Sulfuric Acid Storage Requirements, Containers, Tank Materials

Store sulfuric acid in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks, polypropylene resin or carbon steel storage containers. Find out which types of bottles are used for storing sulfuric acid, here.

Teflon-coated bottles and containers are ideal for storing sulfuric acid.

Learn about sulfuric acid storage and handling requirements, storage containers, storage tank materials and design and storage temperatures.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks are used for sulfuric acid storage.

Store sulfuric acid in a cool and dry area. Keep sulfuric acid containers tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Sulfuric acid containers which have been opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

Do not exceed 100°F when storing H2SO4. Sulfuric acid storage tanks should not be exposed to direct sunlight, excessive heat or ignition sources.

Find out what containers are safe for sulfuric acid, here. Find out how to store sulfuric acid at home, here. Learn about safe sulfuric acid storage tanks, here.

Keep sulfuric acid separate from combustibles, and other reactive materials. Separate sulfuric acid from carbides, chlorates, fulminates, nitrates, picrate salts, and powdered metals.

Pictured below is ACS Grade Sulfuric Acid 95% Pure (H2SO4) in a safe 5 gallon (20 liter) HDPE pail in the United States at Lab Alley.

Smoking, open lights, flames, and spark-producing tools shall not be permitted near sulfuric acid carboys, drums, tank cars, or metal storage tanks because of the possible production of explosive mixtures of hydrogen during storage.

H2SO4 is typically stored and handled in steel sulfuric acid storage tanks in tank farms located at ports, sulfuric acid plants and fertilizer plants.

Order a 4 liter (1 gallon) bottle (pictured below) of ACS Reagent Grade Sulfuric Acid (95-98%) in a safe amber glass bottle.

Sulfuric acid storage tanks are manufactured from materials such as HDPE, XLPE, FRP, and Carbon Steel at 1.9 specific gravity.

Large tanks holding sulfuric acid are often made of carbon steel or stainless steel due to their abilities to resist the acid’s corrosive nature. Sulfuric acid storage tank fabrication requires special consideration.

Pictured above is a safe 30 mL glass bottle of ACS reagent grade 96% sulfuric acid with 4% water.

Buy sulfuric acid (CAS Registry Number 7664-93-9) in safe small glass bottles for household use or order sulfuric acid in bulk size chemical resistant drums for industrial use, here. Sulfuric acid available here.

Store concentrated sulfuric acid (≥93%) in a secondary container. Store in a corrosive cabinet labeled “Acid” or on shelving using a secondary containment. Do not store under the sink.

Sulfuric Acid Occupational Safety Information

YouTube Video Titled "Sulfuric Acid Safety Information | Industrial Chemistry"
Uploaded by iitutor.com on March 14, 2016

Before working with sulfuric acid, individuals should be trained in its proper handling and storage and know how to use proper personal protective equipment, including protective gloves and chemical-resistant clothing and boots, splash-proof goggles, and respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for use with sulfuric acid.

Use Sulfuric Acid Safe Containers For Transportation, Storage And Disposal

Lab Alley Corporate Headquarters, Austin, Texas, December 13, 2021 - Transport high concentrations of sulfuric acid in safe bottles or containers made from glass, polymethylpentene, polyethylene, teflon, viton or HDPE.

Transport sulfuric acid safely for use in pharmaceuticals, medicine, fertilizer, water treatment or car batteries. Buy sulfuric acid safe containers, sulfuric acid safe plastic bottles and jugs at Lab Alley, here.

Transport high concentrations of sulfuric acid in safe bottles or containers made from glass, polymethylpentene, polyethylene, teflon, viton or HDPE.

Mishandling this highly corrosive chemical can cause severe damage. Because this highly exothermic acid presents serious storage challenges, learn how to handle and store sulfuric acid it safely before you buy it.

Download a sulfuric acid handling and storage guide published by the Aetna Plastics company in PDF format, here.

