How to Clean Sulfuric Acid Tanks
Sulfuric acid is the most-produced chemical by the United States by volume. Sulfuric acid removes hydrogen and water from many materials. It can melt off your skin within a few seconds. Extreme caution must be used when cleaning sulfuric acid tanks. While it is a dangerous process, sulfuric acid tanks must be cleaned to maintain their security. The tanks are made from carbon steel, which does not react to the acid.
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Fill a commercial liquid tank with two parts of ammonia solution and three parts distilled water.
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Spray the interior surface of the sulfuric acid tank.
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Let the ammonia solution soak for two hours. The ammonia solution neutralizes the pH of the sulfuric acid.
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Test the pH of the sulfuric acid tank. Wipe a piece of litmus paper on the side of the tank. Litmus paper turns blue when contacted with acid, and turns red when contacted with a base.
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Repeat Step 2 and 3 until the litmus paper does not react.
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Drain the excess solution from the sulfuric acid tank. Leave the tank open to dry.
References
Warnings
- Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive. You must wear protective clothing, goggles, mask and gloves.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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