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Tartaric Acid Storage — 2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic Acid Tank Selection

Storing Tartaric Acid? Start Here

Tartaric acid is a versatile compound used in winemaking, food, and pharmaceuticals. It's a white crystalline acid, often found in grape products, and is known for its role in adjusting acidity in wines and as a food additive. When storing tartaric acid, especially in liquid form, it's crucial to choose the right type of tank to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the acid.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, tartaric acid can be stored in polyethylene tanks. Both solid and aqueous solutions of tartaric acid are compatible with HDPE and XLPE tanks, making them a standard choice for food-grade storage. Ensure that fittings and gaskets are also compatible, with polypropylene and EPDM being standard options.

Watch Out for Metal Contamination

When handling tartaric acid, avoid using copper, brass, or galvanized steel components. These metals can react with the acid, leading to contamination through metal mobilization. Always verify that any soldered joints are lead-free to prevent lead contamination, particularly in food and winemaking applications.

The safety that actually matters

  • Ensure tanks and fittings are food-grade if used in food or beverage applications.
  • Avoid using incompatible metals like copper and brass to prevent contamination.
  • Use appropriate gaskets and fittings to maintain system integrity.

Common questions

Is tartaric acid safe for food use?
Yes, it's recognized as safe for use in food and beverages.
What materials should I avoid when storing tartaric acid?
Avoid copper, brass, and galvanized steel to prevent contamination.
Can I use a stainless steel tank for tartaric acid?
Yes, 316L stainless steel is suitable and preferred for high-purity applications.

Tartaric Acid storage tanks from OneSource

For tartaric 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 Tartaric Acid (CID 444305, CAS 87-69-4). 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 Tartaric Acid. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.