Oversimplified, acids are chemical substances that react with other substances by donating a proton (hydrogen ion). All acids are reactive, but not all acids react the same way or with the same substances. Confused yet?
If you were setting out place cards for a dinner party, you wouldn’t seat mortal enemies or combative exes side-by-side, would you? You’d consider how your guests might interact with each other. And, if that interaction is likely to turn volatile or corrosive? Well, you’d probably keep those two guests apart. The same care is needed when choosing a container – consider how the materials you are packing, shipping, or storing will interact with the material of the container itself.
Some acids can dissolve plastic, others corrode metal, and others react with glass.
Nitric acid, used in the production of fertilizers and many polymers, for example, is highly corrosive. It should only be stored in containers manufactured from materials that are corrosion-resistant to nitric acid at the relevant concentrations and temperatures. One such material would be Stainless Steel 316, which is approved for use in cases where nitric acid concentration is 10% and the temperature is 90 degrees Celsius.
Many acids are stored in glass containers because the acid’s nature will either destroy plastic or react with it in a way that renders the acid unsafe for its proposed use.
But hydrofluoric acid, used in the production of refrigerants and herbicides, among other uses, can and should be stored in plastic containers. Hydrofluoric acid is very reactive to glass and some metals. A safe container would be tightly sealed and made of polyethylene, fluorocarbon, or lead.
While glass is a popular material for storing small quantities of some acids, its fragility makes it an unwieldy choice for larger-format storage or transport. That is why drum linings for stainless steel and carbon steel drums are particularly useful. Lined steel offers the strength and durability of a steel container alongside the chemical protection between the contained materials and the metal of the drum.
As always, we recommend discussing the specifics of your materials, storage, and shipping needs with all relevant parties and your manufacturer to determine the proper containment and procedure for your unique use case.
Be a good friend to your materials and choose a container that won’t lead to a damaging interaction.
For a variety of lined steel drum options designed for chemical compatibility, safety, and more explore Skiolnik’s Steel Drum Catalog.