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What is Hydrochloric Acid Used For?

Hydrochloric Acid (HCI), also commonly referred to as muriatic acid, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. It is a solution that is colourless, but which has a pungent smell, and which is classified as a strong acid.

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HCI is a vital component of gastric acid in the digestive systems of many animal species, including humans. In addition, HCI is also an important laboratory reagent as well as industrial chemical.

HCI is typically prepared in industries through the process involving the dissolving of hydrogen chloride in water. In large scale production, it is typically integrated with the industrial scale production of other chemicals including the chloralkaline process which produces hydroxide, hydrogen, and chlorine.

HCI is produced in solutions up to 38%, which is concentration grade. However, there are higher concentrations of over 40% which are chemically possible, but with an extremely high evaporation rate that requires additional storage and handling precautions.

Hydrochloric Acid has several uses, including:

• The production of organic compounds such as dichloroethane and vinyl chloride for the manufacturing of PVC.
• The production of inorganic compounds such as water treatment chemicals including polyaluminium chloride, or PAC, and iron(III) chloride, amidst several others.
• The removal of metal stains as result of its high corrosivity.
• For the effective cleaning of swimming pools.
• The natural digestion of foods in the stomach through the acidification of stomach contents.
• The purification of table salt by dissolving impure salt in water to ionize into sodium and chloride ions.
• For neutralisation as well as pH control of various solutions. It can be used to control the pH in pharmaceutical products, various foods, and drinking water.
• To purify salt by using acid hydrolysis to extract xylose and glucose, with hydrochloric acid removing other organic substances.
• In the tanning of leather to prevent the growth of bacteria, as result of HCI changing the pH of the product.
• In the production of electric batteries as result of HCI being a powerful acid, with dissociates readily giving hydrogen ions. These act as charge carries and they complete the circuit generating current.
• As a disinfectant in homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms as it reduces the pH, preventing the growth of bacteria.
• The extraction of petroleum as well as desulfurization when injected into a rock which may contain oil. HCI acid acts as a corrosive and it forms large pore-like structures in the rock, helping with oil production as well as the extraction of oil.
• HCI can also be used as a medicine to treat achlorhydria, a condition where a person has insufficient secretion of hydrochloric acid in their stomach.

Safety Precautions involved with Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric Acid is well-known as a strong acid which is corrosive to any living tissue and to a variety of other materials, except rubber.

When handling HCI, users are strongly urged to wear chemical-resistant aprons, gloves, and chemical splash goggles to protect the eyes and skin. Concentrated hydrochloric acid is toxic if it is inhaled, so users must avoid breathing it in and handle the chemical under a fume hood.

When HCI is transported, it must be kept in unbreakable bottle carriers or in PVC-coated bottles. It is vital to ensure that there are no cracks on the bottle before it is picked up or handled. When storing HCI, it must be stored in dedicated location with efficient ventilation.

If there is exposure to HCI, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. For splashes to the skin, rinse it with water for between 15 to 20 minutes. If the acid enters the eyes, immediately flush them with water for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. If acid soaks the clothing, immediately remove it before it gets to the skin.