HCl
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HCl is the chemical abbreviation of the strong mineral acid called Hydrochloric Acid. It is also commonly referred to as Muriatic Acid. In its concentrated form, it is known as Fuming Muriatic Acid, Fuming Hydrochloric Acid and Fuming HCl. All these names refer to essentially the same material.
HCl was originally produced by mixing Salt with Vitriol (the former name for Sulphuric Acid); this was an important material in the Middle Ages when alchemists were searching for the philosopher's stone. Later, during the Industrial Revolution, Hydrochloric Acid was produced on a large scale for the first time. Today, world-wide usage of HCl exceeds 20 million tonnes annually. As a general guide, the more industrialised a country, the higher their usage of Hydrochloric Acid.
HCl is an important chemical and is widely used in industry. It can also be found in many household products. One of the largest industrial uses of Hydrochloric Acid is in the steel industry but it is also used in food manufacturing and ore processing. It is used to 'acidise' oil wells as it readily and effectively removes rust from metal. Hydrochloric Acid or Muriatic Acid is used in 'pickling' processes for carbon, alloy and stainless steels. Steel 'pickling' is the name given to the process whereby iron oxides are removed from the surface of steel by converting the iron oxides to soluble compounds.
HCl is also used to clean brickwork and to etch concrete. In dilute form, HCl is used for swimming pool maintenance. HCl is also widely used in food preparation, particularly the production of corn syrups, soft drinks, sauces and tinned foods. Domestic uses include many household cleaning products.
HCl is classified as highly 'Corrosive' above 25% concentration and should always be handled with care. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when handling or working with the product. This will include protective clothing, footwear and eye protection. Concentrated forms of the acid, otherwise known as Fuming Hydrochloric Acid, Fuming Muriatic Acid and Fuming HCl, should be used in a well-ventilated space. Further details of Hydrochloric Acid Hazards and Safety can be found on the relevant pages of this website.
Government legislation regulates Hydrochloric Acid packaging, Hydrochloric Acid labelling and transporting Hydrochloric Acid and further details of these requirements can be found on the relevant web pages of this site.
http://www.hydrochloric-acid.co.uk/hcl | Saved Friday, November 18th, 2011 - 4:34 AM