Halar is the only material resistant to 98% Sulfuric Acid
Recently, it has come to our attention that some chemical suppliers have been shipping a True 98% + concentration of Sulfuric Acid in stead of Baume 66 Sulfuric Acid to Water, Wastewater, and R/O Plants in Florida. The Buame 66 classification of Sulfuric Acid, by definition will never be greater or equal to a true 98%+ concentration of Sulfuric Acid, while the "True" 98%+ Sulfuric Acid is just that, 98% or greater concentration.
Please note that this change in chemistry can potentially cause failures in the piping systems currently in use. Specifically, the piping materials that may be affected are: PVC, CPVC, and PVDF.
The nature of the problem is the presence of a "Free" Sulfur Trioxide (SO3) which is known to exist in concentrations of Sulfuric Acid at or above 98%. Effectively, "Free" Sulfur Trioxides do not exist at concentrations below 98%. This is why for years there have been no problems with sulfuric acid is from 93% to 98% concentration. "Free" Sulfur Trioxide is a Stress Cracking Agent for PVDF, PVC and CPVC materials.
We do not recommend PVDF for 98%+ Sulfuric Acid that contains SO3. Failures may occur in a matter of a few days or longer based upon the following two factors:
- The amount of "Free Sulfur Trioxide present in the fluid
- The amount of built-in stress present in the PVDF material
We do, however recommend HALAR (E-CTFE) for this application.
HALAR® E-CTFE is essentially a 1:1 alternating copolymer of ethylene and CTFE (chlorotrifluo-roethylene). It contains about 80% CTFE, one of themost chemically resistant building blocks that can be used to make a polymer. It is most likely the best material for handling high concentrations of sodiumhypochlorite, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. Additionally, E-CTFE has good electrical properties and a broad-use temperature range.
Severe stress tests have demonstrated that Halar is not subject to chemically induced stress cracking from strong acids, bases, or solvents. Only hot amines and molten alkali metals affect Halar.
Check with your chemical supplier to ensure that you are not receiving a true 98%+ Concentration of Sulfuric Acid.
If you are using Sulfuric Acid at or above 98% concentration, contact Asahi/America for material recommendation on your system.
To learn about Asahi/America's Halar-Ultra Proline System click here