How to neutralize hydrochloric acid

By Jillian Jastrzembski

How to neutralize hydrochloric acid

 

Any business or laboratory in possession of a chemical inventory needs to be fully aware of how to properly handle chemical reagents, especially those considered hazardous. Strong acids, including hydrochloric acid, have strong oxidizing properties and are highly corrosive. A lab manager should keep careful track of proper storage, expiration, neutralization, and disposal of these hazardous chemicals.

In this article, we will specifically discuss the neutralization of hydrochloric acid. Neutralization of expired or excess strong acids is a critical step in safe disposal. Proper neutralization will mitigate safety risks during disposal, and save your business or laboratory on costs, since hazardous waste disposal can be expensive.

What is hydrochloric acid?

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is one of the seven common strong acids, which include in total:

Hydrochloric acid is also known (less commonly) as muriatic acid, or “spirits of salt.” It is the naturally-occurring acid in your stomach, which helps to digest food and kill potential pathogens you may have consumed.

While it is extremely corrosive, hydrochloric acid is relatively safe compared to the other strong acids listed above, and is therefore often the preferred acidifying agent for many applications.

What is hydrochloric acid used for?

Common uses of hydrochloric acid include:

  • Household cleaners: The corrosive properties of hydrochloric acid make it a good cleaning agent for stubborn stains. It is often an ingredient in toilet bowl cleaner, and bathroom tile cleaners.
  • Pool sanitation: Hydrochloric acid is one of the ingredients used to treat pool water and help maintain a safe pH.
  • Food processing: Hydrochloric acid may be used as an acidifying agent in certain foods, which helps maintain a safe pH and inhibit bacterial growth. This minimizes the risk of spoilage and prolongs shelf life of food products.
  • Calcium chloride production: When reacted with limestone, hydrochloric acid can produce a salt called calcium chloride, which itself has a variety of applications.
  • Metal cleaning: The corrosive properties of hydrochloric acid are exploited in metal processing, pickling, and rust removal.

Why do I need to neutralize hydrochloric acid?

As we mentioned above, the strong corrosive and oxidizing capabilities of hydrochloric acid present a hazard to workers and anyone else who may handle the reagent. This includes hazardous waste pick-up personnel, and anyone who passes through the storage area.

During storage, hydrochloric acid must be stored separately from bases. Like other corrosive chemicals, hydrochloric acid should be stored in a corrosive-resistant cabinet, such as one made of polyethylene. A steel cabinet coated in polyethylene may also suffice.

When it comes to excess inventory or expired hydrochloric acid, proper neutralization is an essential step prior to disposal. Neutralization will remove the hazard risk associated with this corrosive chemical, creating a safer environment for all involved.

Similarly, if a hydrochloric acid spill occurs, neutralization is an essential step for proper chemical clean-up.

How to neutralize hydrochloric acid

First of all, all personnel should wear proper personal protective equipment during the neutralization reaction. If possible, the work should be performed in a ventilated area, such as a fume hood. If a spill has occurred, this may not be possible, in which case additional personal protective equipment will be necessary.

First you may wish to dilute the acid to minimize safety risk in case of additional spills or splashes. To dilute an acid, always add acid to water.

Hydrochloric acid can be neutralized using a base. Some examples include:

These reagents are also available for purchase on the Lab Alley website.

You will also need pH paper or a pH meter in order to monitor the reaction progress. When you react hydrochloric acid with one of these bases, they will form water and a salt. The reaction should be performed in an acid-proof vessel. You will know that the reaction has ceased when the fizzing has stopped, but you should also check to ensure that the final pH is near neutral. Do not add too much base, or you may end up with another type of hazardous waste!

If the reaction is performed properly, you will end up with non-hazardous waste. Usually, this can be disposed of down the drain, though you should always check with the regulations in your local jurisdiction. Ideally, you’ll be saving hassle of scheduling hazardous waste pick-up, and you’ll also be saving money.

Where to restock on hydrochloric acid

Now that you’ve disposed of your spilled or expired hydrochloric acid, you’ll need to restock. Lab Alley is pleased to provide you with the highest quality, highest purity chemical reagents for your industry needs. You can order on our easy-to-use website, with transparent pricing and convenient shipping options. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our products or ordering process.

Buy Hydrochloric Acid Now

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