Hey guys, first post. Not sure whether this warrants a new thread or not so I figured I'd post here. If I should have created a new thread, then I apologise in advance. As it stands, I could not find any information on this forum regarding the product I am confused about.
From what I've read and searched on this forum and others (of which I have done plenty), time and time again Rooto and Liquid Fire have been suggested as drain cleaner options as a source of sulphuric acid. As I am in Australia, these brands are not available, based on my searching. Dilute battery acid is another option, however the shops won't sell it on its' own here; it must be purchased with a new motorcycle battery. Go figure...
So the only sulphuric acid-based drain cleaner I have found locally is made by a
brand called Momar and is a product called MO-FLO. It comes packaged in a tall, brown plastic 1 Litre bottle. It states: Sulfuric Acid 1,835g/L. Although their website says 1.8gm/Ltr, and one of the MSDS sheets states that the specific weight is 1.835g while comparing that to H20 which is 1. I'm kind of confused. In any event, that bottle is HEAVY, I mean, wow! Inside it is a dark-tinted and thick viscous fluid. Apparently for "safety", so I'm assuming as a splash preventative.
It states that it contains inhibitors to reduce metal corrosion. So I, too, am confused as to how this will affect the electrolytic and chemical properties of this H2SO4 as regards gold refining. Firstly in an eloctrolyte cell with lead and copper, as well as using it to precipitate lead out of chloroauric acid, as
indeeditdoes has shown in several of his videos. (I believe he's the guy behind
Gold-N-Scrap).
I have found several different MSDS sheets for this. It would seem some are from Australia and at least one of them from the US. None of them mention what the inhibitor is. They also have conflicting information as to what the final concentration percentage is. A couple say 90%, while another says 93%, while another says it has been "formulated with 99% virgin sulfuric acid". I'll try and attach them, in case anyone cares to peruse them.
My other option is obtaining reagent grade sulphuric acid from the chemical supply guy which is about a three hour drive from me (I live out in the country). This product is a clear, thin fluid. I would love to have this product however it requires a $65 courier fee as it is classed as "dangerous goods". I can drive to go get it but petrol here costs about the equivalent of $5.50/gallon. The cost of the reagent grade is $23.00 per 500ml or $56.50 per 2.5L. The cost of the MO FLO is $42/L but it's right here in town. So if the MO FLO will work, I'll go that route, at least for the time being,
Sorry for the rambling post...
Any advice that anyone is willing to share is greatly appreciated. And once again, if this post does not belong here, than I apologise.
Thank you.