The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Resistance against sulfuric acid environment

Engro Chemicals Pakistan Ltd. uses rubber lining in sulfuric acid containers and pipes which is causing problems. The concentration of sulfuric acid is between 70-98 % .

Can somebody help me in material selection for such environment regarding cost and reliability factors ?

M Hassan Yousuf
chemicals. - Deharki, Sindh, Pakistan
2005

---

First of two simultaneous responses -- 2005

Hi M Hassan !

Firstly, please have a gander in the archives at perhaps
# 12520, 22519, 12166, 15385 and perhaps 33231 + 5392

You didn't mention temperature, nor pipe sizes nor any pressures .... join the throng of other miscreants who don't give enough info ....VERY common !

I am biased towards PVC ... when, if correctly made, will easily withstand what in Canada is called commercial sulfuric, ie. 96% ... and used for storage when filling batteries, car type. Ne'er a complaint for mega years.

PVC is not expensive. PVC pipes would cost far, far less than rubber lined pipe. Dual laminate PVC piping would cost more than ordinary pipe but is much, much more temperature resistant and able to take higher pressures. By that I mean that the pressure ratings for ordinary PVC pipe diminish as the temperature rises.

We hope that this information is useful ... and if so, please let us know.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

You didn't mention the temperatures of the sulfuric. What about lead? Is it viable in this case?

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005