Special solvents flash point

Special additives are often included in a carrier formulation to provide specific properties such as foam control, stabiUty, and fiber lubrication during dyeing. Most important are the solvents used to solubilize the soHd carrier-active chemicals. These often contribute to the general carrier activity of the finished product. For example, chlorinated benzenes and aromatic esters are good solvents for biphenyls and phenylphenols. Flammable compounds (flash point below 60°C) should be avoided. 

Safety and Hazards. The linear carbonate solvents are highly flammable with flash points usually below 30 °C. When the lithium ion cell is subject to various abuses, thermal runaway occurs and causes safety hazards. Although electrode materials and their state-of-charge play a more important role in deciding the consequences of the hazard, the flammable electrolyte solvents are most certainly responsible for the fire when a lithium ion cell vents. The seriousness of the hazard is proportional to the size of the cell, so flame-retarded or nonflammable lithium ion electrolytes are of special interest for vehicle traction batteries. 

Agricultural Products. Pesticides are frequently applied as emulsifiable concentrates. The active insecticide or herbicide is dissolved in a hydrocarbon solvent which also contains an emulsifier. Hydrocarbon solvent selection is critical for this application. It can seriously impact the efficacy of the formulation. The solvent should have adequate solvency for the pesticide, promote good dispersion when diluted with water, and have a flash point high enough to rniriinii2e flammability hazards. When used in herbicide formulas, low solvent phytotoxicity is important to avoid crop damage. Hydrocarbon solvents used in post-harvest application require special testing to ensure that polycyclic aromatics are absent. 

Special boiling point hydrocarbons are used for quick-drying paints, dipping solutions, and quick-drying adhesives. Their flash point is below 21 C, which means that they must be used in explosion-proof areas. Petroleum ether is a special petroleum distillation fraction (hp 40-60 C). and is used as a solvent in the chemical industry. 

Usually sold as 15-30% solution In hydrocarbons flash point and axplosivs limits depend on solvent used. For 15-30% solution see relevant entry. Reacts violently with extinguishing agents such as water, foam, carbon dioxide and ordinary powder. Lung edema symptoms usually develop several hours later and are aggravated by physical exertion rest and hospitalization essential. As first aid, a doctor or authorized person should consider administering a corticosteroid spray. Use cylinder with special fittings. 

Worker safety issues are important when handling any organic solvent. Written procedures that follow the MSDS guidelines are recommended for all workers who handle any of the ester solvents. Workers must remember that all of the esters have flash points as listed in the physical property tables. The vapors which are heavier than air can travel considerable distance to an ignition source and flashback. The esters also create a special fire hazard because the solvents float on water. The use of carbon dioxide or dry chemical is recommended for small fires and alcohol-aqueous film-forming foam or water fog for large fires. Water may be ineffective but can be used to cool fire-exposed structures and vessels. All of the solvents have a limited flammability range... 

Table A1-4 (Flammability) is sorted first based on the type of each solvent in alphabetical order (acids, alcohols, aromatics...specials) second within types based on flash point — with the highest values first and third based on lower explosive limit (LEE) from highest to lowest. In other words, within type, solvents are sorted based on the ones with the least flammability risk bdng listed first.

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