technical grade
Definition
Adjective 1. Of a commercial purity standard: Describes a chemical substance that is sufficiently pure for industrial or commercial applications but may contain small, specified amounts of other chemicals or impurities. It is a grade below "reagent grade" or "analytical grade," which are required for laboratory analysis or scientific research. * The factory ordered a large quantity of technical grade solvent for its cleaning processes. * This technical grade acid is suitable for manufacturing but not for precise laboratory experiments.
Usage Notes
- Context: This term is used almost exclusively in industrial, manufacturing, and commercial chemistry contexts to specify the purity level of a chemical product.
- Comparison: It indicates a lower purity standard compared to grades like "reagent grade," "ACS grade," or "USP grade." The acceptable level and type of impurities are typically defined by industry or commercial specifications.
- Function over Purity: The focus is on the chemical's performance in an industrial process rather than on its absolute chemical purity.
Examples in Context
- Adjective:
- For the synthesis of biodiesel, technical grade methanol is often used to reduce costs.
- The safety data sheet clearly stated the material was technical grade and listed the known impurities.
- While not pure enough for pharmaceutical use, technical grade citric acid is perfect for descaling industrial equipment.
Advanced Usage
- "Technical grade" vs. "Food grade": While both are commercial standards, "food grade" implies the substance is safe for incidental or direct contact with food, which involves different specifications (e.g., limits on heavy metals, toxins) than "technical grade," which is focused on industrial performance.
- The lubricant was labeled technical grade, so it was not approved for use in food processing machinery.
Variants and Related Terms
- Tech. grade (abbr.): A common written abbreviation.
- Industrial grade: A very similar term, often used interchangeably, though specific definitions can vary by industry or supplier.
- Reagent grade / Analytical grade: Terms for chemicals of high purity suitable for precise analytical work in laboratories.
- USP grade / NF grade: Purity grades defined by the United States Pharmacopeia or National Formulary for substances used in food, drug, and medical applications.
Synonyms
- Commercial grade
- Industrial grade
- Practical grade
Antonyms
- Reagent grade
- Analytical grade
- ACS grade (American Chemical Society grade)
- Purified
- USP grade
Adjective
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containing small amounts of other chemicals, hence slightly impure
-
technical-grade sulfuric acid
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