Muratic Acid

[NightWinder]

I was just wondering, how much protection do you really need? I am doing some experiments, and am using these huge rubber gloves. They are bulky and unstable. Could I use simply latex gloves, or am I looking for burns..... BTW, the recent stuff I bought has a higher concentration of hydrocloric acid 30%. The older stuff had 20%, and the newer bottle seems really strong. I'm very carful in my operation, but the gloves are a bit clumbsy. I also have bought a protective suit. Maybe overkill, but I'm sure this is dangerous stuff. Any extra safety tips would be Helpful
Thanks

[Arthur B.]

How is the percentage measured?

[Tom Phillips]

I have used the thin form fitting latex gloves. If I need a little stronger glove for the work at hand, I use the ones from the home improvement store that look like dishwashing gloves and are labeled “chemical resistant”. They come in different sizes and provide good dexterity.

My other personal tips for working with hydrochloric acid would be:

• Lots of good ventilation. Note sure what you are doing but work outside if possible.
• Keep a bowl of water with some baking soda dissolved in it handy. Use this to mop up spills and clean any body parts that may contact the acid. Also keep the box of baking soda handy.
• Note that the fumes will corrode your tools. Furthermore, don’t store a plastic bottle of the acid near any metal that you care about. The fumes will slowly escape through the plastic and accelerate corrosion of metal objects up to several feet away.

I’m sure lot’s of other cautions apply. Sound’s like you care since you asked the initial question. Here is a link to more interesting information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrochloric_acid

By the way, there is a way for you to delete your entire accidental double post. Button is next to the edit button. Otherwise, it will keep getting bumped to the top and your replies could end up spread over two posts.

Regards,
Tom

[Joe Gwinn]

I was just wondering, how much protection do you really need? I am doing some experiments, and am using these huge rubber gloves. They are bulky and unstable. Could I use simply latex gloves, or am I looking for burns.....

Latex gloves are not likely to work. Use nitrile gloves, or neoprene. Glovemakers / sellers have charts showing what is good for what. Try scientific supply houses like Fisher and WVR.

BTW, the recent stuff I bought has a higher concentration of hydrochloric acid 30%. The older stuff had 20%, and the newer bottle seems really strong. I'm very carful in my operation, but the gloves are a bit clumsy. I also have bought a protective suit. Maybe overkill, but I'm sure this is dangerous stuff. Any extra safety tips would be Helpful.

What are you using the acid for? Does it need to be that strong?

The biggest danger is to the eyes. A single splash of strong acid is all it takes. Wear full goggles, and have a hose or shower handy.

The second danger is to the skin. While short-term exposure to HCl is not a problem, longer term can cause the skin to come off in big sheets.

Wear old clothes, and change out of them, so an unnoticed spill will destroy only the clothes. If you feel any lack of dryness in the gloves, stop and deal with it immediately.

The third danger is to the lungs. Breathing the vapor can damage the lungs, yielding lots of foam, in which one drowns. This is not usually a problem as the vapor is so hard to take, and people will run away long before dangerous levels are achieved, unless somehow trapped.

Oddly enough, while strong HCl is a corrosive, dilute HCL is not a poison. In fact, the stomach makes its own HCL.

All this said, HCl isn't unduly dangerous, and is regularly handled without incident.

The warnings about the effect of the vapors on nearby metal items, such as tools and electronics, are well founded. If you can keep and use this stuff in an outbuilding, do it. But lock it (and all chemicals) away from stray children.

[NightWinder]

I'm not sure, but the older bottle had been marked in the corner. This bottle is marked 30%

[NightWinder]

(TOM)Sound’s like you care since you asked the initial question. Yes, and safty is always #1.(TOM)By the way, there is a way for you to delete your entire accidental double post. Button is next to the edit button. Otherwise, it will keep getting bumped to the top and your replies could end up spread over two posts. Well, sorry, I can't find the button when I try to edit...
(JOE)What are you using the acid for? Does it need to be that strong? Aging Covers and bridges and such. I don't know if it does? I have been reading some things on aging, and the fumes seemed to be Ideal. I was using a much safer chemical, but due to cost I thought I may give this a try. Will there be any danger of residue after treating the metal? What kind of resporator would be adiquit? I really want to be as safe as possible to myself and the enviroment. I bought 5 gallons, and the container was also wraped in a plastic bag and taped off. I would like to get the proper safty equipment, but right now I look like a snowman. Thankyou for reading, as you can never be too careful. Any other advice is appreciated.

[CL-10]

Don't count on the Nitrile or latex to protect you. I use many chemicals at my work--and when I remove my nitriel latex (depending on which one I put on) my fingers are often discolored from the chemicals getting through the pores of the gloves. Maybe if you triple glove up you'd be safe--but???
I'd stick with the heavier gloves if I were you just to be safe.

[NightWinder]

I may well just let this sit for awile. Seek some other alternatives to aging. I hate polution, and this can clearly polute...... I will wait to get some more information. I have dabbled with it already, and the results are nice, but there should be something a little safer for me, and the enviroment. Cheers (Ketle One)

[kevinT]

Mr. Nightwinder,

that is a nicely-finished pickup cover you got on your forum photo ID. Was acid (not LSD ) involved with creating that effect on the metal cover? ....Just curious.

[David King]

Chrome stripping is a no-no

Be very careful with fumes and used acid if you are doing anything to chrome. Hexavalent chrome is one of the byproducts and it not something you want dumped into your aquifer. Disposal can cost a lot of money and fines can stop you cold.

[NightWinder]

No, no acid for that one. Mostly steady heat, and a base oil to disperse it oddly.
LSD was a good time, cheap entertainment back in the day! Best not to fool with that stuff now, too much rat poison. Getting to old for that shit too. Now shrooms....LOL

[Joe Gwinn]

"(JOE)What are you using the acid for? Does it need to be that strong?"

Aging Covers and bridges and such. I don't know if it does? I have been reading some things on aging, and the fumes seemed to be Ideal.

It will work, but may be a bit too uniform. But you don't need anything nearly so strong as 30%.

I was using a much safer chemical, but due to cost I thought I may give this a try. Will there be any danger of residue after treating the metal?

Not if you immediately wash the metal off in hot water and dry it with a towel. Don't allow the acid solution to dry on the metal.

What kind of respirator would be adequate? I really want to be as safe as possible to myself and the enviroment. I bought 5 gallons, and the container was also wraped in a plastic bag and taped off. I would like to get the proper safty equipment, but right now I look like a snowman.

Ventilation is far more important. Dilute the 30% down to 3% for use, and keep everything in a plastic container with tight-fitting plastic lid. A big food container or two should work. Skip the respirator and bunny suit - even 30% isn't that dangerous. I'd keep the 5-gal container outside, in the garage, or the like. If only small quantities of dilute (or full-strength) acid is in the house in use at any time, the impact of even a spill is greatly reduced.

[NightWinder]

It will work, but may be a bit too uniform. But you don't need anything nearly so strong as 30%.

Not if you immediately wash the metal off in hot water and dry it with a towel. Don't allow the acid solution to dry on the metal.

Ventilation is far more important. Dilute the 30% down to 3% for use, and keep everything in a plastic container with tight-fitting plastic lid. A big food container or two should work. Skip the respirator and bunny suit - even 30% isn't that dangerous. I'd keep the 5-gal container outside, in the garage, or the like. If only small quantities of dilute (or full-strength) acid is in the house in use at any time, the impact of even a spill is greatly reduced.

Not if you immediately wash the metal off in hot water and dry it with a towel. Don't allow the acid solution to dry on the metal.
I was thinking of suspending the metal above the acid, and sealing it off to lock the fumes in, Are you refering to putting the acid directly on it?
Ventilation is far more important. Dilute the 30% down to 3% for use, and keep everything in a plastic container with tight-fitting plastic lid. A big food container or two should work. Skip the respirator and bunny suit - even 30% isn't that dangerous. I'd keep the 5-gal container outside, in the garage, or the like. If only small quantities of dilute (or full-strength) acid is in the house in use at any time, the impact of even a spill is greatly reduced.[/QUOTE]
Just wanted to be very safe. I was actually thinking of using a Fish tank, and putting the whole container in one corner, suspending the parts, and sealing it off with saranwrap? Again, I just want to be completely safe to the enviroment, and my land. Seems some diluting will be nessesary. Again, I'm in the not know, so I want to make sure everything is in order. I will be working outside as well. Thanks for helping Joe, you giving me a set of bigger balls to get this done. I guess I took the initial step and bought the Acid......Thanks Joe

[Joe Gwinn]

I was thinking of suspending the metal above the acid, and sealing it off to lock the fumes in, Are you refering to putting the acid directly on it?

I was referring to immersion, but vapor will work too.

Just wanted to be very safe. I was actually thinking of using a Fish tank, and putting the whole container in one corner, suspending the parts, and sealing it off with saranwrap?

Fishtanks can have metal (stainless steel or chrome) frames, and the acid will do harm, and the tank may over time fall apart. And saran wrap is too thin, and will allow the HCl gas to diffuse through and escape. I'd use a big all-plastic Rubbermaid food container. Many hardware stores sell these containers, and they are quite cheap. Pick one that's wide and squat, so it's not easily tipped over.

Again, I just want to be completely safe to the enviroment, and my land. Seems some diluting will be neccesary. Again, I'm in the not know, so I want to make sure everything is in order. I will be working outside as well.

HCl spilled on the ground will do no harm. Just wash it down to ensure dilution, and let nature do the rest, the acid becoming salt.

Thanks for helping Joe, you giving me a set of bigger balls to get this done. I guess I took the initial step and bought the Acid......Thanks Joe

Thanks. But please do get and use the full-coverage goggles or face shield while handling the acid. The serious danger is to the eyes, and it's all too easy to splash acid if one fumbles and drops something heavy into the acid. A quick shower or hosing-off will solve the problem elsewhere on the body.

[NightWinder]

I will try both ways, and definately wear eye and face protection. I have a tendency to be a worry wart....SHit, I use eye protection when winding....LOL. You just never know....