NITRIC ACID (20%) & PVDF Compatibility

Nitric Acid (20%) (HNO3, CAS 7697-37-2) is a clear, colorless, corrosive and oxidizing acid solution with a specific gravity of about 1.115. Dilute nitric acid is used for stainless steel passivation and pickling, metal etching and cleaning, clean-in-place (CIP) rinses in dairy and food plants, and laboratory work. It attacks many metals and organic materials. Use the compatibility ratings to choose the right tank resin, fittings and gaskets.

Safety data: Nitric Acid Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – LSB Industries

PVDF temperature limit: 150°F (65°C). That is Arkema’s maximum use temperature for Kynar Flex® 2850 PVDF, the resin we mold, with Nitric Acid (11-70% in water). 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

Polypropylene is the most economical tank material for Nitric Acid (20%), rated Excellent. PVDF (Kynar®) and HDPE are also rated Good or better. Avoid nylon tanks, Buna-N gaskets and 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 Nitric Acid (20%) works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.

Material Relative cost Rating
HDPE $ Good
Polypropylene $$ Excellent
Nylon $$$ Not Recommended
PVDF (Kynar®) $$$$ Excellent

Fittings

How Nitric Acid (20%) works with the plastics used for tank fittings.

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

Gaskets & O-Rings

How Nitric Acid (20%) works with gasket and O-ring materials.

Material Rating
Buna-N Not Recommended
EPDM Excellent
Viton® Excellent

Metals

How Nitric Acid (20%) works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.

Material Rating
316 Stainless Steel Excellent
Hastelloy Excellent
Titanium No Data
Aluminum Not Recommended

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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.

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