Choosing the Proper Lines and Tanks for Concentrated Acid
Storing and transporting concentrated acids is among the most demanding challenges in industrial operations. The right choice of tank and piping materials is essential—not only to prevent dangerous leaks and rapid corrosion, but also to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize risk, and keep your facility running safely. Here’s what every plant manager and maintenance team needs to know when specifying tanks and lines for concentrated acid service—and how RAK Industrial Services can help you build in long-term protection.
Why Material Selection Is Critical for Acid Service
Concentrated acids—sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, hydrofluoric, and others—are highly aggressive toward most metals and polymers. Standard steel and even some stainless alloys will rapidly corrode or fail without proper protection. Tank or pipeline failure can lead to catastrophic product loss, employee injury, environmental damage, and significant regulatory penalties.
Key Considerations When Choosing Acid Tanks and Lines
1. Chemical Compatibility
Not all materials can withstand concentrated acids. Glass-reinforced plastics (GRP/FRP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), certain fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF), and properly lined steel are common choices. Always verify material compatibility with the specific acid type, concentration, and operating temperature.
2. Internal Linings and Coatings
For steel tanks and pipes, high-performance internal linings are essential. RAK Industrial Services specializes in applying acid-resistant linings—such as vinyl ester, epoxy novolac, or fluoropolymer-based systems—that shield metal substrates from direct acid contact. These linings are engineered for immersion resistance, chemical durability, and long service life.
3. External Protection and Secondary Containment
Acid tanks and lines should be equipped with secondary containment coatings and barriers to prevent environmental release in case of failure or accidental spill. Specialty external coatings, composite wraps, or containment berms add another layer of safety and compliance.
4. Structural Strength and Reinforcement
Acid tanks must be designed to withstand not just the corrosive contents, but also pressure, thermal cycling, and possible impact. RAK offers composite reinforcement for tanks and lines—adding structural strength and extending service life without costly full replacement.
5. Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
Even with the right materials, aggressive acids demand regular inspection for signs of lining degradation, blistering, pinholes, or wall thinning. RAK provides turnkey inspection, rapid on-line repair, and advanced relining to keep your acid systems compliant and reliable—often without requiring a system shutdown.
Why Choose RAK Industrial Services for Acid Service Tanks and Lines?
- Decades of experience protecting and repairing tanks and lines for sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, and other acids
- Advanced composite and lining solutions for both new construction and repairs
- Emergency on-line leak repair—minimizing downtime and product loss
- Turnkey project management and regulatory expertise for hazardous chemical service
- Proven success in steel, chemical manufacturing, power generation, mining, and other heavy industries
The right lines and tanks for concentrated acids aren’t just a design choice—they’re a business-critical investment in plant safety, compliance, and long-term reliability. By partnering with RAK Industrial Services, you get tailored, engineered solutions that stand up to the harshest acid service—so you can focus on production, not pipeline problems.
