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Fertiliser Production |
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Core upstream acid in the manufacture of phosphoric acid, ammonium sulphate, and superphosphate fertilisers. |
Acids & Amines
Sulphuric Acid (SA)
Buy Sulfuric Acid (SA) in Bulk, Drums & IBCs – Fertiliser, Metal Processing, Water Treatment & Marine Applications
Rotterdam Chemicals Group supplies Sulfuric Acid (SA), also referred to as Sulphuric Acid, to industrial and marine customers across Europe and international markets. As one of the most widely produced mineral acids globally, Sulfuric Acid underpins critical value chains including fertiliser manufacturing, chemical processing, metal treatment, petroleum refining, battery production, industrial water systems, and regulated marine applications.
Sulfuric Acid is typically supplied as a clear, dense, viscous liquid and is widely used both as a processing acid and as a key chemical intermediate in large-scale industrial operations. It is fully miscible with water, and dilution is highly exothermic, meaning heat is released rapidly when mixed with water. For safe handling, dilution and transfer operations must follow controlled procedures using compatible equipment and corrosion-resistant materials.
Typical industrial grades are supplied at ≥96% w/w concentration for performance and transport efficiency. Lower concentrations may be selected for controlled dosing, water treatment systems, or applications requiring reduced acidity and alternative handling considerations. Sulfuric Acid is non-flammable but highly corrosive.
Located near the Port of Rotterdam, we support bulk, drum, and IBC supply aligned with continuous production schedules, port-based operations, offshore installations, and global export logistics.
What is Sulphuric Acid (SA)?
Sulfuric Acid (CAS 7664-93-9) is a strong inorganic mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4 and a molecular weight of 98.08 g/mol. It is characterised by very high acidity and dehydrating capability, making it essential across multiple heavy industrial and processing environments.
Its strong proton-donating nature and affinity for water enable applications in acidulation, pH control, dehydration reactions, metal surface activation, and intermediate chemical synthesis.
Applications Across Industries
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Chemical Manufacturing |
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Intermediate in the production of inorganic salts, detergents, pigments, catalysts, and specialty chemicals. |
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Metal Processing & Mining |
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Pickling and descaling of steel; ore leaching and metal purification in mining and hydrometallurgical processes. |
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Petroleum & Refining |
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Catalytic and treatment processes requiring strong mineral acid functionality. |
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Energy & Batteries |
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Electrolyte component in lead-acid battery systems and selected industrial energy applications. |
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Water Treatment |
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Controlled pH regulation in industrial, municipal, and port-based systems. |
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Marine & Offshore Operations |
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Regulated handling for maritime technical systems, port operations, and offshore installations where compatible infrastructure is in place. |
Grades and Packaging Options
Available Packaging*
200L drums (palletized)
1000L IBC containers
Road tank transportation
Bulk ISO tanks
Custom packaging solutions available upon request
*All formats available directly from our Rotterdam warehouse with international supply support.
Available Grades
Industrial Grade (~96% w/w) – For fertiliser production, metal processing, petroleum refining, industrial pH regulation, battery systems, and regulated marine chemical applications requiring concentrated mineral acid supply.
Diluted Concentrations (≤51% w/w) – For controlled dosing systems, water treatment operations, and applications requiring reduced acidity or alternative transport classification. Final concentration selection depends on system design and handling infrastructure.
Specifications and Technical Details
Property
Value
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Chemical Name |
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Sulfuric Acid |
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Alternate Spelling |
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Sulphuric Acid |
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Industry / Trade Names |
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Oil of Vitriol; Battery Acid (lead-acid applications) |
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Abbreviation |
SA
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CAS Number |
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7664-93-9 |
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EC Number |
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231-639-5 |
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HS Code |
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28070000 |
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Molecular Formula |
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H2SO4 |
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Molecular Weight |
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98.08 g/mol |
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Typical Industrial Purity |
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≥96% w/w |
Appearance
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Clear to slightly yellow viscous liquid |
Odour
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Odourless at low concentrations |
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Density (20°C) |
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~1.84 g/cm³ at 96%; varies by concentration |
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Boiling Point |
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~337°C (concentration dependent) |
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Melting Point |
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Varies with concentration |
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Viscosity |
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Concentration dependent; technical values available upon request |
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Solubility |
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Fully miscible with water (highly exothermic upon dilution) |
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Flash Point |
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Non-flammable |
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Stability |
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Stable under recommended storage conditions |
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Storage Requirements |
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Corrosion-resistant containers; keep tightly closed; store away from incompatible materials |
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UN Number |
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UN 1830 (>51% concentration) |
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ADR Classification |
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Class 8 – Corrosive substances |
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Packing Group |
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II (concentrated acid) |
Compliance and Documentation
REACH Registered
Conforms to EU safety standards for industrial acids
SDS, TDS, and Certificate of Analysis available upon request
Logistics and Global Supply
Concentrated Sulfuric Acid above 51% is transported under UN 1830 and ADR Class 8 classification. Rotterdam Chemicals Group coordinates compliant delivery across Europe, export markets, port terminals, offshore installations, and maritime supply chains. Our Rotterdam location enables efficient multimodal transport planning, customs coordination, and large-volume bulk handling. We support long-term contract supply agreements aligned with industrial production continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What concentration of Sulfuric Acid is typically used in industrial processes?
Most industrial applications utilise concentrated grades around 96% w/w to optimise reactivity and minimise transport volume. Lower concentrations may be selected for controlled dosing, water treatment, or applications where process safety and infrastructure design require reduced acidity. Selection should align with the target process, materials compatibility, and regulatory framework.
What does UN 1830 classification mean?
UN 1830 refers to sulfuric acid solutions containing more than 51% acid concentration. Shipments are typically classified under ADR Class 8 as corrosive substances and commonly fall within Packing Group II for concentrated acid. Specific packaging, labelling, and transport conditions depend on concentration and the applicable transport mode.
Is Sulfuric Acid flammable?
No. Sulfuric Acid is classified as non-flammable. However, it is highly corrosive and generates significant heat when mixed with water. Safe handling requires controlled dilution procedures, appropriate PPE, and corrosion-resistant storage and transfer systems.
Can Sulfuric Acid be supplied for marine or offshore operations?
Yes. Sulfuric Acid can be supplied in bulk or containerised formats suitable for industrial port facilities, offshore installations, and regulated marine technical systems, subject to compliance with storage compatibility and transport classification requirements.
Request a Quote or More Information
Looking to secure your supply of Sulphuric Acid?
Reach out to our technical sales team for tailored packaging, compliance documentation, and global logistics solutions. We support bulk shipments from our Rotterdam distribution hub.
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