Oxalic Acid Manufacturing Plant Project Report: Key Insights and Outline

Oxalic Acid Manufacturing Plant Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound widely used as a cleaning and bleaching agent, particularly effective for removing rust, stains, and mineral deposits from metals, wood, stone, and fabrics due to its ability to form soluble complexes with ferric iron. Approximately 25% of its production is used as a mordant in dyeing processes, while industrially, it is employed in textile bleaching, paper pulp whitening, and metal cleaning.

It also finds specialized uses in photographic film development, wastewater treatment to remove calcium deposits, and as a miticide in beekeeping. Additionally, oxalic acid is utilized in semiconductor manufacturing and mineral processing.
 

Top Manufacturers of Oxalic Acid

• Oxaquim S.A.
• UBE Corporation
• Clariant AG
• STAROXOCHEM Pvt Ltd.
• Honeywell International Inc.
   

Feedstock for Oxalic Acid

The direct raw materials utilized in the production process of oxalic acid are glucose and nitric acid. Glucose is primarily derived from corn and wheat. Fluctuations in the prices of these crops due to weather, supply-demand imbalances, or geopolitical tensions directly impact glucose production costs and market prices.

Growth in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors increases demand for glucose. Extreme weather conditions affecting major crop-producing regions disrupt the supply of raw materials, impacting both availability and price.

In the production process, nitric acid is also incorporated as a major raw material. The primary raw materials for nitric acid production are ammonia and natural gas. Fluctuations in the prices and availability of these feedstocks, especially ammonia, directly impact nitric acid pricing. Nitric acid manufacturing is energy-intensive. Rising energy costs (heat and electricity) significantly affect production expenses, which are then reflected in market prices.

Labor and maintenance costs, as well as the expenses associated with catalysts (such as platinum and rhodium), also contribute to overall production costs. Seasonal and regional demand, particularly from the fertilizer, explosives, and chemical sectors, contributes to price volatility. For instance, agricultural demand is sensitive to weather patterns and planting seasons.
 

Market Drivers for Oxalic Acid

The market demand for oxalic acid is driven by its application as a precursor in the synthesis of antibiotics and other medicinal compounds, which elevates its demand in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Its utilization in the metal cleaning and surface treatment industries, due to its strong chelating properties, which are effective in removing rust and scale from metal surfaces, boosts its market growth in the metal industry.

Its usage for bleaching, stain removal, and fabric brightening fuels its market expansion in the textile industry. Its function in water treatment, specifically in removing calcium and other impurities, increases its adoption in advanced water treatment solutions and contributes to environmental sustainability efforts.

The growing trend toward using oxalic acid in eco-friendly cleaning solutions and green technologies, driven by environmental awareness and regulatory pressures, drives its demand. Its role in biodegradable formulations and renewable feedstock processes contributes to its market demand.

Rising concerns over surgical site infections and the need for effective sanitizing agents in healthcare settings increase the demand for oxalic acid-based cleaning and disinfecting products. Research into battery recycling and energy storage, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, opens new opportunities for oxalic acid in extracting valuable metals and in renewable energy applications.

The availability and cost of raw materials, such as calcium carbonate, sodium formate, nitric acid, and sugar, directly affect production costs and, consequently, industrial oxalic acid procurement. Regulations governing the use, storage, and disposal of oxalic acid, as well as trade tariffs and restrictions, impact procurement by affecting supply chain costs and compliance requirements.

The capital expenditure (CAPEX) for an oxalic acid manufacturing plant includes a wide range of costs necessary to establish and commission the facility. Key factors include land and site development, civil construction, and the procurement and installation of process and auxiliary equipment (such as synthesis reactors, dehydrogenation reactors, calcination reactors, and filtering devices).

Additional components include costs for utilities and infrastructure, plant layout and design, environmental and safety compliance, packaging and storage facilities, as well as transportation infrastructure. CAPEX also covers engineering and consulting fees, contingency reserves, initial raw material inventory, and working capital.

The operating expenditure (OPEX) for oxalic acid production encompasses all recurring costs required to operate the manufacturing plant. Major components include the cost of raw materials (such as sugar, glucose, and nitric acid), utilities (water, electricity, and steam), wages and salaries for both skilled and unskilled labor, maintenance and repair of equipment, packaging materials, transportation, administrative expenses, and overhead.

