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Hydrochloric Acid

Industry uses hydrochloric acid in a variety of processes

By Elizabeth Gibson
Industries use hydrochloric acid in the process of making other products. Oil producers inject hydrochloric acid into rock formations to stimulate oil production. Companies produce leather products using hydrochloric acid. You can use hydrochloric acid to remove rust or iron ore from steel.

Other industries make products from hydrochloric acid, such as iron chloride used by water treatment plants and paper production companies. Chemical companies manufacture calcium chloride used in road salt, nickel chloride used for electroplating, and zinc chloride used in batteries, all products made from hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid comprises one of the main ingredients in PVC piping. Food processors use hydrochloric acid to make aspartame, fructose, and gelatin.

A hydrochloric acid producer must take precautions in handling this toxic chemical. Hydrochloric acid produces acidic mists that can be harmful to the lungs, eyes, skin and intestines. High concentrations must be stored under special conditions to avoid build-up of gases.

1. Determine the quantity and type of hydrochloric acid needed in your business process.

2. Choose a hydrochloric acid supplier.

3. Implement safe handling and disposal practices of hydrochloric acid.

 

Investigate the properties of hydraulic acid and whether it is the best choice for your business

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) document technical and safety information about chemicals. Obtain the MSDS for hydrochloric acid information to understand its chemical properties, uses, and hazards.
Try: To ensure you have the most current information, access the official MSDS source at MSDS Online. The information requires a paid subscription. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discusses the properties of hydrochloric acid and potential hazards.

Compare hydrochloric acid suppliers for production, service and warranties

Hydrochloric acid manufacturers, such as Dow Chemical, execute the chemical processes that make the compound. Such companies wholesale hydrochloric acid to a hydrochloric acid supplier. Hydrochloric acid production occurs year round.
Try: Lab Safety Supply sells hydrochloric acid and other chemicals for laboratory and industrial use only. Science Kit & Boreal Laboratories provides hydrochloric acid for educational and laboratory environments. The Kissner Group supplies hydrochloric acid bulk quantities.

Protect your employees from injury when handling hydrochloric acid

Handling hydrochloric acid requires adopting safety precautions. Workers using hydrochloric acid should always wear rubber gloves or other protective hand coverings, goggles, and chemical resistant clothing. Depending on the concentration, some solutions require dilution before use to minimize harmful effects.
Try: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services compiles an informative list of handling practices as well as first aid measures used with hydrochloric acid. Mallinckrodt Baker Inc., provides an MSDS for hydrochloric acid and gives helpful tips for mitigating accidental exposure of hydrochloric acid should they occur.

 

  • The hydrochloric acid manufacturer should install eye-wash stations and showers in case of accidental contact because of hydrochloric acid's corrosive nature.
  • If someone accidentally swallows hydrochloric acid, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do not ever induce vomiting because the corrosive nature of the acid will further damage the person's esophagus and digestive system.

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