sulfric acid stainless steel piston hand drum pump

For transferring sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), you must use a chemically resistant pump because sulfuric acid is highly corrosive, especially at high concentrations. Stainless steel is generally NOT recommended for sulfuric acid, as it corrodes rapidly—even 316 SS is only suitable for very dilute (<10%) and low-temperature sulfuric acid.

Correct Pump Materials for Sulfuric Acid

✔ Recommended Materials:

• Polypropylene (PP) – Good for ≤70% concentration at room temp.

• PVDF (Kynar®) – Best for concentrated (98%) sulfuric acid and elevated temps.

• PTFE (Teflon®) lined – Excellent for all concentrations.

• Hastelloy® or Titanium – For extreme conditions (expensive, rare in drum pumps).

✔ Seals & Gaskets:

• Viton® (FKM) or PTFE – Best chemical resistance.

• EPDM – Only for dilute sulfuric acid.

❌ Avoid:

• Stainless steel (even 316 SS) – Corrodes quickly in >10% H₂SO₄.

• Aluminum, brass, Buna-N, Neoprene – Degrade rapidly.

Best Sulfuric Acid Drum Pumps

1. Manual Piston Pump (if you must use stainless steel)

If you absolutely need a stainless steel piston pump (e.g., for very dilute sulfuric acid <5%), consider:

• Lutz Jesco Stainless Steel Piston Pump (316 SS)

• Only for extremely dilute sulfuric acid.

• Must have PTFE or Viton seals.

• Risk of corrosion increases with concentration and temperature.

2. Better Alternatives (Non-SS, Acid-Resistant)

For safe sulfuric acid transfer, these are better choices:
✅ Manual Rotary Drum Pumps

• Kecol PVDF Drum Pump – Best for concentrated (98%) sulfuric acid.

• Finish Thompson Polypropylene Drum Pump (PTFE seals) – Good for ≤70% H₂SO₄.

✅ Electric or Pneumatic Pumps (for frequent use)

• GPI PVDF Electric Drum Pump – Smooth flow, safe for corrosives.

• Yamada PVDF Air-Operated Pump – No electricity, explosion-proof.

Safety Tips for Pumping Sulfuric Acid

⚠ ALWAYS:

• Wear acid-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), goggles, face shield, and apron.

• Work in a well-ventilated area (sulfuric acid fumes are dangerous).

• Have a neutralizing agent (e.g., baking soda solution) nearby for spills.

• Never add water to acid – Always add acid to water slowly to prevent violent reactions.

• Flush the pump after use to prevent crystallization.

Final Recommendation

• For >10% sulfuric acid → Use PVDF or PTFE-lined pump.

• For <5% very dilute acid → 316 SS with PTFE seals (but still risky).

• Best choice? Kecol PVDF Drum Pump (most reliable for concentrated acid).