Additional expenses include insurance, depreciation, interest on working capital, and miscellaneous costs related to plant operations. These fixed and variable costs collectively determine the total operating expenses (OPEX), which impacts the overall profitability and pricing strategy for oxalic acid production.
 

Manufacturing Process

This report comprises a thorough value chain evaluation for Oxalic Acid manufacturing and consists of an in-depth production cost analysis revolving around industrial Oxalic Acid manufacturing.

• Production via oxidation: The feedstock required for the industrial manufacturing process consists of glucose and nitric acid.

The manufacturing process of oxalic acid involves the oxidation of carbohydrates, such as glucose or sucrose, using concentrated nitric acid. The process occurs in the presence of sulfuric acid to improve yield and reaction control.

The process is carried out at a controlled temperature range of 145-160 degree Fahrenheit (63-71 degree Celsius), with the carbohydrate maintained in excess relative to nitric acid to favor oxalic acid formation. Under these conditions, nitric acid breaks down the sugar molecules into smaller dicarboxylic acids, primarily oxalic acid, which is then separated from the reaction mixture.
 

Properties of Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid, also called ethanedioic acid or oxiric acid, is an organic compound featuring a two-carbon backbone with two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH). It occurs naturally in many plants, such as spinach, rhubarb, and various leafy greens. The molecular formula for oxalic acid is H2C2O4, and its molecular weight is 90.03 g/mol. Under standard conditions, oxalic acid appears as a white crystalline solid.

It has a melting point of 365 degree Celsius (689 degree Fahrenheit) and a similar boiling point at standard pressure. Oxalic acid is highly soluble in water at room temperature, with a solubility of 10 g per 100 mL of water. Its density is 1.9 g/cm³, and it is classified as a strong acid, exhibiting a pH of around 1.25.

Oxalic Acid Manufacturing Plant Report provides you with a detailed assessment of capital investment costs (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX), generally measured as cost per metric ton (USD/MT). This approach ensures that your investment decisions are aligned with the latest industry standards and economic feasibility metrics, enhancing your manufacturing efficiency and financial planning.

Apart from that, this Oxalic Acid manufacturing plant report also covers the leading technology providers that help you plan a robust plan of action related to Oxalic Acid manufacturing plant and its production process, and also by helping you with an in-depth supplier database.

This report provides exclusive insights into the best manufacturing practices for Oxalic Acid and technology implementation costs. This report also covers operational cash flow, fixed and variable costs, and detailed break-even point analysis, ensuring that your manufacturing process is not only efficient but also economically viable in the competitive market landscape.

In addition to operational insights, the Oxalic Acid manufacturing plant report also comprehensively focuses on lifecycle cost analysis, maintenance costs, and energy consumption costs, which are critical for maintaining long-term sustainability and profitability. Our manufacturing cost analysis extends to include regulatory compliance costs, inventory holding costs, and logistics and distribution costs, providing a holistic view of the potential expenses and savings.

We at Procurement Resource ensure that this report is not only cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with the latest technological advancements but also that you are equipped with all necessary tools to optimize supply chain operations, manage risks effectively, and achieve superior market positioning for Oxalic Acid.
 

Key Insights and Report Highlights

Key Questions Covered in our Oxalic Acid Manufacturing Plant Report

• How can the cost of producing Oxalic Acid be minimized, cash costs reduced, and manufacturing expenses managed efficiently to maximize overall efficiency?
• What are the initial investment and capital expenditure requirements for setting up an Oxalic Acid manufacturing plant, and how do these investments affect economic feasibility and ROI?
• How do we select and integrate technology providers to optimize the production process of Oxalic Acid, and what are the associated implementation costs?
• How can operational cash flow be managed, and what strategies are recommended to balance fixed and variable costs during the operational phase of Oxalic Acid manufacturing?
• How do market price fluctuations impact the profitability and cost per metric ton (USD/MT) for Oxalic Acid, and what pricing strategy adjustments are necessary?
• What are the lifecycle costs and break-even points for Oxalic Acid manufacturing, and which production efficiency metrics are critical for success?
• What strategies are in place to optimize the supply chain and manage inventory, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing energy consumption costs?
• How can labor efficiency be optimized, and what measures are in place to enhance quality control and minimize material waste?
• What are the logistics and distribution costs, what financial and environmental risks are associated with entering new markets, and how can these be mitigated?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with technology upgrades, modernization, and protecting intellectual property in Oxalic Acid manufacturing?
• What types of insurance are required, and what are the comprehensive risk mitigation costs for Oxalic Acid manufacturing?