Magnum Venus Plastech CB-8000-xxx Resin Monitor - Manual (Page 6)

INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL CB-8000-XXX
MAGNUM VENUS PLASTECH REV 1.05
APRIL 2013 PAGE 6
2.2 Catalyst (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide)
MEKP is among the more hazardous materials found in com mercial channels. The safe handling of the “unstable (reactive)” chemicals presents a definite challenge to the
plastics industry. The highly reactive property which makes MEKP valuable to the plastics industry in producing the curing reaction of polyester resins also produces the hazards
which require great care and caution in its storage, transportation, handling, processing and disposal. MEKP is a single chemical. Various polymeric forms may exist which are
more or less hazardous with respect to each ot
her. These differences may arise not only from different molecular structures (all are, nevertheless, called “MEKP”) and from
possible trace impurities left from the manufacture of the chemicals, but may also arise by contamination of MEKP with other materials in its storage or use. Even a small
amount of contamination with acetone, for instance, may produce an extremely shock-sensitive and explosive compound.
Contamination with promoters or materials containing promoters, such as laminate sandings, or with any readily oxidizing material, such as brass or iron, will
cause exothermic “redox” reactions which can become explosive in nature. Heat applied to MEKP, or heat build-up from contamination reactions can cause it to
reach what is called its Self-Accelerating Decomposition Temperature (SADT).
Researchers have reported measuring pressure rates-of- rise well in excess of 100,000 psi per second when certain MEKP’s reach their SADT. (For comparison, the highest
pressure rate-of-rise listed in NFPA Bulletin NO.68, “Explosion Venting”, is 12,000 psi per second for an explosion of 12% acetylene and air. The maximum value listed for a
hydrogen explosion is 10,000 psi per second. Some forms of MEKP, if allowed to reach their SADT, will burst even an open topped container. This suggests that it is not
possible to design a relief valve to vent this order of magnitude of pressure rate-of-rise. The user should be aware that any closed container, be it a pressure vessel, surge
chamber, or pressure accumulator, could explode under certain conditions. There is no engineering substitute for care by the user in handling organic peroxide catalysts. If, at
any time, the pressure relieve valve on top of the catalyst tank should vent, the area should be evacuated at once and the fire department called. The venting could be the first
indication of a heat, and therefore, pressure build-up that could eventually lead to an explosion. Moreover, if a catalyst tank is sufficiently full when the pressure relief valve
vents, some catalyst may spray out, which could cause eye injury. For this reason, and many others, anyone whose job puts them in an area where this vented spray might go,
should always wear full eye protection even when laminating operations are not taking place.
Safety in handling MEKP depends to a great extent on employee education, proper safety instructions and safe use of the chemicals and equipment. Workers should be
thoroughly informed of the hazards that may result from improper handling of MEKP, especially in regards to contamination, heat, friction and impact. They should be thoroughly
instructed regarding the proper action to be taken in the storage, use and disposal of MEKP and other hazardous materials used in the laminating operation. In addition, users
should make every effort to:
Store MEKP in a cool, dry place in original containers away from direct sunlight and away from other chemicals.
Keep MEKP away from heat, sparks and open flames.
Prevent contamination of MEKP with other materials, including polyester over spray and sandings, polymerization accelerators and promoters, brass, aluminum
and non-stainless steels.
Never add MEKP to anything that is hot, since explosive decomposition may result.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Protective equipment should be worn at all times. During clean-up of spilled MEKP, personal safety equipment, gloves
and eye protection must be worn. Firefighting equipment should be at hand and ready.
Avoid spillage, which can heat up to the point of self-ignition.
Repair any leaks discovered in the catalyst system immediately, and clean up the leaked catalyst at once in accordance with the c atalyst manufacturer’s
instructions.
Use only original equipment or equivalent parts from Magnum Venus Plastech in the catalyst system (i.e.: hoses, fitting, etc.) because a dangerous chemical
reaction may result between substituted parts and MEKP.
Catalyst accumulated from the purging of hoses or the measurement of fluid output deliveries should never be returned to the supply tank, such catalyst should be
diluted with copious quantities of clean water and disposed of in accordance with the catalyst manufacturer’s instructions.
The extent to which the user is successful in accomplishing these ends and any additional recommendations by the catalyst manufacturer determines largely the safety that will
be present in his operation.
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.