Skip to main content

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Storage — Polar Aprotic Solvent Tank Selection

Storing Dimethyl Sulfoxide? Start Here

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a versatile solvent used in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to battery manufacturing. It's a clear liquid with a faint garlic-like smell, and it mixes well with water and most organic solvents. While it's generally safe to handle, DMSO is known for its ability to penetrate the skin and carry other substances with it, so careful handling is essential.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, you can store DMSO in polyethylene tanks. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is suitable for both anhydrous and aqueous solutions of DMSO. However, ensure fittings and gaskets are compatible, with EPDM being a preferred choice for seals.

Watch out for freezing temperatures

DMSO has a freezing point of 18.5°C (65°F), which means it can freeze in cooler climates. If you're storing it outdoors or in an unheated space, consider using heat tracing or draining the tank before winter to prevent damage from expansion.

The safety that actually matters

  • Handle with care to avoid skin contact, as DMSO can carry other chemicals through the skin.
  • Store in a well-ventilated area to avoid respiratory irritation.
  • Use appropriate gaskets to prevent leaks; EPDM is recommended.

Common questions

Can DMSO be stored in PVC tanks?
No, PVC is not recommended for long-term storage as DMSO can extract plasticizers from it.
What happens if DMSO freezes?
Frozen DMSO expands slightly, which can damage tanks if not properly sized or managed.
Is DMSO flammable?
DMSO is a combustible liquid with a flash point of 95°C (203°F), so it should be kept away from open flames.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) storage tanks from OneSource

For dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) storage, specify HDLPE_OR_XLPE rated to specific gravity 1.9. Verified, compatibility-matched options:

Confirm chemical compatibility and a ZIP freight quote with our team at 866-418-1777.

Designing the storage system, not just picking a tank?

Vendor-neutral engineering guides from our custom fabrication team - material of construction, containment, and code, matched to your chemistry.

Explore: FRP & Fiberglass Tanks  ·  Double Wall Tanks  ·  Solvent Recovery  ·  Custom Fabrication Hub

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 Dimethyl Sulfoxide (CID 679, CAS 67-68-5). 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 Dimethyl Sulfoxide. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

!