Hydrofluoric acid concentrations covered on this page

This page covers VARIBOX applications for hydrofluoric acid (HF) concentrations up to 60%. Searchers commonly look for 40%, 49%, 50% and 55% HF in an IBC. These concentrations fall within the range discussed on this page, but concentration alone does not determine container suitability. Confirm the exact formulation, temperature, product grade and process conditions before use.

HF concentration	How to use this page
40%	Within the concentration range covered here; confirm the final VARIBOX configuration for the exact application.
49%	Within the concentration range covered here; relevant to many searches for HF in IBC drums and tanks.
50%	Within the concentration range covered here; confirm compatibility for the exact solution and operating conditions.
55%	Within the concentration range covered here; final suitability still depends on the full application.
Above 60%	Not covered by this page. Contact VARIBOX for an application-specific assessment.

SC 1000 vs FC 1000 for hydrofluoric acid

For hydrofluoric acid applications, the final IBC choice should be based on the exact HF solution, the approved site setup and the required containment concept. The two VARIBOX options below serve different operational needs.

Selection point	VARIBOX SC 1000	VARIBOX FC 1000
Construction	Reusable single-containment IBC	Reusable double-walled IBC
Containment	Use within an approved site setup that provides the required secondary containment	Integrated spill containment
HF seal guidance on this page	Viton configuration	Viton configuration
Selection consideration	Consider where the site setup supports a single-containment IBC	Consider where integrated secondary containment is preferred or required
Product information	VARIBOX Single Containment	VARIBOX Full Containment

Final IBC selection should be confirmed for the exact hydrofluoric acid specification, site risk assessment and applicable transport and storage requirements.

Before choosing an IBC for hydrofluoric acid

A useful HF IBC selection starts with the complete application, not only the chemical name or concentration. Before choosing a configuration, confirm:

• Exact HF concentration and full product specification
• Minimum and maximum filling, storage and transport temperatures
• Product grade and any relevant purity requirements
• Seal and material compatibility for the actual operating conditions
• Filling and emptying process, valve and connection requirements
• Required site containment and the site-specific risk assessment
• Applicable transport, storage, inspection and reuse requirements
• Cleaning and return-cycle requirements for a reusable IBC

For the HF applications described on this page, VARIBOX recommends the Viton version. See the EPDM or Viton FAQ for more background, or contact VARIBOX to discuss the exact application.

Frequently asked questions about hydrofluoric acid IBCs

Which IBC is suitable for hydrofluoric acid?

The suitable IBC depends on the exact HF concentration, temperature, product grade, site setup and operating conditions. This page covers VARIBOX applications up to 60% HF and describes Viton-configured SC 1000 and FC 1000 options. Final suitability should be confirmed for the specific application.

Which seal is recommended for HF?

For the hydrofluoric acid applications described on this page, VARIBOX recommends the Viton version. Chemical compatibility should still be confirmed for the exact solution and operating conditions.

Can a VARIBOX be used for 49% or 50% hydrofluoric acid?

49% and 50% HF are within the concentration range covered on this page. That does not mean every configuration is automatically suitable: the exact formulation, temperature, product grade and process conditions still need to be checked.

What is the UN number for hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid is listed as UN 1790 in ADR. For the concentrations covered on this page, confirm the applicable transport classification and documentation for the exact solution before transport.

Can the same IBC be used for industrial-grade and high-purity HF?

Do not select an IBC based only on labels such as industrial-grade, high-purity, electronic-grade or semiconductor-grade. The exact formulation, impurity profile, concentration, temperature and process requirements can affect the final configuration.

What is the difference between an HF IBC tank, IBC tote and IBC drum?

These terms are often used by searchers for Intermediate Bulk Containers. “IBC tote” is especially common in North American terminology, while “IBC tank” and “IBC drum” are often used informally. The important point is the approved IBC design and chemical compatibility for the HF application.

What about hydrofluoric acid concentrations above 60%?

Concentrations above 60% are outside the scope of this page. Contact VARIBOX for an application-specific assessment rather than assuming that the configuration described here is suitable.