Concentrated sulfuric acid products and solutions should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources in a cool, dry area.

Dispose of the spent sulfuric acid and disposables contaminated with sulfuric acid as hazardous waste.

Sulfuric acid can be disposed of by being placed in sealed containers and by being absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, or earth. Sulfuric acid may also be diluted and then neutralized.

Safe Sulfuric Acid Storage Tanks And Specifications For Protection From Spills And Leaks

Poly Processing’s SAFE-Tank® Double Wall Tank System is ideal for chemicals like sulfuric acid that can have dangerous exothermic reactions to water.

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.

Use tanks and fittings that are combined specifically to store sulfuric acid and reduce the risks.

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is an NSF/ANSI 61 approved chemical at a 98% concentration or less for Poly Processing’s tank systems.

Sulfuric acid storage tanks sold by Protank are manufactured from HDPE, XLPE, FRP, and Carbon Steel at 1.9 specific gravity.

Secondary containment is required. H₂SO₄ is best stored out of direct sunlight. Tank capacities range from 35 to 100,000 gallons. Prices range from $300 to $150,000.

Read safety tips and learn how to safely buy, transport, use, handle, neutralize, store and dispose of sulfuric acid (molecular formula H2SO4) to avoid spills and dangerous accidents.

The concentration strength of sulfuric acid should always be considered when evaluating the material-composition of storage containers and necessary components.

Containers have manufacturer specifications only to certain extents depending on the chemical and its concentration beyond which components may lose their effectiveness.

See this chart highlighting recommended bolt, gasket, and fitting materials.

Buy And Store Sulfuric Acid In Safe Glass Bottles Or Polyethylene Containers

Glass bottles are excellent for buying and storing small amounts of sulfuric acid. Typical glass is basically inert, and does not react chemically with aqueous substances like sulfuric acid solutions. Glass does not absorb or contaminate sulfuric acid.

Buy sulfuric acid in bulk high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 5 gallon pails or 55 gallon drums, here. HDPE tanks and containers are used for storing sulfuric acid solution quantities less than 10,000 gallons.

Learn how to safely store sulfuric acid in bulk tanks to overcome its corrosive nature, here. Sulfuric acid storage container options are steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic or high-density cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).

Sulfuric acid storage tanks are made from materials such as HDPE, XLPE, FRP and Carbon Steel at 1.9 specific gravity.

Before buying sulfuric acid, consider your safety options by downloading a sulfuric acid storage guide, here. Sulfuric acid deliveries must be planned in advance. Sulfuric acid is a very heavy material weighing up to or exceeding 16 lbs/gallon.

The best way to store sulfuric acid, in solution concentrations higher than 80%, is to keep it out of direct sunlight and to avoid any excessive heat. Do not exceed 100°F at delivery or during storage.

Sulfuric Acid Protection And Sulfuric Acid Resistant Plastics

Sulfuric acid protection is important. When you are working with sulfuric acid at your job or at home, eye and face protection is a must. Wear chemical safety goggles and a face shield whenever you may come into contact with sulfuric acid.

You should also safeguard you skin by wearing chemical protective clothing such as boots, a hood, apron and boots.

Teflon™ (PTFE) is very resistant to sulfuric acid. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is commonly used in chemical and pharmaceutical lab applications that interact with sulfuric acid.

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a class of plastics known as synthetic fluoropolymers. It has a high melting temperature, outstanding chemical resistance, and self-lubrication properties. The most common brand name of PTFE is Teflon.

The only material that can withstand all concentrations of sulfuric acid at the temperatures that can be created during the dilution of sulfuric acid is PTFE (Teflon) or other fluoropolymers such as PFA.

Respiratory protection should be approved by NIOSH specifically for sulfuric acid and used in accordance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1910.134.

Sulfuric Acid Shelf Life And Expiration Dates

Because sulfuric acid is an inorganic chemical, it has essentially an "infinite" shelf life. Some ACS grade sulfuric acid products do not have an expiration date. They will remain intact until it is reacted with other chemicals.

