SAFE-Surge® Manway Cover
Venting: SAFE-Surge® manway cover is recommended on pneumatically loaded systems to support tank longevity.
Sulfuric Acid
Challenging a storage tank’s strength and design safety
Sulfuric acid is used in a huge array of industrial applications, from water and wastewater treatment to the manufacture of chemicals, fertilizer and car batteries.
This highly exothermic acid presents serious storage challenges:
- Sulfuric acid is an extremely heavy chemical that will test the mechanical integrity of any material.
- The addition of water to concentrated sulfuric acid leads to the dispersal of a sulfuric acid aerosol – or worse yet, an explosion.
- If sulfuric acid is spilled on metals, it can create highly flammable hydrogen gas.
- Skin and other bodily burns from sulfuric acid are potentially more serious than burns from other strong acids. Sulfuric acid dehydrates whatever it touches, and the heat caused by that reaction with water can create secondary thermal damage.
Poly Processing’s tanks and fittings can be combined specifically to contain sulfuric acid, reducing the risks presented by this highly acidic chemical.
The Poly Processing Sulfuric Acid System
Through a combination of innovative features, Poly Processing creates the ideal system for sulfuric acid storage. With their robust load tolerance, crosslinked polyethylene tanks can more than handle the chemical’s heavy weight. The molecular bonding of XLPE and tank wall thickness is particularly important in the bottom third of the tank, where high levels of load are concentrated.
If secondary containment is not present, the Poly Processing SAFE-Tank® is a smart choice. Along with containing the chemical from its surrounding environment, this double-walled tank greatly lowers the risk for hazardous contact of sulfuric acid with water. SAFE-Tank® systems are designed with OR-1000™.
If secondary containment* is present, the IMFO® tank is recommended. With the use of an IMFO® system instead of mechanical fittings, the tank’s structural integrity is maximized. Combine this tank design with the OR-1000™ system, and oxidation is reduced dramatically.
All of these features lead to a safer tank – designed to reduce safety risks and improve the longevity of the system.
For additional information on storing sulfuric acid, including recommended storage tanks and components, download our Sulfuric Acid Guide below. Or, download the Tank Designs & Specifications Guide to see all of our chemical storage products.
* Containment tank is required with this chemical in all applications.
* ≥ 94% concentration max tank size: 4,000 gallons without engineering review.
* PVDF is recommended but not required for higher concentration to reduce fittings maintenance.
| Chemical | Resin Type | Specific Gravity Rating | Fitting Material | Gasket Material | Bolt Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid ≥ 93% | XLPE with OR-1000™ | 2.2 | PVC | Viton® | 316SS |
| Sulfuric Acid 80%-92% | XLPE with OR-1000™ | 2.2 | PVC | Viton® | C-276 |
| Sulfuric Acid < 80% | XLPE | 1.9 | PVC | Viton® | C-276 |
Note: To meet NSF-61 certification, use Viton® GF.
Tank Specifications
High-density crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) accommodates the heavy weight of sulfuric acid.
OR-1000™ bonds the XLPE with an antioxidant inner surface, minimizing oxidation, reducing the potential for fault and maximizing life span.
SAFE-Tank® design creates a "tank within a tank," ensuring that water will not enter the containment area. (Recommended where secondary containment is not available.)
Integrally Molded Flanged Outlet (IMFO®) tank is molded as a single unit. This maintains hoop stress rating, adding to the strength of the tank. (Recommended for situations with existing secondary containment.)
B.O.S.S. fitting® provides bolted one-piece sure-seal design, limiting the seal point to a single gasket for major leak protection.
Recommended System Components
Bellows Transition Fittings
Fittings: Recommend bellows transition fitting for bottom sidewall discharge.
The B.O.S.S. Fitting®
Fittings: B.O.S.S. fitting® also recommended to prevent leaks.
NOTE: For concentrations less than 93%, DO NOT use stainless steel.
Reverse Float Level Gauges
Plumbing: Reverse float gauge recommended to ensure proper tank leveling.
Technical Overview
Tank
SAFE-Tank® of XLPE with OR-1000™:
3,150–8,700 gallons
2.2 spg rating with OR-1000™ for primary tank
1.9 spg rating for secondary tank
1,550–2,500 gallons
2.2 spg rating with OR-1000™ for primary tank
2.2 spg rating for secondary tank
55–1,000 gallons
1.9 spg primary and secondary tanks
NOTE: 55–1,000 gallons do not require OR-1000™.
Non-SAFE-Tank® alternatives:
IMFO® Vertical Flat Bottom of XLPE with OR-1000™:
1,150–6,600 gallons
2.2 spg rating
IMFO® Vertical Flat Bottom of XLPE:
230–905 gallons
1.9 spg rating
NOTE: Limit one IMFO® per tank
Standard Vertical Flat Bottom of XLPE with OR-1000™:
1,050–6,600 gallons
2.2 spg rating
Standard Vertical Flat Bottom of XLPE:
30–1,000 gallons
1.9 spg rating
Secondary containment
Non-SAFE-Tank® alternatives:
PPC secondary containment basin
Other secondary containment suitable for sulfuric acid, of adequate size for use
Fittings
Sidewall: Recommend 3˝ maximum B.O.S.S. fitting®
Dome: No restrictions
Plumbing to the tank
Required use of flexible connections with fittings on lower third of sidewall
Allows for lateral and vertical expansion and contraction of the tan
Reduces pump and piping vibration stress on the tank
Expansion joints must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Axial Compression ≥ .67˝
- Axial Extension ≥ 0.67˝
- Lateral Deflection ≥ 0.51
- Angular Deflection ≥ 14°
- Torsional Rotation ≥ 4°
Venting
Foundation and restraints
• Smooth concrete, asphalt or steel foundation designed to accommodate IMFO®, SAFE-Tank® or vertical tank
• No restraint or ladder attachment bands circumscribing the tank are allowed. Cable restraint systems must pass cables over the top of the tank.
Temperature
Product should not exceed 100°F at delivery or during storage to maintain ASTM D1998 design parameters.
Lid
SAFE-Surge® manway cover for pneumatically loaded tanks; bolted manway cover for all other applications
Options
Restraint systems for wind and seismic, level gauges, ladders, heating pads, insulation, fume-tight manway cover, NSF-61 certification and engineering stamp