Nitric acid (HNO3) is a highly corrosive and toxic inorganic acid widely used in fertilizers, explosives, rocket fuels and other fields. Due to its strong corrosiveness, selecting a suitable pump for nitric acid processing is critical. Magnetic drive pumps, as an efficient and safe type of pump, have gradually become an ideal choice for nitric acid processing. This article will introduce the properties of nitric acid, its application fields, and the advantages of magnetic drive pumps in nitric acid processing in detail.
Properties and Application Fields of Nitric Acid
Nitric acid is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with strong corrosiveness and toxicity. According to the decomposition of nitrogen oxides and water, the concentration of nitric acid is usually 52-68%. Nitric acid with a high concentration of 86-95% is called fuming nitric acid. Nitric acid has a high reactivity with most metals and some non-metals, so special attention is required during the processing.
The application fields of nitric acid are wide ranging, including:
- Defense industry: Used to make explosives and ammunition compounds.
- Agriculture: Used to process ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
- Aerospace: As an oxidizer in liquid rocket fuels.
- Wood aging/beautification: Used to treat surfaces of woods that are difficult to dye.
- Nylon/polyurethane manufacturing: Nitric acid is crucial for the manufacturing of adipic acid.
- Stainless steel pickling: Used in conjunction with hydrofluoric acid to remove oxides and heat tints.
Selection Criteria for Nitric Acid Pumps
When selecting a nitric acid pump, the following factors need to be considered:
- Nitric acid concentration: The higher the concentration of nitric acid, the stronger the corrosiveness to the pump. The pump material should be selected according to the nitric acid concentration.
- Nitric acid temperature: The boiling point of nitric acid is 337°C. At high temperatures, it will accelerate the corrosion of the pump. The pump material and structure should be selected according to the nitric acid temperature.
- Nitric acid flow rate and head: Select a suitable pump model according to the nitric acid flow rate and head.
Advantages of Magnetic Drive Pumps in Nitric Acid Processing
When processing nitric acid, selecting a suitable pump is key. Magnetic drive pumps are leak-free, seal-less pumps suitable for handling corrosive and toxic chemicals such as nitric acid. QEEHUA PUMP, as a manufacturer of chemical pumps and pump filters, provides high quality magnetic drive pumps suitable for handling corrosive chemicals such as nitric acid. Its products cover magnetic drive pumps, mechanical seal centrifugal pumps, vertical pumps and chemical pump filters, widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, electroplating, semiconductor and environmental protection industries. Here are the main advantages of magnetic drive pumps in nitric acid processing:
- Excellent sealing performance: Magnetic drive pumps adopt magnetic drive technology without mechanical sealing components in contact with the fluid, ensuring 100% leak-free operation. This is crucial for handling corrosive and toxic nitric acid to effectively prevent leaks from causing injuries or environmental pollution.
- Corrosion-resistant materials: Magnetic drive pumps use highly chemically resistant materials such as ETFE, PTFE lining and cast iron structures. The magnet/bearing assembly includes corrosion-resistant alloys such as chromium-nickel iron, ceramics and special composite materials capable of withstanding harsh fluid environments.
- Wide application range: Magnetic drive pumps are suitable for large flow rates and high pressures, meeting the requirements of different nitric acid processing procedures.
- Safety: During nitric acid processing, magnetic drive pumps reduce the risk of operators exposed to toxic and corrosive chemicals due to their leak-free and seal-less design. In addition, closed processing can further ensure a safe working environment.
Choosing a Suitable Nitric Acid Pump
When selecting a nitric acid pump, the following factors need to be considered:
- Material compatibility: For commercial concentrations of nitric acid, non-metallic wetted materials such as polypropylene, PVDF, Teflon and ETFE are recommended. For very dilute nitric acid (5-10%), selected materials such as stainless steel and aluminum can be considered.
- Pump specifications: For large flow applications, a non-metallic magnetic drive pump is recommended.
- Enclosed processing: To avoid employee exposure to leaks or chemical spills from the nitric acid pump, closed processing is strongly recommended.
Safety and Environment
Nitric acid has high corrosiveness and toxicity, requiring special safety precautions in processing. Any leak may lead to evacuation and huge costs and downtime losses. Enclosed processing, suitable pump and material selection are key steps to ensure safety and environmental protection.
Reasonable pump selection and proper safety measures can ensure production efficiency and employee safety in nitric acid processing. The choice of a nitric acid chemical pump considers multiple factors, including compound concentration, operating temperature and the materials used in the pump itself. QEEHUA PUMP leads the chemical industry with its professional technical services and high quality products, providing customized pump selection solutions for customers.
