Ferric Chloride Safety

[Colby L.]

Hi all - I have been reading up on Ferric Chloride and from what I gather when mixing from powder form it off gases dangerous fumes. My question is after the initial mixing are there any dangerous fumes but when storing and during etching? It seems a common storage technique is a pvc tube. I plan on making one with a glued on end cap with the other end having a screw top. Is that good enough or do I need to tape it to be air tight? While etching is just gloves and face protection enough or do I need to do it outside with a fan? The safety data sheet talks a bit about fumes so I figured I'd ask.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Richard338]

I store mine in a plastic bottle. I use it at a fairly dilute concentration, but there are no significant fumes or odors.

ETA: I work in a chemistry building and I got the stockroom guy to mix it up for me. We did it in a fumehood, but even the initial mixing didn't seem to generate a lot of fumes.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you are mixing from the dry powder, add it slowly and the gassing of will be less. Always do it putside.

Storage of the diluted FC mix can be in any plastic container. Most folks us a 3" or 4" PVC tube as yu plan to do. Use the heavy duty cement and use lots of it when putting the closed closet flange on for the bottom. Use either a screw on cap or just use a slide on cap. The fumes once mixed are not a concern. Treat the tube as you would any acidic chemical.

 

[12345678910]

I just watched some instagram screw up by Don Nyguan (spelling) and it looks like he mixed up FC with boiling hot water from a tea kettle before adding a tight fit cap to shake it up.

It burst open on him.

I think when you mix dry FC it's exothermic - Use Cold Water
Adding HOT water will speed that up - it's a no no.

It's the very same reason why you add draino lye crystals to a drain and then use cold water, reactions create heat, which create more speed,which creates more heat - which then has the heat to melt your solder joints in copper pipe.

 

[Colby L.]

I got it mixed up carefully outside. Sounds like it is pretty safe after the initial mixing so I will proceed with my pvc storage/etching tank. Thanks all!

 

[weo]

I plan on making one with a glued on end cap with the other end having a screw top. Is that good enough

This is what I've used for years.
Regarding the fumes, I'll suggest wearing a mask, but you need to make that decision for yourself. If you can smell something, it's getting into your lungs. Whether or not it's doing any damage is another question.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

I got it mixed up carefully outside. Sounds like it is pretty safe after the initial mixing so I will proceed with my pvc storage/etching tank. Thanks all!

I’ve Always used Apple/white Vinegar because we get exposed to enough toxic things in our modern society. It takes longer but I’ve done It inside in the tub and just poured The old Vinegar down the drain and run cold water for a couple of minutes. It can take 24 hrs or so. Just wear a disposable glove as to not put skin oils on the blade and check the progress ever few hours. Easy peasy!