Sulfuric Acid Requires A Belzona Solution
Industry: Steel & Metal Processing (STEL)
Application: VPF-Valves, Pipes and Fittings (VPF)
Substrate: Carbon steel
Customer Location: Sand Springs Oklahoma
Application Date: August 2026
Products: Belzona 4311 (Magma CR1)
Problem: A 6" long 2" nozzle on the bottom of the sulfuric acid tank had developed a 1" hole in the middle on one side. The tank was immediatley drained and the customer needed a repair solution that was quick and reliable. The customer has a history of using Belzona materials in other areas, so we were brought in to find a solution.
Prepped sleeves to be used to bond over the hole. They were bonded into place using Belzona 4311.
Application complete with multiple wraps of Belzona 9341 reinforcment sheet and Belzona 4311.
Application Situation
The other option that had been discussed was cutting the nozzle off and welding in a new one. Due to the presence of the sulfuric acid and access limitations, they wanted an easier, more reliable option, and Belzona was chosen after researching the material options and discussing the application process.
Application Method
The sulfuric acid was neutralized and rinssed off several times. The surface was prepped using hand tools. First was a wire wheel to remove any loose corrosion or surface contamination. Then a grinder was used to roughen the surface with an irregular profile. This also allowed us to get close to the existing hole without damaging it further. The Belzona 4311 was used to wet out the surface and the doubler saddles. The saddles were positioned for best coverage of the hole and slipped into place. Once aligned, the Belzona 9341 reinforcement tape was thoroughly wetted out and wrapped in multiple layers around the doubler saddles and over the length of the nozzle. Excess material was then brushed over adjacent areas as well which had also been prepped in advance.
Belzona Facts
Belzona 4311 is resistant to sulfuric acid and was an easy choice for this application as it is also versatile and can be used for both a bonding agent and can be used with Belzona 9341 for a strengthening wrap. This application was perormed by the customers in-house maintenance team along with the consultant. This situation was used as a training, and since the customer has additional materials left over from this application, should another leak or need for repair arise, they will be able to respond on their own and solve the problem.
