[jemill17]

I have two questions:
First, Does anyone know how to calculate the volume of sodium bicarbonate needed to nuetralize the pH of 250 gallons of 93% sulfuric acid, d=1.836? If so, can could someone double check my work below? Assume there is an endless supply of 100% sodium bicarbonate.
Here is what I have completed, let me know if this seems accurate:
93% of 946.35L = 880110ml H2SO4
880110ml x 1.836 = 1615882g H2SO4
1615882g/98.08g = 16476 moles H2SO4
16476moles/946.35L = 17.4M

946.35L X 17.4M X 2mol NaHCO3 X 84g NaHCO3 = 2766370.32g NaHCO3 or 6,098.8 lbs NaHCO3

In addition, I heard concentrated sulfuric acid does not need to be stored in a container with special lining because at the higher concentrations it does not corrode steel. If this is accurate can someone explain?
Thank You

[Borek]

First question: start with reaction equation.

Second: no idea about sulfuric acid. Nitric acid can be stored as iron becomes passivated.

[lemonoman]

"Sulphuric behaves differently at different concentrations. Stainless should be OK at low concentrations and even mild steel should be A.OK at very high concentrations.

Hence your given 98% concentration is something I'm looking at with a jaundiced eye! You might well have 98% or more in a line BUT, BUT, BUT just allow some air to get in there and the sulphuric will suck up all the moisture and REDUCE its concentration to deadly limits for many metals.

I believe that the German TROVIDUR PVC is OK at r.t. for 98%...and even welded PVC tanks for 93% will last a coons age, 16 years for sure.

There are other but more expensive plastics you could use. Perhaps CPVC. Certainly PVDF."

- Freeman Newton, http://www.finishing.com/152/90.shtml

[kevins]

In addition, I heard concentrated sulfuric acid does not need to be stored in a container with special lining because at the higher concentrations it does not corrode steel. If this is accurate can someone explain?

Yes, we use a carbon steel container to store some concentrated sulfuric acid because no or less H+ generated to corrode the steel. Because of the acid  can absorb moisture (water) from air, therefore a good sealing work and the "breather" with drying agents (silica gel) should be connected to prevent  moisture.