1. Overview
What is Nitric Acid?
Nitric Acid is a chemical compound with the formula name HNO3. It is a highly corrosive and strong mineral acid with a variety of industrial applications. It is a colorless liquid when pure, but older samples may appear yellow due to the decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water. Nitric Acid is a powerful oxidizing agent, making it essential in the manufacturing of fertilizers, explosives, and chemicals. It is also used in the etching of metals and the purification of precious metals such as gold and silver. At Polymaster, we provide specialized storage and handling solutions for nitric acid to ensure safety and efficiency in industrial applications. Nitric Acid is fuming, so all storage needs to be sealed/ scrubbed.
What material is compatible with Nitric Acid?
1.5SG with Hexene PE, Sealed
2. Chemical Dosing Solutions
Pre-engineered Dosing Systems
Our pre-engineered dosing systems are designed for precise and efficient dosing of nitric acid. These systems are pre-engineered to offer a dosing range which is off-the-shelf and suitable across a wide range of industries. To configure a pre-engineered dosing system suitable for your application, this range offers:
Key Features:
Pump Arrangements: Duty or Duty/Standby pump arrangements.
Pump Options: 7.5 LPH @ 16 bar up to 200 LPH @ 4 bar – Grundfos DDA Dosing Pumps.
Pipework and Valves: +GF+ sch80 pipework and valves.
Cables and Junction Box: Control Cables and Junction Box.
Mounting: These dosing systems are typically mounted inside the Double Door Cabinet and can be integrated to the side of a storage tank or standalone.
Documentation: Detailed drawings, datasheets and step files available for these systems.
Custom dosing systems
Our custom dosing systems are tailored to meet the unique requirements of your specific applications. Polymaster builds custom dosing systems to match client-supplied P&ID’s and we follow the end-users’ specifications, such as a Water Utilities technical specification.
Key Features:
Customised Systems: Systems built to your specifications.
Precision Dosing: Advanced pumps and controls for accurate chemical delivery.
Integration: Seamless integration with your current processes and systems.
Safety and Compliance: Designed to meet all relevant standards and end-user specifications.
Large Systems: We can build large systems for large-scale applications.
3. Chemical Storage Solutions
Tanks for Nitric Acid Storage
Polymaster’s Self-Bunded range is the ultimate storage solution for nitric acid. This range incorporates the bund with the storage tank, providing a bund capacity of 110% of the internal storage tank. In the unlikely event of a leak, this design prevents chemicals from coming into contact with the environment and personnel. Polymaster’s chemical tanks are not rainwater tanks and follow strict QA processes, such as hydro testing each tank to ensure they are 100% leak-proof.
110ltr Dosing Skid 15mm
220ltr Dosing Skid 15mm
CDU 110L/220L
Small chemical storage tanks offer advantages over large storage tanks in terms of flexibility, accessibility, and safety. Their smaller size allows for easier handling and transportation, making them ideal for labs, small-scale industrial operations, and fieldwork where mobility is key.
These tanks are suitable for environments with limited space, allowing convenient storage in confined areas. They also facilitate precise inventory management, reducing the risk of overstocking and chemical waste. They can be easily replaced or cleaned, ensuring better hygiene and reducing cross-contamination.
Enclosed IBC Bund
IBC Storage (1,000L)
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are versatile and widely used due to their large capacity and convenient design.
Polymaster’s unique Enclosed IBC Bund solves many of the problems associated with IBC storage and chemical/fluid decanting in a weather-resistant, purpose-built enclosure.
Constructed from high-grade polyethylene, the Polymaster Enclosed IBC Bund allows for easy forklift movement of IBCs in/out, with a simple connection made to a 250 litre day tank, eliminating OH&S issues associated with IBC handling.
Bunded Chemical Tank 1,500ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 2,300ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 3,300ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 5,000ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 7,000ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 10,000ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 13,000ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 21,000ltr
Bunded Chemical Tank 30,000ltr
Bulk (1,500L - 30,000L)
Large chemical storage tanks offer significant benefits over small tanks in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational capacity. These tanks store substantial volumes of chemicals, reducing the need for frequent refilling and minimising downtime in industrial processes. This efficiency translates to lower storage costs and the ability to purchase chemicals in bulk at discounted rates.
