How to Mitigate Nitric Acid Supply Chain Interruptions

Brief: Nitric acid keeps countless manufacturing processes running, yet it’s also one of the most logistically challenging chemicals to keep moving through the supply chain.
Feedstock volatility, transportation hazards, and limited domestic capacity make uninterrupted supply a constant concern. This article explores why manufacturers face increasing nitric acid supply challenges and how Brainerd Chemical’s hybrid distribution infrastructure, safety expertise, and redundancy strategies protect operations from costly downtime.

The Cost of Downtime for Manufacturers

When nitric acid deliveries are delayed or interrupted, the true cost extends far beyond the price of the chemical itself. For many manufacturers, every hour of downtime ripples through production, labor, logistics, and customer relationships.

Downtime costs dwarf savings from short-term chemical price cuts. Unplanned supply shortages lead to idle equipment, underutilized staff, and missed shipment deadlines.

The financial hit is immediate, but the long-term effects are just as damaging. Repeated disruptions can undermine customer confidence, trigger contract penalties, and weaken vendor scores with key clients. In competitive supply chains, where on-time performance is a key differentiator, reliability is currency.

That’s why forward-thinking operations teams view nitric acid supply not just as a purchasing function—but as a strategic risk factor. A stable, well-supported supply partner helps protect uptime, safeguard quality, and maintain the delivery commitments that keep your business trusted and competitive.

Five Proven Strategies to Safeguard Your Nitric Acid Supply Chain

1. Build Redundancy into Your Supplier Network

Relying on a single producer or terminal creates vulnerability. Dual sourcing or partnering with suppliers that operate multiple facilities ensures business continuity if one region faces downtime.

2. Prioritize Regional Storage and Logistics Capabilities

Nitric acid transport requires dedicated stainless or aluminum equipment, certified drivers, and short transit times. Suppliers with regional tanks and rail connections minimize these variables and reduce delivery risk.

3. Verify Safety and Regulatory Credentials

Choose suppliers that adhere to responsible distribution and maintain robust EHS programs. Compliance is more than a box to check—it’s proof that your partner understands risk management at every level.

4. Stay Proactive with Market and Feedstock Intelligence

A good chemical partner helps you anticipate shifts in energy or ammonia pricing, letting you plan procurement more strategically.

5. Partner with Suppliers Who Offer Contingency Planning

From emergency shipments to alternative routes, your supplier should have a tested response plan in place before you need it.

How Brainerd Chemical Keeps Manufacturers Running

In today’s volatile chemical landscape, uninterrupted nitric acid supply is no accident—it’s engineered through experience, infrastructure, and partnership.

By combining decades of technical expertise with a nationwide logistics network, Brainerd Chemical Company helps manufacturers protect their operations, their teams, and their bottom line through a network designed for safe and resilience supply —not just production.

  • Nationwide Coverage: With strategically located facilities in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Illinois, Delaware, and North Carolina, Brainerd minimizes regional disruption risk.
  • Redundant Logistics: Integrated rail and truck fleets allow flexible, dependable delivery scheduling.
  • Safety Expertise: Every facility operates under strict Responsible Distribution and EHS standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe handling from tank to transfer point.
  • Customer Partnership: Brainerd’s team works directly with operations and procurement leaders to forecast demand, optimize delivery timing, and provide emergency supply when needed.

When the unexpected happens—whether a feedstock shortage or a transportation delay—Brainerd’s redundant infrastructure keeps production lines running and customers on schedule.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the nation’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, supporting industries from energy and agriculture to water treatment and manufacturing. We combine proven expertise with innovative packaging, logistics, and service solutions to help our partners achieve efficiency, safety, and long-term success.

5 Reasons Wastewater Plants Are Switching to Peracetic Acid

Brief: Brainerd Chemical Company is a trusted national leader in peracetic acid (PAA) supply, helping wastewater facilities meet tightening regulatory and sustainability demands with confidence. Through strategically located production sites, rigorous quality control, and responsive logistics, Brainerd ensures reliable, high-purity PAA delivery nationwide. Its technical experts provide hands-on guidance—from pilot testing to safety and compliance—making PAA adoption seamless, efficient, and future-ready for municipalities and industrial operators alike.

Across the U.S., wastewater treatment facilities are re-evaluating their disinfection methods in response to tighter regulatory limits, sustainability goals, and safety concerns. Peracetic acid (PAA) is rapidly emerging as a preferred solution—offering powerful microbial control, minimal by-products, and simplified operations compared to traditional chlorine-based systems. This article explores why so many municipalities and industrial plants are making the switch, how PAA supports permit compliance, and how Brainerd Chemical Company is leading the way with reliable supply, technical guidance, and unmatched expertise in PAA applications.

Regulatory Pressures Are Driving Change

Tightening effluent limits and stricter NPDES permit conditions have forced utilities to reconsider their legacy disinfectants. Traditional chlorination, while effective, often produces halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)—compounds that are increasingly restricted due to their toxicity and persistence in aquatic ecosystems.
PAA, by contrast, decomposes into oxygen, water, and acetic acid, leaving virtually no harmful residuals. This makes it easier for wastewater facilities to meet evolving discharge requirements and avoid DBP-related violations.
In many states, regulators now actively encourage utilities to evaluate non-chlorine disinfection methods. PAA’s strong oxidation potential and rapid microbial kill rate make it one of the most permit-friendly options available—particularly for plants facing low toxicity limits or sensitive receiving waters.

