What Is Sulfuric Acid?
Pure sulfuric acid (100%) is a colorless, oily liquid that boils at 274 °C when heated. It is a powerful oxidizing agent with strong dehydrating properties, and it exhibits intense corrosivity toward various materials, including rocks and metals.
Sulfuric acid has a strong affinity for water and can be mixed with it in any proportion; however, the mixing process is exothermic.
Solutions of sulfuric acid at various concentrations are generally referred to collectively as “sulfuric acid.”
Although sulfuric acid has limited direct contact with daily life, it is indirectly related to virtually all industrial sectors. It is often said that most of the objects surrounding us, including those essential to clothing, food, and housing, are produced through processes in which sulfuric acid plays a critical role.
If Contaminated with Sulfuric Acid
When sulfuric acid adheres to paper or fabric, it causes charring and blackening, and may create holes. If it comes into contact with skin, it can cause severe chemical damage and poses a significant hazard.
If concentrated sulfuric acid accidentally contacts the skin or clothing, immediately rinse the affected area with a large quantity of water.
The emphasis on “a large quantity” is crucial.
Move quickly to the nearest sink and thoroughly flush the area under fully opened running water. Afterward, neutralizing with a sodium hydrogen carbonate (about 3%) solution and then rinsing again is ideal.
If sodium hydrogen carbonate is unavailable, continuing to rinse with water alone will still help prevent deep, burn-like injuries.
The same procedure applies to dilute sulfuric acid, although the urgency is generally considered to be lower than for concentrated sulfuric acid.
Neutralization with sodium hydrogen carbonate must be performed only after the area has been thoroughly rinsed with water. Attempting to neutralize prior to rinsing may worsen the injury due to the heat generated during neutralization.
Additionally, if sulfuric acid contacts clothing and is left untreated, the moisture will evaporate, effectively increasing the concentration of the acid and creating a hazard. Therefore, always rinse contaminated clothing immediately.
Dilution is strictly prohibited
Sulfuric acid has a strong affinity for water; however, mixing it with water generates a large amount of heat.
In particular, concentrated sulfuric acid may undergo bumping, a sudden, violent boiling and splattering, even when only a small amount of water comes into contact with it. Therefore, do not perform dilution yourself. If dilution is required, always use pre-diluted sulfuric acid solutions.
For the transfer of sulfuric acid, chemical metering pumps or air diaphragm pumps are used
Despite the hazards associated with sulfuric acid, careful consideration is required when selecting transfer pumps.
Pumps made of materials with excellent chemical resistance must be chosen.
For example, in applications such as the injection of neutralizing agents in neutralization systems, chemical metering pumps are selected. For large-volume transfers, air diaphragm pumps are preferred. In both cases, the pump materials should be PP (polypropylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
Chemical Heat-Resistant Submersible Pumps ー LC-HC Series – EICHITWO CORPORATION
