Nitric acid (HNO3)

Nitric acid is known as lye or lye ink. It is a corrosive acid and a strong oxidizer with a density of 1.51 g/cm3. In its pure state, it is completely colorless, but the accumulation of nitrogen oxides in it gives it a slightly yellow color. The gases released from this desiccant give it an unpleasant odor. This strong acid is highly soluble in water. It changes color to brown when exposed to sunlight.

Applications

• This material is used in aerospace, the explosives industry, the production of chemical fertilizers such as calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate, the manufacture of various nitrate salts, as well as in the manufacture of dyes and medicines, and for the purification of various metals.

Maintenance risk

• This non-flammable acid is a strong oxidizer at high concentrations and generates heat when combined with fuels and alcohols. It can also react, burn, or explode with reducing agents or combustible organic materials.
• Eye contact causes severe eye burns, and skin contact causes mild skin irritation.
• Respiratory effects are delayed, and if swallowed, it can cause pain and burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach, sometimes resulting in death.

Maintenance method in plastonic tanks

• Polyethylene tanks can be used to store nitric acid with a maximum concentration of 50% and a maximum fluid storage temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.
• 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.
• The pipes and fittings should be of a strength appropriate to the intended use. The fittings used in tanks for storing this material can be polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon or steel. Gaskets made of ethylene propylene diene monomer or Viton are also recommended for sealing.