FERRIC CHLORIDE Chemical Compatibility

Ferric Chloride (FECL3)is a brown, acidic, and corrosive solution when it is dissolved in water. It is used in sewage treatment and drinking water production. It is also used to etch copper and copper based metals. Do not mix dry Ferric Chloride with water in plastic tanks. It causes an exothermic reaction that can give off enough heat to cause tank failure. Ferric Chloride is also known as IRON(III) OXIDE and IRON TRICHLORIDE.

At a glance

HDPE is the most economical tank material for Ferric Chloride, rated Excellent. Polypropylene and PVDF (Kynar®) are also rated Good or better. Rated Fair (contact us before use): nylon tanks.

  • Excellent No or minor effect. Recommended.
  • Good Slight effect. Generally suitable.
  • Fair Moderate effect. Limited or conditional use — contact us.
  • Not Recommended Severe effect. Do not use.
  • No Data Not tested. Contact us before use.

Tank Resins

How Ferric Chloride works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.

Material Rating
HDPE Excellent
Polypropylene Excellent
Nylon Fair
PVDF (Kynar®) Excellent

Fittings

How Ferric Chloride works with the plastics used for tank fittings.

Material Rating
HDPE Excellent
PVC Excellent
CPVC Excellent
Polypropylene Excellent
PVDF Excellent

Gaskets & O-Rings

How Ferric Chloride works with gasket and O-ring materials.

Material Rating
Buna-N Excellent
EPDM Excellent
Viton® Excellent

Metals

How Ferric Chloride works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.

Material Rating
316 Stainless Steel Good
Hastelloy Good
Titanium Excellent
Aluminum No Data