitized as possible. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
Industrial Uses of Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate, CH3COONa, is a sodium salt of acetic acid. Often called acetic acid, sodium acetate anhydrous, or sodium salt, this odorless, white granular powder has plenty of far-ranging uses throughout industries. For this reason, industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem keeps plenty on hand to satisfy customer demand.
Cleaning
Impurities such as stains, rust, or scale on metal surfaces quickly vanish when with cleaning sodium acetate.
Concrete
Hygroscopic sodium acetate seeps into the crevices on the surface of concrete, sealing it against the elements. Water damage is the scourge of the construction industry’s concrete usage, and the ability to seal concrete against water saves time and money.
Food and Beverage
Sodium acetate has long been the seasoning that gives potato chips that pungent salt and vinegar flavor. Because it is an acid, the addition of sodium acetate during food production can lower or stabilize a product’s pH. Another positive trait of its acidity is the negative reaction of bacterial growth in the presence of sodium acetate. It is, therefore, a great preservative. The beneficial preservation properties of sodium acetate are also dominant in pickling foods. Similar to general food use, pickling uses sodium acetate to enhance flavors and preserve foods, but in much larger quantities.
Laboratory
The growth of bacteria often requires a source of carbon. Sodium acetate fills that role while also catalyzing ethanol precipitation yield when isolating DNA. Sodium acetate is commonly used as a reagent in molecular biology as well as biochemistry.
Medical
An intravenous transfusion of sodium acetate is recommended for electrolyte replenishment. This occurs frequently with patients undergoing dialysis. Hyponatremic patients are often given sodium acetate to stabilize falling sodium levels. Reusable heating pads and hand warmers rely on a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate and water surrounding a metal disc.
Textile
Aniline dyes, derived from coal tar extracts, are often paired with sodium acetate during the textile dyeing process. Sodium acetate also acts as a photoresist, or light-sensitive material, that stimulates patterned coating in photoengraving and photolithography.
Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products such as sodium acetate stocked in its 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerine (C3H5(OH)3) is an incredibly versatile ingredient that fills a role in almost every industry. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem stocks this clear, sweet-tasting, odorless, and viscous liquid for industries ranging from foods and beverages to dynamite and biodiesel.
With a name derived from the Greek word glukeros (sweet), it is no wonder vegetable glycerin is often added to items we consume. But where does this important ingredient originate? Vegetable glycerin’s main components include coconut, palm, and soybean oil. When any of these oils are heated with a strong base, such as lye, the glycerin breaks its bonds with the fatty acids forming triglycerides. Vegetable fat then mixes with water to form glycerin. And a water-soluble vegetable fat has hundreds of clever uses. Take a look at some of the industries vegetable glycerin is utilized in:
Cosmetics
The creamy feel of lotions, makeup, and deodorants is often because vegetable glycerin is an ingredient.
Foods and Beverages
Ice cream left too long in the freezer forms ice crystals. Add glycerol while processing frozen foods and your foods will last longer. Vegetable glycerin acts as a humectant, solvent, sweetener, and thickener to canned foods, bakery goods, processed fruits, and energy bars.
Health and Wellness
Glycerin is touted as being a moisturizer for overly dry skin. It also is said to give skin more resiliency. For skin, glycerin has been proven to soothe irritation and is often applied to the skin to protect against natural elements, such as wind and bitter cold, as an aid in wound healing and discomfort, and as a barrier against topical microbial infection.
Industrial
When partnered with sulfuric acid and nitric acid, glycerin becomes nitroglycerin, the liquid portion of dynamite. On a lighter note, candles and soaps also contain vegetable glycerin.
Pharmaceuticals
Vegetable glycerin is often an ingredient in stool softeners and other constipation aids since it eases the passage of foods through the digestive system. Added to cough syrups, the viscous fluid coats irritated passages with a sweet flavor. In toothpaste, vegetable glycerin prevents toothpaste from hardening inside the container and has been approved by the FDA as an anti-cavity drug.
Bell Chem is a food and ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in its 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.