Can You Store Fluorosilicic Acid in a Poly Tank?
Yes, in XLPE with a molded outlet or double wall.
By James Riggins, Lead Engineer, Liberty Chemical & Equipment Supply, Inc.
Yes, in XLPE with a molded outlet flange, or in a tank-within-a-tank. Poly Processing recommends XLPE because its cross-linked polymer chains act as a permeation and seepage barrier for a leak-prone chemical. Fluorosilicic acid is corrosive to most metals and attacks glass and stoneware.
Fluorosilicic acid (hydrofluosilicic acid): tank spec points
| Point | What the manufacturer documents | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resin | XLPE. Its thermoset polymer chains act as a permeation, leakage and seepage barrier, which suits a chemical that tends to find leak paths. | Rule: IMFO or SAFE-Tank |
| Outlet and containment | An IMFO molded outlet flange, or a SAFE-Tank (tank within a tank) closed containment. | Rule: IMFO or SAFE-Tank |
| Incompatible with | Strong alkalis, strong concentrated acids, oxidizing agents, combustible solids and organic peroxides. | Rule: IMFO or SAFE-Tank |
| Hazards | It decomposes in heat releasing toxic fluoride compounds that may react violently with alkaline materials, and reacts with metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. | Rule: IMFO or SAFE-Tank |
Frequently Asked Questions
What tank material is used for fluorosilicic acid?
Poly Processing recommends XLPE with an IMFO molded outlet, or a SAFE-Tank tank-within-a-tank. Metal and glass are poor choices because the acid attacks them.
Why does fluorosilicic acid need extra containment?
It tends to find leak paths, as lye and sodium hypochlorite do, and it releases toxic fluoride compounds when it decomposes in heat.
What should be kept away from a fluorosilicic acid tank?
Strong alkalis, strong concentrated acids, oxidizing agents, combustible solids and organic peroxides, all of which it is incompatible with.
Related
Other chemicals
Tanks by material and shape:HDPE / polyethylene tanks · Polypropylene tanks · FRP (fiberglass) tanks · Vertical tanks · Cone bottom tanks · Flat bottom tanks · Horizontal tanks · Rectangular tanks · Double-wall tanks
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Reviewed by James Riggins, 30+ years specifying water and chemical process equipment · Updated