Sulphuric Acid

Applications.

Consisting of two hydrogen, one sulphur and four oxygen atoms, sulphuric acid holds the chemical formula H2SO4. It is an incredibly corrosive colourless substance, usually with no odour.

A range of strengths available to suit your requirements

We offer around 15 strengths of sulphuric acid in total. Some of our most popularly-requested dilutions include 96%, 77%, 35%, 30%, 28% and 20%.

These are available in bulk pack sizes, from 25L drum to bulk transfer. With our own dedicated fleet of vehicles, we’re perfectly placed to distribute your order quickly and securely, wherever you are in the UK. To discuss your requirements, send a message to our product experts today.

Sulphuric acid’s industrial uses: fertilisers, crude oil refinery, batteries, textiles, cleaning and more

Sulphuric acid is produced by extracting sulphuric oxide gas, which is then oxidised at a high temperature to create sulphur trioxide. This is then dissolved in concentrated amounts of sulphuric acid, forming sulphuric acid fumes, which then react with water to produce further quantities of sulphuric acid.

It has a diverse range of industrial applications, making it one of the foremost commodity chemicals.

• Fertilisers: The main use for sulphuric acid on an industrial scale is in the production of phosphoric acid, which is then used to manufacture phosphate fertilisers. These are added to the soil to improve plant growth. A solution of sulphuric acid is often sprayed on fields of potatoes before harvesting, causing the green tops to die back and blacken. This helps to dry out the stem, preventing entanglement with harvesting equipment.
• Textiles: Used as a catalyst to improve the reaction between dyes and fabrics as well as when finishing to improve texture and balance pH. It is also used in the production of synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester; it helps with the spinning process by dissolving raw materials into a liquid.
• Crude oil refining: Used as a catalyst for removing impurities like nitrogen and sulphur. It is also used in the production of some fuel additives.
• Batteries: A reaction between lead and sulphuric acid is used to power large lead-acid batteries. These are used for agricultural equipment, medical imagery equipment and cars.
• Metal processing: Used for pickling (removing scale and rust) before further processing takes place, or before sale to the automobile and major appliances industry. Also used for controlling the pH of process waters, preventing corrosion and scale formation on pipelines. Sulphuric acid can remove sulphur impurities from iron and steel and is also used for leaching zinc and copper from their respective ores.
• Cleaning: With powerful corrosive qualities and ability to dissolve organic materials like grease, oil, hair and tissue paper, sulphuric acid is a major ingredient in acidic drain cleaners and other detergency products.
• Water treatment: Used to adjust the pH of water, neutralising alkaline contaminants and limiting the potential for bacterial growth. Reducing alkalinity can make the water safer for discharge, ensuring less environmental impact. It can also be used for removing heavy metals like iron and manganese through oxidation.
• Pharmaceutical: Used to synthesise a range of drugs like antibiotics and painkillers. It can also be used to regulate the pH of some pharmaceutical products, such as insulin.

Looking for sulphuric acid for sale?

With over 50 years’ experience, at Airedale Group we are a trusted, award-winning supplier and distributor of sulphuric acid for customers across all industries.

Our sulphuric acid is available in various strengths and a range of bulk sizes to meet your requirements, with our own distribution capabilities allowing us to guarantee speedy, secure delivery across the UK.

To start your enquiry, request a sulphuric acid MSDS by clicking ‘Enquire now’. You can also reach our team through our contact page or by phoning 01535 637876.

Available in the following sizes.