Sodium vapor explosion

Much disagreement exists on whether a sodium vapor explosion of the kind postulated above can in fact take place when the molten core mixes with the coolant following the initial explosive dispersal of the core. According to the superheat theory of Fauske (see Bibliography), it seems likely that the mixing of molten uranium or plutonium oxide with liquid sodium will not in fact produce a sodium vapor explosion. On the other hand, it is possible that the much more rapid transfer of heat to the sodium from the molten steel of the fuel cladding could either trigger a sodium vapor explosion directly or set up the conditions under which the slower heat transfer from the fuel itself could do so. 

Henry, R. E., Fauske, H. K., and McUmber, L. M. (1976). Vapor explosions in sub-cooled freon. Spec. Meet. Sodium-Fuel Interact. Fast React., 3rd, 1976, Tokyo, Japan. 

Mutation data reported. Reacts with moisture to form sulfuric acid. Mixtures with calcium hypochlorite + starch + sodium carbonate explode when compressed. Violent reaction with acetic anhydride + ethanol may lead to ignition and a vapor explosion. Incompatible with calcium hypochlorite. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SO and Na20. See also SULFATES. 

Precaution Flammable dangerous fire risk ignites in air above 288 C when exposed to spark reacts with water to evolve hydrogen and sodium hydroxide explosive and violent reactions possible emits flamm. vapors on contact with acid fumes Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits toxic fumes of Na O... 

There are explosion hazards with phthahc anhydride, both as a dust or vapor in air and as a reactant. Table 11 presents explosion hazards resulting from phthahc anhydride dust or vapor (40,41). Preventative safeguards in handling sohd phthahc anhydride have been reported (15). Water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam may be used to extinguish the burning anhydride. Mixtures of phthahc anhydride with copper oxide, sodium nitrite, or nitric acid plus sulfuric acid above 80°C explode or react violently (39). 

HBr reacts with metals, producing highly explosive hydrogen gas. If aleak or spill occurs, exposure to the vapors should be avoided. If a high concentration of aqueous acid is accidentally spilled, it should be diluted immediately with water to reduce fuming prior to neutralization. Hydrobromic acid may be neutralized with soda ash or lime sprinkled over the contaminated area. An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide may also be used to neutralize the diluted acid. 

Reacts with vapors of sodium with luminescence at about 260°C. Reacts explosively with thionyl chloride or potassium reacts violently with hexafluoro isopropylidene, amino lithium, ammonia, and strong acids reacts with tert-butyl azidoformate to form explosive carbide reacts with 24-hexadiyn-l, 6-diol to form 2, 4-hexadiyn-l, 6-bischloro-formate, a shock-sensitive compound reacts with isopropyl alcohol to form isopropyl chloroformate and hydrogen chloride thermal decomposition may occur in the presents of iron salts and result in explosion. 

R Based on sodium hypochlorite solution MSDS. Generates heat and toxic vapors can form explosive nitrogen trichloride under certain conditions... 

Rogers et al. confirmed that the presence of Na2S in Na2C03 could lead to an explosive smelt they also showed that the concentration of hydrogen in the vapor increased with the quantity of sodium sulfide originally present. It was suggested that Na2S reacted with water as follows ... 

Sodium azide is a toxic as well as an explosive substance (Patnaik, P. 1999. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of Chemical Substances, 2nd e(j New York John Wdey Sons). Although inert to shock, violent decomposition can occur when heated at 275°C. Contact of solid or solution with lead and copper must be avoided. Reactions with halogens, carbon disulfide, or chromyl chloride can be explosive. Dissolution in water produces toxic vapors of hydrazoic acid. The salt is an acute poison causing headache, hypotension, hypothermia, and convulsion. 

Hazards of Combustion Products. Data not available Behavior in Fire Melts and may decompose to give volatile acetic vapors pf valeric acid and other substances. Dust may form explosive mixture with air Ignition Temperature (deg. F) 788 Electrical Hazard. Not pertinent Burning Rate. Not pertinent. Chemical Reactivity Reactivity with Water No reaction Reactivity with Common Materials Data not available Stability During Transport Stable Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics Rinse with dilute sodium bicarbonate or soda ash solution Polymerization Not pertinent Inhibitor of Polymerization Not pertinent. 

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