Fuming Hydrochloric Acid
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Fuming Hydrochloric Acid is another name for Fuming Muriatic Acid or Fuming HCl. The word 'fuming' relates to the strength of the concentration which, in its strongest generally available form, is approximately 36% to 40%. Above 40%, production is not realistic, as evaporation hampers effectiveness. This material is also known as Hydrochloric Acid, Muriatic Acid, or HCl. The material is essentially the same, despite the variation in name.
Fuming Hydrochloric Acid history can be traced back to the Middle Ages when common Salt was mixed with Vitirol (Sulphuric Acid) to produce Hydrochloric Acid. The word 'Muriatic' literally means 'pertaining to salt or brine'. It was not until the Industrial Revolution, however, that large-scale production of Fuming Hydrochloric Acid took place. Today, Fuming Hydrochloric Acid is one of the most widely used strong, inorganic mineral acids and has many applications both in industry and on the domestic front.
Steel-making is one of the largest uses of Fuming Hydrochloric Acid, as it has the ability to strip metal of rust, effectively and quickly. This process is often referred to as 'pickling' metal. Fuming Hydrochloric Acid also has a number of uses in food production where it is used in the canning process for tinned goods and in the manufacture of sauces and syrups, in particular corn syrup which is found in many soft drinks. The building industry uses Hydrochloric Acid to etch concrete and as an effective brick cleaner. Swimming pools are often maintained using Hydrochloric in a dilute form. Hydrochloric Acid is also found around the home in many cleaning products.
There are a numerous potential hazards relating to Fuming Hydrochloric Acid. Due to its strength, it can cause severe burns to eyes and skin, with risk of permanent damage. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be worn when handling or working with the material. This should include safety footwear, protective clothing, rubber gloves and approved eye protection. Fuming Hydrochloric Acid should always be handled under fume extraction. If this is not possible, then breathing apparatus should be worn. If there is a risk of spashing, a face-shield should be used for added protection. If large amounts of product are being handled, a rubber or plastic apron or full protective suit should be worn.
Spillages of Fuming Hydrochloric Aicd must be asborbed with sand, earth or other inert material, neutralised with soda ash, or dammed to prevent spreading. It is essential that the product is prevented from entering drains, sewers or waterways, as it may have a detrimental effect on aquatic organisms due to its ability to change the pH of water.
Government legislation controls the packaging, labelling and transport of Fuming Hydrochloric Acid. This is laid down in government CHIP Regulations, 'The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009' and further details of these can be found on the relevant web pages of this website.
http://www.hydrochloric-acid.co.uk/fuming-hydrochloric-acid | Saved Friday, November 18th, 2011 - 5:33 AM