What Are the Dangers of Sulfuric Acid?

Concentrated sulfuric acid, commonly known as bad water, with a chemical formula of HSO, is a highly corrosive and strong mineral acid. Concentrated sulfuric acid refers to a sulfuric acid solution with a mass fraction of 70% or more . Concentrated sulfuric acid is also highly corrosive: under normal pressure , boiling concentrated sulfuric acid can corrode all metals except iridium and ruthenium (even gold and platinum), and the number of elemental metals that can corrode even exceeds aqua regia . Sulfuric acid is highly oxidizing at high concentrations, which is one of its biggest differences from dilute sulfuric acid. At the same time it is also dehydrating , hardly volatile , acidic, and absorbent .

Concentrated sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive, especially high-concentration sulfuric acid. High concentration of sulfuric acid is not only strongly acidic, but also has strong dehydration and oxidation properties: in addition to hydrolyzing with proteins and fats in the body and causing severe chemical burns, it also has high exothermic properties with carbohydrate Dehydration reaction and carbonization, causing secondary flame burns, causing great damage to eyes and flesh. ^[3-4]

Preparation of sulfur dioxide

Burn sulfur or high temperature

Concentrated sulfuric acid leakage treatment

Quickly evacuate personnel from the leaked contaminated area to a safe area and isolate them to strictly restrict access. It is recommended that emergency handlers wear self-contained positive-pressure respirators and acid- and alkali-proof work clothes. Do not touch the spill directly. Cut off the source of the leak if possible. Prevent from flowing into restricted spaces such as sewers and flood drains.

Small leaks: Mix with sand, dry lime or soda ash. It can also be rinsed with a large amount of water and diluted into the waste water system. Large spills: build dikes or dig pits for containment. Transfer to a tanker or special collector with a pump and recycle or transport it to a waste disposal site for disposal.

Concentrated sulfuric acid operation

Closed operation, pay attention to ventilation. Operations are as mechanized and automated as possible. Operators must be specially trained and strictly abide by the operating procedures. It is recommended that the operator wear a self-absorption filtering gas mask (full face mask), wear rubber acid and alkali resistant clothing, and rubber acid and alkali resistant gloves. Away from fire and heat sources, smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Keep away from flammable and combustible materials. Prevent vapors from leaking into the workplace air. Avoid contact with reducing agents, alkalis and alkali metals. Handle with care when handling to prevent damage to packaging and containers. Equipped with the corresponding variety and quantity of fire fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment. Empty containers may be harmful residues. When diluting or preparing a solution, acid should be added to the water to avoid boiling and splashing.

Concentrated sulfuric acid storage

Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. The storage temperature does not exceed 35 ° C, and the relative humidity does not exceed 85%. Keep container tightly closed. It should be stored separately from flammable (combustible) materials, reducing agents, alkalis, alkali metals, and edible chemicals. The storage area should be equipped with spill emergency treatment equipment and suitable containment materials.

Concentrated sulfuric acid transport

The time limit for railway transportation of this product is to use the tanker trucks provided by steel enterprises for shipment, which must be reported to the relevant authorities for approval before shipment. For non-tank railway transportation, the dangerous goods should be installed in strict accordance with the Dangerous Goods Transportation Regulations of the Ministry of Railways. The package should be complete at the time of shipment and the loading should be secure. During transportation, ensure that the container does not leak, collapse, fall, or damage. It is strictly prohibited to mix and transport with flammables or combustibles, reducing agents, alkalis, alkali metals, edible chemicals, etc. The transportation vehicle should be equipped with leakage emergency treatment equipment during transportation. During transportation, it should be protected from direct sunlight, rain and high temperature. When transporting by road, follow the prescribed route and do not stop in residential areas and densely populated areas.

deal with

If you accidentally drop sulfuric acid on your hand, immediately rinse it with plenty of water and apply a sodium bicarbonate solution with a concentration of about 3%. After completing the emergency treatment, go to the nearby hospital for a burn treatment to avoid further damage to the skin. .