Hydrochloric acid (HCL)

Hydrochloric acid, also known as formic acid, is a colorless, pungent, acidic substance that is heavier than air. It readily liquefies to form a colorless liquid, and when wet or dissolved, it turns a blue substance red. It combines with metals, metal oxides, and their hydroxides, and its density is 1.18 g/cm3.

Applications

  • Hydrochloric acid is used in oil well acidification, boiler scale removal, urea reduction, and as a chemical intermediate. Other uses include steel washing, organic compound manufacturing, inorganic compound production, pH control and neutralization, ion exchanger regeneration, leather polishing, household cleaners, and the construction industry.

Maintenance risk

  • The very low pH of this acid makes it highly corrosive. This chemical produces toxic gases that can damage equipment and pose a fatal hazard to workers. Controlling the gas from hydrochloric acid requires a precise system for venting it from the tank. Entry into the tank should not be attempted under any circumstances, and measures must be taken to address the problem of exhaust gases and the high corrosiveness of the acid.

Maintenance method in plastonic tanks

  • Storing the highly corrosive substance hydrochloric acid and its toxic vapors requires a special system that solves these problems by producing strong and corrosion-resistant tanks.
  • The tank should be installed on a smooth and even concrete, asphalt or steel surface. No ropes, belts or other means of securing the tank should be used, and ladders and pipes should not be connected to the tank.
  • Due to the high corrosiveness of this acid, the use of a secondary tank is recommended.
  • The transportation and storage temperature according to the standard should not exceed 37 degrees Celsius.
  • The pipes and fittings should have a resistance appropriate to your intended use. The type of fittings used in tanks for storing this substance can be: polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon or steel. Gaskets made of ethylene propylene diene monomer or Viton are also recommended for sealing.