Simplified Operations and Reduced Chemical Handling Risks

Unlike chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite, PAA does not require specialized gas storage systems, de-chlorination chemicals, or complex feed controls.
Because it is a liquid, ready-to-use oxidant, PAA can be fed directly into existing contact chambers with minor infrastructure modifications. This simplicity translates into less operator exposure, lower capital investment, and fewer moving parts to maintain.
Facilities that transition from chlorine and sulfur dioxide systems also enjoy improved safety profiles, eliminating the hazards associated with toxic gas cylinders and leak detection systems.

Proven Performance and Flexibility Across Wastewater Types

PAA’s efficacy is well documented in both municipal and industrial wastewater systems. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial action effectively neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and spores—even in high-solids, low-clarity, or variable-pH environments.
PAA’s disinfection mechanism is based on oxidation; it remains effective over a wide range of organic loads and maintains residual power even when other disinfectants are inhibited by ammonia or nitrogen compounds.
In addition, the fast reaction kinetics of PAA mean that many facilities can achieve target log-reductions with shorter contact times, enabling higher throughput and better operational flexibility during peak flow events.

Lower Lifecycle Costs and Fewer Permit Headaches

Although the chemical cost per gallon of PAA may initially appear higher than chlorine, the total cost of ownership often favors PAA when safety, de-chlorination, maintenance, and regulatory compliance are considered.
For example, eliminating sodium bisulfite for de-chlorination can reduce both chemical consumption and storage complexity, while minimizing operator training requirements.
Equally important: the elimination of DBPs and residual chlorine in effluent often helps facilities avoid expensive permit violations, costly remediation, or negative public scrutiny.

A Sustainable, Future-Proof Choice

Sustainability is becoming a core KPI for wastewater utilities. PAA’s eco-friendly breakdown products—oxygen, water, and acetic acid—align perfectly with green infrastructure and ESG goals.
Unlike chlorine, PAA leaves little to offers a scalable, sustainable solution that aligns with no halogenated footprint, making it the preferred option for facilities that discharge into sensitive aquatic habitats or supply reclaimed water for reuse. As utilities face increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure and minimize chemical hazards, PAA represents a scalable, sustainable solution that fits both regulatory and environmental priorities.

Meeting Compliance with Confidence

Regulatory momentum continues to build in favor of peracetic acid. State environmental agencies and the U.S. EPA are recognizing its potential as a safe, effective alternative that meets both microbial and toxicity standards without contributing to chlorinated by-products.
For municipalities preparing for permit renewals or plant upgrades, now is the time to evaluate pilot testing and document performance data. Early adopters have already demonstrated reliable disinfection performance across a variety of wastewater matrices, paving the way for broader regulatory acceptance nationwide.

Brainerd Chemical Is Your Trusted PAA Supply Partner

When reliability, regulatory expertise, and on-time delivery matter most, Brainerd Chemical stands as the nation’s benchmark for peracetic acid (PAA) supply and support. With more than a century of chemical manufacturing experience and one of the industry’s most robust distribution footprints, Brainerd Chemical delivers consistency, safety, and performance that utilities can depend on.

From production through delivery, every stage of Brainerd’s PAA program is designed for quality assurance and continuity of supply. The company’s strategically located facilities—including regional production and transloading hubs—allow rapid fulfillment to wastewater treatment facilities across the U.S., minimizing lead times and transportation costs. Advanced storage, blending, and packaging capabilities ensure that every gallon meets strict purity standards, backed by rigorous testing and quality control.

Beyond supply, Brainerd Chemical partners with clients to ensure successful PAA adoption and optimization. Its technical experts offer field-level assistance, pilot testing guidance, dosage calibration, safety and handling training, and regulatory compliance support—helping operators integrate PAA seamlessly into existing systems. This consultative approach ensures plants achieve consistent microbial control, predictable costs, and permit ready performance with minimal operational disruption.

In an industry where downtime is costly and compliance is non-negotiable, Brainerd Chemical’s scale, reliability, and service excellence make it the trusted PAA partner for municipalities and industrial operators nationwide.

A Stronger Tomorrow Through Smarter Wastewater Treatment

Peracetic acid (PAA) represents a decisive step forward for organizations interested in advancing sustainability, protecting operators, and safeguarding communities. By eliminating halogenated by-products, reducing chemical handling risks, and simplifying compliance, PAA helps facilities operate more safely and sustainably while maintaining exceptional microbial control.

For utilities facing aging infrastructure, tighter permit renewals, or public pressure to reduce risks, PAA offers a future-proof path that aligns operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Facilities that make the switch gain more than just regulatory peace of mind—they gain operational resilience, community trust, and a disinfection strategy built for tomorrow’s standards.

