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Maleic Anhydride Storage Tank Selection

Storing Maleic Anhydride? Start Here

Maleic anhydride is a versatile chemical used in making unsaturated polyester resins, among other applications. It typically comes as a solid below 53°C and a liquid above that temperature. When storing maleic anhydride, especially in its molten form, it's crucial to keep it dry. This chemical reacts with water, turning into maleic acid and releasing heat, which can complicate storage. For this reason, a nitrogen blanket is often used to keep moisture out.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

No, polyethylene tanks are not suitable for storing molten maleic anhydride. The heat from the molten state can soften polyolefin materials, making them unsuitable. Instead, use insulated 316L stainless steel tanks with heating systems to maintain the appropriate temperature.

Keep Moisture Out

Maleic anhydride's biggest issue is its reactivity with water. This reaction not only forms maleic acid but also generates heat, which can cause safety concerns. To prevent this, ensure your storage system is equipped with a nitrogen blanket to exclude moisture.

The safety that actually matters

  • Use 316L stainless steel tanks for molten storage.
  • Maintain a nitrogen blanket to prevent moisture contact.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to handle any fumes safely.

Common questions

Can maleic anhydride be stored at room temperature?
Yes, but only in its solid form. Molten storage requires specific temperature control.
What materials are suitable for gaskets?
Viton or PTFE gaskets are recommended for maleic anhydride service.
Why is a nitrogen blanket necessary?
It prevents moisture from contacting the maleic anhydride, avoiding unwanted reactions.

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.

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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 Maleic Anhydride (CID 7923, CAS 108-31-6). 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 Maleic Anhydride. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

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