Hydrochloric Acid

Industrial Grade Chemical Solutions

Hydrochloric acid 37% stands as one of the most versatile and essential industrial chemicals in modern manufacturing and processing operations. Our technical grade HCl delivers exceptional purity and consistency for steel pickling, water treatment, and chemical processing applications across diverse industrial sectors worldwide.

Market Overview

The global hydrochloric acid market demonstrates robust growth, valued at USD 2.73 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4.98 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. The U.S. market alone was valued at USD 662.9 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing industrial activities in water treatment and food processing.

Industrial hydrochloric acid serves critical functions in steel production, chemical synthesis, and environmental treatment processes. The growing demand for processed materials and infrastructure development continues to drive market expansion globally. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, mineral acids including hydrochloric acid remain fundamental to industrial processing operations worldwide.

Product Specifications

Our technical grade hydrochloric acid meets rigorous international standards for industrial applications, ensuring consistent performance and safety in demanding operational environments.

Parameter	Specification	Test Method	Application Impact
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)	37.0% Min	ASTM D1615	Maximum acid strength for industrial processes
Iron (Fe)	50 ppm Max	ASTM E394	Prevents contamination in steel pickling
Free Chlorine (Cl₂)	10 ppm Max	ASTM D1253	Maintains product stability and safety
Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)	100 ppm Max	ASTM D516	Ensures chemical purity standards
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	10 ppm Max	ASTM D3335	Critical for food and pharmaceutical grades
Residue on Ignition	100 ppm Max	ASTM D482	Minimizes solid contaminants
CAS Number	7647-01-0	–	International chemical identification
Molecular Formula	HCl	–	Chemical composition reference
Molecular Weight	36.46 g/mol	–	Stoichiometric calculations
Physical State	Clear Liquid	Visual	Easy handling and application
Specific Gravity	1.18-1.19 g/cm³	ASTM D1429	Density verification for applications
UN Classification	UN1789 (Class 8)	DOT/IATA	Safe transportation compliance
Packaging	25L Drums to Bulk	–	Flexible supply options
Storage Temperature	15-30°C	–	Standard warehouse conditions

Chemical Properties

Technical grade hydrochloric acid exhibits exceptional chemical reactivity and stability essential for industrial processing. The 37% concentration provides optimal balance between acid strength and handling safety for most industrial applications.

Key performance characteristics include:

• Strong Mineral Acid: Complete ionization in aqueous solution
• Corrosive Properties: Effective metal surface treatment capability
• pH Control: Precise acidification for process control
• Chemical Reactivity: Rapid reaction kinetics for efficient processing
• Thermal Stability: Stable under normal operating conditions

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides comprehensive chemical data supporting hydrochloric acid specifications for industrial chemical applications.

Industrial Uses

Steel Processing

HCl steel pickling represents the largest application segment for industrial hydrochloric acid. The acid effectively removes oxide scales, rust, and surface contaminants from steel surfaces prior to galvanizing, coating, or further processing. Our technical grade formulation ensures consistent pickling performance while minimizing iron contamination.

Water Treatment

Hydrochloric acid water treatment applications include pH adjustment, alkalinity control, and ion exchange resin regeneration. Water treatment facilities rely on HCl pH control for optimizing coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection processes in municipal and industrial water systems.

Oil Well Operations

Petroleum hydrochloric acid applications include well acidizing, scale removal, and completion fluid preparation. The oil and gas industry utilizes HCl for stimulating hydrocarbon production through controlled acid treatments of reservoir formations.

Chemical Manufacturing

Chemical processing operations use hydrochloric acid as a key reagent for producing chlorides, organic chemicals, and pharmaceutical intermediates. The industrial HCl serves as both a reactant and catalyst in numerous chemical synthesis processes.

Quality Control

Hydrochloric acid quality control encompasses comprehensive testing protocols ensuring consistent product specifications:

Chemical Analysis

• Acid Concentration: Titration analysis using standardized NaOH
• Impurity Testing: ICP-MS analysis for metallic contaminants
• Chlorine Content: Iodometric titration methods
• Physical Properties: Density and appearance verification

Performance Validation

• Pickling Efficiency: Steel surface treatment testing
• pH Control: Buffer capacity and neutralization curves
• Storage Stability: Extended shelf life verification
• Compatibility Testing: Material compatibility assessment

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) establishes standardized testing methodologies validating hydrochloric acid specifications for industrial applications.