With Brainerd Chemical as a supply partner, wastewater operators can count on reliable delivery, deep technical support, and industry expertise that turns the promise of PAA into real-world performance. Together, these advantages make PAA not only a better disinfectant, but a smarter investment in the future of clean water.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the nation’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, supporting industries from energy and agriculture to water treatment and manufacturing. We combine proven expertise with innovative packaging, logistics, and service solutions to help our partners achieve efficiency, safety, and long-term success.

6 Core Acids. One Supply Partner.

Copper refined to high purity using several core industrial acids.

Brief: Discover how the right chemical partner for 6 core industrial acids safeguards workers, protects operations, and ensures process continuity.

Behind nearly every manufactured product, there is a chemical story. Fertilizers that feed the world’s crops, advanced ceramics that make electronics possible, specialty alloys used in aerospace — all of them depend on precise, reliable, and safe access to core industrial chemicals. In today’s environment of supply chain disruption and rising compliance demands, businesses need more than a supplier — they need a partner who delivers consistency, stewardship, and expertise.

Brainerd Chemical Company has built its reputation not simply as a supplier, but as a trusted technical partner. By combining one of the industry’s most comprehensive product offerings with stewardship-driven culture, nationwide logistics, and deep technical expertise, Brainerd supports industries that rely on safe and reliable supply to keep our nation moving forward.

Here’s how Brainerd Chemical helps you protect your supply chain integrity:

Nitric Acid (98+%)

A powerful oxidizer, nitric acid is essential for powder metals and ceramics. From surface treatment and metal finishing to precision applications in electronics and aerospace, Brainerd’s expertise ensures safe, compliant, and reliable supply.

Sulfuric Acid (1–93%)

The largest-volume industrial chemical in the U.S., sulfuric acid is used in fertilizers, refining, and water treatment. Brainerd offers multiple concentrations — all solutions below 80% are GFSI-certified for food contact, giving customers confidence in compliance and stewardship.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

A strong, versatile acid used for cleaning, pickling, and pH control across industrial applications. With Brainerd’s nationwide network, customers can depend on secure supply even during periods of high demand.

Hydrofluoric Acid (49%, 70%)

A specialized acid vital to the semiconductor, glass, and specialty etching industries. Safe handling is critical — and Brainerd’s packaging and safety culture ensure reduced exposure risk for operators.

Phosphoric Acid (75% FG)

Available in food-grade and industrial-grade, phosphoric acid supports fertilizer production, food processing, and cleaning applications. Certified solutions help customers meet strict food industry standards.

Custom Mixed Acids

Not all applications fit neatly into a standard spec. Brainerd provides tailored acid blends to meet process-specific needs, from corrosion control to specialized production environments.

Why the Right Partner Matters

Industrial manufacturing is under pressure to deliver higher performance with lower risk, tighter safety standards, and stronger environmental stewardship. The difference between a transactional supplier and a technical partner can be the difference between success and failure.

Does your current supplier help safeguard your people, operations, and reputation? Brainerd Chemical does. Safety and reliability aren’t optional, they’re our foundation. We stand apart as a partner committed to powering your progress safely, sustainably, and consistently.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of industrial acids and specialty chemicals. From sulfuric and nitric to hydrofluoric and hydrochloric, we supply the core acids that power energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Backed by decades of expertise, nationwide facilities, and a commitment to safety, Brainerd delivers the reliable supply chain solutions industries depend on every day.

Do You Know? Custom Packaging Solutions

Close-up of Brainerd Chemical employee custom-labeling boxes for blind shipment.

Brainerd Chemical can handle your toughest chemical packaging challenges? Rely on us for…

  • Customizable, packaging services for hard-to-handle acids, solvents, and other industrial chemicals.
  • Private-label and white-label capabilities that allow your brand’s label to appear on any container size — from drums to totes.
  • Drop shipping, blind shipping, and custom packaging solutions so your logistics chain stays flexible and seamless.
  • 6 strategically located packaging sites — giving you speed, redundancy, and regional reach.
  • Technical expertise, safety & compliance programs, full-service breadth, and a reputation for safe, reliable supply.

At Brainerd, packaging isn’t an afterthought — it’s a critical part of how we deliver value. From drums and totes to custom white-label solutions, our job is to make sure every customer has packaging that’s safe, compliant, and ready for market on day one.

Let’s talk! Call Us at (918) 622-1214

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

Media Inquiries

Brainerd Chemical Company

📞 +1 (918) 622-1214

🌐 www.BrainerdChemical.com

Why Safety Matters Now More Than Ever

Professional Brainerd Chemical operator ready to deliver industrial chemicals safely.

Brief: Our customers rely on Brainerd Chemical not just for specialty and commodity chemicals, but for the confidence that comes with true partnership. Backed by a strong safety culture, certified products, sustainable solutions, and a hybrid distribution network, Brainerd delivers more than compliance. We provide nationwide logistics and technical expertise that give our partners a clear business advantage.

Forward-thinking companies recognize that compliance is just the starting point. True stewardship comes when suppliers are more than vendors — when they stand beside customers as partners in safety, reliability, and responsible growth.

Safety is more than a box to be checked. It should be the foundation of every decision — from product offerings and packaging design to logistics, sustainability, and customer collaboration.

