corrosiveHNO₃CAS 7697-37-2
Valves for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) Service
Nitric acid is a strong oxidising acid used in fertiliser production, explosives manufacturing, stainless steel passivation, and pharmaceutical synthesis. Its strong oxidising nature means carbon steel passivates at high concentrations - but ordinary stainless steels generally perform well unlike with HCl or H₂SO₄.
Pressure Range
1–20 bar
Temperature
Ambient to 80°C
Industries
Fertiliser (ammonium nitrate), Explosives (TNT, RDX), Pharmaceutical synthesis
What valves are used for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) service?
SS 304L ball valve are recommended for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) service: Standard for all HNO₃ concentrations - best corrosion resistance.
Key Properties - Nitric Acid (HNO₃)
- Strong oxidiser - passivates carbon steel above ~65% concentration
- SS 304L and 316L perform well in dilute and concentrated HNO₃
- Fuming HNO₃ (>85%) is a strong oxidiser - attacks organics, rubber
- Red fuming HNO₃ contains dissolved N₂O₄ - extreme oxidiser
- Does not cause chloride SCC (unlike HCl)
Vajra Industrial Solutions manufactures and supplies valves for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) service — including ss 304l ball valve — in corrosion-appropriate materials selected for the operating conditions described here, with full material and test documentation.
Need valves for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) service?
Send your fluid conditions — we'll recommend the right valve, material and standard, with a 24-hour quote.
Material Compatibility - Nitric Acid (HNO₃)
Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.
| Material | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SS 304L | Excellent | Standard for all concentrations of HNO₃. More resistant than 316L due to lower Mo content. |
| SS 316L | Good | Slightly lower corrosion resistance than 304L for HNO₃ due to molybdenum - but still widely used. |
| Carbon Steel (passivated) | Fair | Only for >65% concentration at ambient temperature - passivation layer forms. |
| Aluminium alloys | Good | Good for dilute HNO₃ - used in food-grade applications. |
| PTFE | Good | Acceptable for dilute and concentrated HNO₃ at ambient temperature. Verify for fuming acid. |
| Rubber (natural/NBR) | Not Recommended | Nitric acid attacks most rubbers and organics rapidly. |
| Hastelloy C-276 | Fair | Not ideal for HNO₃ - SS 304L is preferred due to Mo susceptibility. |
Recommended Valves
SS 304L ball valve
Standard for all HNO₃ concentrations - best corrosion resistance
Full selection guidePTFE-seated ball valve
Prevents nitric acid contact with valve body - sealing reliability
Full selection guideValves to Avoid
Rubber-lined valves (nitric acid attacks all common rubbers)
Hastelloy C-276 for hot concentrated HNO₃ (Mo susceptibility)
Carbon steel for dilute HNO₃
Special Considerations
Applicable Standards
Shop Valves for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) Service
Other Fluid Services
Nitric Acid (HNO₃) Service — Procurement & Specification
Typical Applications
Available Standards
Material Options
Documentation Available
- -EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificates (heat traceable)
- -API 598 hydrostatic shell & seat test reports
- -Dimensional inspection reports
- -Full Manufacturing Data Record (MDR) / data book on request
Inspection Options
- -In-house QC inspection on every order
- -Third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / TÜV / DNV) coordination
- -Witness and hold points accommodated on request
Order Quantities
Flexible — from single critical-spare valves to full project lots.
Export
Worldwide export with complete documentation (COO, EUR.1, packing lists) to 20+ countries.
Custom Engineering
Built to your specification — materials, trim, pressure class and special service (NACE, fire-safe, IBR, cryogenic).
Delivery Support
Dispatch from Vadodara, Gujarat with documented lead times and priority handling for urgent requirements.
Engineering references
Connected Engineering
Need Valves for Nitric Acid (HNO₃) Service?
Tell us your fluid, pressure, and temperature — we'll recommend the right valve, material, and standard, with a 24-hour quote.