Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:19:39 -0500
Reply-To: Kent Candee <Kent.A.Candee**At_Symbol_Here**EMCINS.COM>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Kent Candee <Kent.A.Candee**At_Symbol_Here**EMCINS.COM>
Subject: Re: Peroxides within empty containers.
Comments: To: Debbie Decker
In-Reply-To: <5.2.1.1.2.20050429111043.04fdb058**At_Symbol_Here**scarlet.ucdavis.edu>

Debbie:

Anthony's advice is good and correct. A disposal company trained in
handling potential explosives is used for containers of ethyl ether,
whether empty or not. I am mainly searching for information on the
potential detonation force of peroxides that are left in and empty
container.

Kent

On 4/29/2005 1:29 PM, Debbie Decker wrote:

> At 12:38 PM 4/29/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>
>> Scenario: Ethyl ether in metal container that is over 10 years old.
>> Peroxide content unknown. Container is empty (<3%) to the best of our
>> knowledge. Cap is clear plastic with no visible signs of peroxides.
>> Understand that peroxides can concentrate as the ether evaporates.
>
>
> 
>
> Kent:
>
> Anthony's advice to contract with a reactive chemicals disposal firm is
> excellent. I would add the following couple of details to it.
>
> What the disposal firm needs to do is remotely open the can and add a
> suitable solvent (ethanol is probably a good choice) then reseal the can
> and dispose as a flammable liquid lab pack, carefully re-labelling it
> according to your local requirements. I don't know if I'd attempt to bulk
> it with other flammable liquids at that point. If the container comes
> apart during the remote opening, well, you've solved your problem,
> haven't you?
>
> Onyx Environmental is a firm we've used - I have no financial or personal
> interest in Onyx.
>
> 
>
> Hope this helps,
> Debbie
>
> Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Hygiene Officer
> Environmental Health and Safety
> University of California, Davis
> 1 Shields Ave.
> Davis, CA 95616
> (530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
> dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
> Co-Conspirator to Make the World A
> Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy

--
Kent A. Candee, CIH
Environmental Health Division
EMC Insurance Companies
Ph: 515-362-7832
Cell: 515-321-5874

You can count on EMC’s Environmental Health Division.

NOTICE:  This message (including any attachments) is intended for a specific
individual and may contain information that is either confidential or legally
protected.  If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, please reply
to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is
strictly prohibited.  Thank you.   EMC071856

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post



The content of this page reflects the personal opinion(s) of the author(s) only, not the American Chemical Society, ILPI, Safety Emporium, or any other party. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. Unauthorized reproduction of these materials is prohibited. Send questions/comments about the archive to secretary@dchas.org.
The maintenance and hosting of the DCHAS-L archive is provided through the generous support of Safety Emporium.