Sulfuric Acid
Description
Sulfuric Acid is a colorless, odorless and oily liquid that is very corrosive and reacts chemically with many other materials and substances. Sulfuric Acid has a wide range of uses and is one of the world’s most widely used industrial chemicals.
Properties
| Unit | Quantity / Description |
|---|
| Boiling point | °C | 279.6°C (98% acid) |
| Specific gravity | wt % | 1.84 |
| Melting point | °C | 10 |
| Molecular weight | amu | 98.07 |
| Solubility in water | | soluble |
| Appearance & odor | | colorless to brown, odorless and oily liquid |
Specifications
| Unit | Quantity / Description |
|---|
| Purity | wt % | 98 min |
| Chloride | ppm, wt | 2 max |
| Iron | ppm, wt | 60 max |
| SO2 | ppm, wt | 60 max |
Hazards and safety
Has very high affinity for water. Not combustible. Strong dehydrating agent, which may cause ignition of fine particles on contact. Exposure limits TWA 1 mg/m3. Acute effects: begins to irritate eyes, nose and throat at 0.5 mg/m3.
It is more irritant in humidity. In case of liquid exposure, it will cause severe burning to skin and eyes. Deeply burns stomach and throat if swallowed. Acid is to be poured into water in small quantities:
not the other way around. Dissolution of acid in water produces high heat.
Applications
The major use of Sulfuric Acid is in the production of fertilizers. It has several other industrial applications, including for example:
water treatment
pulp and paper manufacturing
soap and detergent production
petroleum product refinement
copper, steel and metal fabrication
electrolyte in lead-acid storage batteries
Storage and handling
Jerry cans, plastic carbuoys with proper packing. Bulk supply through road tankers.
Operating companies
Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company (SAFCO).
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