Hydrochloric acid is a water solution of hydrogen chloride prepared from chlorine and hydrogen, or, a water solution of hydrogen chloride obtained by dichloroethane splitting.
PROPERTIES
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a colourless to yellow liquid of stinging odour, without mechanical impurities. It is an aggressive caustic considered, in compliance with the respective regulations, as harmful to health.
TECHNICAL DATA:
| Technical data |
|
Type A |
Type B |
| Content of hydrogen chloride (HCl), min. |
mass % |
31 |
31 |
| Content of iron (Fe), max. |
mass % |
0,008 |
0,03 |
| Free chlorine (Cl2), max. |
mass % |
0,01 |
0,01 |
| Content of sulphates (SO42-), max. |
mass % |
0,008 |
0,04 |
| Residue after annealing as (SO42-), max. |
mass % |
0,05 |
0,1 |
APPLICATION
Hydrochloric acid is used for the production of inorganic and organic salts, in inorganic and organic syntheses, for various neutralisation reactions, etc. It is widely used for surface treatment of metals, further in the agricultural, food-stuff, textile and leather industries.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND HEALTH PROTECTION
Hydrochloric acid is irritating to the eye mucous membrane, upper respiratory tract, it etches skin and if ingested, a serious etching of the digestive system takes place. Upon handling, personal protective aids must be used, such as goggles or face shields, acid-proof clothing, rubber aprons, and rubber gloves. Moreover, the respiratory tract is to be protected by a respirator, breathing equipment (at high humidity, aerosols production). In cases of etching or inhalation, medical assistance must be sought immediately.
PACKING, TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
Hydrochloric acid is supplied in rubber-coated rail tanks or other containers as agreed with the customer. It is stored in properly sealed steel containers which are resistant to acid. Another suitable container materials are glass, ceramics, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride. Hydrochloric acid causes strong corrosion of iron, steel and aluminium. Each storage unit must be tagged according to Act No. 163/2001, RID and ADR regulations. Transportation on rail and roads is performed based on valid regulations. It is necessary to enforce valid safety regulations for work with acids during storing and manipulation. The workability period is guaranteed to be 6 months from the date of consignment.
The presented instructions are to be considered as general and may be modified with regard to local conditions.