3 clean-up solvents and resin diluents, 4 catalyst diluents – Magnum Venus Plastech INNOVATOR II CONTROL UNIT User Manual
Page 7

INSTALATION/OPERATIONS MANUAL
INNOVATOR II
MAGNUM VENUS PLASTECH
REV 1.40
MAY 2012
PAGE 7
2.3 Clean-Up Solvents and Resin Diluents
WARNING
A hazardous situation may be present in your pressurized fluid system! Hydrocarbon Solvents can cause an explosion when used with aluminum or galvanized components in a closed
(pressurized) fluid system (pump, heaters, filters, valves, spray guns, tanks, etc.). The explosion could cause serious injury, death and/or substantial property damage. Cleaning agents,
coatings, paints, etc. may contain Halogenated Hydrocarbon Solvents. Some Magnum Venus Plastech spray equipment includes aluminum or galvanized components and will be affected
by Halogenated Hydrocarbon Solvents.
There are three key elements to the Halogenated Hydrocarbon (HHC) solvent hazard:
The presence of HHC solvents. 1,1,1
– Trichloroethane and Methylene Chloride are the most common of these solvents. However, other HHC solvents are suspect if used; either as
part of paint or adhesives formulation, or for clean-up flushing.
Aluminum or Galvanized Parts. Most handling equipment contains these elements. In contact with these metals, HHC solvents could generate a corrosive reaction of a catalytic
nature.
Equipment capable of withstanding pressure. When HHC solvent contact aluminum or galvanized parts inside a closed container such as a pump, spray gun, or fluid handling system,
the chemical reaction can, over time, result in a build-up of heat and pressure, which can reach explosive proportions.
When all three elements are present, the result can be an extremely violent explosion. The reaction can be sustained with very little aluminum or galvanized metal; any amount of aluminum is too much.
The reaction is unpredictable. Prior use of an HHC solvent without incident (corrosion or explosion) does NOT mean that such use is safe. These solvents can be dangerous alone (as
a clean-up or flushing agent) or when used as a component or a coating material. There is no known inhibitor that is effective under all circumstances. Furthermore, the mixing of HHC
solvents with other materials or solvents, such as MEKP, alcohol, and toluene, may render the inhibitors ineffective.
The use of reclaimed solvents is particularly hazardous. Reclaimers may not add any inhibitors. Also, the possible presence of water in reclaimed solvents could feed the reaction.
Anodized or other oxide coatings cannot be relied upon to prevent the explosive reaction. Such coatings can be worn, cracked, scratched, or too thin to prevent contact. There is no
known way to make oxide coatings or to employ aluminum alloys, which will safely prevent the chemical reaction under all circumstances.
Several solvent suppliers have recently begun promoting HHC solvents for use in coating systems. The increasing use of HHC solvents is increasing the risk. Because of their
exemption from many State Implementation Plans as Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC’s), their low flammability hazard, and their not being classified as toxic or carcinogenic substances, HHC solvents are very desirable in many respects.
WARNING: Do not use Halogenated Hydrocarbon solvents in pressurized fluid systems having aluminum or galvanized wetted parts.
NOTE: Magnum Venus Plastech is aware of NO stabilizers available to prevent Halogenated Hydrocarbon solvents from reaction under all conditions with aluminum components in closed
fluid system.
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION… Halogenated Hydrocarbon solvents are dangerous when used with aluminum components in a closed fluid system.
Consult your material supplier to determine whether your solvent or coating contains Halogenated Hydrocarbon Solvents.
Magnum Venus Plastech recommends that you contact your solvent supplier regarding the best non-flammable clean-up solvent with the heat toxicity for your application.
If you find it necessary to use flammable solvents, they must be kept in approved, electrically grounded containers.
Bulk solvent should be stored in a well-ventilated, separate building, 50 feet away from your main plant.
You should allow only enough solvent for one day’s use in your laminating area.
“NO SMOKING” signs must be posted and observed in all areas of storage or where solvents and other flammable materials are used.
Adequate ventilation (as covered in OSHA Section 1910.94 and NFPA No.91) is important wherever solvents are stored or used, to minimize, confine and exhaust the solvent
vapors.
Solvents should be handled in accordance with OSHA Section 1910.106 and 1910.107.
2.4 Catalyst Diluents
Magnum Venus Plastech spray-up and gel-coat systems currently produced are designed so that catalyst diluents are not required. Magnum Venus Plastech, therefore, recommends that diluents not be
used. This avoids the possible contamination which could lead to an explosion due to the handling and mixing of MEKP and dil ettante. In addition, it eliminates any problems from the dilettante being
contaminated through rust particles in drums, poor quality control on the part of the diluents suppliers, or any other reason. If, however, diluents are absolutely required, contact your catalyst supplier and
follow his instructions explicitly. Preferable, the supplier should premix the catalyst to prevent pos
sible “on the job” contamination while mixing.
WARNING
If diluents are not used, it should be remembered that catalyst spillage, gun, hose and packing leaks are potentially more hazardous, since each drop contains a higher concentration of
catalyst, and therefore will react quicker with over spray and the leak.
2.5 Cured Laminate, Overspray and Laminate Sandings Accumulation
Remove all accumulations of overspray, FRP sandings, etc. from the building as they occur. If this waste is allowed to build up, spillage of catalyst is more likely to start a fire, in addition, the fire would
burn hotter and longer.
Floor coverings, if used, should be non-combustible.
Spilled or leaked catalyst may cause a fire if it comes in contact with an FRP product, over-sprayed chop or resin, FRP sandings or any other material with MEKP.
To prevent this spillage and leakage, you should:
Maintain your Magnum Venus Plastech System. Check the gun several times daily for catalyst and resin packing or valve leaks. REPAIR ALL LEAKS IMMEDIATELY.
Never leave the gun hanging over, or lying inside the mold. A catalyst leak in this situation would certainly damage the part, possibly the mold, and may cause a fire.
Inspect resin and catalyst hoses daily for wear or stress at the entry and exits of the boom sections and at the hose and fittings. Replace if wear or weakness is evident or suspected.
Arrange the hoses and fiberglass roving guides so that the fiberglass strands DO NOT rub against any of the hoses at any point. If allowed to rub, the hose will be cut through, causing
a hazardous leakage of material which could increase the danger of fire. Also, the material may spew onto personnel in the area.
2.7 Toxicity of Chemicals
Magnum Venus Plastech recommends that you consult OSHA Sections 1910.94, 1910.106, 1910.107 and NFPA No.33, Chapter 14, and NFPA No.91.
Contact your chemical supplier(s) and determine the toxicity of the various chemicals used as well as the best methods to prevent injury, irritation and danger to personnel.
Also determine the best methods of first aid treatment for each chemical used in your plant.