Clean.
Flush.
Soak.
The three principles behind every CFS Chemicals product. We engineer chemistry that does what it says, every time.
An Industry Running
on Damaging Chemistry
For decades, the marine and industrial maintenance sector has relied on uninhibited hydrochloric acid for descaling heat exchangers, engine cooling systems, pipe networks and process equipment. These products — largely imported from the United States and Europe — get the job done, but at a significant cost: pitting corrosion on copper-nickel alloys, hydrogen embrittlement on steel, aggressive fuming, and permanent damage to the very equipment they're supposed to maintain.
We saw it first-hand. Heat exchangers arriving for service with more damage from the descaling product than from the scale itself. Tube bundles corroded through after a single treatment. Titanium plates pitted beyond recovery. The products available in Australia were effective at dissolving scale — but they were destroying the assets in the process.
The Solution
Safer Chemistry.
Stronger Performance.
CFS Chemicals was founded to solve this problem. We set out to develop industrial-strength descaling and surface treatment chemistry that could match or exceed the cleaning performance of existing products — without the collateral damage.
After several years of formulation development, field trials and material compatibility testing, we released CFS Descaler — a phosphoric acid-based concentrate with integrated corrosion inhibitors, engineered to dissolve calcium carbonate, lime scale and mineral deposits while simultaneously passivating the metal surfaces underneath. No pitting. No embrittlement. No aggressive fumes. Safe on titanium, stainless steel, copper-nickel and brass at working dilutions.
The result was immediate. CFS Descaler was adopted across the Australian marine industry — by fleet operators, marine engineers, shipyards and chandlers — and quickly became the product of choice for heat exchanger maintenance, engine cooling system descaling and seawater pipe system flushing. Clients including SeaLink Ferries, NRMA, Onboard Engineering, Volvo Penta, MAN Diesel, INCAT and marine service operations across Australia adopted CFS Descaler as their standard maintenance chemical.
Expanding the Range
Purpose-Built Products
for Real-World Problems
With the success of CFS Descaler established, we identified a second gap in the market: effective rust treatment that didn't require sandblasting, hazardous chemicals or specialist equipment. CFS RustOff Gel was developed as a thixotropic phosphoric acid gel that converts surface rust to a stable iron phosphate layer — in-situ, on vertical and overhead surfaces, without running or dripping. It also removes rust staining from painted surfaces, gelcoat and stainless steel. RustOff Gel has been in continuous production and use across marine, infrastructure and industrial applications for over a decade.
Both CFS Descaler and CFS RustOff Gel have been sold and used commercially for over a decade across Australia and South East Asia — establishing a proven track record in some of the most demanding marine and industrial environments in the world.
A series of additional industrial products are currently in long-term testing and development. These formulations will extend the CFS range into new application areas — always with the same philosophy: industrial strength, safer chemistry, properly documented and field-proven before release.
The Next Chapter
Global Production.
Global Scale.
With over a decade of proven sales across Australia and South East Asia, the incorporation of CFS Chemicals Pty Ltd marks the next phase: a dedicated industrial chemical company focused on global production and scale.
The global expansion follows a dual-track model: direct supply of Australian-made product to established markets, combined with licensed, quality-controlled local production in key regions. This approach ensures consistent product quality worldwide while reducing freight distances and lead times as we scale into new territories.
Our mission remains the same as it was 15 years ago: replace damaging, outdated industrial chemistry with safer, high-performance alternatives — and make them available to every engineer, every vessel and every facility that needs them.
Our Approach
What We Stand For
Every CFS product is formulated with purpose. We publish full SDS and TDS documentation for all products and stand behind the technical data.
Our products are tested in real operating conditions — not just under controlled lab benchmarks. Performance data comes from actual applications across marine and industrial environments.
Concentrated formulations, flexible pack sizes and full documentation as standard. We design products that integrate easily into existing procurement and logistics workflows.
Key Milestones
Widespread heat exchanger damage from uninhibited HCl-based descalers observed across the Australian marine sector.
Multi-year R&D programme developing phosphoric acid-based descaling chemistry with integrated corrosion inhibitors.
First commercial release. Rapid adoption by marine engineers and fleet operators across Australia.
CFS Descaler adopted by SeaLink Ferries, NRMA, Onboard Engineering, Volvo Penta, MAN Diesel, INCAT and marine services nationally.
Thixotropic rust conversion gel added to the range for in-situ surface treatment on marine and infrastructure steel.
Over a decade of commercial sales across Australia and South East Asia. Products proven in tropical, temperate and high-demand marine and industrial environments.
Dedicated industrial chemical company established to drive global production and scale. International distribution expansion underway.
Additional industrial products in long-term testing. Licensed local production expanding to key international markets.
Have a Question About Our Products or Company?
Our technical team is available for enquiries, applications advice and commercial discussions.