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Sulphuric Acid (US spelling, Sulfuric Acid), chemically known as H₂SO₄, is a highly corrosive, odourless and colourless mineral acid created by a mix of sulphur, oxygen and hydrogen using the contact process. In concentrated form it is considered stable, however due to its high strength it reacts with a broad range of organic materials, reactive metals and other chemicals.

It is widely used across a variety of primary and secondary industries including,

• Petroleum refining: to refine crude oil to remove impurities and in the production of petrol.
• Mining and metal processing: to extract metal such as copper, zinc and aluminium from their ores.
• Water treatment: used to neutralise water and wastewater.
• Chemical and pharmaceutical: where it is used as a solvent and to purify.
• Lead acid battery manufacture: creating an electrical charge through the reaction with lead.
• Food manufacture: typically used to clean through a CIP (Clean in Place) procedure.

Concentrated Sulphuric Acid (98-99%) is the highest concentration of commercial sulphuric acid available, it’s used in processes where a strong acid is required such as in the production of chemicals and laboratory applications.

Dilute Sulphuric Acid, between 29-32%, is used in traditional lead-acid batteries, this concentration creates the electrolyte necessary to make a battery function. Sulphuric acid diluted to less than 10%, is used across a broad range of applications primarily as a cleaner and also to regulate pH in the treatment of water and effluent.

How can concentrated Sulphuric Acid be diluted?

Due to its strength, Sulphuric Acid needs to be handled with care. The dilution process can be a dangerous and volatile one if done incorrectly, simply pouring water into Sulphuric Acid will cause a violent reaction.

Sulphuric Acid Dilution Systems are a safe and efficient way of controlling the dilution process and managing the exothermic heat that’s generated through the process (up to +145°C). Purchasing concentrated Sulphuric Acid and using a Dilution System gives both control of supply and significant cost savings.

How can Sulphuric Acid be stored?

Sulphuric Acid needs to be safely stored in order to protect operatives and the environment. We manufacture chemical storage tanks in Thermoplastics which are compatible with a broad range of chemicals, including concentrated and all dilutions of Sulphuric Acid. Thermoplastic storage tanks can be combined with a Dilution System to create a complete solution for organisations demanding varying quantities of different concentrations.

Watch how a Sulphuric Acid Dilution System works and connects with Thermoplastic Chemical Storage Tanks. We also provide solutions to protect during the tanker offload process with ChemiGuard and safely transfer Sulphuric Acid through our range of premium-branded pumps. If we can help you safely offload, dilute, store and transfer Sulphuric Acid at your site, please get in touch.