Chemicals are a necessity in the modern world. The world is a big place with billions of people relying on chemicals to make medications, plastics and any myriad of products for home, commercial and industrial use. The issue is that the raw chemicals themselves are often caustic and harmful, but need to be moved and transported worldwide.

To do this safely, 55-gallon drums called chemical drum pumps are employed supplied by renowned companies such as Flux Pumps. The drums also protect from leaching the chemicals into the environment, which keeps people, animals and land safe from the death and destruction that chemicals can cause.

Corrosive Chemicals

A handful of very useful chemicals are also extremely corrosive. They need to be handled with extreme care to prevent damage, destruction and injury. Chemical drum pumps are vessels that allow the safe transfer of chemicals for transport and storage purposes. The two most widely used chemicals are sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid.

Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric acid, unfortunately, is so dangerous it can cause blindness and chemical burns. It is highly caustic and easily strips surfaces, even skin off of people and animals.

Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is another highly corrosive chemical that’s dangerous to the skin. Additionally, it is best kept away from mucous membranes and the eyes. Also, ensure that anyone coming into contact has on a respiratory, or breathing mask. If the fumes are inhaled, it leads to ulceration of the lungs. The individual will experience chest pain, coughing, oedema of the lungs and inflammation.

Nitric Acid

Nitric acid is also highly corrosive to the body. Mild exposure causes irritation and skin thickening or hardening while adding a yellow tinge to the skin. Nitric acid is known to cause permanent damage with prolonged direct contact, while inhalation proves deadly in many cases.

Acetic Acid

Acetic acid is dangerous when digested, particularly if there is a 25% solution or stronger ingested.  It can be deadly to animals and humans, in addition to being corrosive to eyes, membranes, and skin.

Aqueous Ammonia

Aqueous ammonia is explosive and an environmental hazard. Avoid letting it into the environment and avoid direct contact. Do not ingest it. It is harmful to eyes, skin, lungs, along with the digestive tract. It can cause blindness, lung disease and death.

All of these chemicals can be corrosive, therefore, needs to be transferred using chemical drum pumps. It calls for extreme care where safety is concerned. In addition, the equipment must be cleaned thoroughly. Of course, safety precautions and regulations need to be followed.