Siliphos is a brand name for a specific product, while polyphosphate is the general name for the family of chemicals it belongs to.

Think of it like the difference between "Kleenex" and "facial tissue." One is a specific brand, the other is the general category.

Polyphosphate (The General Chemical)

What it is: Polyphosphates are a class of water-soluble chemicals made by linking multiple phosphate units (PO₄) together in a chain. They are widely used for water treatment, especially for controlling scale and corrosion.

How it Works:

Scale Inhibition: Polyphosphates work by sequestering (tying up) calcium and magnesium ions in the water. This prevents them from crystallizing and forming hard limescale (calcium carbonate) on pipes, boilers, and appliances. They don't remove the hardness; they keep it in solution.

Corrosion Inhibition: They form a very thin, protective film on the inner surface of metal pipes (like iron and copper), which acts as a barrier against corrosive elements in the water, like oxygen.

Common Uses: Used in municipal water systems, industrial cooling towers, commercial boilers, and residential applications to protect plumbing and appliances.

Siliphos (The Brand Name Product)

What it is: Siliphos is a registered trademark for a specific water treatment media produced by a German company. It is the most well-known brand of this type of product.

Its Composition: Siliphos is not just a pure polyphosphate. It is a specific glass-like polymer of sodium silicate and polyphosphate. The "sili" in the name comes from the silicate component.

How it Works (The Synergy): Siliphos combines the benefits of both polyphosphates and silicates:

Polyphosphate Component: Does the scale and corrosion inhibition as described above.

Silicate Component: Enhances the corrosion protection, particularly for ferrous metals (iron, steel). Silicates form a tougher, more resilient protective layer.

Because of this synergistic effect, Siliphos is often marketed as a superior product for corrosion control, especially in systems with mixed metals.

Siliphos is a specific, brand-name polyphosphate water treatment product that contains silicates to enhance its performance, particularly in corrosion prevention.
It is important to note that both polyphosphate and Siliphos do not remove hardness minerals like traditional ion-exchange water softeners do. Instead, they condition the water to prevent the negative effects of hard water.
When used at the correct dosage, these systems are certified for use in drinking water. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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