What kind of containers should be used for storing acids?

Posted On: 15th February, 2021

As it comes to storing acids, you should be very careful. Otherwise, it can pose a severe health risk. Safe handling of acid is highly important. All chemicals including acids should be stored in a proper container. Every acid has its individual properties. The containers must be chosen according to those properties. 

Materials used for acid storage containers

Whether bottles for laboratories or tanks for industries, acids are stored in containers made of glass, FRP, polyethylene, polymethylpentene, or Teflon. However, any leading acid storage tank manufacturer prefers FRP for making a container to be used for industrial purposes. 

• Glass bottles/jars – Glass containers are perfect for storing acids as glass is mostly inert and doesn’t react with most substances including acids. Since glass is non-porous, it doesn’t contaminate or absorb chemicals. However, glass-made containers can be broken easily resulting in dangerous shards. Not every acid is safe to store in a glass container – for example, hydrofluoric acid. It can be stored in polyethylene, Teflon, or polymethylpentene. 

• Teflon containers – The material is slippery and thus substances usually don’t stick to it. It is resistant to most chemicals like sulfuric acid and nitric acid. This is the reason Teflon-coated containers are used for storing strong acids. 

• Polymethylpentene containers – This is a kind of plastic. It is clean like glass and resistant to corrosion. That’s why the material is used for manufacturing containers to store acids of various strengths. It is used for making graduated cylinders and beakers essential for experimental processes. However, it is not ideal for storage. 

• Polyethylene containers – This is also a special kind of plastic. Like glass and polymethylpentene, it is also suitable for storing acids of various strengths. The material is extremely strong that the containers made of polyethylene are hardly breakable. And thus, they are used for storing chemicals and prevent spillage and seepage. It is largely used for making acid storage containers, pumps, and waste bags. 

• FRP acid storage containers – These containers are highly preferred by industrialists for chemical storage. FRP or fibre reinforced plastic is used for manufacturing chemical storage vessels including acid storage tanks. The filament winding process is used to manufacture them. The containers are highly corrosion-resistant. That is why they are used for storing strong corrosive chemicals such as alkalis, acids, mineral oils, and alcohols. FRP tanks can be used under high pressure and at high temperatures. They are good enough to prevent leakage, seepage, and overflowing. FRP tanks are available in different dimensions and colours so the customers can choose any as per their requirements. FRP storage containers feature high mechanical and physical strength. They are weather resistant. FRP is known for its good insulation properties and low thermal conductivity. Their glossy finish helps to reduce pump loads and thus making it easy to handle. FRP units need negligible maintenance. The users don’t need to change the liner layer. They have a longer service life. They are cost-effective as well. 

Material for manufacturing acid storage containers may vary depending on the kind of acid to be stored. The containers should have tight-fitting lids so the acid doesn’t spill. Also, you must label the container clearly.