How to Prepare 10%, 11.5%, and 12% Sulfuric Acid Solutions in 1150 Liters of Water

To prepare specific concentrations of sulfuric acid solutions, it's crucial to have the desired final volume of the solution and the concentration of the sulfuric acid you plan to use. Here’s an in-depth guide to calculating the amounts needed for 10%, 11.5%, and 12% sulfuric acid solutions in 1150 liters of water.

General Formula and Assumptions

The formula to calculate the volume of concentrated sulfuric acid needed is:

Volume of acid (Desired concentration times; Final volume) / Concentration of stock solution

Let's assume you are using concentrated sulfuric acid, which is typically around 98% sulfuric acid by weight. The density of concentrated sulfuric acid is approximately 1.84 g/mL.

Calculations

10% Solution

Desired concentration: 10% of 1150 L

Mass of sulfuric acid: 0.10 times; 1150 kg 115 kg Volume of concentrated sulfuric acid needed:

V 115 kg / 1.84 g/mL 62.5 L

11.5% Solution

Desired concentration: 11.5% of 1150 L

Mass of sulfuric acid: 0.115 times; 1150 kg 132.25 kg Volume of concentrated sulfuric acid needed:

V 132.25 kg / 1.84 g/mL ≈ 71.8 L

12% Solution

Desired concentration: 12% of 1150 L

Mass of sulfuric acid: 0.12 times; 1150 kg 138 kg Volume of concentrated sulfuric acid needed:

V 138 kg / 1.84 g/mL ≈ 75 L

Summary

10% Solution: Use approximately 62.5 L of concentrated sulfuric acid and dilute it with water to a total volume of 1150 L. 11.5% Solution: Use approximately 71.8 L of concentrated sulfuric acid and dilute it with water to a total volume of 1150 L. 12% Solution: Use approximately 75 L of concentrated sulfuric acid and dilute it with water to a total volume of 1150 L.

Safety Note

When preparing sulfuric acid solutions, always add acid to water, not the other way around, to minimize the risk of exothermic reactions. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles.