Product Dose

Uses of Copper Compounds: Table A - Uses of Copper Sulphate

Classification Applications
Agriculture  
Major uses Preparation of Bordeaux and Burgundy mixtures for use as fungicides
  Manufacture of other copper fungicides such as copper-lime dust, tribasic
  copper sulphate, copper carbonate and cuprous oxide
  Manufacture of insecticides such as copper arsenite and Paris green
  Control of fungus diseases (see below)
  Correction of copper deficiency in soils
  Correction of copper deficiency in animals
  Growth stimulant for fattening pigs and broiler chickens
  Molluscicide for the destruction of slugs and snails, particularly the snail host of the liver fluke
Other uses Seed dressing
  Soil steriliser, e.g. Cheshunt compound (a mixture of copper sulphate and ammonium carbonate) to prevent "damping-off" disease of tomato, etc.
  Control and prevention of foot rot in sheep and cattle
  Bacteriastat for addition to sheep dips
  Disinfectant in prevention of the spread of swine erysepelas and white scours in calves
  Control of scum in farm ponds
  Plant nutrient in rice fields
  Preservative for wooden posts, wooden buildings, etc.
  Preservative for wooden fruit boxes, planting baskets and other containers
  Ingredient of vermin repellents, e.g. for application to bark of trees against rabbits
  Stimulant of latex yield on rubber plantations
  Protection against algal growths on flower pots
Public Health and Medicine  
  Destruction of algal blooms in reservoirs and swimming pools
  Prevention of the spread of athletes foot in warm climates, by incorporation in the flooring mixture of swimming baths
  Control of bilharzia in tropical countries, as a molluscicide
  Prevention of malaria, in the preparation of Paris green for use against mosquito larvae
  Antiseptic and germicide against fungus infections
  Catalyst or raw material for the preparation of copper catalysts used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products
Industry  
Adhesives Preservative in casein and other glues
  Additive to bookbinding pastes and glues, for insecticidal purposes
  Additive to animal and silicate glues to give water resistance
Building Timber preservative and in the preparation of other wood preservatives, e.g. oil based copper naphthenates and water based copper/chrome/arsenic for the
  prevention of woodworms and wood rots
  Ingredient of plaster to prevent fungus infection, e.g. to prevent the spread of dry rot
  Ingredient of concrete, both as a colouring matter and as an antiseptic, e.g. for use in and around swimming pools
  Modification of the setting of concrete
  Protection against lichens, moulds and similar growths on asbestos cement roofing and other building materials
  Control of the growth of tree roots in sewers
Chemical Preparation of catalysts for use in many industries
  Purification of gases, e.g. removal of hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulphide
  Precipitation promoter in purifying zinc sulphate solutions
  Precipitation of alkaloids as double salts from crude extracts
  Source of other copper compounds such as copper carbonate silicate/arsenite/
  aceto-arsenite/resinate/stearate/tartrate/oleate naphthenate/chromate/chlorate
  /alginate/fluoride/hydroxide, cuprous oxide/chloride/cyanide and
  cuprammonium compounds
 Decorative trades  Colouring glass
   Colouring cement and plaster
   Colouring ceramic wares
   Alteration of metal colours, e.g. darkening of zinc, colouring aluminium
 Dyestuffs  Reagent in the preparation of dyestuffs intermediates
   Catalyst or raw material for the preparation of copper catalysts, e.g. preparation of phenols from diazo compounds, preparation of phthalocyanine dyes
 Leather and  Mordant in dyeing
   Reagent in tanning processes
 Metal and  Electrolyte in copper refining
 electrical  Electrolyte in copper plating and electro forming
   Electrolytic manufacture of cuprous compounds, e.g. cuprous oxide
   Constituent of the electrodes and electrolytes in batteries
   Electrolyte in the manufacture of copper powder
   Electrolyte in aluminium plating and anodising
   Copper coating steel wire, prior to wire drawing
   Pickling copper wire, etc., prior to enamelling
   Providing a suitable surface for marking out iron and steel
 Mining  Flotation reagent in the concentration of ores, e.g. zinc blende
 Paint  Raw material for the manufacture of copper naphthenate and other copper compounds for use in anti-fouling paints
   Preparation of certain varnish or paint dryers, e.g. copper oleate, copper stearate
   Preparation of certain pigments, e.g. copper chromate, copper ferrocyanide, copper phthalocyanine
 Printing  Etching agent for process engraving
   Electrolyte in the preparation of electrotype
   Ingredient of printing inks
 Synthetic rubber  Preparation of catalysts used in cracking certain gaseous and liquid petroleum
 and petroleum  Fractions
   Preparation of cuprous chloride, used in the purification of butadiene and in the separation of acetylene derivatives
   Preparation of catalysts used in chlorinating rubber latex
   Purification of petroleum oils
 Textiles  Preparation of copper compounds for rot-proofing canvas and other fabrics
   Rot-proofing sandbags
   Mordant, especially in calico printing
   Cuprammonium process for the production of rayon
   Production of aniline black and diazo colours for dyeing
   "After coppering" to increase the fastness of dyes
   Catalyst in the manufacture of cellulose ethers and in cellulose acetylation
 Miscellaneous  Improving the burning qualities of coke
   Laboratory analytical work
   Ingredient of laundry marking ink
   Dyeing of hair and horn
   Ingredient of hair dyes of the phenylene diamine or pyrogallol type
   Preparation of chlorophyll as a colouring material for food stuffs
   Imparting a green colour in fireworks
   Activator in the preparation of active carbons
   Preservative for wood pulp
   Preservation of fishing nets and hides on trawls
   Obtaining a blue-black finish on steel
   Treatment of carbon brushes
   Ingredient of the solution used for preserving plant specimens in their natural colours
  Impregnation in fruit wrapping papers to prevent storage rots

With the help of their experienced quality indian suppliers professionals, they have been able to offer Copper/Cupric Sulphate, Copper Sulphate Crystal, Copper in various ranges and models.

 

There are many applications of Copper Sulfate.

Copper Sulfate for Algae Control

Let Your Lake or Pond Shine by Using Copper Sulfate to Kill Algae

LAKES, POTABLE WATER RESERVOIRS, PONDS (Golf, Farm, Fish and Fire), FISH HATCHERIES, AND CROP AND NON-CROP IRRIGATION CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS, DITCHES, CANALS AND LATERALS: Copper Sulfate kills filamentous and planktonic algae in water.

 

Apply at a rate of 3 to 6 pounds per acre foot of water (0.27 ppm to 0.54 ppm copper in the treated water). Apply as a uniform surface spray dissolved in at least 3 to 5 gallons of water using boat, plane or other pressurized spray device. Apply twice yearly or as needed. Determine the number of acre feet of water to be treated.

 

An acre foot of water is equal to one acre of water one foot deep which equals 328,000 gallons or 2,720,000 pounds.  An acre foot can also be defined as an area of water 660 feet X 66 feet X 1 foot depth.

 

How to Apply: Copper Sulfate can be applied to impounded water by the following methods:

 

1. Application by Dragging Under Water: By placing Copper Sulfate in a burlap or finer mesh bag, apply by dragging the bag attached to a boat or float so that bags are suspended in the top foot of water until the crystals are dissolved. Drag the bag of copper sulfate first near the shoreline and continue outward by moving as the boat travels in parallel lines about 20 to 100 feet apart until area has been treated or until 1/3to 1/2 of the surface area has been treated. Continue dragging bag over treated area until the required minimum dose is applied and all copper sulfate is dissolved. Determine the quantity of copper sulfate needed to treat the problem area following directions and precautions on the label.

 

2. Application by Spraying Solution on Water Surface: Dissolve the minimum required dose of  Copper Sulfate in water and spray the solution uniformly over the body of water. When spraying a solution of copper sulfate, mix copper sulfate in sufficient water to thoroughly spray the water surface. While the volume per surface acre depends on the type of spray equipment being used, spray volume should be approximately 20 to 500 or more gallons per acre of surface water. Several types of solutions and spraying equipment may be used. Observe previous cautions on the effect of copper sulfate solution on various metals in spraying containers.

 

3. Application by Slug Method: Make a dump of Copper Sulfate into the irrigation ditch or lateral at ¼ to 2 pounds per second of water per treatment. Repeat about every 2 weeks as needed. A dump is usually necessary every 5 to 30 miles depending on water hardness, alkalinity, and algae concentration. Copper Sulfate becomes less effective as the bicarbonate alkalinity increases. Its effectiveness is significantly reduced when the bicarbonate alkalinity exceeds about 150 ppm as calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

 

4. Application by Broadcasting: Dry Copper Sulfate can be broadcast on the water surface using a properly equipped boat. An air blower can be used to discharge these crystals at a specific rate over the surface of the water. When using this method, the wind direction is an important factor. Do not use this method unless completely familiar with this type of application.

 

5. Application by Spraying from Airplanes and Helicopters: Professional personnel licensed by the State Agricultural Extension Service are allowed to apply dry Copper Sulfate in some states. Rate may not exceed 6 pounds per acre foot of water.

 

6. Application by Injection in Water: A solution can be made with Copper Sulfate that can be injected in the water via a piping system.

 

CROP AND NON-CROP IRRIGATION CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS, DITCHES, CANALS AND LATERALS: Copper Sulfate Crystals control the Potamogeton pondweeds, leafy and sago.

 

How to Apply: Copper Sulfate can be applied to irrigation conveyance systems by the following methods:

 

1. Continuous Application Method: Using a continuous feeder, apply 1.6 to 2.4 pounds per cubic foot per second per day. These rates will produce 0.074 to 0.11 ppm copper in the treated water.

Note: For best control of leafy and sago pondweed, it is essential to begin copper sulfate additions when water is first turned into the system or ditch to be treated and continue throughout the irrigation season. Copper sulfate becomes less effective as the bicarbonate alkalinity increases. Its effectiveness is significantly reduced when the bicarbonate alkalinity exceeds about 150 ppm as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Should copper sulfate fail to control pondweeds satisfactorily, it may be necessary to either treat the ditch with a suitable approved herbicide or use mechanical means to remove excess growth. In either case, resume copper sulfate addition as soon as possible.

 

CONTROL OF ALGAE AND BACTERIAL ODOR IN WATERSCAPES, DECORATIVE POOLS, AND FOUNTAINS (Except California):

 

Apply in the spring or early summer when algae and bacteria first appear. The dosages are variable and depend upon algae/bacteria species, water hardness, water temperature, amount of algae and bacteria present as well as whether the water is clear, turbid, flowing or static. Preferably, the water should be clear with temperatures above 60º F. Higher dosages are required at lower water temperatures, higher algae and bacteria concentrations and for hard waters. For each 7,500 gals. of water, dissolve ¼ lb. Copper Sulfate  in one gallon of water. Pour the solution into the water to be treated. Several application points speed up dispersal. Static water requires less chemical than does flowing water. If uncertain about the dosage, begin with a lower does and increase until control is achieved or until the maximum allowable level of copper has been reached.

 

CONTROL OF ALGAE AND BACTERIAL ODOR IN SWIMMING POOLS (Except California):

 

Apply 1 to 2 lbs. of Copper Sulfate Crystal per 60,000 gals. (8,000 cu. ft.) of water. This will result in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of dissolved copper. Dissolve the required amount of copper sulfate in a plastic container and pour the solution into the pool. Use the higher rate where visible algae are present. For maintenance dosages, use the lower rate. Repeat the lower rate to control the recurrence of algae and avoid the buildup of copper. Copper Sulfate may be used to help control pool odors and algae during the winter months. Apply the higher rate while the pool is not being used during the winter. Treated pool effluent should not be discharged where it will drain into lakes, streams, ponds, or public water.

 

CALCULATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT OF WATER IMPOUNDED AND FOR THE AMOUNT OF COPPER SULFATE TO BE USED IN IMPOUNDED AND FLOWING WATER

 

Calculate water volume as follows:

1. Obtain surface area by measuring regular shaped ponds or mapping of irregular ponds or by reference to previously recorded engineering data or maps.

2. Calculate average depth by sounding in a regular pattern and taking the mean of these readings or by reference to previously obtained data.

