Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
(OP)
Few weeks ago we have sulfuric acid tank rupture; sulfuric acid concentration is 98wt%.
Rupture happens below outside plate heater. Plate heater is copper plate, dimension 1m x 0.5m, heating medium is low pressure steam, it is mounted on tank wall (bottom of tank) under stone wool insulation. Tank was made from carbon steel.
During inspection we discovered on tank wall, in place where was plate heater position, large quantity of rust, in all other positions tank outside wall was in good condition, with paint on place. We discovered five holes on tank wall on position below heater. Three holes seems as they ruptured from outside (shape like crater) and they were all in same level, other two holes looks as they ruptured tank wall from inside, no craters present.
What is caused rupture, galvanic corrosion or some other cause?
Regards,
Milutin





RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
I presume that these areas had been painted to start with. Better surface prep, paint and inspection are all in order.
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Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
Yes it was painted in moment when heater is mounted.
My idea is to change this copper heater with carbon steel one.
Regards
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
Rupture is defined as a state of being torn or burst open
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
Anyway, leak rate was 2.5m3/h.
Regards,
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
What temperature are you trying to maintain and why ?
(Having concentrated H2SO4 at elevated temperatures is asking for a corrosion problem....Is there a process reason why you must maintain this temperature ?)
Where is the tank located ? (in what country ?)
Using carbon steel for this service is only a good idea to about 125F...... as I recall
-MJC
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture
We are trying to maintain 86degF (30degC)in tank, that is protection from low ambient temperaturas.
Tank temperature is regulated by control valve.
Regards,
RE: Sulphuric Acid Tank Rupture