The reactivity of ethylene oxide in contact with iron oxide fines as measured by adiabatic calorimetry.
Samples of various iron oxides suspended above ethylene oxide in an adiabatic calorimeter exhibit exothermic activity at temperatures as low as room temperature. A gamma-Fe(2)O(3) sample was found to show the highest reactivity with ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide in combination with most of the iron oxide fines tested displayed exothermic activity below 100 degrees C. Self-heat rates near 2000 degrees C/min were observed for the gamma-Fe(2)O(3) fines while rates in excess of 100 degrees C/min were found for other fines (alpha-Fe(2)O(3) and hydrated alpha-Fe(2)O(3)). In two cases (alpha-Fe(3)O(4) and alpha-Fe(2)O(3)), pressurization rates above 1000 psi/min took place. No reactivity was observed for ethylene oxide with the FeO. Thermal inertia effects in commercial operation, such as heat uptake by the equipment to which fines are attached, are presumed to be a factor in limiting the occurrence of related exotherms in ethylene oxide manufacturing facilities.
Levin
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Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc, PO Box 1380, Houston, TX 77251-1380, USA. marc.levin@shell.com
D004202:Disinfectants / Q000737:chemistry*; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D005107:Explosions; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013696:Temperature
D004202:Disinfectants; D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide; D005027:Ethylene Oxide