Hydrochloric Acid (HCl, Muriatic Acid) is a major industrial chemical. It’s uses include: pickling and cleaning of steel, manufacturing of inorganic and organic chemicals; acidizing of oil wells to stimulate production; pH control of processes of effluents; production of sugars, starches, and other food products; production of organic dyes and pigments; ore beneficiation; catalyst reclamation; industrial cleaning; and concrete finishing.   

The largest merchant sources of HCl are produced as a by-product from the process of chlorination of various intermediates such as Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) and Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI). Fluoropolymer and Herbicides and other processes also contribute but with less excess Chlorine. Fluoropolymers are a major contributor to the production of products such as Teflon.

The balance of HCl is produced by the burning Chlorine in the presence of Hydrogen to manage the excess Chlorine produced. In general, this is performed in a strict manufacturing process of “burning” Hydrogen and Chlorine to produce high quality HCl.  Overall this is known as the Chlor-Alkali industry. This process is widely used to produce Chlorine, Caustic Soda, and other Chlorine and Sodium derived/based products such as Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach), HCl, bleaching power, and Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC).

The process uses brine (salt water, NaCl + H20) during electrolysis to produce these products that are known as Chlor-Alkali market products.

2NaCl + 2H20 → Cl2 + H2 + 2NaOH

The burner acid is produced from the Chlorine and Hydrogen from the Chlor-Alkali process to provide a reliable supply of high quality, pure acid. Hydrogen and Chlorine are passed through a burner nozzle and ignited in a combustion chamber to produce clean, high quality gaseous Hydrochloric Acid.

H2 + CL2 → 2HCl    

Product Information

• Shipped in full trucks, totes, and drums.
  

Storage and Handling

• Storage tanks should be labeled properly with the safety symbol, and identification plate.
  
• Tank must be fitting with the following: 2” (4) bolt, filling line (at least 2”) with a clearly labeled coupling point
  
• Vent line and overflow line of a least 4” on top of the storage tank, directed to a gas absorption system/scrubber installed inside containment area.
  

**An HCl vent scrubber should be used to absorb the gases generated during the unloading process. The gases in contact with the scrubber media are absorbed. The scrubbing liquid will need to be drained and neutralized. A regular scrubber maintenance schedule is highly recommended Tank fluid level measurement device and discharge line.
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**The size of vent and overflow lines should be larger or equal in size to the filling lines.

Safety Precautions
Since HCL is highly corrosive to all tissue, the utmost care must be taken to prevent any HCl liquid or gas contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Provide adequate ventilation and avoid breathing mist or vapor. A readily accessible and well-marked eyewash fountain and safety shower should be available in any area where HCl is handled.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Full length acid coat/suit, acid-proof gauntlet gloves, rubber boots, chemical splash goggles, hard hat with brim, face shield, and acid approved respirator.