Nitric Acid

Nitric acid is a strong mineral acid used industrially for metal pickling and passivation of stainless steel, dairy and food-processing equipment cleaning (CIP), fertilizer production (ammonium nitrate), explosives manufacturing, electroplating bath preparation, and laboratory reagent applications. CHIMI ART supplies technical-grade 68-70% HNO₃ for these applications.

We supply technical-grade nitric acid at 68-70% concentration (azeotropic strength), which is the standard industrial form. This is fuming-free, colorless to pale yellow, and meets the purity specifications required for descaling, pickling, and chemical-process feedstock applications. Higher concentrations (red fuming or white fuming HNO₃) and lower dilutions are available on request.

Nitric acid has the chemical formula HNO₃ (molecular weight 63.01 g/mol) and CAS registry number 7697-37-2. EINECS/EC number 231-714-2, UN number 2031 (Class 8 corrosive, Packing Group II). Always reference these identifiers on procurement, transport, and SDS documentation.

Diluted nitric acid solutions (typically 5-15% by volume) are used to dissolve mineral scale (calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate) and remove rust and oxide layers from stainless steel surfaces, heat exchangers, boilers, evaporators, and food-grade tanks. Unlike hydrochloric acid, HNO₃ passivates stainless steel rather than corroding it, making it the preferred descaler in dairy, beverage, and pharmaceutical CIP cycles.

Store in HDPE drums or stainless-steel 304L/316L tanks in a cool, ventilated area away from organics, reducing agents, and bases. Operators must wear acid-resistant gloves (neoprene or PVC), splash goggles, face shield, and chemical-resistant apron. Provide emergency eyewash and safety shower within reach. Keep neutralizing agent (soda ash) on hand for spills. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full handling, transport, and emergency-response procedures.