Zero Corrosion for Sulfuric Acid? 1

[Auspex]

I need advice on selecting a material that will not experience corrosion from sulfuric acid. All concentrations with working temperatures of -100 to 200 degrees F will be experienced. If velocity of the fluid is an issue, assume 300 mm/s.
Thanks!

 

[CoryPad]

Please perform a search on this site before posting a thread. This topic has been covered before.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Auspex]

I guess I should have mentioned that I had already done this. Could you please direct me to the thread? I conducted a search in the corrosion forum for 'sulfuric acid corrosion' before I posted and was unable to find a solution. There were somewhere in the neighborhood of 90 post so it is possible I overlooked it.

I am aware that some glasses may do the job, but I wanted some clarification from people who have some experience with corrosion engineering. I would prefer a metal if it is an option at all.

Thanks

 

[metengr]

Your material selections will be few for handling all concentrations of Sulfuric Acid at this temperature range;

Tantalum
14.5% Si-Fe

The web site below is for the Nickel Development Institute.

http://www.nickelinstitute.org/index.cfm/ci_id/6511/la_id/1.htm

After you enter the site, locate the Technical Series article No 10057. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of stainless steel and ni-bearing alloys for sulphuric acid service, the paper is titled;
"Selection and performance of stainless steels and other ni-bearing alloys in sulphuric acid".

 

[moltenmetal]

Unless there's a compelling reason to use metallic materials in this service, don't. Use a polymer. Use polymer-lined equipment if you need strength beyond what the polymer can provide on its own. Depending on the rest of the conditions which you do not list, any number of polymers will do admirably.

 

[Auspex]

Excellent information everyone. Thank you.

This application requires a flexural mechanism, and this was my primary motivation for examining metals. However, the difficulties of using metals in this case may certainly justify a different approach. The pressure in this application is less than 50 psi, so I am sure that polymers will work well.

Where might I find resources on selection of a polymer. Perhaps more important, I will need to find information on seals.

 

[moltenmetal]

http://www.chemline.com/librarychemguide.htm

This is the best one I know of.

 

[kenvlach]

Two very good sites on sulfuric acid properties and suitable materials of construction [note: some metals resist 98% sulfuric but not medium concentrations]:

Resistoflex (make plastic lined pipe & fittings):
"Handling Sulfuric Acid" page (note the links on LHS):

http://www.resistoflex.com/sulfuric.htm

Sulphuric Acid on the Web^TM &
Technology Manual, websites mostly for sulfuric acid producers:

http://www.sulphuric-acid.com/techmanual/introduction.htm