Issues related to the treatment of concentrated sulfuric acid storage tanks
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I have several questions regarding storage tanks for concentrated sulfuric acid: 1) What treatments are needed after the inner surface of the tank is prepared? (Pickling and passivation?) 2) What type of anti-corrosion paint is suitable for applying to the outer surface of the tank? (Is epoxy zinc-rich paint okay?) 3) How should the exhaust outlet of the tank be designed? 4) Is it necessary to design a heating system for the sulfuric acid tank? (It’s located in an underground pit within an outdoor steel structure.) It would be great to have some drawings as reference. Thank you! I want to store concentrated sulfuric acid for use in battery production; I plan to fill the tank with oil, but I’m not sure what treatments are required. I heard that it’s quite complicated, involving treatments for the inner surface of the tank. I would like to ask experts what kinds of treatments are needed for both the interior and exterior of the tank
Carbon steel and fiberglass can be used, but stainless steel and molybdenum alloys cannot. We have used 20 alloy to manufacture equipment for use in concentrated sulfuric acid environments.
For concentrated sulfuric acid storage tanks, ordinary carbon steel is sufficient. Concentrated sulfuric acid can itself passivate the surface of carbon steel. It would be a waste to use something else
For storage tanks of concentrated sulfuric acid, carbon steel is sufficient; the interior should be kept as clean as possible, and any type of paint can be used for the exterior. If it weren’t for fuming sulfuric acid, just ensure that the vent gas doesn’t come into contact with rainwater. If the temperature drops significantly, insulation is needed
I have several questions regarding storage tanks for concentrated sulfuric acid: 1) Can ordinary carbon steel containers be used for storing concentrated sulfuric acid? 2) What kind of anti-corrosion paint should be applied to the inner surface of the tank? (Epoxy zinc-rich paint is suitable.) 3) How should the exhaust port of the tank be designed? (A simple venting device would work.) 4) It’s advisable to include a heating system; concentration above 98% tends to solidify at temperatures between -3 and -5 degrees Celsius
Carbon steel can be used for storage tanks containing concentrated sulfuric acid, as the inflow and outflow of material may cause erosion of the tank walls and damage to the passivation layer; over time, the tank walls might thin out. It is recommended to line the inside of the tank with corrosion-resistant tiles； The outer surface of the storage tank should be insulated to prevent the concentrated sulfuric acid from crystallizing at low temperatures ； The exhaust outlet can function like a regular storage tank as long as no water gets in ； Since concentrated sulfuric acid crystallizes at low temperatures, it is recommended to install heating pipes inside the storage tank. (Varies by region; it is estimated that this applies to most areas of our country)
Carbon steel can be used for storage tanks, but regarding the use of oil tanks as storage containers, it’s important to know what material such tanks are made of. Additionally, FRP material can also be used; the exterior of such tanks can be painted white to make them more noticeable
Concentrated sulfuric acid with a mass fraction of over 70% can undergo passivation when in contact with iron and aluminum, but considering long-term storage, electrochemical corrosion may occur due to impurities in the container material. For storage over a short period of time, in my opinion, ordinary iron or aluminum containers will suffice. It is best, however, to clean the inner surface of the container thoroughly to avoid any excess debris; if possible, lining the inner surface with enamel can help extend its lifespan. It is best to treat the container with anti-corrosion measures before burying it underground, so as to avoid storage issues caused by large temperature fluctuations.