The cultural mindset that safety is an operational imperative distinguishes Brainerd from our competitors and positions the company as one of North America’s most trusted chemical partners.

Stewardship

Brainerd Chemical is not only a distributor but also a recognized industry thought leader. Through its involvement with organizations such as the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) and participation in national safety and stewardship initiatives, Brainerd has helped shape best practices across the industry.

“Stewardship is more than meeting today’s standard — it’s about improving tomorrow’s. At Brainerd Chemical, we see it as our responsibility to deliver chemicals in a way that protects our employees, our customers, and our communities.

– Mat Brainerd, Chairman, Brainerd Chemical Company

This leadership translates into customer value. Brainerd’s experts engage with regulators, engineers, and purchasing managers to anticipate emerging trends, align with evolving standards, and deliver proactive solutions. For customers, this means having a partner that helps keep them compliant today and proactively prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Safety as Culture, Not Checklist

For Brainerd Chemical, safety extends beyond compliance. It is embedded in training, stewardship initiatives, facility tours, and packaging design. Employees are empowered to prioritize safety, and customers benefit from a partner who takes responsibility for minimizing risk across the supply chain.

  • Employee Training: Continuous education ensures workers handle hazardous materials with expertise and vigilance.
  • Stewardship Programs: Regular facility tours and customer site visits reinforce best practices.
  • Risk Management: Packaging and transport innovations minimize exposure risks at every stage.

You can trust that when buying from Brainerd, you are choosing a partner that cares as much about safety as you do.

Customer-Focused Innovation

The best suppliers do not simply react to customer needs; they anticipate them. Brainerd Chemical invests in customer-focused innovation, developing solutions that align with evolving industry demands.

  • Custom Packaging: Designing containers and connections that reduce spills and exposure.
  • Digital Tools: Streamlining documentation, labeling, and compliance reporting for easier integration into customer systems.
  • Technical Consultation: Providing guidance on application-specific questions, from corrosion control to water treatment efficiency.

This proactive approach transforms Brainerd from a supplier into a true extension of the customer’s team.

Sustainable by Design

Modern manufacturing operates under growing scrutiny for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Customers, regulators, and investors are demanding safer, cleaner, and more sustainable operations.

Brainerd Chemical supports these objectives with a safe and sustainable design approach:

  • GFSI Certification: Ensuring sulfuric acid products under 80% concentration meet global food safety standards.
  • Greener Chemistries: Expanding the use of peracetic acid, eutectic solvents, and other lower-impact alternatives.
  • Packaging Innovation: Designing container systems that reduce exposure and minimize environmental risks.
  • Transparency & Traceability: Providing documentation that simplifies customer audits and ESG reporting.

These measures mean safer operations, easier compliance, and more consistent alignment with corporate sustainability goals.

Brainerd Chemical’s Comprehensive Product Portfolio

Manufacturers across sectors depend on access to a diverse chemical portfolio. Brainerd Chemical supports virtually every corner of industrial and specialty manufacturing through a robust, diversified product portfolio. Rather than offering just a few commodity chemicals, Brainerd delivers not only core acids and bases but also blends, reagents, specialty solvents, and food-grade chemistries — all under one roof. Here’s how those offerings break down:

Core Acids & Corrosion / Material Treatment

  • Nitric Acid (98+ %) — a powerful oxidizer essential for metallurgical processes, etching, and surface treatments in powder metals and ceramic industries.
  • Sulfuric Acid (1-93 %) — one of the most widely used industrial chemicals, critical in fertilizer manufacture, oil refining, and pH control in water treatment. Importantly, Brainerd certifies all sulfuric acid below 80 % as GFSI-certified for food contact.
  • Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) — a general-purpose strong acid for cleaning, pickling, pH adjustment, and other industrial uses.
  • Hydrofluoric Acid (49 %, 70 %) — used in the semiconductor, glass, and specialty etching industries for its ability to etch silicon dioxide and complex materials.
  • Phosphoric Acid (75 % FG) — food-grade and industrial-grade phosphoric acid for fertilizer, food processing, and cleaning applications.

Bases, Oxidizers & Disinfectants

  • Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic) and Caustic Blends — fundamental alkali reagents used for pH adjustment, neutralization, and chemical processing in many industries.
  • Sodium Hypochlorite (12.5 %) — a mainstream disinfectant and bleach solution for water treatment and sanitation.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (1-50 %) — a strong oxidizer and disinfectant, often used in water treatment, pulp & paper, and chemical synthesis.
  • Peracetic Acid (PAA) — a high-performance biocide and sanitizer widely used in food processing, energy, water treatment, and industrial hygiene.

Specialty & Reagent Chemicals

  • Formaldehyde — Brainerd is proud to hold an exclusive EPA registration for formaldehyde, making it a unique source in the market.
  • Citric Acid (50 %) — a mild organic acid used in food processing, chelation, cleaning, and pH control applications.
  • Glycols — ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or other glycols used as antifreezes, heat transfer fluids, or solvents.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol & Methanol — common industrial solvents and cleaning agents.
  • Toluene — an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent used in many chemical processes and formulations.
  • Mixed Acids — custom blends of acids to suit specific process requirements or corrosion control formulations.
  • Solvents — a broader category of specialty and general-purpose solvents for industrial and formulation use.

