QUOTE(Gint @ Jul 27 2008, 07:38 PM)
QUOTE(orthobiz @ Jul 27 2008, 07:34 PM)
Thanks.
Sounds like I'll stay away!
biz
I might do exactly the opposite. Tell me more. Where do you get it? Precautions using it? Nitrile gloves? Heavier? Respirator? Dilute it in general or just for some specific uses?
You can get it from comercial chemical companies, but expect to sign your life away. Take it from experience (mine) - stay away from it. Muriatic Acid is a diluted form or Hydrochloric Acid (HCL). Anyone notice the CL in HCL? When it reacts with many items, it releases Chlorine ions - read death, or near so.
I was subjected to Chlorine gas accidentally in the early 70's - in a laboratory environment & by mistake. When your lips & skin under you nailes become blue, you are near death. The chlorine ions block your body from absorbing oxygen, even in dilute forms.
Back in the old days, people used Muriatic acid (dilute HCL) to clean concrete - wonder why none of those old guys are still around!
Stay away from this stuff! It has no useful purpose, except to create chemical reaction in controlled environments. It's very similar to Sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Has a singular purpose outside of commercial uses, and will KILL you at the drop of a hat. Both eat the crap out of aluminum - and I mean EAT, so don't even think about it.
Now, let's say you pay no attention to what I'm saying. Yep, you could use a respirator, gloves (not nitrile). What do you do with the leftovers? Can't put it in the trash, because it will destroy the garbage truck (guess who pays for that?). Can't pour it doen the storm drain, because...the same. They WILL trace it back!.
You COULD dilute it enough (know how to do that) to make it safe to pour down your kitchen sink, but that would take about 40 gallons of water to one gallon of HCL. and there are no promises there.
Look, these compounds are created for chemical reaction in controlled environment. You CAN be killed, or terribly burned by these. Leave these to professionals!
And, if you must use HCL, never, ever add water to the acid! Add the acid (very, very slowly) to water. If it starts bubbling, get the hell out! Open all windows & doors; Stay away for at least 20 minutes.
Jeez guys - don't mess with things you don't appreciate or understand!
Pat