Vinyl chloride explosions

Gaseous monomers may also be trapped within the processing equipment and accidents have occurred as a consequence of the resulting pressure buildup. In the case of the polyacetals and poly(vinyl chloride) it is reported that at elevated temperatures these materials form a more or less explosive combination so that it is important to separate these materials rigorously at the processing stage. 

Polymerization Exothermic reaction which, unless carefully controlled, can run-away and create a thermal explosion or vessel overpressurization Refer to Table 7.20 for common monomers Certain processes require polymerization of feedstock at high pressure, with associated hazards Many vinyl monomers (e.g. vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile) pose a chronic toxicity hazard Refer to Table 7.19 for basic precautions... 

If prepared from vinyl chloride, this unstable ketone will decompose almost explosively within one day, apparently owing to the presence of some c/s-isomer. 

Repeat Problem 13-1 for the vinyl chloride explosion described in section 13-4. 

Vinyl chloride also poses a significant fire and explosion hazard. Tt has a wide flammability range, from 3.6% to 33.0% by volume in air. Large fires of the compound are very difficult to extinguish, while vapors represent a severe explosion hazard. 

Many of the hazards from the polymer industry arise from the monomers used as raw materials. Many monomers are reactive and flammable, with a tendency to form explosive vapor mixtures with air. All have a certain degree of toxicity vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. The combustion of many polymers may result in the evolution of toxic gases, such as hydrogen cyanide... 

Apart from variations of this method [3-6], a different approach was preferable for certain iodonium salts, involving the use of organolithium compounds and trans-(dichloroiodo)vinyl chloride (CAUTION EXPLOSIVE) [7] ... 

Because there are about 100 No. 6 detonators in the storage shed in question as well as other explosives, the propagation of explosions in sand was examined for detonators and dynamite. Fig. 5.20 shows that the samples were laid in the sand. In spite of the initiation of detonators, the dynamite did not propagate an explosion. The dynamite was in vinyl chloride tubes (VP-30), and these tubes were not damaged. This demonstrated that there were only small shock waves felt against the tubes. 

Acetylene itself has considerable value (equivalent to ethylene) for producing a variety of specialist chemicals as well as the commodity monomer vinyl chloride (by addition of hydrogen chloride) and its use as a specialist fuel - acetylene welding. Acetylene is very dangerous in the liquid state, and is not distilled. In the pure form it has a tendency to explosively decompose ... 

Flammable liquid. A dangerous fire hazard if exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Moderately explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to flame. Violent reaction with Al, N2O4, NH3, dimethylaminopropylamine. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials and emit vinyl chloride and HCl. To fight fire, use water, foam, CO2, dry chemicals. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of Cl and phosgene. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. 

An oxidizer. The liquid is a sensitive explosive. Explosive reaction with carbon disulfide (when ignited), methanol (when ignited), pentacarbonyl iron (at 50°C), phosphine + oxygen, sodium diphenylketyl, dichlorine oxide, fluorine, nitrogen trichloride, ozone, perchloryl fluoride (at 100-300°C), vinyl chloride. Reacts to form explosive products with dienes (e.g., 1,3-butadiene, cyclopentadiene, propadiene). 

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