Electrochemistry virgin sulfuric acid with inhibitors

[drtyTshrt]

What are the inhibitors for?

 

[FrugalRefiner]

They're usually there to inhibit the acid's reaction to your plumbing system. Drain openers are formulated to dissolve the grease, hair, etc. in your pipes without dissolving the pipes themselves.

Dave

 

[Geo]

what Dave said. concentrated sulfuric acid will not attack copper but diluted sulfuric acid will attack copper. once you pour it down the drain, it mixes with the water present and dilutes the acid. without the inhibitors, it would attack what ever copper or brass it came in contact with.

 

[Woodworker1997]

So, would these inhibitors protect copper base metals in a sulphuric cell with non concentrated sulphuric?

Derek

 

[Geo]

the inhibitors will have no effect in an electrolytic cell. the attack of base metals by dilute sulfuric acid is subdued and not very aggressive. the opposite is the case when electrons are passed through it.the electro-chemical reaction is magnified many time causing the attack on base metals speed up. this also builds heat which in turn causes the reaction to speed up.

trying to use diluted acid in a stripping cell is a waste of time and materials.