Brainerd’s portfolio spans the full spectrum of industrial and specialty chemistries — from strong acids and bases to disinfectants, solvents, reagents, and custom blends. This breadth allows purchasing agents and specifying engineers to simplify their supply chain and rely on a single partner for many of their critical chemical needs.

Safe, Redundant and Reliable Supply Logistics

Reliable logistics capabilities are essential to your success. Brainerd Chemical’s hybrid distribution network is designed to ensure that critical materials reach you safely, consistently, and on time.

  • Nationwide Reach: With strategically located facilities in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, and beyond, Brainerd delivers coast-to-coast coverage.
  • Multi-Modal Logistics: A combination of rail, truck, and common carrier partnerships provides flexibility and resilience against regional disruptions.
  • On-Site Storage & Blending: Facilities equipped with blending and packaging capabilities ensure rapid response to custom specifications.
  • Just-In-Time Manufacturing: Reduces storage costs, waste, and degradation risk while keeping your supply chain efficiently aligned with your production demands.
  • DOT-Approved Packaging: Specialized solutions — including Brainerd’s exclusive U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permit for concentrated nitric acid drums — set new standards for safety and accessibility.

This distribution network reduces risk for manufacturers whose production depends on uninterrupted supply. When delays or shortages can cost millions, Brainerd’s ability to safely deliver on-time becomes a competitive advantage.

What Makes Brainerd Chemical a Better Choice

In a crowded marketplace, Brainerd Chemical Company distinguishes itself through a combination of exclusive capabilities, technical expertise, and outstanding customer service:

  1. Exclusive Capabilities: Brainerd’s DOT Special Permit enables drums of concentrated nitric acid to be shipped on traditional carriers, a rare capability in North America. This packaging design minimizes human contact during use, reducing risk for workers.
  2. Comprehensive Solutions: From bulk tank shipments to packaged drums and custom blends, Brainerd delivers flexibility tailored to each customer’s operational model.
  3. Technical Expertise: A team of specialists provides application-specific insights, ensuring that customers choose the right concentration, blend, and packaging for their processes.
  4. Customer Service: Brainerd operates with a partnership mindset, focusing on safety, stewardship, and performance rather than simple transactions.

This combination of unique solutions, deep expertise, and customer-first service makes Brainerd Chemical a better choice for those seeking reliability and risk mitigation.

Choosing Partnership for a Safer Future

In competitive manufacturing markets, the choice of chemical supplier can make the difference between meeting targets and missing deadlines, between passing an audit and facing penalties, between protecting workers and exposing them to risk.

Brainerd Chemical delivers that strategic advantage through a comprehensive product portfolio, resilient logistics, certified stewardship, and innovative capabilities that reduce risk and add value. This gives you the strategic advantage of knowing that essential chemicals arrive safely, on time, and tailored to your needs. Brainerd offers true partnership — with fewer supply chain worries, stronger compliance support, and greater operational confidence.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the nation’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, supporting industries from energy and agriculture to water treatment and manufacturing. We combine proven expertise with innovative packaging, logistics, and service solutions to help our partners achieve efficiency, safety, and long-term success.

Why PAA Biocides Outperform Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde’s regulatory future in oilfield water treatment is uncertain. Peracetic acid (PAA) biocides fuel a safer, effective, and future-ready alternative to protect operations, reduce compliance risks, and align with ESG goals. Learn why oilfield leaders are shifting to PAA biocides for compliance, performance, and ESG advantage.

Oilfield water management is entering a new era. What used to be a straightforward “dose-and-go” choice is now a boardroom discussion about regulatory exposure, ESG optics, worker safety, and long-term cost. In that conversation, glutaraldehyde (GA) is increasingly the weak link—while peracetic-acid (PAA) biocides are proving to be the essential, safe, effective, and future-ready alternative.

A practical brief follows to help leadership, specifying engineers, procurement teams, and well-servicers who want to increase responsible operations and future-proof against regulatory risks.

 

The squeeze on glutaraldehyde is real—and growing

Worker safety pressure is mounting. Respiratory and skin contact risks are continually more demanding and costly.

Regulatory reviews aren’t going away. In the U.S., EPA’s ongoing registration review program for pesticides (including industrial biocides) can impose new mitigation requirements—PPE, engineering controls, label changes, or use restrictions—mid-cycle. GA’s review docket remains active, which means additional compliance steps may still be required as updates publish. Planning for alternatives now reduces change-order chaos later.

Environmental scrutiny is intensifying. Peer-reviewed literature has highlighted the aquatic toxicity and fate concerns of several oilfield biocides, including GA, fueling pressure from regulators and stakeholders to curb persistent, toxic residuals in discharge and recycle streams.

Bottom line: Even before any outright restrictions, the cumulative burden—exposure controls, monitoring, training, reporting, and reputational risk—pushes GA’s true cost higher each year.

