Nitric acid

Production

Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a transparent, or yellowish liquid. Nitric acid is a strong mineral acid with oxidising properties, miscible with water. Density and oxidising properties will vary with concentration. The acid is produced from ammonia by oxidation over a platinum catalyst and absorption of the resulting nitrogen oxide in water. Concentrations up to 68-% can be produced by conventional distillations (weak Nitric acid). Production of more concentrated nitric acid up to 100% is possible by special techniques (concentrated Nitric acid).

Applications

There are many technical and industrial applications of nitric acid:

• Fertilizer production
• Explosives production
• Metal pickling
• Production of pharmaceuticals, colour, and plant protecting agents
• Cleaning in Place (CIP)
• pH adjustment
• Nitrocellulose production
• Fine chemicals production
• Polyurethanes production
• Nylon production
• Nitrogen oxide as rocket fuel

Logistics

In Europe YARA manufactures nitric acid at plants in Sluiskil (The Netherlands) and Rostock (Germany). The nitric acid delivered to the UK is generally sourced from Sluiskil. We deliver nitric acid in bulk, in road and rail tankers and on board ships (barges), naturally in accordance with stringent quality and safety standards.

A material safety data sheet or product specification sheet will be sent on request.