Whoops - That should be kerosene "scent" not "sent!
Sammye
List Moderator wrote:
From: Andrew Gross <gross.drew**At_Symbol_Here**gmail.com>Date: December 28, 2009 12:02:48 PM ESTSubject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Unknown Hazardous Chemical
Hi Everyone,
My lab recieved a sample from a power plant that they do not know whatit is and wish to have it identified. I am trying to ID it becauseuntil I have a better idea it is on hold for all testing (read on tofind out why). I'm hoping for some thoughts.
Sample is liquid in appearance, but lighter then di-chloromethane. Ithink it is actually an oil of some kind. It is transparant yellowand some say it smells like kerosene.It forms a white emulsion when mixed with water.There is no flash point. On closed cup method it flames out below25C. It does not ignite when exposed to direct flame. However itboils around 27C.Exposed flame turns green (like copper flame), vapors also turn flame green.When dried, it turns to a waxy white translucent crystal. My closedcup flame is still green meaning it is contaminated by the vapors.Vapors in small quanteties (under hood) cause nausea, light headednessand confusion.pH is 6ish (litmus paper) although client claims it to be caustic.All PCB analysis came up negative.
The exposure effects are why all tests are on hold till we have abetter idea as to what were dealing with as well as the remainingtests for my department involve reacting with acid and pumpingnitrogen through it.
Thoughts, ideas, experiences? Client has 5 unidentified drums of thisstuff and has no idea what it is. We need to identify but I am notgoing to put anyone in danger until I know more about it.
Andrew Gross
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