1. Overview
What is Sulphuric Acid?
Sulphuric Acid is a highly corrosive, dense, and oily liquid with the chemical formula H2SO4. It is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world and plays a critical role in a variety of industrial processes. Sulphuric Acid is colourless to slightly yellow in its pure form and is soluble in water with the release of heat.
As a strong acid, it is used in the production of fertilisers, in mineral processing, in wastewater treatment, and in the manufacture of chemicals. Sulphuric Acid is also used in batteries, particularly in lead-acid batteries found in vehicles. At Polymaster, we provide specialised storage and handling solutions for Sulphuric Acid to ensure safety and efficiency in industrial applications. Due to its highly corrosive nature, proper storage is essential to prevent leaks and ensu
What material is compatible with Sulphuric Acid?
2SG Chemical Grade (octene) PE.
2. Chemical Dosing Solutions
Pre-engineered Dosing Systems
Our pre-engineered dosing systems are designed for precise and efficient dosing of sulphuric 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 Sulphuric Acid Storage
Polymaster’s Self-Bunded range is the ultimate storage solution for sulphuric 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 Sulphuric 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 Sulphuric 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 Sulphuric 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 Sulphuric 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 Sulphuric Acid?
Sulphuric Acid is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications across various industries.
Here are some of its primary uses:
Wastewater Treatment
Sulphuric Acid is commonly used in wastewater treatment processes for pH adjustment and to precipitate heavy metals. It helps in neutralising alkaline waste streams and enables the removal of metals, ensuring the treated water meets environmental standards for discharge or reuse.
Mining
Used in Mining to dissolve metals and minerals from ores effectively. Used in metal processing, Sulfuric acid is used in a mixture for what is known as “steel pickling”, which is a surface treatment process that is used to remove any rust or carbon impurities to finish the metal and is one of the final and most important stages of metal processing.
6. FAQ
Sulphuric 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. Sulphuric Acid is also extremely heavy and will test the integrity of any tank. This means the tank or container needs to be built for the purpose of holding Sulphuric Acid. It is very important to store Sulphuric Acid in a well-ventilated environment
Store Sulphuric Acid in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Use containers made of compatible materials, such as our 7080 grade octene 2SG to store Sulphuric Acid. Never store in metal containers. It will attack metal resulting in a spill.
Store Sulphuric Acid separately from other chemicals, particularly bases, which can react with it and cause dangerous reactions.
Secondary containment is an absolute necessity. Make sure to surround the primary storage container to collect any spillage of Sulphuric Acid.
Ensure that Sulphuric 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.
Other alkaline-based chemicals.
Water. E.g. if Sulphuric Acid contacts water, it creates a toxic Sulfuric Acid aerosol fume and creates a risk of a potential explosion.
Sulphuric Acid can create a highly flammable Hydrogen gas if it is spilled on metals.
Depending on the concentration of Sulphuric Acid it may be corrosive to stainless steel. This should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
When it comes to the storage and handling of Sulphuric 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. If Sulphuric Acid is heated it may produce poisonous and/or corrosive fumes.
With any type of corrosive chemical using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles and face shield is a must, Sulphuric Acid is no different.
Avoid inhaling Sulphuric Acid fumes or mist, which can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems.
Always handle Sulphuric Acid with care and avoid splashing or spilling it.
Do not mix Sulphuric Acid with any other chemicals or substances without first consulting a qualified professional.
When mixing or blending chemicals with Sulphuric Acid, an exothermic reaction may occur, and the heat of the chemical can cause damage if not properly addressed.
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.
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