Leaks ethylene oxide

An explosive decomposition in an ethylene oxide (EO) distillation column, similar in its results to that described in Section 7.3.2, may have been set off by polymerization of EO in a dead-end spot in the column base where rust, a polymerization catalyst, had accumulated. Such deadends should be avoided. However, it is more likely that a flange leaked the leaking gas ignited and heated an area of the column above the temperature at which spontaneous decomposition occurs. The source of ignition of the leak may have been reaction with the insulation, as described... 

Lithium polymer batteries are similar in principle to the lithium batteries described above but the electrolyte is a polymer. The advantage of these batteries is the absence of liquid in the cell and so the batteries do not leak. The polymer electrolyte is a polymer-alkali metal salt complex. The best known such electrolytes are complexes of poly (ethylene) oxide (PEO). 

Lossing, Ingold, and Tickner287 slowly flowed mixtures of ethylene oxide and nitric oxide, in a He diluent, into a heated quartz tube with a pinhole leak to a mass spectrometer. They measured the decrease, resulting from the addition of NO, in both CH4 and CH3. In this way, they could follow the competition between reaction (7) and... 

While simple, the reduction of fugitive emissions is not inexpensive. In a case study involving ethylene oxide manufacturing, 1.5 million was spent over 2 years, with 55% spent on materials, 30% spent on labor, and 15% spent on a study of equipment leak rates. Just the labor involved in regular monitoring of the status of the thousands to tens of thousands of... 

Can react with water to form a hydrate writh a melting point of 1 C. In confined spaces combustion can cause explosion. Odor limit is above TLV. Alcohol consumption increases toxic effects. Turn leaking c inder so that leak is on top to prevent liquid ethylene oxide escaping. Use cylinder with special fittings. 

In the event of a spill of liquid ethylene oxide, remove all ignition sources, soak up the ethylene oxide with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. In the event of accidental release of ethylene oxide gas, evacuate the area and eliminate the source of the release, such as a leaking cylinder, if possible. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area. 

Systems designed to handle ethylene oxide must be pressure tested with nitrogen or other inert gas and be leak-proof prior to being put into service. Such systems should be retested at routine intervals thereafter. Any leak or spill situation with ethylene oxide has the potential of fire and explosion coupled with exposure to a toxic material, and appropriate measures in recognition of these dangers are required, including evacuation of personnel. 

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