Chemical attack on concrete tanks

[fa2070]

Hello,

I'm in charge of designing two circular concrete tanks. One will contain water with 5% sulfuric acid and the other will contain biofuel. These are two separate projects by the way, I just grouped my doubts in a single post.

My questions are:
1)
What measures do I have to take to protect the walls and floor from attack by the acidic water?
In the case of the acidic water, will using sulfate-resistant cement in walls and floor suffice or will I have to apply a liner or some sort of coating?
In that regard, ACI 350, Chap. 5 mandates that "...concrete should be protected against [a dozen chemicals are listed here which includes sulfuric acid]...", however, what ACI 350 doesn't mention is if this applies to an acidic solution of 1%, 99% or anything in between.

2)
What are the measures to take -if any- in the case of walls and floor exposed to biofuel ?

Thank you.

 

[RWF7437]

Try researching the Portland Cement Association (PCA)website as well as ACI. Also, find out what others have done.

good luck

 

[JStephen]

I would think you'd have problems with the acid attacking the steel at any kind of crack.

You might also consider how to handle leakage, whether it's an environmental problem .

 

[JedClampett]

I'm not sure what you have to do about biofuels. But as far as the Sulfuric Acid, you'll need to either coat or line the inside of the tank. The acid concentration is not really a good measure of corrosivity. Five percent can be really aggressive.
Check with Tnemec (

http://www.tnemec.com/)

or Carboline (

http://www.carboline.com/)

for an appropriate coating. A epoxy might be sufficient or some kind of Vinyl Ester might be necessary.

 

[unclesyd]

As stated above 5% H2SO4 is a bear.

A lining will be essential for your concrete tank.
We have had good results use products from Sauereisen. I would give them a call with your specific conditions.

One problem to look out for is contamination of the 5% H2SO4 by organics especially solvents. I've seen very few process acid streams of the pure stuff.

http://www.sauereisen.com/c_prod/c_linings.asp

 

[Ussuri]

thread592-161626

 

[fa2070]

Thanks to all who responded.