Skip to main content

Glycolic Acid Storage — Hydroxyacetic Acid Tank Selection

Storing Glycolic Acid? Start Here

Glycolic acid is a versatile chemical used in cleaning, cosmetics, textiles, and industrial processes. It's known for its ability to penetrate surfaces and remove deposits effectively. Whether you're working with the 70% technical-grade solution or a diluted form, understanding the right storage options is crucial for safety and efficiency.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, you can store glycolic acid in a polyethylene (HDPE) tank. It's a standard choice for both the 70% concentrate and diluted forms, provided you keep the temperature controlled. For high-temperature applications, consider using cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or other specialized materials.

Key Issue: Temperature Control

Glycolic acid can be aggressive, especially at higher temperatures. For applications involving heat exchangers or boilers, ensure your tank materials can withstand elevated temperatures. FRP vinyl ester or PVDF-lined tanks are recommended for these conditions.

The safety that actually matters

  • Always wear protective gear when handling glycolic acid to prevent skin and eye damage.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Regularly inspect storage tanks for signs of wear or damage.

Common questions

What gasket material should I use?
EPDM is standard for glycolic acid, but always match gaskets to the manufacturer chart for your specific setup.
Can I use stainless steel tanks?
316L stainless is acceptable for diluted solutions, but not recommended for concentrated glycolic acid due to potential pitting.
What are the main uses of glycolic acid?
It's primarily used for industrial cleaning, removing scale and deposits from equipment like boilers and heat exchangers.

Glycolic Acid storage tanks from OneSource

For glycolic acid 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. PubChem Compound Database — entry for Glycolic Acid (CID 757, CAS 79-14-1). 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 Glycolic Acid. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

!