 

Why PAA biocides are the future-ready standard

Clean breakdown, minimal residues. PAA decomposes rapidly into acetic acid, oxygen, and water, leaving no halogenated or persistent byproducts. That’s powerful for recycled frac water, produced-water reuse, and discharge optics—exactly where ESG and permit pressure converge.

Broad-spectrum, fast kill—including SRB and biofilms. Field and lab studies show PAA’s strong activity against sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), key H₂S generators and corrosion drivers. Reports from oilfield trials and independent studies demonstrate efficacy in complex waters and even within sessile communities where other oxidants struggle.

Operationally compatible. PAA is used across industrial water treatment precisely because it works in variable pH and temperature windows and coexists with common oilfield chemistries (FRs, scale inhibitors) when applied correctly. This reduces the risk of chemistry conflicts that derail pad schedules.

Worker-safety advantages. As an oxidizing biocide with rapid decay, PAA minimizes long-lived residual exposure. Its well-understood decomposition profile simplifies containment and incident response relative to sensitizers. (Safe handling is still essential—PAA is a strong oxidizer and corrosive—but the exposure narrative is fundamentally different.)

ESG-aligned without sacrificing performance. For operators publishing sustainability metrics, “no persistent biocidal residues” and “lower aquatic-toxicity footprint in treated effluents” are benefits that resonate with investors and communities—without compromising bacterial control.

 

Total cost of ownership: where PAA wins

1) Compliance drag: As GA-related controls tighten, compliance cost grows (monitoring, respiratory programs, training, incident reporting). PAA’s profile reduces that overhead.

2) Performance risk: SRB-driven corrosion and souring are seven-figure problems. PAA’s fast oxidation and biofilm penetration reduce re-treat cycles, H₂S incidents, and downtime.

3) Water-reuse economics: PAA’s rapid decomposition supports recycle targets by limiting carry-over residuals that can foul later stages—improving reuse rates and chemistry reliability.

 

Application guidance: where to specify PAA

 

    • On-the-fly frac water treatment: Dose for rapid broad-spectrum knockdown; verify with ATP/bug counts and residual monitoring.

 

    • Pond/impoundment control & H₂S mitigation: Periodic PAA shock or continuous low-dose to manage SRB and odors; integrate with aeration for best results.

 

    • Produced-water recycle loops: Target kill while minimizing residuals that impact separation and midstream handling.

 

 

Design considerations

 

    • Demand & dose: Run quick-kill demand tests against site water to map required PAA dose (accounting for COD/sulfides).

 

    • Contact time: PAA works fast; on-the-fly setups should ensure adequate mixing and seconds-to-minutes of contact before the wellhead.

 

    • Monitoring: Track kill with ATP or culture methods; confirm PAA residual decay to protect downstream chemistries and equipment.

 

 

The strategic takeaway

You don’t need a ban to feel the pinch. GA’s sensitizer classification, safety ceilings, and the drumbeat of regulatory review create ongoing compliance drag and reputational risk. PAA offers the inverse: robust performance against the bugs that matter (including SRB), rapid, clean decomposition, and an ESG-aligned story your stakeholders can endorse. Moving now locks in operational reliability and regulatory resilience for the years ahead. If you’re ready to evaluate a PAA program—bench tests, pad trial design, spec language, and full changeover—Brainerd Chemical can help you build a plan that meets your HSE, performance, and cost targets.

 

Partner With the Future of Oilfield Water Treatment

For energy leaders, staying ahead of risk isn’t just about compliance—it’s about choosing solutions that safeguard people, protect assets, and deliver lasting performance. With Brainerd Chemical Company, you gain more than a supplier. You gain a partner committed to innovation, safety, and reliability in every drop of chemistry we deliver.

Our PAA-based biocide programs are engineered to help you meet today’s operational challenges and tomorrow’s regulatory expectations—reducing downtime, streamlining water reuse, and strengthening ESG performance.

Let’s talk about your next project. Contact our technical specialists today at +1 (918) 622-1214 to learn how Brainerd Chemical Company can help you build safer, cleaner, and future-ready operations.

 

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, serving energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing industries. Our mission is simple: to safely supply the solutions you need, the support you want, and the reliability you depend on—every single day.

 

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Highlights from ChemEdge 2025

Louisville, KY – August 18, 2025 — Last week, leaders from across the chemical distribution industry gathered for ChemEdge 2025, one of the year’s most anticipated events hosted by the Alliancefor Chemical Distribution (ACD). The energy was high, the conversations meaningful, and the outlook for the future of our industry brighter than ever.

Brainerd Chemical Company was proud to participate once again as a Platinum Sustaining Sponsor, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the growth, innovation, and safety of the chemical distribution community.

Why ChemEdge Matters

ChemEdge is more than just a conference—it’s a hub where chemical industry professionals come together to:

  • Share knowledge on best practices, regulatory updates, and emerging technologies.
  • Build connections that strengthen our industry network and foster long-term partnerships.
  • Prepare for the future by tackling challenges head-on and identifying opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

For Brainerd Chemical, these pillars align directly with our mission: to safely supply our customers with the solutions they need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on.

