Can stainless steel handle hydrochloric acid?

The common stainless steel types, 304 and 316 should be considered non-resistant to hydrochloric acid at any concentration and temperature. Nickel based alloys, rather than stainless steels, should be considered for handling hydrochloric acid.

Is stainless steel compatible with acid?

Stainless steel is generally resistant to acidic corrosion. However, exact resistance levels will depend on the steel in use, concentration, and types of acid, and environmental temperature.

Can stainless steel resist corrosion?

Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum chromium content of 10.5\%. The chromium reacts with the oxygen in the air and forms a protective layer that makes stainless steel highly resistant to corrosion and rust.

What metal is resistant to hydrochloric acid?

Both zirconium and tantalum will offer the most resistance to HCl at all concentrations and temperatures. Applications for piping, valves, pumps and gaskets would generally use reactive metals or nickel alloys.

How is hydrochloric acid corrosive?

Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Acute oral exposure may cause corrosion of the mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and dermal contact may produce severe burns, ulceration, and scarring in humans.

What acid will dissolve stainless steel?

Steel can be dissolved with a diluted solution of nitric acid and water. The chemical make up of nitric acid reacts to the iron in steel, producing iron nitrate and hydrogen gas. As this chemical reaction takes place, the steel begins to dissolve.

Is stainless steel resistant to sulfuric acid?

Stainless Steels have lower resistance to de-aerated sulphuric acid. Reducible ions such as Fe3+, Cu2+, Sn4+ are effectively oxidising agents and can reduce corrosion if present in the acid.

Is stainless steel resistant to chlorine?

316 stainless steel can tolerate up to 5 ppm chlorine. This data indicates that both 304 and 316 stainless steel should resist long term exposure in most chlorinated fresh waters which is in agreement with general experience.

Is stainless steel inert?

Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy of iron, chromium and, in some cases, nickel and other metals. Stainless steel is also environmentally neutral and inert, and its longevity ensures it meets the needs of sustainable construction.