Safety Guidelines

Storage Requirements

Hydrochloric acid storage requires specialized facilities designed for corrosive substances:

• Corrosion-Resistant Materials: HDPE, PVC, or rubber-lined steel tanks
• Secondary Containment: 110% capacity containment systems
• Ventilation Systems: Adequate airflow preventing vapor accumulation
• Temperature Control: Ambient storage preventing thermal stress

Transport Procedures

UN1789 classification requires compliance with hazardous material regulations:

• DOT Compliance: Proper placarding and documentation
• Container Standards: UN-approved packaging and labeling
• Emergency Response: Trained personnel and safety equipment
• Route Planning: Designated hazardous material corridors

Worker Protection

Industrial handling demands comprehensive safety protocols:

• Personal Protective Equipment: Acid-resistant suits and respiratory protection
• Emergency Equipment: Safety showers and eyewash stations
• Spill Response: Neutralization materials and containment procedures
• Training Programs: Regular safety education and emergency drills

Environmental Compliance

Waste Management

Hydrochloric acid environmental considerations include:

• Neutralization: Controlled pH adjustment before discharge
• Vapor Control: Scrubbing systems preventing atmospheric release
• Spill Prevention: Secondary containment and monitoring systems
• Regulatory Compliance: EPA and local environmental standards

Sustainable Practices

Industrial chemical operations increasingly focus on environmental stewardship:

• Process Optimization: Efficient acid utilization reducing waste
• Recovery Systems: Acid regeneration and recycling technologies
• Emission Control: Advanced vapor capture and treatment
• Green Chemistry: Alternative processes reducing environmental impact

Supply Chain

Bulk Supply Options

Bulk hydrochloric acid services accommodate diverse industrial requirements:

• Flexible Packaging: 25L drums to 25,000L tanker deliveries
• Quality Assurance: Certificate of analysis with each shipment
• Inventory Management: Just-in-time delivery and storage solutions
• Technical Support: Application engineering and troubleshooting

Global Distribution

Industrial chemicals supply network supports worldwide operations:

• Strategic Locations: Regional distribution centers minimizing transportation
• Documentation Services: Complete regulatory compliance support
• Emergency Response: 24/7 technical and safety assistance
• Quality Consistency: Standardized specifications across all facilities

Industry Partnerships

Chemical solutions partnerships provide:

• Long-term Contracts: Price stability and supply security
• Technical Collaboration: Process optimization and development
• Safety Training: Comprehensive handling and emergency response
• Innovation Support: Next-generation chemical technologies

Technical Support

Our technical team provides comprehensive hydrochloric acid application support:

Process Consultation

• Application Optimization: Concentration and dosing recommendations
• Equipment Selection: Material compatibility and system design
• Process Integration: Seamless incorporation into existing operations
• Performance Monitoring: Ongoing efficiency evaluation and improvement

Safety Services

• Risk Assessment: Comprehensive hazard analysis and mitigation
• Training Development: Customized safety and handling programs
• Emergency Planning: Incident response and recovery procedures
• Regulatory Compliance: Standards interpretation and implementation

Analytical Services

• Product Testing: Comprehensive chemical and physical analysis
• Quality Verification: Specification compliance confirmation
• Custom Formulations: Tailored solutions for specific applications
• Technical Documentation: Safety data sheets and application guides

Regulatory Standards

Hydrochloric acid regulatory compliance encompasses multiple jurisdictions:

United States Regulations

• EPA Standards: Environmental protection and discharge limits
• OSHA Requirements: Workplace safety and exposure limits
• DOT Transportation: Hazardous material shipping compliance
• FDA Approval: Food and pharmaceutical grade specifications

International Standards

• UN Classification: Global transport and safety requirements
• ISO Quality: Manufacturing and testing protocols
• REACH Compliance: European chemical registration requirements
• Regional Standards: Country-specific regulatory adherence

Market Trends

The integration of digital monitoring and automated dosing systems continues transforming hydrochloric acid applications in industrial processes. Advanced process control technologies enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance across all application sectors.

Emerging developments include:

• Digital Integration: IoT sensors and automated control systems
• Green Chemistry: Sustainable production and application methods
• Advanced Materials: Enhanced corrosion-resistant storage and handling
• Process Innovation: Next-generation industrial applications

Conclusion

Hydrochloric acid 37% remains the industry standard for industrial chemical applications, providing the reliability, purity, and performance characteristics essential for modern manufacturing operations. Our commitment to technical grade quality, comprehensive safety protocols, and global supply capabilities positions us as the preferred industrial chemicals supplier for operations worldwide.

Our hydrochloric acid products support the growing demands of industrial processing while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. Contact our technical team to discuss your specific HCl applications and discover how our premium hydrochloric acid solutions can optimize your industrial operations.