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Thermal hazard simulations for methyl ethyl ketone peroxide induced by contaminants

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Abstract

Historically, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO), a universal hardener in the rubber industries, has caused many serious explosions and fires in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China. This study used certain thermal analytical methods to thoroughly explore both why MEKPO led to these accidents and what happened during the upset conditions. Potential process contaminants, such as H2SO4, KOH, and Fe2O3, were deliberately selected to mix with MEKPO in various concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to calculate the thermokinetic parameters. Kinetic evaluation was also implemented by means of the methods and software developed by Chem-Inform St. Petersburg, Ltd. The results indicate that MEKPO is highly hazardous when mixed with any of the above-mentioned contaminants. Fire and explosion hazards can be effectively lessened if safety parameters and thermokinetic parameters are properly imbedded into manufacturing processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Engineering Science and Technology, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (NYUST), 123 University Rd., Sec. 3, Touliu, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan, ROC

    Jo-Ming Tseng (Doctoral Candidate), Chi-Min Shu & Yi-Chun Yu

  2. Process Safety and Disaster Prevention Laboratory, Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (NYUST), 123 University Rd., Sec. 3, Touliu, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan, ROC

    Chi-Min Shu

  3. Division of Exhibitions, Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan, 99 Lane 407, Hengke Rd., Shijr, Taipei, Taiwan 221, ROC

    Yi-Chun Yu

Authors
  1. Jo-Ming Tseng
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  2. Chi-Min Shu
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  3. Yi-Chun Yu
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Correspondence to Chi-Min Shu.

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Tseng, JM., Shu, CM. & Yu, YC. Thermal hazard simulations for methyl ethyl ketone peroxide induced by contaminants. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 22, 797–802 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02705657

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02705657

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