Can You Store Hydrofluoric Acid in a Poly Tank?
Yes, only in a double-wall XLPE system.
By James Riggins, Lead Engineer, Liberty Chemical & Equipment Supply, Inc.
Yes, but only as a closed double-wall system. Poly Processing recommends XLPE in a tank-within-a-tank (SAFE-Tank), with a molded outlet flange when a double wall isn't feasible. Hydrofluoric acid is also on one manufacturer's stress-crack agent list, so reduce stress at fittings, bands and tie-downs.
Hydrofluoric acid: tank spec points
| Point | What the manufacturer documents | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resin | XLPE, which Poly Processing says gives 20 times the stress-crack resistance and 5 times the impact and tensile strength of HDPE. | Rule: SAFE-Tank required |
| Containment | A tank-within-a-tank (SAFE-Tank) closed containment. If it isn't feasible, an IMFO molded flange reduces hands-on maintenance and exposure risk. | Rule: SAFE-Tank required |
| Stress cracking | Ace Roto-Mold's chart flags hydrofluoric acid as a stress-crack agent. Reduce stress concentration at fittings, bands and tie-down lugs, where cracks start. | Rule: stress cracking |
| Hazard | Hydrofluoric acid penetrates tissue faster than typical acids and can go unnoticed, which delays treatment. | Rule: SAFE-Tank required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is hydrofluoric acid stored in a tank within a tank?
It is the most dangerous chemical in Poly Processing's storage lineup. A closed double wall reduces the health and environmental risk of a leak.
Can I use an HDPE tank for hydrofluoric acid?
Poly Processing recommends XLPE, citing 20 times the stress-crack resistance and 5 times the impact strength of HDPE.
What if a double-wall tank isn't practical?
Use an IMFO molded outlet flange, which reduces hands-on maintenance and so reduces employee exposure risk.
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