Sulfuric Acid is a powerful protonating and moderately strong oxidizing agent. These characteristics have a profound impact on the different materials that a pump is made of.
Sulphuric acid , also known as oil of vitriol, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen. It is a colorless, odorless and viscous liquid.
The challenges of pumping sulphuric acid
The acid in pure form is highly corrosive towards other materials, as it is an oxidant and has and is a strong acid. The pure acid is dehydrating , which means it will strip water away from substances it comes into contact with, so when pumping sulphuric acid you have to choose your pump carefully. For lower conentrations of below 95% non metallic wetted materials are required.