Sulfuric acid stays active for many years if it is stored properly. It is very stable and does not degrade or react unless it has contact with impurities or the atmosphere.

Lab Alley Brand Sulfuric acid has a very long shelf life and is normally stable. Reactivity hazards and conditions to avoid are water, humidity and moisture.

How To Handle, Store And Dispose Of Sulfuric Acid Safely

Contact With Sulfuric Acid, Burns, Exposure Symptoms And Treatments

A sulfuric acid burn is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
If sulfuric acid makes direct contact with the eyes, it can cause permanent blindness.
Stay safe by learning about symptoms of sulfuric acid exposure from the CDC, here.
If you get sulfuric acid on you, flush your skin with soap and lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes. Do not scrub or rub your skin.

Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acid Safety Training Video Preview

YouTube Video Titled "Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acid Safety Training Video"
Uploaded on February 12,2014 by SafetyVideos.com

This Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acid safety video teaches fundamental lessons about identifying corrosive acids and the properties that make them hazardous to humans and the environment.

The video describes safe handling and storage of these chemicals, proper loading and off-loading procedures during transportation, and proper use of personal protective equipment and clothing.

The program also covers steps to take in the event of an uncontrolled spill, leak, or fire, including identifying the hazardous material involved, isolating the area, and assessing the dangers before taking action to control the accident.

This safety training video discusses how the reactivity of acids will affect materials used to seal leaking containers, and what protective clothing and other personal protective equipment to use.

Sulfuric Acid Workplace Health And Safety

Sulfuric acid is the largest volume chemical produced in the United States.
Concentrated sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive and dangerous to work with because it is destructive to the skin (corrosion and acute irritation), eyes, lungs (PDF), mucous membranes and teeth (tooth and dental erosion).
Sulfuric acid is a hazardous substance that causes chemical burns, injuries, poisonings, health problems and fatalities in workplaces located throughout the United States.
Outdoor workers are at risk of sulfuric acid exposure if they work in areas where coal, oil, or gas are burned.
Mechanics who handle dirty batteries are also at risk of sulfuric acid exposure.
Sulfuric acid is on the New Jersey Right to Know Hazardous Substance List (RTKHSL) because it is cited by OSHA, ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NTP, DEP, IARC, NFPA and EPA.
You can download a New Jersey Right To Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet For Sulfuric Acid in PDF format, here.
This sulfuric acid fact sheet contains information on health hazards, exposure limits, personal protective equipment, proper handling, first aid, and emergency procedures for fires and spills.
The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4 and its molecular weight is 98.079 g/mol.
Sulfuric acid is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List (SHHSL) available in PDF format, here.
The New Jersey Right to Know Hazardous Substance List contains over 2,000 hazardous substances, including those on the Special Health Hazard Substance List (SHHSL).
The SHHSL consists of over 1,000 hazardous substances that are defined as carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, corrosive, flammables, and reactives.

Sulfuric Acid In The Workplace

Companies often have hazardous materials such as sulfuric acid in their facility.
Sulfuric acid is often used in concentrated industrial drain cleaners and forklift batteries.
OSHA requires all employers to provide Hazard Communication training for new employees and additional training when new hazards enter the work force.
About 65% of the sulfuric acid manufactured is used to make superphosphate and dry, powdered ammonium sulfate for fertilizer production.
Because sulfuric acid is one of the strongest dibasic acids, concentrated solutions should be handled with gloves for sulfuric acid.
Liquid and gas-tight sulfuric acid personal protective equipment (PPE) and sulfuric acid PPE suits for biohazard chemical safety are highly recommended for protecting your skin when you are using sulfuric acid.
You can can buy disposable or reusable sulfuric acid PPE suits to protect yourself and your workers from this corrosive chemical.

Sulfuric Acid Storage Requirements, Containers And Tank Materials