• Material Safety Data Sheet (download  pdf file)

General Chemical is among the largest North American suppliers of sulfuric acid, a chemical we have produced and marketed since our founding. A basic industrial chemical, it is used in the manufacture of titanium pigments, fertilizer, synthetic fibers, steel, petroleum, aluminum sulfate, paper and many other products. We are also active in the regeneration of spent sulfuric acid for the refining and chemical industries as well as providing such services as pollution abatement and sulfur recovery for refineries.

All of our plants have achieved at least ISO9002 quality certification. Our manufacturing facilities that produce sulfuric acid are located in Richmond, California; Anacortes, Washington; Augusta, Georgia; and Newark, New Jersey. In addition, effective January 1st, 2007, General Chemical has exclusive marketing rights to the sulfuric acid produced at Climax Molybdenum Company's manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa. This production capacity is supported by a network of terminals in Vancouver, Washington; Denver, Colorado; Celina, Texas; Covington, Virginia; and Baltimore, Maryland.

Sulfuric acid's multiple properties of acidity, reactivity and corrosivity, in addition to its sulfur content and its affinity for water, make this product so highly versatile that it is used, either directly or indirectly, in nearly every industrial process in the world. As such, it is the largest tonnage product of the chemical industry and its use is so widespread that it is often used as a gauge of overall economic activity.

Sulfuric acid is particularly important in the production of:

General Chemical transports sulfuric acid in steel tank cars of 12,500-gallon capacity and in both dedicated and leased tank transport trucks of up to 3,000-gallon capacity. This range of transportation options assures that General Chemical is able to continuously provide the prompt delivery and high level of service our customers demand.

Certain basic procedures and precautions should be followed with regard to the storage of sulfuric acid:

• Tanks for the storage of sulfuric acid are generally constructed of carbon steel, with thicknesses predicated on allowances for corrosion.
• When working on or near tanks, spark-proof tools and lights should be used, and open flames and welding avoided.
• Tanks should be emptied and cleaned at regular intervals to allow for inspection to detect excessive corrosion.
• Storage areas should be diked, and have facilities for the removal of spills.
• Storage tanks should be equipped with vents of such size as to maintain the tanks at atmospheric pressure.
• Metal catwalks should be provided for working on top of tanks.
• Although sulfuric acid is not flammable, it should not be stored near organic materials, nitrates, carbides, chlorates, and metal powders. Contact of sulfuric acid with these materials may cause ignition.
• Heating of storage tanks is likely to be necessary for certain strengths of acid that freeze at common winter temperatures.

Sulfuric acid should only be handled by those having requisite knowledge, skill and experience in the chemical industry and appropriate training in all applicable environmental, health and safety requirements.

For more detailed information concerning handling and storage and safety procedures pertaining to sulfuric acid, contact General Chemical Customer Service at 1-800-631-8050. They can provide you with a copy of our Sulfuric Acid Technical Data Manual and Safety Information or and put you in touch with a Technical Representative in our Sulfur Products Group.

• Sulfuric Acid Technical Report #50.78 Recommendations for the storage and handling of Sulfuric Acid (download pdf file)
• Sulfuric Acid Technical Report #52.79 Recommendations for the storage and handling of Oleum (download pdf file)