In short: The lining decides what an FRP vessel can hold. This chart gives catalog maximum service temperatures for common acids in six lining systems: polyester, epoxy, furan and phenolic FRP, plus PP-FRP and PVC-FRP dual laminates. For example, 31% hydrochloric acid is listed to 110 °C in polyester, while hydrofluoric acid calls for furan, PP-FRP or PVC-FRP rather than a glass-contact laminate.
How to read the chart
Each cell is the catalog maximum temperature (°C) at the stated concentration (wt%). "Amb." means ambient temperature only. A blank means the catalog gives no rating; treat it as "not recommended until confirmed". Concentration and temperature both matter: a liner that is fine at 20% may be limited to ambient at 70%.
Acids: maximum temperature by lining
| Medium | Polyester | Epoxy | Furan | Phenolic | PP-FRP | PVC-FRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric H₂SO₄ | <50%: 104; 70%: 71; 75%: amb. | <20%: 66; 20–70%: 40 | <70%: 110 | <70%: 150; 80%: amb. | <60%: 100; 78–90%: 65; 95–96%: 50 | <90%: 60; 90–95%: amb. |
| Nitric HNO₃ | 5%: 71; 40%: amb. | <10%: amb. | <5%: amb. | <5%: 60 | <10%: 100; 10–25%: 68; 30–70%: amb. | <68%: 60; >68%: amb. |
| Hydrochloric HCl | <31%: 110; 37%: 71 | <20%: 90; 20–37%: 66 | 37%: 110 | 150 | <36%: 100; >36%: 65 | 60 |
| Phosphoric H₃PO₄ | >85%: 100; <85%: 93 | >85%: 90; <85%: 90 | 110 | <90%: 150 | >85%: 100; <85%: 65 | <90%: 60 |
| Hydrofluoric HF | 10%: 100; 30%: 70 | 66 | <20%: 110 | <40%: 110 | dilute: 100; 35–70%: 65 | <50%: 60; 50–70%: amb. |
| Hydrobromic HBr | <40%: 100; 50%: 70 | <20%: 90; 50%: 60 | 110 | 110 | 100%: amb. | 60 |
| Chromic H₂CrO₄ | <5%: 100; 5–10%: 50; 10–20%: amb. | <10%: 40; 10–30%: amb. | <2%: 110; <5%: amb. | <10%: amb. | <50%: 100; 80%: amb. | <50%: amb. |
| Hypochlorous HClO | <20%: 50 | 40 | amb. | amb. | 65 | 60 |
| Acetic CH₃COOH | 10–100%: 104 to amb. | <50%: 66; >50%: 40 | 110 | <100%: 150 | <80%: 100; glacial: 50 | <60%: 60; 80–90%: amb. |
| Formic HCOOH | <10%: 66; >10%: amb. | 66 | 110 | 150 | <85%: 80; 100%: 65 | <50%: 60; 100%: amb. |
| Oxalic (COOH)₂ | 100 | 90 | 110 | 110 | 100 | 60 |
| Citric C₆H₈O₇ | 100 | 90 | 110 | 110 | 80 | 60 |
What the chart tells you
- Oxidizing acids (nitric, chromic, hypochlorous) are the hardest: most thermoset liners are limited to low concentration or ambient temperature. PP-FRP often goes furthest.
- Hydrofluoric acid attacks glass. Furan, phenolic and thermoplastic (PP or PVC) liners are listed; specify a synthetic veil or thermoplastic liner.
- Hydrochloric acid is well handled by polyester and furan up to 110 °C at normal strengths; see FRP tanks for hydrochloric acid.
- PVC-FRP is limited by PVC to about 60 °C but covers a wide range of acids.
Vinyl ester resins, not shown on this catalog page, are the usual choice for many tanks and scrubbers; see polyester vs vinyl ester vs phenolic and dual-laminate tanks.
Watch: FRP Lining Resistance Chart in 27 Seconds
FAQ
Is the chart a guarantee?
No. It is a selection reference. We confirm the resin and liner for your exact medium, concentration, temperature and any mixtures in the quotation.
What about mixtures and trace chemicals?
Send the full analysis. Traces of oxidizers, solvents or fluorides can change the choice.
Values in this guide are catalog design and selection references. Final sizes, laminate and performance are confirmed in writing in the quotation for your operating data.
Related guides
- FRP chemical resistance guide
- FRP temperature limits by resin
- Corrosion barrier and surface veil
- Lining resistance table
Next step: Send the medium, concentration, temperature and any trace chemicals. Send it through our quote form and we will reply with a sized proposal.