3. Multiply surface area in feet by average depth in feet to obtain cubic feet of water volume.

4. Multiply surface area in acres by average depth in feet to obtain total acre-feet of water volume.

 

Calculate weight of water to be treated as follows:

 

1. Multiply the volume in cubic feet by 62.44 to obtain total pounds of water, or

 

2. Multiply the volume in acre feet by 2,720,000 to obtain pounds of water

Calculations of active ingredient to be added:

 

To calculate the amount of Copper Sulfate needed to achieve the recommended concentration

 

Multiply the weight of water by the recommended concentration of Copper Sulfate. Since recommended concentrations are normally given in parts per million (ppm), it will first be necessary to convert the value in parts per million to a decimal equivalent. For example, 2 ppm is the same as 0.000002 when used in this calculation. Therefore, to calculate the amount of Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate to treat 1 acre-foot of water with 2 ppm Copper Sulfate, the calculation would be as follows: 0.000002 x 2,720,000 = 5.44 lbs. Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate.

 

Calculation of water flow in ditches, streams, and irrigation systems:

The amount of water flow in cubic feet per second is found by means of a weir or other measuring device.

 

NOTE: If treated water is to be used as potable water (after further treatment), the residual metallic copper content must not exceed 1.0 ppm (4 ppm copper sulfate pentahydrate).

 

Eliminating Roots Using Cupric Sulfate

Guaranteed Satisfaction

 

To control root growth in Commercial, Institutional, and Municipal Sewers use as follows:

 

 

 

SEWERS: Use 2 pounds of Cupric Sulfate every 6 to 12 months, applied into each junction or terminal manhole as a preventative measure. Add copper sulfate during periods of reduced flow; however, some flow is essential. If reduced flow due to root masses is observed, but flow has not completely stopped, add the copper sulfate in the next manhole above the reduced flow area. If completely blocked, use a rod to penetrate the mass so some flow begins before treatment.

 

 

 

STORM DRAINS: Use 2 pounds of Cupric Sulfate per drain per year. Apply during a period of light water flow. In dry weather, introduce a flow with a hose. If storm drains become almost plugged, repeat treatment 3 or 4 times at 2-week intervals.

 

 

 

SEWER PUMPS AND FORCE MAINS: Place 2 pounds of Cupric Sulfate in a cloth bag at the storage well inlet. Repeat as needed.

 

 

 

To control root growth in Residential or Household Sewer Systems use as follows:

 

 

 

Make treatment when the reduced flow rate thought to be caused by root growth is first noticed. Do not delay until stoppage has occurred because some flow is needed to move copper sulfate to root growth. When roots accumulate sufficient copper sulfate to cause death, root decay will begin and flow rate should increase in 3 to 4 weeks. Since copper sulfate treatment usually kills only those roots in the pipe, roots will regrow, requiring follow-up treatments. Generally make a treatment in the spring after plants begin to grow, with a second treatment during late summer or early fall each year, and/or any time when reduced flow possibly caused by root growth is noted.

 

 

 

HOW TO USE COPPER SULFATE CRYSTALS:

 

 

 

In household sewers use 2 to 6 pounds of crystals twice yearly. Add Copper Sulfate to sewer line by pouring about ½ pound into the toilet bowl nearest to the sewer line and flush, repeating process until recommended dose has been added, or remove cleanout plug and pour entire recommended quantity directly into the sewer line, replacing plug and flush toilet several times. Do not attempt to flush Briquette size down the toilet as blockage may result.

 

If system is equipped with a septic tank, copper sulfate will be precipitated in the septic tank and little will pass into the absorption drain field. To treat drain field pipes, add 2 to 6 pounds of Copper Sulfate to distribution box located between the septic tank and the drain field. If distribution box does not have an opening, it would be advisable to install a cleanout plug opening into the outlet pipe from the septic tank leading to the drain field for effective root control in the drain field pipes.

 

 

 

NOTE: Do not apply Copper Sulfate through sink or tub drains as it will corrode those metal drains.

 

 

 

NOTE: Laboratory studies have shown that copper sulfate added to an active 300 gallon septic tank at 2, 4 and 6 pounds per treatment temporarily reduced bacterial action, but it returned to normal 15 days after treatment. Trees and shrubbery growing near a treated line normally will have only a small portion of their roots in contact with the copper sulfate that primarily kills only those roots inside the pipe, thus not affecting the growing plants.

