Hydrochloric Acid
HCl
Hydrochloric acid is a strong mineral acid (HCl, CAS 7647-01-0) supplied as a clear solution at 30-37% concentration. It is used for pH adjustment, dissolving calcium and magnesium scale, neutralizing alkaline waste streams, and as a disinfection aid in water treatment. CHIMI ART supplies technical-grade hydrochloric acid across Egypt in drums, IBCs and bulk tankers, with a certificate of analysis for every delivery.
Product Overview
Hydrochloric acid is a strong mineral acid (HCl, CAS 7647-01-0) supplied as a clear solution at 30-37% concentration. It is used for pH adjustment, dissolving calcium and magnesium scale, neutralizing alkaline waste streams, and as a disinfection aid in water treatment. CHIMI ART supplies technical-grade hydrochloric acid across Egypt in drums, IBCs and bulk tankers, with a certificate of analysis for every delivery.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Formula
- HCl
- CAS Number
- 7647-01-0
- Appearance
- Clear colorless liquid
- Concentration
- 30-37% HCl
- Specific Gravity
- 1.15-1.19
- pH Range
- < 1.0
- Solubility
- Fully miscible with water
- Available Packaging
- 200L drums · 1000L IBC · Bulk tanker
- Shelf Life
- 12 months
- Storage Conditions
- Acid-resistant containers
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | HCl |
| CAS Number | 7647-01-0 |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Concentration | 30-37% HCl |
| Specific Gravity | 1.15-1.19 |
| pH Range | < 1.0 |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water |
| Available Packaging | 200L drums · 1000L IBC · Bulk tanker |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Storage Conditions | Acid-resistant containers |
Applications
Dosing Guidelines
For pH control, hydrochloric acid is metered into a well-mixed stream under pH feedback until the setpoint is reached; for neutralizing alkaline waste, the required volume is calculated stoichiometrically from the measured alkalinity of the effluent and then trimmed by pH control. For descaling, diluted solutions of typically 5-15% are circulated through the fouled equipment until deposits dissolve, then flushed and neutralized before disposal. Always add acid to water when preparing dilutions. Establish site-specific dose rates by titration and trial on the actual stream, starting low and increasing stepwise — the acid acts quickly, and overshoot is easier to prevent than to correct.
How It Works
Hydrochloric acid dissociates completely in water, releasing hydrogen ions that neutralize hydroxide, carbonate and bicarbonate alkalinity rapidly — the basis of its use for pH adjustment and for neutralizing alkaline waste streams. Against scale, the acid reacts with calcium and magnesium carbonate deposits to form highly soluble chloride salts with release of carbon dioxide, dissolving hard scale from pipework, heat exchangers and membranes far faster than mechanical cleaning. As a disinfection aid, lowering the pH of chlorinated water shifts the chlorine equilibrium toward hypochlorous acid, the more biocidal form, improving the efficiency of an existing chlorine dose. Because the chloride ion is non-oxidizing, HCl attacks most common metals and does not passivate stainless steel, so materials of construction must be chosen accordingly.
Usage Tips
Store hydrochloric acid in HDPE, polypropylene, FRP or rubber-lined steel tanks; never in unlined carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum, which corrode rapidly. Shelf life is 12 months in sealed packaging. Concentrated acid fumes in humid air, so provide good ventilation or fume scrubbing at storage and dosing points, and keep containers closed. Segregate strictly from oxidizers — especially sodium hypochlorite, with which it releases chlorine gas — and from caustics. Wear acid-resistant gloves, goggles and face protection, keep soda ash or lime available for spills, and always add acid to water when diluting.
Certifications & Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydrochloric acid used for in water treatment plants?
Its main duties are pH adjustment of alkaline water, dissolving calcium and magnesium scale from pipework and heat-transfer equipment, and neutralizing alkaline waste streams before discharge. It also serves as a disinfection aid: lowering pH shifts chlorine chemistry toward hypochlorous acid, the more effective disinfecting species, improving the performance of an existing chlorine dose.
How do I calculate the hydrochloric acid dose for neutralization?
Measure the alkalinity of the stream by titration, calculate the stoichiometric acid requirement from it, then confirm with a bench test before running at plant scale, where a pH feedback loop trims the final dose. For descaling duties, diluted solutions of typically 5-15% are circulated until deposits dissolve. Start at the low end and increase stepwise.
What materials are compatible with hydrochloric acid storage?
HCl should be stored in polyethylene (PE/HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or rubber-lined steel tanks. Avoid stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel which corrode rapidly. FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) tanks are also suitable for concentrations up to 37%.
What is the difference between technical grade and reagent grade HCl?
Technical grade HCl (30-37%) is used for industrial applications like pH adjustment, scale removal, and metal pickling. Reagent grade (≥37%, high purity) is used in laboratories and pharmaceutical applications with stricter impurity limits on iron, sulfate, and heavy metals.
How should hydrochloric acid spills be handled?
Contain the spill with inert absorbent material (vermiculite, dry sand). Neutralize with soda ash (Na₂CO₃) or lime (Ca(OH)₂). Wear full PPE including acid-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and respiratory protection. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for detailed emergency procedures.
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