Chemical explosions solid

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), 2000. Case Study Waste Fuel/Oxidizer Reaction Hazards, Prevention of Reactive Chemical Explosions, EPA 550-F00-001, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, April 2000. 

Plutonium is the most important transuranium element. Its two isotopes Pu-238 and Pu-239 have the widest applications among all plutonium isotopes. Plutonium-239 is the fuel for nuclear weapons. The detonation power of 1 kg of plutonium-239 is about 20,000 tons of chemical explosive. The critical mass for its fission is only a few pounds for a solid block depending on the shape of the mass and its proximity to neutron absorbing or reflecting substances. This critical mass is much lower for plutonium in aqueous solution. Also, it is used in nuclear power reactors to generate electricity. The energy output of 1 kg of plutonium is about 22 million kilowatt hours. Plutonium-238 has been used to generate power to run seismic and other lunar surface equipment. It also is used in radionuclide batteries for pacemakers and in various thermoelectric devices. 

This chapter has so far described the total chemical energy released when a chemical explosion takes place. This energy is released in the form of kinetic energy and heat over a very short time, i.e. microseconds. In a detonating explosive a supersonic wave is established near to the initiation point and travels through the medium of the explosive, sustained by the exothermic decomposition of the explosive material behind it. On reaching the periphery of the explosive material the detonation wave passes into the surrounding medium, and exerts on it a sudden, intense pressure, equivalent to a violent mechanical blow. If the medium is a solid, i.e. rock or stone, the violent mechanical blow will cause multiple cracks to form in the rock. This effect is known as brisance which is directly related to the detonation pressure in the shockwave front. 

The free acid and its salts are transformed into bis(5-thiatriazolyl) disulfide (69) by various oxidizing agents. Chemical and physical properties of this highly explosive solid have been reviewed elsewhere (64AHC(3)263>. 

A distinguishing feature of explosives is the rapidity with which the chemical decomposition proceeds into the unreacted body of the explosive. Solid explosives are chemical compounds or mixtures of compounds that, when initiated by energy in the form of shock, impact, heat, friction, or spark, undergo very fast chemical decomposition reactions [3]. The decomposition takes place in the absence of an external supply of oxygen or other oxidizer. Thus the reaction releases large amounts of heat and gas that are used to perform work in the surroundings. 

The term explosion is best defined as a process that involves a sudden release of energy resulting in a rapid and significant buildup of overpressure. Explosions can be categorized into physical/mechanical and chemical explosions. For example, an explosion caused by a sudden release of compressed gas is a physical explosion. A chemical explosion is caused by a chemical reaction(s), which could be combustion, exothermic decomposition or exothermic reaction. Chemical explosions can occur in gas, liquid or solid phase. Chemical explosions that occur in liquid and solid phases are sometimes called condensed phase explosions. Explosive explosions fall in this category. 

Chemical kit, 8, 9 Chemical sample, liquid, 6.1 Chemical sample, solid, 6.1 Chemical sample, toxic, liquid or solid, 6.1 First aid kit, 9 Gas identification set, 2.3 Gas sample, non-pressurised, n.o.s., not refrigerated liquid, 2.1, 2.3 Permeation devices, containing dangerous goods, for calibrating air quality monitoring Samples, explosive other than initiating explosives, 1... 

Binary explosives are used primarily where only limited quantities are required or when a need for explosives cannot be anticipated. Because they are not considered as explosives until mixed, they can be safely stored and transported. A liquid-liquid type, PLX, was developed for minefield clearing and is composed of nitromethane sensitized with ethylene diamine. Commercial binary explosive products include Astrolite, based on hydrazine and NH4NO3. Astrolite was offered in both aluminized and non-aluminized formulations, the former advertised as the most powerful chemical explosive available. A more widely sold binary, Kinestik, combines finely pulverized NH4NO3 and nitromethane. This combination, offered by several vendors, is the only binary explosive currently available commercially. To ensure complete migration of the liquid into the solid phase, a dye is added to the liquid. When the intact mixed explosive is examined, dye can be extracted from the solid with acetone, examined by TLC or GC-MS, and compared to the dye used by producers of the product. Identification of the NH4NO3 is straightforward and nitromethane can be identified by low-temperature GC. 

Gas-tight vacuum belt filters are a valuable development in belt filtration technology. They are required where the solid materials or liquids involved in the process give off fumes, which may be toxic or chemically explosive and/or just create... 

The solid readily dissolves chemically in concentrated hydrochloric acid, forming a complex, and in ammonia as the colourless, linear, complex cation [H3N -> Cu <- NHj] (cf AgCl) if air is absent (in the presence of air, this is oxidis to a blue ammino-copper(II) complex). This solution of ammoniacal copper(I) chloride is a good solvent or carbon monoxide, forming an addition compound CuCl. CO. H2O, and as such is used in gas analysis. On passing ethyne through the ammoniacal solution, a red-brown precipitate of hydrated copper(I) dicarbide (explosive when dry) is obtained ... 

In selec ting the machines of choice, the use of specific speed and diameter best describe the flow. Figure 10-67 shows the characteristics of the three types of compressors. Other considerations in chemical plant service such as problems with gases which may be corrosive or have abrasive solids in suspension must be dealt with. Gases at elevated temperatures may create a potential explosion hazard, while air at the same temperatures may be handled qmte normally minute amounts of lubricating oil or water may contaminate the process gas and so may not be permissible, and for continuous-process use, a high degree of equipment rehability is required, since frequent shutdowns for inspec tion or maintenance cannot be tolerated. 

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