Large tanks also centralise storage, simplifying inventory management and logistics while ensuring a continuous supply of necessary chemicals. Fewer large containers reduce the risk of leaks and spills, and these tanks are equipped with advanced safety features to handle hazardous materials securely.
Accessories for Nitric Acid Storage
Accessories give you the ability to decanter, store, mix and dispense with ease. We ensure you have a safe and effective solution for storing and dosing aggressive chemicals.
Dosing Skids
Polymaster provides dosing pipework and skids that assist in controlling the flow rate of Nitric Acid used in various treatment setups. These systems ensure precise and efficient chemical dosing.
Chemical Filling Stations
Polymaster’s chemical filling stations offer a safe and efficient solution for unloading Nitric Acid. Designed for ease of use, these panels ensure secure and controlled chemical transfer.
Cabinets
Chemical Dosing Systems – made easy at Polymaster for all applications, with flexible dosing options available ranging from a standalone cabinet to a complete package. These cabinets ensure safe and organised storage of Nitric Acid dosing equipment.
4. Case Studies
Upgrading the Dungong Wastewater Treatment Plant
Find out how Polymaster was involved in the completion of a $28 million upgrade project to improve Dungong’s water quality.
5. Applications
What are the applications for Nitric Acid?
Nitric Acid is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications across various industries.
Here are some of its primary uses:
Cleaning and Descaling
Nitric Acid is used to adjust the pH levels in water treatment processes, particularly in industrial wastewater treatment, to ensure the treated water is safe for discharge or reuse.
Chemical Synthesis
Nitric Acid is used in nitration reactions to introduce nitro groups into organic molecules. This process is essential in the production of various chemicals, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.
6. FAQ
- Nitric Acid is a highly reactive and corrosive chemical that requires special handling and storage. It is important that it is stored within a container that is resistant to corrosive chemicals. This means within a tank or container that is built for the purpose of holding aggressive chemicals. Nitric Acid is fuming by nature, so all storage needs to be sealed and go through a scrubber to remove the toxic fumes from the air. It is very important to store Nitric Acid in a well-ventilated environment due to the toxicity of the vapors.
Store Nitric Acid in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Use containers made of compatible materials, such as our 7080 chemical grade octene 1.5SG to store Nitric Acid. It is important to be sealed with all fumes ventilated through a fume scrubber.
Store Nitric Acid separately from other chemicals, particularly bases, which can react with it and cause dangerous reactions.
Ensure that Nitric Acid containers are tightly sealed and labelled with the proper hazard warnings.
Regularly inspect and check your tank for any signs of damage or wear that may occur and get them repaired immediately.
When it comes to storing Nitric Acid, what you are storing it with is just as important as you can cause serious harm to people on-site or the environment around you. Nitric Acid should not be stored with bases or any other chemicals that can react with it.
When it comes to the storage and handling of Nitric Acid it is important that it is handled safely, and that everyone on-site is kept safe. Here are a few guidelines to follow to keep your workplace safe:
Store the chemical in its own designated area, away from other chemicals and direct sunlight.
With any type of corrosive chemical using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles and face shield is a must, Nitric Acid is no different.
Avoid inhaling Nitric Acid fumes or mist, which can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems.
Always handle Nitric Acid with care and avoid splashing or spilling it.
Do not mix Nitric Acid with any other chemicals or substances without first consulting a qualified professional.
7. Resources
This Chemical Compatibility Chart provides a comparison of the chemical resistance of our Specialty Grades of Linear Low Density Polyethylene, High Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene Polymers in different chemical environments.
Download The Chart
We also have additional resources available on all our chemical tanks, dosing skids and accessories such as:
- GA/PDF drawings for all tanks.
- Step files to easily incorporate into your CAD files.
- Datasheets on each tank, including different SG and Chemical Grade materials.
Make An Enquiry