Potassium Bicarbonate

Brief Overview

Potassium Bicarbonate also known as potassium hydrogen carbonate or potassium acid carbonate, is a white crystalline, slightly alkaline, and salty substance. It is registered in the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a safe and suitable for OTC antacids. The food additive label (E number) of potassium bicarbonate is E501 which acts as an acidity regulator.

Manufacturing Process

Potassium Bicarbonate E501 is produced by reacting potassium carbonate with carbon dioxide, then recrystallizing it. All equipment used from production to packaging is dedicated solely to potassium bicarbonate. Pure potassium carbonate itself is produced from potassium hydroxide.

Agriculture Industry

Potassium bicarbonate is used to produce potassium carbonate and potassium acetate which is used in agriculture, especially for neutralizing acidic soil. It is also under consideration as an organic fungicide.

Chemicals

Potassium bicarbonate is used as a common analytical reagent in the chemicals industry

Food Industry

Potassium bicarbonate is used in foods as a leavening agent, pH control agent, and a nutrient supplement (e.g. infant formulations). It is also used as a foaming and fizzing agent in beverages and serves as a color preservative in foods.

Other Applications

Additional applications are found in the production of fire extinguishing products as a fire suppression agent and used in the ceramics and glass industry.