The Uses Of Hno3 In Various Industries

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
Comment this article

The industry needs nitric acid for various purposes being an oxidizer and a powerful acid. It is one of the most versatile chemicals known today. It effectively dissociates into H+ and NO3- ions and this complete dissociation of ions makes this acid a very strong one. Like any strong acid, it is known as an electrolyte and will turn litmus paper to red even when dilute.

It reacts with different substances to form various compounds. When it reacts with bases, it forms nitrate salts, but this neutralization is rather explosive. This strong acid reacts with metals, too, to produce hydrogen gas, and this reaction is also exothermic and may generate enough heat to set off flames. Dilution of this acid should be done with care because it forms heat-evolving solutions with water. To avoid dangerous heat buildup during dilution, it is recommended that you add acid to water and not the reverse.

Suppliers of nitric acid provide this acid for different applications.

Fertilizer - The nitrate salts are derived from allowing the acid to react with other substances. The popular ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is derived ...
... from the reaction of ammonia (NH3) with the acid. Ammonium nitrate is a fertilizer or an ingredient of
fertilizers and is widely used in the agricultural sector. This salt is effective in providing nitrogen to crops. Nitrogen is a necessary component of plant tissue.

Metal processing - The acid has a few known applications involving metals. For instance, it is employed during plating and anodizing operations. It is also a component of aqua regia (its mixture with hydrochloric acid), which is used in dissolving royal metals (platinum and gold). The acid is also important in metal etching metal surfaces.

Explosives - Ammonium nitrate is also used as a part of the manufacture of explosives. Nitroglycerin and TNT contain nitrogen and hydrogen nitrate is the precursor compound in the production of these explosives. While explosives are destructive and dangerous, they are useful in making roads and in demolishing old hazardous buildings. They are also used in mining. In other words, when used appropriately, explosive substances are vitally useful.

Dyes - Manufacture of dyes would not be possible with the acidic solution of hydrogen nitrate. The acid, together with sulphuric acid, serves as an important aspect in the manufacturing of dyes.

In addition, the dilute form of the acid is used to clean stainless steel pipes. Stainless steel does not react with the acid, so it is safe to use. The acid removes stains from surfaces but the cleaning operation should be done with utmost care.

Handling HNO3 demands precaution because this is a hazardous compound and handling with bare hands is strictly prohibited. Wearing of acid proof gloves and boots is important when working with the acid. In laboratories, proper ventilation is necessary to avoid accumulation of noxious fumes.
Jo is an author and publisher for 'Hydrochloric Acid' (http://www.nitric-acid.co.uk), a site owned by ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd, an established UK based chemical producer that makes, has a supply of and sells a vast variety of premium chemical. If your corporation is looking for superior quality chemical product for example HNO3 then take a look at ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd.