Muriatic Acid
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Muriatic Acid is another name for Hydrochloric Acid whose chemical formula is HCl. Muriatic Acid is classed as 'fuming' Hydrochloric Acid in its concentrated form which is approximately 36% to 40%. When Muriatic Acid is diluted with water, this is known as Muriatic Acid solution. Muriatic Acid solution can be produced by dilution of the concentrated form to the required molarity.
Muriatic Acid is a strong mineral acid and one of the most widely used acids in industry. Its uses include food preparation, steel-making and PVC manufacturing. In food preparation, Muriatic Acid is used to prepare corn syrups and soft drinks. Muriatic Acid is also used as part of the canning process for a variety of foodstuffs. In steel-making, Muriatic Acid is used for its ability to effectively remove rust from metal; this process is often referred to as 'pickling'. Muriatic Acid is used in the production of Vinyl Chloride to produce PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) which has a huge range of uses both in industry and domestically.
On the domestic front, Muriatic Acid can be found in a whole host of cleaning materials around the home. In its dilute form, Muriatic Acid is also widely used in the building industry to clean brickwork and to etch concrete. Swimming pool maintenance often depends on dilute forms of Muriatic Acid to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in and around pool areas.
Muriatic Acid can be produced by mixing Sulphuric Acid with salt or brine. Muriatic Acid history can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages when it was first used by alchemists trying to trace the philosopher's stone. Later, during the Industrial Revolutipn, Muriatic Acid production quickly expanded and today, Muriatic Acid production world-wide stands at approximately 20 million tonnes per annum.
Muriatic Acid is highly 'Corrosive' when concentrated and great care should be taken when handling or working with the material. It can cause serious burns to skin and eyes, possibly leading to long-term or permanent damage. Inhalation of the vapours can cause damage to the nasal passages, respiratory tract and lungs. Ingestion of Muriatic Acid can cause circulatory shock and a variation in pulse, perforation of the stomach and burns to the mouth, oesophagus and gastro-intestinal tract. It is essential that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn whenever Muriatic Acid is handled. As a minimum, protective clothing, footwear and suitable eye protection should be worn, together with full face protection, breathing apparatus and fume extraction, as appropriate.
Muriatic Acid containers should be kept away from sources of heat as they will pressurise if exposed to heat and may explode. Pressure build-up may cause a receptacle to balloon-up if vapours are not allowed to escape so ventilated caps may be required. Strict government legislation controls Hydrochloric Acid packaging, HCl labelling and transporting Muriatic Acid. Further information on these matters can be found on the relevant pages of this website.
http://www.hydrochloric-acid.co.uk/muriatic-acid | Saved Friday, November 18th, 2011 - 5:37 AM