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EDTA Storage — Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Chelant Tank

Storing EDTA? Start Here

EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a versatile chelating agent used across various industries from water treatment to food preservation. It comes in different salt forms, including disodium and tetrasodium, each with unique properties. When considering storage, it's crucial to understand how these forms interact with different materials to ensure safe and effective containment.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, EDTA in both disodium and tetrasodium forms is compatible with polyethylene tanks. These poly tanks are suitable for storing EDTA solutions, as they do not react with the polyolefin materials typically used in tank construction.

Watch out for metal extraction

One key issue with storing EDTA is its ability to chelate, or bind, metals. This means it can extract metals from contact surfaces over time, especially if those surfaces are made of aluminum, copper, or carbon steel. It's essential to use appropriate materials like polyethylene or stainless steel to prevent unwanted metal leaching.

The safety that actually matters

  • Ensure tanks are made from compatible materials to prevent chemical reactions.
  • Regularly inspect tanks and fittings for signs of wear or corrosion.
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for gasket and seal materials to prevent leaks.

Common questions

Can EDTA solutions be stored in stainless steel tanks?
Yes, stainless steel is generally compatible, but prolonged exposure can lead to metal extraction.
What gasket materials should be used with EDTA?
Match gaskets to the manufacturer chart to ensure compatibility with EDTA solutions.
Is EDTA safe for use in food applications?
Yes, calcium disodium EDTA is approved for use in certain food products to prevent spoilage and discoloration.

EDTA storage tanks from OneSource

For edta 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.

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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Edta Chelant. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

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