Hi Jay, The 10 ppm of oxygen is probably OK with respect to flammability. The limiting oxygen concentration from many hydrocarbons is in the 10% range. However, the nitrogen gas containing the flammables might become flammable when they are discharged from the glove box and mixed with air. That is a bigger problem. Dan Crowl Michigan Tech University Saldivar, Jay wrote: > One of our scientists has asked for guidance in the use of inert (N2) > atmosphere glove boxes for processes utilizing flammable liquids and > electrical appliances. Details of the process of concern follow: > * Dispersed (in xylenes) silicon nanoparticles are to be further > dispersed using a SS ultrasonic wand (20 kHz) > * Process to be performed in a N2 atmosphere glove box > * Monitored O2 levels will not exceed 10ppm in the box > * All power to the glove box (including the wand) is cut upon > exceeding 10ppm O2 concentration in the box > * The lab bldg is provided with a fire sprinkler system as well as > CO2 extinguishers within 10 ft > > Questions: > * Is there a (any) concern regarding the use of a wand-type > ultrasonic to agitate a flammable solvent in an inert atmosphere? > * Should this level of O2 (= 10 ppm) be a concern from a > flammability perspective? > * Under this scenario, at what O2 levels should fire reasonably be > a concern? > > I appreciate any and all feedback on this topic. > Regards, > > I Jay Saldivar > Sr Safety Administrator > Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas > NW Pacific Rim Blvd > Camas, WA 98607 > > 360/834-8734 (o) > 360/772-4502 (c) > saldivarj**At_Symbol_Here**sharpsec.com >
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