Hydrogen peroxide handling

In the Talalay process, the froth is produced by chemical rather than mechanical means. Hydrogen peroxide and an enzyme decomposition catalyst are mixed iato the latex and the mixture placed ia the mold. Decomposition of the peroxide by the added enzyme results ia the Hberation of oxygen which causes the latex mix to foam and fill the mold. The foam is then rapidly chilled and CO2 is iatroduced to gel the latex. The gelled foam is then handled ia a manner similar to that used ia the Dunlop process. 

Thiol spills are handled ia the same manner that all chemical spills are handled, with the added requirement that the odor be eliminated as rapidly as possible. In general, the leak should be stopped, the spill should be contained, and then the odor should be reduced. The odor can be reduced by sprayiag the spill area with sodium hypochlorite (3% solution), calcium hypochlorite solution (3%), or hydrogen peroxide (3—10% solution). The use of higher concentrations of oxidant gives strongly exothermic reactions, which iacrease the amount of thiol ia the vapor, as well as pose a safety ha2ard. The apphcation of an adsorbent prior to addition of the oxidant can be quite helpful and add to the ease of cleanup. 

Peracids are also available as aqueous solutions that contain the peracid in equihbrium with hydrogen peroxide and the parent acid. Peracetic acid [79-21-0] is commercially available as a 40% solution in dilute acetic acid. The water and dilution of the peracid make these solutions easier to handle than their sohd counterparts, but they still require careful handling and protection from heat. 

Eire and explosion hazards associated with the storage and handling of hydrogen peroxide... 

Since aluminum is not attacked by hydrogen sulfide (HjS) solutions, it is used widely as a material in refineries for the handling of hydrocarbons made from sour crudes. In the strongly oxidizing conditions of manufacturing hydrogen peroxide, aluminum is one of the few materials that does not undergo decomposition. 

Other chemicals Copper and copper alloys are unsuitable for handling hydrogen peroxide " or molten sulphur . Hydrogen sulphide accelerates corrosion of most copper-base materials. In its presence brasses high in zinc are usually found to behave better than other copper alloys. ... 

Caution Most selenium compounds are toxic consequently care should be exercised in handling them. The hydrogen peroxide oxidation of selenides is highly exothermic, acid-catalyzed, and auto-catalytic. The procedure given for adding the hydrogen peroxide solution should be carefully followed. 

There are a lot of accidents involving the handling of hydrogen peroxide in partly rusted iron containers, which catalyse the explosive decomposition of peroxide. 

The assessors experienced an explosion while drying the oxide in ethyl ether. Rather drastic precautions are recommended in handling it [1], A preparation, allowed to stand for a week rather than the day specified, exploded during concentration [2], Amine oxides from the standard preparation are inclined to retain hydrogen peroxide of hydration unless it is destroyed during work-up. The perox-idate (or diperoxidate) of dimethylamine oxide would be expected to be far more dangerous than the oxide itself [3],... 

An organic sulfur compound containing an acetal function had been oxidised to the sulfone with 30% hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid. After the liquor had been concentrated by vacuum distillation at 50-60°C, the residue exploded during handling. This was attributed to formation of the peroxide of the acetal (formally a gem-diether) or of the aldehyde formed by hydrolysis, but formation and explosion of peracetic acid seems a more likely explanation. 

Hazards attendant on the use of this powerful oxidant may in many cases be eliminated by substitution with sodium perborate (actually sodium borate hydrogen peroxidate) [1]. One of several wooden boxes of the peroxide (not clearly labelled as such) exploded with great violence dining handling operations. It seems likely that contamination with a combustible material, or possibly with moisture, had occurred [2],... 

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