How to store sulfuric acid

By Jillian Jastrzembski

Sulfuric acid is an example of a chemical reagent that has specific (and critical) storage requirements to protect workers and the environment.

In this article, we’ll give a brief overview of the importance of chemical storage regulations, and explain how these pertain specifically to sulfuric acid. We’ll outline what sulfuric is, how it’s used, why it can be hazardous, and how to mitigate those hazards through best storage practices.

The importance of chemical storage regulations

Proper storage of chemicals is one of the most important safety principles for any lab or industry setting using reagents. There are regulations for chemical storage set by organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). These regulations are in place to minimize risks to workers, property, and the environment. Most companies have orientations and training in place to educate workers on best practices, as well as a lab manager or related figure(s) to keep careful inventory of all hazardous chemicals in stock and to ensure that the lab remains in compliance with OSHA regulations. Non-compliance may result in financial liability.

Each chemical may have specific requirements, depending on the associated hazards. For example, chemicals that are highly reactive with each other need to be kept separate. Flammable chemicals need to be kept in a designated cabinet. Some chemicals are sensitive to light, and need to be stored in the dark. Other chemicals degrade quickly at room temperature and must be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Some chemicals are stored in cabinets below a fume hood for ventilation purposes. Certain chemicals have multiple hazards or requirements associated with them, and so do not fall easily into a single category.

Safety always supersedes convenience in terms of stocking and storing chemicals. For example, while it may seem convenient to group chemicals alphabetically, you can quickly see why this won’t work from a safety standpoint – you could quickly end up with incompatible chemicals right next to each other, or in the wrong cabinet. Furthermore, while it may be convenient to stock up on chemicals in advance, best practices require that chemical stocks be minimized to just the essentials to mitigate safety risks.

What is sulfuric acid?

Sulfuric acid, or H2SO4, is one of the seven strong acids. It exists as a clear liquid without color or odor. It is highly corrosive, capable of corroding skin, metal, stone. It can also cause thermal burns, permanent organ damage, and even death. Proper personal protective equipment, storage, and other safety practices are paramount when working with sulfuric acid.

What is sulfuric acid used for?

Sulfuric acid is a common chemical with a broad range of industrial and laboratory applications. Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of:

• Antifreeze
• Batteries
• Detergents
• Drain cleaners
• Fertilizers
• Insecticides
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pigments

How to store sulfuric acid

Strong corrosive acids (including sulfuric acid, as well as others like hydrochloric acid) should be stored in a corrosive-resistant cabinet. Polyethylene cabinets are generally considered to be the best choice, although steel cabinets are sometimes coated in polyethylene for this purpose.

As mentioned above, strong acids should also be stored separately from bases and other incompatible chemicals. Ideally, strong acids and bases will be stored in separate cabinets entirely, although if that is not possible then separate containers may suffice.

Here are some examples of chemicals that are incompatible with sulfuric acid:

• Bases
• Sodium hypochlorite
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid
• Halides
• Nitrates
• Cyanides
• Chlorates
• Permanganates
• Azides

The concentration and quantity of sulfuric acid will also dictate proper storage. Bulk storage will require specialty tanks that are specifically engineered to withstand the weight and hazards of concentrated sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid need not be refrigerated, but should be kept in a cool, dry place and not exposed to sunlight or heat. Furthermore, if more extreme temperatures are expected, then sulfuric acid will need to be stored in heated or insulated tanks to prevent freezing or overheating. The freezing point of sulfuric acid changes depending on the concentration. For example, 98% sulfuric acid by weight freezes at about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which could easily be reached in warehouse conditions.

Where to buy sulfuric acid

Lab Alley is pleased to provide you with the highest quality sulfuric acid for your industry needs. We offer multiple concentrations, chemical grades, and sizes, including bulk sizing. We meticulously source all of our chemical reagents to guarantee quality and sustainability.

If you have questions about sulfuric acid or any of our products, please feel free to contact us for more information.

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