Hydrochloric acid uses Info by Chemical Man India

Hydrochloric acid is a colorless inorganic chemical system with the formula H2O:HCl. Hydrochloric acid has a distinctive pungent smell. It is mainly produced as a precursor to vinyl chloride for PVC. It is classified as strongly acidic and can attack the skin over a wide composition range, since the hydrogen chloride practically dissociates completely in solution.

Other names

Muriatic acid
Spirits of salt
Hydronium chloride
Chlorhydric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is the simplest chlorine-based acid system containing water. It is a solution of hydrogen chloride and water, and a variety of other chemical species, including hydronium and chloride ions. It is an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical, used primarily in the production of polyvinyl chloride for plastic. In households, diluted hydrochloric acid is often used as a descaling agent. In the food industry, hydrochloric acid used as a food additive and in the production of gelatin. Hydrochloric acid is also used in leather processing.

Hydrochloric acid was discovered by the alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan around the year 800 AD. Hydrochloric acid was historically called acidum salis, muriatic acid, and spirits of salt because it was produced from rock salt and "green vitriol" (Iron(II) sulfate) (by Basilius Valentinus in the 15th century) and later from the chemically similar common salt and sulfuric acid (by Johann Rudolph Glauber in the 17th century). Free hydrochloric acid was first formally described in the 16th century by Libavius. Later, it was used by chemists such as Glauber, Priestley, and Davy in their scientific research. Unless pressurized or cooled, hydrochloric acid will turn into a gas if there is around 60% or less of water. Hydrochloric acid is also known as hydronium chloride.

Hydrochloric acid has many uses. It is used in the production of chlorides, fertilizers, and dyes, in electroplating, and in the photographic, textile, and rubber industries. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure may cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation and inflammation and pulmonary edema in humans. Acute oral exposure may cause corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and dermal contact may produce severe burns, ulceration, and scarring in humans. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to hydrochloric acid has been reported to cause gastritis, chronic bronchitis, dermatitis, and photosensitization in workers. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations may also cause dental discoloration and erosion. EPA has not classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity.

Industry Uses

Bleaching agents

CBI

Cleaning Compound

Dyes

Finishing agents

Functional fluids (closed systems)

Intermediates

Laboratory chemicals

Lubricants and lubricant additives

Many industrial uses of hydrochloric acid. Not known exact downstream uses by 

customers of distributor.

Miscellaneous uses: Lab chemical, reagent, processing aid

Not known or reasonably ascertainable

OIlfield Inhibitor

Oxidizing/reducing agents

Pigments

Plating agents and surface treating agents

Process regulators

Processing aids, not otherwise listed

Processing aids, specific to petroleum production

Solids separation agents.

Solvents (for cleaning and degreasing)

Surface active agents

Water Treatment pH Adjustment and Industrial Cleaning

acid cleaner

industrial manufacturing and water treatment chemical

inorganic chemical processing

material is sold to broker for various distribution activities.

pH Control for Water

pH Control in Process

pH Treated for Deepwell Disposal
 

Consumer Uses

Acid etching metals

Adhesives and sealants

Agricultural products (non-pesticidal)

Building/construction materials not covered elsewhere

CBI
Cleaning and furnishing care products

Down hole fracking chemistry

Electrical and electronic products

Etching for surface preparation

Fabric, textile, and leather products not covered elsewhere

Fuels and related products

Industrial Cleaning

Industrial manufacturing and industrial water treatment

Ink, toner, and colorant products

Laboratory use

Laundry and dishwashing products

Metal products not covered elsewhere

Non-TSCA use

Not known or reasonably ascertainable

OIlfield Inhibitor

Paints and coatings

Paper products

Personal care products

Plastic and rubber products not covered elsewhere

Reactant

Used for quenching steel and neutralization.
Water treatment products

used in products which are used as cleaners in plating processes or used as cleaners for a variety of applications for surface treatments, examples of final uses are automotive and machinery.