 

 

 

State law prohibits the use of copper sulfate in sewage systems in the State of Connecticut and in the following counties of California:

 

 

 

 Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma

Uses of Copper Compounds: Other Copper Compounds

 

Copper Acetates

Basic copper acetate (verdigris) was at one time made in France by interleaving copper metal sheets with fermented grape skins and dregs left after wine manufacture. After some time when the copper sheets had become coated with verdigris they were removed, exposed to the air for a few days and then replaced. This process was repeated until the whole sheet had become corroded. The resulting product was known as blue verdigris and was used as a fungicide at 1 kg basic copper acetate in 500 litres water.

Present manufacture is based on the action of acetic acid on copper metal, copper oxide or copper carbonate. They can also be prepared by treating a copper sulphate solution with lead acetate. Copper acetates are used as an intermediate in the manufacture of Paris green (cupric aceto-arsenite); as a catalyst in a number of organic reactions including rubber aging; as a chemical in textile dyeing; and as a pigment for ceramics. Copper acetates have also been used for impregnating kraft paper to produce an anti-tarnish wrapping paper for high grade silver ware.

Cuprous Oxide

Can be produced either electrolytically from copper or by the action of alkaline reducing agents on copper sulphate solutions. Formulated proprietary brands of cuprous oxide are extensively employed as fungicides and seed dressings. Another important application is in anti-fouling paints. Other uses include the colouring of porcelain and glass.

Cupric Oxide (black copper oxide)

Can be produced either by adding caustic soda to hot copper sulphate solutions or by treating copper scale with nitric acid and heating to redness. Cupric oxide is used in the ceramic industry for imparting blue, green or red tints in glasses, glazes and enamels. It is occasionally employed for incorporation in mineral supplements for insuring against an insufficiency of copper in the diet of animals. Among its other uses is the preparation of cuprammonium hydroxide solutions for the rayon industry.

Cupric Chloride

Obtained either by dissolving cupric oxide in hydrochloric acid or by the action of chlorine on copper. Its principal use is in the petroleum industry for sweetening (catalytic oxidation of the mercaptans) and as an ingredient of catalysts for other chemical processes. It is also used as a mordant in calico printing and dyeing.

Copper Oxychloride

Is a basic copper chloride and is usually manufactured either by the action of hydrochloric acid on copper metal or by the air oxidation of cuprous chloride suspensions. It has a number of applications, by far the most important being as an agricultural fungicide for which purpose it is extensively employed in formulated form as dusts, wettable powders and pastes.

Cuprous Chloride

Prepared either by heating a solution of cupric chloride with copper turnings or by the action of a reducing agent, such as sulphur dioxide, on a mixture of common salt and copper sulphate solution. The petroleum industry uses cuprous chloride in their "oil sweetening" process. Ammoniacal solutions of cuprous chloride are employed for the absorption of any carbon monoxide which may be present in a gas as an impurity.

Cupric Nitrate

Produced either by dissolving copper carbonate in nitric acid or direct from copper and nitric acid. It has a number of small uses, such as in ceramics, in dyeing as a mordant, in fireworks and in photography.

Copper Cyanide

Manufactured from sodium cyanide and copper sulphate. It is mainly used for copper electroplating.

Copper Soaps

Usually made by the interactlon of the corresponding soap with copper sulphate solution. Small quantities of these, such as copper stearate, copper oleate and copper abietate (from resins), are employed mainly for rot-proofing textiles, ropes, etc. They are also used in paints as they are soluble in oils, white spirits, etc.

Copper Naphthenate

Usually manufactured either from copper sulphate and naphthenic acid in combination with an alkali or by heating naphthenic acid and copper oxide. It is widely used as an oil-based wood preservative and as a rot-proofing agent.

Anhydrous and Monohydrated Copper Sulphate

Obtained by heating copper sulphate pentahydrate when four molecules water of crystallization are removed the product becomes copper sulphate monohydrate which is green in colour. At a higher temperature all the water of crystallization is removed and anhydrous copper sulphate is the white powder which results. They can also be obtained by crystallization from copper sulphate pentahydrate in boiling sulphuric acid. The main applications are in the production of proprietary wood preservatives and agricultural fungicides as well as for the production of a number of copper compounds. Sometimes they are utilised to detect the presence of moisture.

