Descriptions of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) is a clear, highly corrosive solution of hydrogen chloride in water, widely used across industries for its strong acidic properties. With a pH of less than 1, HCl reacts efficiently with bases and metals, making it essential for steel pickling, chemical synthesis, water treatment, oil and gas recovery, and other industrial processes. Reliable sourcing from a trusted Hydrochloric Acid Supplier ensures product quality, purity, and safety for all applications.

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Physical and Chemical Properties of Hydrochloric Acid

Understanding the properties of hydrochloric acid is critical for safe handling and effective industrial use:

• Chemical Formula: HCl

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid

• Odor: Pungent, characteristic of hydrogen chloride

• pH: Less than 1

• Density: Approximately 1.18 g/cm³ (for 37% HCl solution)

• Boiling Point: ~110°C (37% solution)

• Melting Point: −27.32°C (37% solution)

• Solubility: Completely miscible in water

• Reactivity: Strongly reacts with bases, metals, and organic compounds; highly corrosive

• Corrosiveness: Corrosive to skin, eyes, metals, and many organic materials

These properties make HCl indispensable in industrial processes while requiring careful handling, storage, and transport.

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Uses of Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is a versatile chemical used across multiple sectors:

• Steel Pickling & Metallurgy: Removes rust and scale from steel and iron surfaces, preparing metals for galvanizing, extrusion, or coating.

• Oil and Gas Well Acidizing: Injected into carbonate rock formations to dissolve minerals and enhance oil and gas recovery.

• Chemical Synthesis & Pharmaceuticals: Used in producing inorganic compounds (e.g., ferric chloride, aluminum chloride), PVC monomers, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

• Water Treatment: Adjusts pH, neutralizes alkaline water, and controls scaling in municipal and industrial water systems.

• Food Processing & Other Industries: In regulated concentrations, HCl is used for corn syrup production, aspartame, gelatin, leather processing, and cleaning agents.

Sourcing from a knowledgeable HCl Supplier ensures the product meets the required specifications for each application.

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Handling, Storage, and Transportation of HCL

Due to its corrosive nature, HCl requires strict handling and storage measures:

• Store in HDPE, PVC, or rubber-lined steel tanks in cool, ventilated areas.

• Keep away from bases, metals, and incompatible chemicals.

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.

• Ensure proper ventilation in storage and handling areas to avoid inhalation hazards.

• Follow hazardous material guidelines for transport (IMCO Class 8 – Corrosive Substances) and labeling (UN 1789).

Proper management ensures both safety and product integrity during use and transport.

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Packing of Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is packed to ensure safe handling, stability, and compliance with international regulations:

• Small-scale packaging: 30–50 kg HDPE drums for laboratory and small industrial applications.

• Medium-scale packaging: 200–1,000 kg IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tanks for larger industrial users.

• Bulk shipments: Rubber-lined steel tanks or tanker trucks for major industrial clients.

Container Loading

• A standard 20 ft container can typically hold around 20–22 metric tons of HCl, depending on drum or IBC configuration.

• Proper sealing and stabilization prevent leaks and ensure safe transit.

• All containers are labeled in accordance with IMCO Class 8 regulations to maintain compliance and safety during transport.

Technical Data Sheet of Hydrochloric Acid (HCL)

 

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