What are the measures to prevent freezing in sulfuric acid tanks during winter?
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With sulfuric acid (98%) storage tanks above ground, pipe anti-freezing is a problem every winter. Although insulation has been installed on the storage tanks and pipelines, the bottom sections of the sulfuric acid storage tanks as well as the valves still often freeze. Do anyone have any good solutions?
Measures: 1. The pipes should have a slope to prevent acid from accumulating inside them； 2. Maintain a continuous supply of acid, or arrange the pipes in a loop to allow the acid to circulate within them, which can also prevent freezing. This post was last edited by in the blink of an eye on 2008-1-11 11:19]
DN25 pipes are connected to the bottom flanges of the sulfuric acid storage tank as well as to the valves; steam is passed through these pipes to provide insulation. The steam generated as a by-product in the sulfuric acid plant can be used for this purpose, so this should not be a problem.
In areas where the temperature drops below 0 degrees, it’s best to produce 93% acid in winter, as it’s not just the issue of the short section in the storage tanks
At low ambient temperatures, sulfuric acid is highly prone to solidification and freezing; I believe steam tracing can be used to prevent freezing. The method suggested upstairs for producing 93% acid is also a simple one. Freezing point of 98% acid: •-4°C Freezing point of 96% acid: -13°C Freezing point of 93% acid: •-33℃
Using steam tracing is cost-effective; to be safe in winter, we switched to 93% sulfuric acid. No problems for three years.
We use the waste heat from production to properly heat the tank.