Skip to main content

Chromic Acid Storage — H2CrO4 / CrO3 Hexavalent Chrome Plating Tank

Storing Chromic Acid? Start Here

Chromic acid is a powerful chemical used in hard chrome plating, anodizing, and other industrial applications. It contains hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, making it heavily regulated. If you're handling chromic acid, it's crucial to understand the safety measures and storage requirements to protect both people and the environment.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

No, polyethylene tanks are not suitable for storing concentrated chromic acid. For concentrated solutions, PVDF-lined fiberglass or solid PVDF tanks are recommended. HDPE is only acceptable for dilute solutions.

Key Issue: Material Compatibility

Chromic acid is both a strong oxidizer and acid, which can attack many materials. Always use tanks and piping made from compatible materials like PVDF or titanium to prevent damage and ensure safety.

The safety that actually matters

  • Use proper ventilation to minimize exposure to fumes.
  • Equip operators with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Regularly inspect and maintain storage tanks and equipment.
  • Follow all OSHA and EPA guidelines for handling and disposal.

Common questions

What is the best material for chromic acid tanks?
PVDF-lined fiberglass or solid PVDF tanks are ideal for chromic acid storage.
Can I use HDPE tanks for chromic acid?
HDPE is only suitable for storing dilute chromic acid solutions.
What safety gear is necessary when handling chromic acid?
Operators should wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection, and ensure proper ventilation is in place.

Need a tank for this chemical?

Our team will confirm the right material and a freight quote to your ZIP. Call 866-418-1777 or browse the chemical compatibility database.

Storing a corrosive acid? Material of construction is everything.

Acids attack the wrong metals fast. These vendor-neutral guides help you match resin, liner, and containment to your acid and concentration.

Explore: FRP & Fiberglass Tanks  ·  Double Wall Tanks  ·  Chemical Compatibility

Sources & References

All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.

  1. PubChem Compound Database — entry for Chromic Acid (CID 24425, CAS 7738-94-5). pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine / NCBI. Canonical chemical-identity reference.
  2. Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
  3. Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
  4. NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
  5. UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
  6. ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
  7. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Chromic Acid. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

!