CITRIC ACID & PVDF Compatibility

Citric Acid (C6H8O7, CAS 77-92-9) is a white crystalline organic acid made by fermentation. It is very soluble in water and often supplied as a 50% solution with a specific gravity of about 1.24. It is used as a food and beverage acidulant, a chelating agent in cleaners and detergents, for descaling and metal passivation, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Food-grade citric acid storage requires food-contact tank materials. Use the compatibility ratings to choose the right tank resin, fittings and gaskets.

PVDF temperature limit: 250°F (120°C). That is Arkema’s maximum use temperature for Kynar Flex® 2850 PVDF, the resin we mold, with Citric Acid (Aqueous solution or solid). Arkema’s limits are for solid resin at atmospheric pressure and do not account for mixtures. Source: Arkema Kynar® PVDF chemical resistance chart. Confirm your application with Bailiff before ordering.

At a glance

HDPE is the most economical tank material for Citric Acid, rated Excellent. Polypropylene, nylon and PVDF (Kynar®) are also rated Good or better. Rated Fair (contact us before use): aluminum hardware.

  • Excellent No or minor effect. Recommended.
  • Good Slight effect. Generally suitable.
  • Fair Moderate effect. Limited or conditional use — contact us.
  • Not Recommended Severe effect. Do not use.
  • No Data Not tested. Contact us before use.

Tank Resins

How Citric Acid works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.

Material Relative cost Rating
HDPE $ Excellent
Polypropylene $$ Excellent
Nylon $$$ Excellent
PVDF (Kynar®) $$$$ Excellent

Fittings

How Citric Acid works with the plastics used for tank fittings.

Material Rating
HDPE Excellent
PVC Good
CPVC Good
Polypropylene Excellent
PVDF Excellent

Gaskets & O-Rings

How Citric Acid works with gasket and O-ring materials.

Material Rating
Buna-N Excellent
EPDM Excellent
Viton® Excellent

Metals

How Citric Acid works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.

Material Rating
316 Stainless Steel Excellent
Hastelloy Excellent
Titanium No Data
Aluminum Fair

Request a PVDF Tank Quote

Storing this chemical in PVDF?

Tanks & Fittings Built for It

PVDF tanks from 25 to 5,000 gallons with fittings installed. Confirm concentration and temperature with us before you order.

Tell Us What You’re Storing

Send the chemical, concentration, temperature and size. We’ll match the tank and fittings and send a quote.