Hydrochloric Acid
Standard Products available
Product
Strength
Grade
Hydrochloric Acid
36%
Foodgrade
Shipment Size
(tonnes)
15 -25
Product Overview
Hydrochloric acid is a strong inorganic acid used in almost all sectors of Industry. It is a clear,
colourless, fuming and corrosive liquid that has a strong pungent odour.
Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive and reactive chemical. It is irritating to the skin, eyes and
gastrointestinal tract. Please see the health and safety data sheet attached for further information.
Manufacture of Product
Hydrochloric Acid is typically produced in a Chloro-Alkali facility. Hydrochloric acid supplied by
Gouldings is manufactured from Hydrogen and Chlorine gases produced during electrolysis of brine
utilising membrane cell technology. Salt in the form of brine is electrolysed to produce Caustic Soda,
Chlorine and Hydrogen.
NaCl₂ (aq) + 2H₂0
→
Cl₂(gas) + H₂ (gas) + 2NaoH(aq)
(Electrical energy)
The Chlorine and Hydrogen gases are fed to a combustion chamber to form HCL gas which is then
absorbed in water via a scrubber to produce 36% Hydrochloric acid solution.
H₂ + Cl₂ →
2HCL (gas) + H₂O
→
HCL ( aq)
Product Uses
Hydrochloric Acid’s primary applications are in the following industries
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Metal Cleaning and Treatment The 'pickling' of steel is the major use for
hydrochloric acid.
Mining The mining industry relies heavily on the acid leaching of certain minerals
from ore deposits, an economical method of recovering valuable minerals from
otherwise inaccessible bodies of ore.
Food and Dairy Industry Hydrochloric acid is used in protein and starch
manufacture, as well as demineralising whey. It is also used extensively in casein
manufacture and the regeneration of ion exchange resins.
Water Treatment Hydrochloric acid is used widely in water treatment as an effective
neutralisation agent for alkaline (high pH) effluent.
Chemical Raw Material Hydrochloric acid is used as a raw material for both organic
and inorganic chemical reactions, such as in the production of chlorine dioxide and
the esterification of aromatic acids