Citric acid is used to reduce pH and remove calcium when drilling cement, to reduce the potential of crosslinking polymers (xanthan and others) from iron, and to prevent fish-eyes when mixing polymers. An organic acid, citric acid is less reactive compared with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, thereby being somewhat safer to handle.

• Widely available, multifunctional acid
• Reduces pH and removes calcium to pretreat or remedy cement contamination
• Sequesters soluble iron to prevent polymer crosslinking
• As compared to alternative acids, less reactive and safer to handle—i.e., better health, safety and environmental considerations

Limitations

• More expensive than other more reactive acids
• Supply is occasionally limited
• Requires higher treatments than alternative chemicals