Extremely poisonous and corrosive acid among all acids, NITRIC ACID!!

A member of the class of inorganic acids, nitric acid is a conjugate acid of nitrate. As indicated by the symbol HNO3, the nitrogen atom is joined to two oxygen atoms and a hydroxyl group. It is a good conductor of electricity, has a molecular weight of 63.013 g/mol, and is very soluble in water. Following distillation, pure nitric acid starts to boil at 78.2°C and solidifies after being thoroughly cooled.

When nitric acid is fresh, it is colourless; but, as it ages, the buildup of nitrogen oxides causes it to turn yellow. Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. It easily ionises in solution and becomes a good electrical conductor. It forms nitrate salts when it interacts with metals, oxides, and hydroxides.

Pure anhydrous nitric acid (100%) solidifies at -42° C and takes the shape of white crystals. It is a colourless, mobile liquid with a density of 1.512 g/cm2. At 83⁰ C, it starts to boil. In order to prevent decomposition, anhydrous nitric acid should be stored below 0°C.

Commercial grade, which is of medium quality, often contains water and nitric acid solutions that range in concentration from 52% to 68% nitric acid. Laboratories require a higher quality, and their concentrations of nitric acid are often between 70% and 99%. A solution is referred to as fuming nitric acid when it contains more than 86% nitric acid. Fumigating nitric acid can also be classified as red fuming nitric acid at concentrations over 86% or white fuming nitric acid at concentrations above 95%, depending on the amount of nitrogen dioxide present.

Caution: Nitric acid may damage a metal pump if you use it. To handle considerably larger nitric acid concentrations, use a plastic pump, which is what you should use.

Nitric acid is exceedingly poisonous and corrosive. Nitric acid fumes have a sour, suffocating smell and are extremely hazardous. To tissues, metals, and even some polymers, the liquid form is corrosive. Direct contact can therefore cause serious burns. Use caution and use the appropriate PPE when handling nitric acid.

The Ostwald process, which was name after the name of German chemist Wilhelm Ostwald, is primarily used produce Nitric Acid by oxidise ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is converted to nitric oxide during this process, which takes place at a high temperature of around 500K and a pressure of 9 bar in the presence of a platinum or rhodium gauge catalyst. Sulfuric acid is used to process sodium nitrate to yield minute quantities. One of the ingredient in acid rain is nitric acid.

Step 1: Formation of Nitric Oxide

4NH₃ + 5O₂ ↔ 4NO + 6H₂O | H -24.8 Kcal/mol (Catalyst: platinum gauze or copper and nickel)

Step 2: Formation of Nitrogen Dioxide

2NO + O₂ ↔2 NO₂

Step 3: Formation of Nitric Acid

3NO₂ + H₂O -> 2HNO₃ + NO

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) reacts with water to create nitric acid. The nitric oxide that results from the process is often re-oxidized by the oxygen in the air to yield more nitrogen dioxide. It is possible to create practically pure nitric acid by mixing sulfuric acid with a nitrate salt and heating the combination in an oil bath. The vapours of nitric acid that escape from the solution are condensed using a condenser.

Strong nitric acid is created industrially by dissolving extra nitrogen dioxide in 68% nitric acid in an absorption tower. When nitrogen oxides are dissolved, they either get taken away to create white fuming nitric acid or they stay in solution to create red fuming nitric acid. The production of anhydrous acid from concentrated nitric acid feedstock has recently been made possible using electrochemical methods.

Nitric acid is mostly used to make fertilisers like ammonium nitrate and explosives like nitroglycerin and trinitrotoluene (TNT). Additionally, it is employed in metallurgy, ore flotation, steel etching, photoengraving, and the recycling of spent nuclear fuel in the production of chemicals, such as dyes. Another frequently employed strong oxidising agent is nitric acid.

Many different processes and businesses use nitric acid extensively. The key applications in the various industries are listed below,

1. Fertilizers

Making fertiliser is nitric acid's main industrial application. Nitric acid, as ammonium nitrate, is a fantastic fertiliser when coupled with ammonia. Calcium nitrate is another synthetic fertiliser. All around the nation, farms employ these fertilisers.

2. Explosives

Numerous forms of explosives, including nitroglycerin and trinitroglycerin, are produced using nitric acid (TNT). These are utilised for national defence and are of military grade.

3. Dye Intermediate

Numerous industrial dyes can be processed using nitric acid when it is transformed into calcium ammonium nitrate.

4. Laboratory Use

A crucial component for laboratory work is nitric acid. It functions as a pH buffer, a cleaning agent, and a preservative for water samples that need to be cleaned up for metal analysis.

5. Drug Detection

In a colorimetric test, nitric acid can be used to distinguish between heroin and morphine. Additionally crucial is the ability to identify LSD in spot tests.

6. Adhesive

A frequent ingredient in the adhesive used in food packaging and paperboard is nitric acid.

7. Medicinal

Nitric acid can be used to treat boils and warts since it is caustic in its pure form. It can be used to cure indigestion if it is diluted.

8. Purifying Metals    

Platinum, gold, and silver are examples of noble metals that can be cleaned and purified using nitric acid. When coupled with hydrochloric acid, it creates aqua regia, a substance that may even dissolve platinum and gold. Jewelers typically purify noble metals.

9. Furniture Coating

The main ingredient in furniture varnish is nitric acid. It is therefore frequently utilised as a lacquer when coloured pigment is added to it. Even pine and maple wood can appear artificially aged thanks to it.

10. Engraving

Nitric acid and alcohol can be used to etch patterns into a variety of metals, including copper, bronze, and brass. Typically, these are utilised in house decor.

Since nitric is used in so many industries, identifying the top 10 uses for it would only scrape the surface. Additionally, it serves as a component of liquid rocket fuel, a crucial ingredient in the production of polymers, and a cleaning agent in facilities that handle food.

Packaging is a crucial element for the safe handling of chemicals in the chemical industry.

One of the oldest techniques for preserving and moving goods from one location to another is packaging. It also plays a significant role for product protection and product identification.

Packaging is a crucial element for the safe handling of chemicals in the chemical industry. Every type of Packaging is created specifically for the type of chemical being moved or stored. Chemicals should be packaged properly to prevent mishaps and genuine threat to people's safety and material protection, including material and infrastructure damages as well as loss of life in the event of fire explosions.

To guarantee that chemicals are kept appropriately, prevent deterioration, and may be disposed of securely, it is essential to adhere to the relevant laws and standards for chemical packaging.

Packaging for chemicals are often divided into two groups:

1) UN Approved Packaging

2) Non-UN Approved Packaging

UN Approved Packaging

Packaging that has received UN approval has been confirmed to meet and adhere to UN standards. This is especially important if you deal with the trading and transportation of hazardous materials. Chemical packaging in these circumstances must go through actual transit testing, including being dropped or put under a lot of pressure.

UN-approved chemical packaging must also have the proper identifying labels and be able to keep the substance within properly. For instance, glass packing should be used to carry hazardous products like acid since it is inert and non-porous.

UN packaging can be split into three further categories:

1) UN X - suitable for Packing Group 1 and lower

2) UN Y - suitable for Packing Group 2 and lower

3) UN Z - suitable for Packing Group 3 only

Hazardous compounds are categorized into three Packing Groups in accordance with UN standards:

1) Packing Group 1 for high-danger materials

2)  Packing Group 2 for materials posing medium danger

3) Packing Group 3 for low-danger materials

Packaging Groups 2 and 3 can also utilize UN X packaging since it has been tested to the greatest level of hazard but UN Y or UN Z packaging is not permitted to use for packing group 1 substance.

Non-UN Approved Packaging

Non-UN certified packaging may be used to store and transport non-hazardous materials with no issues. This is because if the packaging is damaged, such as by spilling, there is no danger to the health and safety of people or the environment.

Buffer Solutions are an example of a non-hazardous material that doesn't need packaging that has been authorized by the UN.

 

The relevant hazard messages, including as labels and shipping documents, must be included in the packaging of hazardous goods, and this responsibility falls on the manufacturers and distributors of such materials.

Here are some actions one ought to take:

1) Use the products SDS to get the correct transportation hazard classification for the product, as well as its:

2) Four-digit product number

3) Proper shipping name

4) Hazard class

5) Packing group

Once you have determined quantities and selected your packaging, you must mark and label your product appropriately with:

1) Hazard class labels

2) UN Number

3) Batch Number

4) Weight details

5) Proper shipping name

6) Shippers’ information

7) Manufacturing and expiry dates

8) Hazard Statements

9) Precautionary Statements

10) UN marking number for packaging

 

Packaging Alternatives

According to a chemical's physical characteristics, there are several packaging alternatives for hazardous and non-hazardous substances. The table below lists a few alternatives for packing bulk chemicals.

Bags are often preferred for packing chemicals that have a powder, granular, or crystallised physical quality. Different materials, such as HDPE, LDPE, PP, paper, etc., are used to make bags. Some pharmaceutical drugs are kept in fibre drums. Additionally, there are occasions when materials are moved or kept in corrugated boxes with inside LDPE packing. Size of bags are different as per the end use and material properties which is starting from 1 mg pouch to 1 Kg to 10 Kg to 50 Kg to 1250Kg.

Open top barrels with lid and locking mechanism built from GI, HDPE, or composite materials can be used to pack materials with slurry-like characteristics.

Liquid chemicals are having many options for packaging. Packaging should be chosen base on many different criteria like chemical characteristics of material, operational convenience, end use, use preference, etc. For small quantity, majorly glass bottle or Plastic bottle is preferred. For bulk packaging, Carboys, Barrels, IBC, Flexi Bag and ISO tank are the options.

Gases which need to transport can be move is different size of cylinders or ISO tank.

 1. SS Barrel

2. GI Barrel (Small Mouth & Open Top)

3. Fibber Drum

4. MS Barrel

5. Jumbo Bag (500 Kg/700 Kg/1000 Kg/1200 Kg/1250 Kg)

6. Flexi Tank

7. Carboys and Jerry Cans

8. HDPE Barrel

9. IBC

10. Corrugated Boxes

11. Gas Cylinders

12. ISO Tank

13. HDPE Open Top Barrels

14. PP Bag

15. Paper Bag and HDPE Bag

16. Brick type paper bag

IMDG Code

International movement of chemical via ocean should follow IMDG guidelines. IMDG means International Maritime Dangerous Goods.

Dangerous goods are assigned to one of the classes 1–9 according

to the hazard they present. Some of these classes are subdivided

Class 1: Explosives ( 1.1 to 1.6 )

Class 2: Gases

Class 2.1: flammable gases

Class 2.2: non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Class 2.3: toxic gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Class 4: Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous

combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emit

flammable gases

Class 4.1: flammable solids, self-reactive substances, solid desensitized explosives and

polymerizing substances

Class 4.2: substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Class 4.3: substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Class 5.1: oxidizing substances

Class 5.2: organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Class 6.1: toxic substances

Class 6.2: infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material

Class 8: Corrosive substances

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

Some of the dangerous goods are marine pollutants

Below are a few criteria for dangerous goods shipping.

 1) The UN number and the letters “UN” shall be at least 12 mm high

- Packages of 30 litres or30 kg or less = 6 mm

- Cylinders of 60 litres water capacity = 6 mm

2) Overpack

An overpack and unit load shall repeated the marks and labels if same are not visible on packages.

In addition, an over pack shall be marked with the word “OVERPACK” unless marks and labels are visible. Overpacks must be additionally marked with “OVERPACK”. The lettering of the “OVERPACK” marking shall be at least 12 mm high.

3) IBC: Intermediate bulk containers of more than 450 L capacity and large packaging shall be marked on two opposing sides.

4) Marine Pollutant: Packages containing marine pollutants must be marked with Marine Pollutant Mark. There are exemptions for smaller packages of 5kg or 5l and less. Dangerous Goods list column 4 and alphabetical list indicate marine pollutants with symbol “P”.

5) Limited and Excepted Quantities: Dangerous goods in limited and excepted quantities have different marking requirements in chapters 3.4 and 3.5. They must be consigned according to column 7a and 7b of dangerous goods list in chapter 3.2.

6) Orientation arrows:

• Combination packagings having inner packagings containing liquid dangerous goods;

• Single packaging fitted with vents; and

• Cryogenic receptacles for refrigerated liquefied gases

• shall be legibly marked with package orientation arrows

 

7) Label Specification:

• Square set at an angle of 45° (diamond-shaped)

• 100 mm by 100 mm

• A line 5 mm inside the edge and running parallel with it

• Upper half of a label the line shall have the same colour as the symbol and in the

• Lower half it shall have the same colour as the figure in the bottom corner

• Labels shall be displayed on a background of contrasting colour, or shall have either a dotted or solid outer boundary line

8)Durability of Marks labels: Durability shall be such that marks and labels are still be identifiable on packages surviving at least three months’ immersion in the sea.

9) Marking and Placarding of CTU:

Cargo transport unit (CTU) means a road transport tank or freight vehicle, a railway transport tank or freight wagon, a multimodal freight container or portable tank, or an multiple-element gas container (MEGC).

Freight container must display

1. Class placard

2. Subsidiary Hazard Placard

3. Marine Pollutant Mark

 

Cargo mass & UN Number display

1. Single cargo with less than 4000 kg mass no UN number to be displayed

2. Single cargo with more than 4000 kg mass UN Number must be displayed

Single hazardous substance – less than 4000 kgs : 4 x Diamond placards

Single hazardous substance – more than 4000 kgs : 4 x Diamond placards & 4 x UN Numbers

10) UN Number Display:

UN Number may be displayed with then placard or in an orange panel.

Against a white background in the area below the pictorial symbol and above the class number

On an orange rectangular panel not less than 120 mm high and 300 mm wide, with a 10 mm black border, to be placed immediately adjacent to each placard

In black digits not less than 65 mm high

11) Marking and Placarding of Tank:

A tank container carrying dangerous goods or residue of

previously carried dangerous goods must be marked and

placarded as below.

• UN Number on all four sides

• Proper Shipping Name on two sides

• Class and subsidiary hazards(s) placards on all four sides

• If Marine Pollutant, marine pollutant mark on all four sides

Marking of Proper Shipping Name: The proper shipping displayed in characters not more than 65 mm high. Contrasting colour with the background. This may be reduced to 12 mm for portable tank containers with a capacity of less than 3,000 L.

12) Fumigated Cargo Transport Unit:

Fumigated containers must display below mark on the door of the unit. Must be removed only after unloading the unit

13) Expendable Refringent: Cargo transport units with expendable refrigerants (dry ice, liquid nitrogen etc) must display below warning sign.

Reference: 

- IMDG Code : IMDG Code 39th Amendment published in 2018 is mandatory from 1st Jan 2020 till 31st Dec 2021. The Code Contains volume 1, 2 and supplement

- IMDG Code Consignment Procedure

- www.shashikallada.com

Chemicals can be dangerous in a number of different ways.

Any Chemical material that has the potential to endanger humans or the environment is considered a chemical hazard. This includes substances that are understood to be hazardous and those that might not have undergone thorough testing for workplace safety.

Chemicals can be dangerous in a number of different ways. They could be:

1. Toxic

Toxic chemicals come in a wide range of forms and are present in a wide range of goods and materials. While some dangerous compounds are created by humans, others are found in nature.

It is possible for toxic compounds to enter the body through the skin, lungs, or digestive system. Additionally, they can be absorbed through the skin, eaten, or inhaled. The effects of hazardous substances on the body might include cancer, issues with reproduction and development, neurological diseases, and other maladies.

You can lessen your exposure to harmful chemicals in a number of ways. You can use secure substitutes or pick products devoid of hazardous substances. When using products that contain hazardous chemicals, you can also take precautions to lessen your exposure.

Many common products contain toxic compounds, including pesticides, cleaning products, building materials, furniture, car interiors, clothing, toys, electronics, etc.

Some of the most common toxic chemicals include:

• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Chlorinated solvents
• Dioxins and furans
• Formaldehyde
• Lead
• Mercury
• Pesticides
• Toluene

2. Corrosives

Corrosives are compounds that can corrode metal, biological tissue, or other materials when they come into touch with them. Strong acids and bases are some corrosives, while irritants cause tissue harm without being chemically reactive. Whatever their chemical composition, all corrosives pose a substantial risk to the health and safety of workers.

Acids are chemicals that, when dissolved in water, give off hydrogen ions (H⁺). Acids such as nitric acid (HNO₃), sulfuric acid (HCl), and hydrochloric acid (H₂SO₄) are typical examples. Bases are chemicals that, when dissolved in water, give out hydroxide ions (OH^-). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are typical examples of bases.

Oxidizing agents are chemicals that lead to the oxidation or loss of electrons in other compounds. Oxidizing substances include, for instance, nitric acid (HNO₃), oxygen (O₂), and chlorine (Cl₂). Chemicals that reduce or acquire electrons in other substances are known as reducing agents. The reducing agents, hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) are typical examples.

Depending on the type of chemical involved and the level of exposure, corrosives can have a number of health impacts. While bases can result in chemical burns and irritation, acids can result in burns to the skin and eyes. While asphyxiation can result from reducing chemicals, respiratory irritation and burning can be brought on by oxidizing substances.

Corrosives Chemical Examples:

• Sulfuric acid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Potassium hydroxide
• Chlorine
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Carbon monoxide

3. Oxidizers

Oxidizers are compounds that can start the combustion of other materials or help it along. Oxidizers include a wide variety of everyday substances like oxygen, chlorine, and nitric acid. Even though oxidizers themselves might not be combustible, they can help other things burn.

The risks that are caused by oxidizers can be controlled in a number of ways. One is to swap out the more hazardous substance for one that is less reactive. The use of engineering controls, such as ventilation systems that remove oxidizing gases from the air, is another way to reduce exposure. Exposure to oxidizing agents can also be reduced by administrative measures like work practices and procedures.

Oxidizers Chemicals Examples

• Oxygen
• Chlorine
• Nitric acid

4. Water Reactive Substances

Materials that react violently with water are known as water-reactive compounds. These processes have the potential to produce a lot of heat, steam, and explosive gases. Examples of compounds that react with water include the metals sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

5. Pyrophoric

Chemicals known as pyrophoric substances spontaneously burn in air at or below 55 °C (130 °F). Due to their high level of reactivity, these compounds present a significant fire risk.

Pyrophoric Chemicals Examples

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Titanium
• Zirconium

6. Irritant

Chemicals that irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system are known as irritants. These substances can either be basic or acidic (alkaline). Chlorine, ammonia, and sulfuric acid are common instances of irritants.

Various symptoms, such as skin and eye irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties, can be brought on by irritating exposure. When irritation is extreme, it can result in chemical burns, breathing problems, and even death.

Irritant Chemicals Examples

• Chlorine
• Ammonia
• Sulfuric acid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid

7. Flammable

Chemicals that easily catch fire and burn are flammable. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Gasoline, ethanol, and acetone are typical examples of substances that can catch fire.

Flammable Chemicals Examples

• Gasoline
• Ethanol
• Acetone
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Methanol

8. Harmful Chemicals

Harmful chemicals are substances that, when consumed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, can result in death, disease, or harm. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Carbon monoxide, asbestos, and lead are typical illustrations of dangerous substances.

Depending on the chemical and the amount of exposure, exposure to hazardous chemicals can result in a number of symptoms. Headaches, light-headedness, nausea, and breathing problems are a few typical symptoms. In extreme circumstances, exposure to dangerous chemicals might result in death.

9. Asphyxiants

Chemicals known as asphyxiants can suffocate or asphyxiate a person. They can be found in a variety of locations and goods, and they function by displacing oxygen in the air. The following are a few instances of asphyxiants:

• Anesthetics: Ether, chloroform
• Lacquer thinners: Toluene, xylene
• Paint strippers: Methylene chloride
• Refrigerants: Fluorinated hydrocarbons
• Solvents: Carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene

10. Carcinogens

Chemicals that cause cancer are known as carcinogens. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Carcinogens include substances like benzene, asbestos, and arsenic.

There are two subcategories of carcinogens: known and suspected. Chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in humans are known carcinogens. Chemicals that have been confirmed to cause cancer in animals but not yet in humans are considered probable carcinogens.

11. Mutagens

Chemicals known as mutagens have the capacity to alter DNA. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Typical instances of mutagens include:

• Chemicals: ethidium bromide, bleomycin
• Radiation: ultraviolet light, x-rays

Birth abnormalities, cancer, and infertility are just a few of the health issues that mutagenic substances can bring about. Mutagen exposure can happen in a variety of areas, including residences, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.