Why is dilute hydrochloric acid used in descaling the boiler tubes?
Class 10-Chp2:Acids, Bases amd Salts
Answers
Answer:
Dilute Hydrochloric acid used in descaling the boiler tubes because it is acidic in nature and reacts with the scale ( which are alkaline) on the boilers. The dilute hydrochloric acid is also not corrosive to the boilers.
Explanation:
Dilute hydrochloric acid is used as a descaling agent in removing of scales from boiler tubes because of the following reasons:
1) Dilute hydrochloric neutralizes the scale by its acidic nature
The dilute HCl is used in descaling because it reacts with the alkaline carbonate compounds that form the scales.
This reaction is known as a neutralization reaction. A neutralization reaction is the reaction between an acid and a base to liberate carbon dioxide and water.
Acid + Base ⇒ Carbon dioxide + Water
Through this process hydrochloric acid is able to neutralize the carbonate compounds converting them to carbon dioxide and water.
2) Dilute Hydrochloric acid is not corrosive to the boilers
The dilute hydrochloric acid acid is not as corrosive to the metallic material of the boiler tubes as other strong acids.
HCl is also used in conjuction with a buffer compound ( corrosion inhibitor) to reduce the corrosive effects.
Explanation:
The dilute HCl is used in descaling because it reacts with the alkaline carbonate compounds that form the scales. This reaction is known as a neutralization reaction. ... Through this processhydrochloric acid is able to neutralize the carbonate compounds converting them to carbon dioxide and water.