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
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.
How Nitric Acid (20%) works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.
| Material | Relative cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE $ | $$$$ | B Good |
| Polypropylene $$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
| Nylon $$$ | $$$$ | D Not Recommended |
| PVDF (Kynar®) $$$$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
How Nitric Acid (20%) works with the plastics used for tank fittings.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | B Good |
| PVC | A Excellent |
| CPVC | A Excellent |
| Polypropylene | A Excellent |
| PVDF | A Excellent |
How Nitric Acid (20%) works with gasket and O-ring materials.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | D Not Recommended |
| EPDM | A Excellent |
| Viton® | A Excellent |
How Nitric Acid (20%) works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel | A Excellent |
| Hastelloy | A Excellent |
| Titanium | — No Data |
| Aluminum | D Not Recommended |
Storing this chemical in PVDF?
PVDF tanks from 25 to 5,000 gallons with fittings installed. Confirm concentration and temperature with us before you order.
Send the chemical, concentration, temperature and size. We’ll match the tank and fittings and send a quote.