Our Takeaways from Louisville

This year’s ChemEdge offered more than just great sessions and conversations—it highlighted where the industry is headed. Key themes included:

  • Safety as the standard, not the exception. From new regulatory frameworks to practical on-site strategies, safety remains at the core of our industry.
  • Sustainability in action. Companies are finding innovative ways to lower environmental impact while improving efficiency.
  • The power of partnerships. The future of chemical distribution depends on collaboration across the supply chain, from producers to distributors to end-users.

Looking Ahead

We are energized by the insights, connections, and opportunities that came out of ChemEdge 2025. Events like this remind us why our work matters—not just for our company, but for the people, communities, and industries we serve.

As a platinum sponsor, we were honored to support ACD’s mission of advancing a safe, sustainable, and successful chemical distribution industry.

Here’s to another successful ChemEdge—and to building a stronger future, together.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, serving critical industries including energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Our mission is to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

👉 Did you attend ChemEdge 2025? We’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Sulfuric Acid Supply You Can Trust

Sulfuric acid is the backbone of modern industry. Selecting the right supplier goes beyond price. Learn the five key factors—quality, compliance, logistics, support, and sustainability—that define a reliable partner. Discover how Brainerd Chemical delivers confidence, safety, and expertise in every supply relationship.

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most widely used and produced chemicals in the world—an indispensable foundation of modern manufacturing. From fertilizers that sustain global agriculture to batteries powering our vehicles and devices, sulfuric acid quietly drives progress across countless industries.

In fact, by volume, sulfuric acid is the largest industrial chemical produced in the United States, making its demand a trusted barometer of industrial activity and overall economic health.

Why Sulfuric Acid Matters

Sulfuric acid is a vital input in:

  • Fertilizers – supporting the production of phosphate fertilizers that feed the world.
  • Metals & Steel – essential in ore processing, pickling, and refining.
  • Energy Storage – powering lead-acid batteries used in vehicles, backup power, and renewable energy systems.
  • Chemicals & Materials – enabling the production of nylon, pigments, synthetic resins, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

Without it, the world’s ability to grow food, build infrastructure, and develop new technologies would be significantly diminished.

Brainerd Chemical: Delivering Reliability & Stewardship

At Brainerd Chemical Company, we take pride in being a trusted partner to vendors and manufacturers who depend on sulfuric acid every day. Our commitment extends beyond supply—it’s about quality, safety, and stewardship.

  • Versatile Supply: We safely deliver bulk, packaged, blended, and cut sulfuric acid in concentrations from 1–93%.
  • Food-Contact Certification: Sub-80% concentrations are GFSI certified, enabling use in food contact applications.
  • Trusted Reliability: Our nationwide distribution network ensures steady supply, even in volatile market conditions.
  • Safety First: Every step of our process—from production to delivery—is built on rigorous safety standards and environmental responsibility.

A Strong Sulfuric Acid Industry = A Strong America

A robust sulfuric acid industry strengthens U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and economic independence. As COO Neil Morgan notes:

“By volume, sulfuric acid is the largest industrial chemical produced in the United States, making its demand a barometer of industrial activity and overall economic health.”

By supplying high-quality sulfuric acid, Brainerd Chemical helps reinforce America’s ability to compete globally, grow sustainably, and innovate boldly.

Selecting Your Ideal Sulfuric Acid Partner

Choosing a sulfuric acid supplier is about far more than comparing prices. The right partner provides a foundation of quality, safety, compliance, and reliability that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

When evaluating suppliers, companies should consider:

Product Quality & Consistency – Does the supplier meet stringent purity, concentration, and performance standards?

Regulatory Compliance – Can they provide the certifications, documentation, and support needed for strict industry and government requirements?

Logistics & Delivery – Is there infrastructure in place for on-time, safe, and flexible delivery across regions and scales?

Technical Support – Does the supplier provide expert guidance for handling, formulation, and process optimization?

Sustainability & Stewardship – Are environmental responsibility and safe practices at the core of operations?

Confidence at Every Step

At Brainerd Chemical Company, we deliver on every front—backed by infrastructure, expertise, and integrity that industry leaders rely on:

  • Safe, reliable supply from 1–93% concentrations
  • GFSI-certified sulfuric acid (<80%) for food contact use
  • Nationwide distribution with proven logistics capabilities
  • Dedicated technical specialists for regulatory and operational support
  • A commitment to safety, sustainability, and stewardship

Whether you need bulk supply, customized formulations, or regulatory guidance, Brainerd Chemical is your partner in growth and reliability.

To speak with a technical specialist about sulfuric acid sourcing, compliance, or custom solutions, contact us at +1 (918) 622-1214.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, proudly serving critical industries including energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

Media Inquiries

Brainerd Chemical Company

📞 +1 (918) 622-1214

🌐 www.BrainerdChemical.com

Commitmed to First Responder Preparedness

Tulsa, OK – June 4, 2025 — Brainerd Chemical Company, a national leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, once again welcomed local first responders to its Tuttle, Oklahoma, facility for its annual safety walkthrough and emergency preparedness tour.

