THPS Supplier South Africa

What Is THPS?

THPS (tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulphate) is a quaternary phosphonium salt biocide with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi, and algae. It is particularly valued in oilfield water treatment for its activity against sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) — anaerobic bacteria that reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in produced water and injection water systems, causing souring, corrosion, and reservoir damage. THPS is effective against both planktonic (free-swimming) and sessile (biofilm-attached) bacteria, the latter being far more resistant to most biocides.

Oilfield and Industrial Water Biocide

In oilfield water injection and production systems, THPS is dosed at 50–500 ppm as a slug or continuous treatment to control SRB, acid-producing bacteria (APB), and general heterotrophic bacteria. It penetrates biofilms more effectively than most QAC (quaternary ammonium) biocides, making it valuable in mature fields with established biofilm in injection waterlines, manifolds, and separators. SRB control by THPS reduces biogenic H₂S production, protecting against corrosion, souring, and the safety hazard of H₂S accumulation. THPS is fully biodegradable, which improves its environmental profile relative to some other oilfield biocides.

Cooling Water and Other Applications

In industrial cooling water treatment, THPS is used as a non-oxidising biocide for bacterial and biofilm control — effective in systems where resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds (DDAC, BAC) has developed, or where lower toxicity to aquatic organisms is required. Its biodegradability and phosphorus-containing structure mean that THPS-treated blowdown water has lower environmental persistence than some alternative non-oxidising biocides. Terracore Chemicals supplies THPS at 75% active content for oilfield and industrial water treatment applications across Southern Africa.