Insulation for concentrated sulfuric acid and liquid alkali storage tanks
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Do concentrated sulfuric acid and liquid alkali storage tanks need insulation? I see that some have it designed and some don’t.
Insulation is required. I haven’t checked any information on this, but from what I remember, the freezing point of 98% sulfuric acid is around 0°C, while that of 32% lye is around 5°C. Insulation may not be necessary if the tanks are underground, or in areas with hot climates in the south.
Liquid caustic soda needs to be kept warm. In winter, when temperatures are low, the liquid alkali in the pipes turns into crystals. If the storage tank is equipped with steam tracing, insulation is not required.
Factories in the north all need insulation or heat tracing; the specific requirements depend on the local temperature
Concentrated sulfuric acid is not required, as there is no risk of solidification or crystallization; whereas liquid alkali needs to be kept warm, or even heated, as it can crystallize and block pipeline valves