This annual tradition underscores Brainerd’s long-standing commitment to proactive safety measures and strong community partnerships. The event is designed to give emergency personnel a hands-on orientation of the site’s layout, operations, and emergency protocols—ensuring rapid, informed response in the event of an incident.

“At Brainerd, safety isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a core value,” said Jason Jacobus, VP of Business Development. “We believe in empowering our teams and our community partners with the knowledge and resources they need to keep everyone safe.”

At Brainerd Chemical, safety and responsible distribution are fundamental principles shaping our operations. First responder safety tours are a regular part of Brainerd’s operational calendar and take place at all six of the company’s U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities. Locations in Scooba, MS; Seaford, DE; Danville, IL; Dunn, NC; and Tuttle, OK, each host their own first responder tours to ensure regional emergency teams are well-acquainted with site-specific hazards, layouts, and response plans. These efforts reflect Brainerd’s consistent, company-wide approach to safety and preparedness. It’s a mindset that facilitates consistently safer work environments that far exceed industry standards and lead the way to continuously improving health, safety, security, and environmental procedures in every phase of chemical manufacturing, production, service, storage, handling, transportation and disposal.

The Tuttle event brought together members of local fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies, all of whom play a vital role in the region’s emergency response network. Brainerd Chemical expressed its sincere appreciation for their service and ongoing collaboration.

Brainerd Chemical was recently recognized again as one of Oklahoma’s top workplaces—a testament to its investment in employee safety, innovation, and operational excellence.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

For more than 65 years, Brainerd Chemical has been at the forefront of the specialty chemical industry, providing high-hazard chemistries and advanced blending and distribution solutions. As a hybrid distributor, Brainerd supports clients across diverse sectors with faster, safer, and more sustainable delivery—thanks to its strategically located rail terminals and bulk storage facilities across the U.S.

Media Contact:

Brainerd Chemical Company

1.918.622.1214

www.brainerdchemical.com

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Safer HCL Handling

At Brainerd Chemical Company, we believe safety is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a responsibility we uphold with every shipment, every customer interaction, and every training session. As a domestic supplier of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), with a long-standing reputation for safety and environmental responsibility, Brainerd Chemical helps industrial users manage hydrochloric acid with confidence, care, and compliance.

Here’s what every industrial user needs to know about handling hydrochloric acid safely—and how Brainerd Chemical supports you in doing it right.

Why Hydrochloric Acid Demands Respect

Hydrochloric acid is a strong mineral acid that can:

  • Cause severe skin burns and eye damage
  • Emit toxic fumes that irritate the respiratory tract
  • React violently with water and incompatible materials (such as metals and oxidizers)
  • Corrode metals and damage storage infrastructure

In short, it’s not just about what HCL can do — it’s about how you safely control it.

Safe Handling Guidelines for Industrial Operations

  1. Use Only in Well-Ventilated or Outdoor Settings
    Whether working in a plant or on-site, ensure adequate airflow. Fumes from concentrated HCL can cause serious respiratory irritation or even pulmonary edema in high doses [NIOSH Guide to Chemical Hazards].
  2. Always Wear Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    Appropriate gear includes:
    • Full-face respirator with acid gas cartridge
    • Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., butyl rubber)
    • Chemical splash goggles or face shield
    • Full-body acid-resistant suit
    • Rubber boots
  3. Follow the Golden Rule: Add Acid to Water—Never the Reverse
    When diluting HCL, always pour acid into water slowly. Reversing this can cause a violent exothermic reaction with potential splash hazards.
  4. Prepare for Emergencies
    • Install accessible eyewash and emergency shower stations
    • Keep spill neutralizers like sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate readily available
    • Train staff on SDS procedures and first-aid response
  5. Be Ready to Respond to Spills
    For small, manageable spills:
    • Use absorbent materials and neutralizers
    • Wear full PPE
    • Dispose of all cleanup materials as hazardous waste per local regulations

Large spills (≥5,000 lbs in 24 hours) must be reported to the National Response Center [EPA EPCRA Guidelines].

Storage and Transportation Best Practices

  • Store in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials (e.g., PVC, polyethylene)
  • Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sunlight, heat, or incompatible substances (like oxidizers and metals)
  • Clearly label all containers and ensure they are secured against tipping or damage

Hydrochloric acid should never be stored near incompatible chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, which can form toxic chlorine gas upon contact [OSHA Chemical Database].

What Makes Brainerd Chemical a Trusted Partner in Safety?

Brainerd Chemical Company sets itself apart with a safety-first mindset backed by:

  • Comprehensive HCL delivery options, 1% to 36% HCI in drums to bulk tankers
  • Strict adherence to regulatory compliance and SDS protocols
  • Customer training and support to ensure correct usage and emergency readiness
  • Commitment to environmental sustainability, with technologies that reduce emissions and improve chemical stewardship across the board

Our industry leadership is not only in product delivery—but in the standards we uphold.

Conclusion

Handling hydrochloric acid safely in an industrial environment requires vigilance, the right equipment, and expert support. Brainerd Chemical Company has built its reputation by not only delivering top-quality HCL but also by standing at the forefront of safety, compliance, and sustainability.

Contact us today to learn how Brainerd Chemical can support your team with safer, smarter chemical solutions.