 

 

Metal Etching Using Copper Sulfate

Guaranteed Precision

The Improved Copper Sulfate Metal Etching Solution - Add Water

We continue to offer pure Copper Sulfate Crystals at wholesale prices for use in metal etching.

The improved Copper Sulfate Metal Etching product with an added catalyst  to enhance  performance, sharpen etching detail and extend the working life of the solution.Copper Sulfate is in stock and available for purchase on our Product Ordering page.

HOW Copper Sulfate WORKS for Etching: 
Research and experimentation has led to a better solution for those who use straight copper sulfate for a metal etching solution. The traditional (non-copper sulfate) etching process uses harmful acids which release toxic vapors and require special handleing and practices. The use of a copper sulfate solution for etching has always been safer than the alternative and copper sulfate use for metal etching is steadily growing.. however, RXSOL Copper Sulfate provides what many feel are practical improvements over using plain copper sulfate in a metal etching solution. A saturated solution of plain copper sulfate crystals is an excellent mordant for zinc, aluminum, copper, brass and mild steel, but due to lack of a catalyst, etching is somewhat slow and the solution becomes exhausted quickly. The use of RXSOL Copper Sulfate instead of plain copper sulfate enhances the electrolytic eroding potential of copper sulfate to be harnessed more fully. We offer this outstanding alternative solution, RXSOL Copper Sulfate, pre-mixed and measured - Just add water!

The RXSOL Copper Sulfate solution activates the etch by diminishing the bond with water. Our RXSOL Copper Sulfate for etching zinc, aluminum, copper, brass and mild steel is about three times more active than a straight copper sulfate solution; it also produces a very crisp etch. During biting a coppery sediment of metal hydroxides and oxides floats to the surface, thus keeping the bitten work from clogging up. Etching can also be aided by occasionally brushing the plate surface with a soft brush; delicate marks, such as a spray aquatint or soft ground should, however, be etched without brushing. RXSOL Copper Sulfate works more effectively if floating solids are regularly skimmed off with a brush or strainer and removed from the bath. This keeps the solution from turning alkaline and extends its usable life. 

 MATERIALS

 

Products and Equipment needed to improve your etching experience:

  • RXSOL Copper Sulfate

  • supply of hot water

  • heavy-duty gloves

  • safety goggles

  • dust mask

  • wooden stick or stiff plastic brush for mixing

  • bucket

  • etching tray
     

 METHOD

Mix Copper Sulfate as follows. (This example is for 4 pounds of RXSOL Copper Sulfate.)

As always put on gloves, dust mask, and safety goggles when handling even the safest of chemicals.

  1. Place RXSOL Copper Sulfate powder into a bucket or straight into the chosen etching tray.

  2. Add 1 gallon of hot water and stir with a wooden stick or a stiff brush. The solution turns into a green sludge.

  3. Then add 1 gallon of warm water stirring continuously. Most of the crystals should dissolve within 5 to 10 minutes of mixing, producing a dark green liquid.

 

 

Copper Sulfate Foot Bath for Livestock

 

Copper Sulfate for Foot Bath & Treatment of Foot Rot in Sheep & Cattle

For Foot Bath, Copper Sulfate can be used in a 5% to 10% solution (by weight) with immersion 3 or 4 times per week or for a period of time as prescribed by your veterinarian. The Copper Sulfate foot bath solution should be changed every 150 to 200 cows depending on the concentration of copper sulfate, use of a pre-bath, and comtamination of the bath.  Determine the volume of the hoof bath and calculate the amount of Copper Sulfate carefully.  Do not use more Copper Sulfate than is recommended by your veterinarian.  By placing a clean water bath in front of the treatment bath, the animals will clean their hoofs to some extent and keep the hoof bath effective for a longer period of time.  If your veterinarian recommends hoof bath, use as an aid in the treatment of foot rot in cattle.  Hoof baths should only be part of an overall program that includes proper nutrition, regular hoof trimming, and hoof injury prevention.  Keep animals out of wet, muddy or stony areas where hoofs can soften and be injured.

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