Buying sulfuric acid. Can I use drain cleaner?

[vqstatesman]

Hi all,

After seeing some the threads particular Der Wo's use of sulfuric acid I would like to try using some sulphuric acid as a catalyst in my rum wash....

High grade (95%) very hard to find for sale here in Australia. However I have found a few items which appear to be very high concentrate however are marketed as drain cleaner. The product linked below is 1835g/litre of sulfuric acid, according to my calc that is 95% + sulfuric acid.

Can I use this in my rum? I'm hoping someone with more knowhow can read the link (data sheet) and give me some input.

http://www.momar.com.au/wp-content/uplo ... opy-11.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Fiddleford]

https://momarhaystack.com/data/products ... 20msds.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Fiddleford]

If I remember correctly you need to separate the acid from the product with lab grade glass distillation materials when dealing with this kind of product. unless your absolutely certain its water and sulfuric acid. The description of the product says its black and viscous sulfuric acid should be colorless, refer to the msds when using these substances to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9925146" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Due to the results just from the links provided it makes it obvious that the product has more in it then just sulfuric acid and water and unless you have experience in the field of chemistry(which I will not assume if you do or don't) I wouldn't suggest you try synthesizing the sulfuric acid.

[mashins]

Many lab supply companies in Aus, they can supply pure lab grade.

This here: ST008-2.5L-P Sulfuric acid 98% TG (black plastic bottle) 2.5L 7664-93-9

https://www.austscientific.com.au/produ ... ls-n-to-z/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

One example.


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[Yummyrum]

I agree . Just look up Chemical supplies in your local yellow pages .These places sell generic chemicals , you won't find a huge range but Sulfuric is definitely on the list .
I did that when I wanted some for similar as you here in Coffs Harbour . Just rocked around and bought a liter of 98% for about $20

We buy it at work from science supply company's that have a comprehensive supply
Try :
Seratta
Science Supply Australia
Southern Biological
just to name a few....all these guys are supplied by Chemsupply

Ajax Chemicals also supply but harder to deal with


If you buy it inline you will be charged at last another $20-$30 dangerous goods transport fees as its a DG corrosive 8 . Doubt you will be able to import it ....and why would you when its easily obtainable in Aussie

[thecroweater]

Pretty sure Bunnings has it but not sure how strong. A better idea might be to not bother as sulphur in rum is really crap , ive had molasses with sulphur inhibitors added ( probably metabisulfate) and although the copper still cleaned most of that shit up I still considered it sub par.

[vqstatesman]

Had to travel to Victoria for person reasons. Managed to pick up some 98.5% from a chemical supplier

I always struggle finding stuff in my own state of South Australia.

Can't wait to begin my experiments.

[Saltbush Bill]

Please keep us updated , I'm keen to see where this goes.

[Yummyrum]

Good stuff vq . Supprised you can’t get it in Adalaide

Best of luck with your experiments

And remember to add the acid if you are dilluting that stuff . Also if you are diluting it by less than a out 20% it will generate quite a bit of heat and fumes . Best do it outdoors if you can . And safety glasses are a no brainer .
Also watch when wiping up spills of this stuff with paper towel , it can spontaniously combust if it comes into contact with a bit of water .

[Fiddleford]

Good stuff vq . Supprised you can’t get it in Adalaide

Best of luck with your experiments

And remember to add the acid if you are dilluting that stuff . Also if you are diluting it by less than a out 20% it will generate quite a bit of heat and fumes . Best do it outdoors if you can . And safety glasses are a no brainer .
Also watch when wiping up spills of this stuff with paper towel , it can spontaniously combust if it comes into contact with a bit of water .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=100Bk580mPY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow You can see in this video just how much it heats up in dilution, sorry if I'm hijacking your comment here Yummyrum but I've had some scary stuff happen with acids and I wouldn't wish them on anyone, but yes always put the acid in the water not water in the acid or you could hurt yourself.

[vqstatesman]

Thanks for the safety tips guys. Although I'm across these if never hurts to constantly remind each other of safety.

Ps I'm sure I could have purchased in my home town it just takes longer and more effort. SA is a pretty sleepy place.

[Lummel]

To dilute the sulphuric acid in a safer way, pour the stuff on ice instead of water. The enthalpy needed to melt the water is normally sufficient to keep the mixture cool.

[jonnys_spirit]

Best to not use drain cleaner. Who knows what else is in there. Use either lab grade or food grade. I bought a liter of lab grade off amazon. I think it’s a 10n solution made up of h2so4 and distilled water. 98% would be stronger and slightly more dangerous in the house.

Cheers,
Jonny