Sulfuric acid has a broad range of applications in the national economy, serving as a crucial raw material in metallurgy, chemical fiber, dye, fertilizer, and various organic and inorganic chemical industries. It is also widely used as a catalyst and solvent in mineral processing, pharmaceuticals, oil refining, and the chemical industry, hence the historical saying that "sulfuric acid is the mother of the chemical industry." Due to its strong corrosiveness, the safe storage of sulfuric acid is a vital aspect throughout production, transportation, and use. To ensure the safe operation of storage facilities, a systematic approach should be taken in terms of material selection, design, and management.
Material selection for sulfuric acid storage tanks
Sulfuric acid storage tanks are categorized by material as:Polyethylene Storage Tanks; Steel-Lined Plastic PE Tanks; Carbon Steel Tanks, Steel Lined with TeflonMaterial selection requirements depend on the concentration and specific gravity of sulfuric acid, temperature, and the sulfuric acid usage grade.
Dilute sulfuric acidAvailablePolyethylene Storage Tank。
For concentrations below 40% and specific gravity below 1.3, and temperatures ranging from -30℃ to 60℃, polyethylene PE storage tanks (commonly known as all-plastic tanks) produced according to our company's standards can be used. When the specific gravity is 1.4 or 1.5, thicker tank walls can be achieved by increasing the feed quantity or by using iron clamps for reinforcement. All-plastic storage tanks are mold products, and dimensions must be customized according to our company's standards. The thickness of the PE plastic layer can be increased as per customer request.
Concentrated sulfuric acidAdoptSteel-lined Plastic PE Storage TankConcentration: 50%-98%; Steel-lined plastic tanks are used within a temperature range of -30℃ to 90℃. These steel-lined plastic tanks are non-standard products, capable of being produced according to our company's standards or customized to meet customer requirements. Carbon steel thickness: 6mm-12mm; PE layer thickness: 16mm-20mm.
Industrial-grade concentrated sulfuric acid with 98% concentration, no iron ion requirements, carbon steel (Q235) storage tanks are acceptable.
Reagent sulfuric acid and electronic-grade sulfuric acid must be used with steel-lined PTFE material, free of metal ion issues.
Polyethylene Storage TankManufactured from pure linear low-density modified polyethylene (LLDPE) using a special rotational molding process for integral shaping. Features include seamless construction, lightweight, resistance to aging and impact, corrosion resistance, and long service life. Capable of storing the majority of inorganic acid, alkali, and salt solutions, as well as certain organic solvents, it offers strong corrosion resistance and can partially replace materials like stainless steel, titanium, nickel, and high-grade alloy steel. The product complies with hazardous goods storage and transportation regulations, making it a safe and efficient corrosion-resistant equipment. This product meets hygiene standards and can replace stainless steel containers for transporting food-grade solutions. Large-scale, full-plastic polyethylene storage tanks have even more pronounced advantages, maintaining integral performance characteristics. Full-plastic polyethylene vertical storage tanks also feature easy installation, minimal land occupation, and annular reinforcing ribs that enhance rigidity. They are suitable for various harsh external installation environments. However, their pressure resistance is lower than that of full-plastic polyethylene horizontal tanks, making them suitable for solutions with a specific gravity less than 1.3 and temperatures below 60°C.
