Storage for Organic Peroxides

Organic peroxides pose a high risk of danger because they decompose under the influence of temperature or the effects of a catalyst. To minimise the risk when storing organic peroxides, DENIOS offers specific solutions for storage class 5.2: peroxide bunded stores are fire-resistant, equipped with air-conditioning technology, temperature monitoring and a pressure relief device (see equipment). All built-in electrical equipment is explosion-proof and CE certified. The spill pallet of a peroxide store is made from steel with a plastic inliner (PE) or is made from stainless steel, in order to guarantee resistance to aggressive peroxides.

Organic peroxides are unstable chemical compounds that decompose at relatively low temperatures. They are reactive, combustible and thermally unstable. Furthermore, they have oxidising characteristics that will react, often violently, with organic matter. If the proper procedures and precautions are followed they can be handled and stored in as safe a way as possible.

Safe organic peroxide storage needs two important features:

• Minimising the possibility of peroxide decomposition

• Reducing the effects of this decomposition

Limiting peroxide decomposition can be achieved by reducing exposure to heat and also by preventing contamination. Temperature control and separation of materials is key to this.

Every packaged organic peroxide has a particular temperature over which exothermic runaway decomposition will occur. This is known as the self accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT). Refer to the SADT table on page 5 of the HSE Guidance Note CS21

1. Contamination

Contamination can accelerate the decomposition of organic peroxides. Many heavy metal compounds have an accelerating effect on decomposition. Acids, bases and accelerators may cause decomposition to occur at lower temperatures than the recommended storage temperature. Thus organic peroxides must be stored separately from other chemical compounds, unless compatibility is proven.

1. Flammability and burning properties

Most organic peroxides are considered highly combustible and once ignited burn vigorously. When heated to their decomposition temperature they product vapours, which are themselves also flammable. Equipment, tools and electrical equipment in the vicinity should be explosion proof and suitable for EX zones. However, auto-ignition can still occur, so fire-fighting equipment should be present in all storage rooms.

1. Pressure build-up

Organic peroxides produce vapours as they decompose, this leads to a build up of pressure within the packaging. To overcome the problem of an excessive rise in pressure, due to the prolonged decomposition and bursting of packages, the storage room should have a pressure relief mechanism.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gives extensive guidance on the handling and storage of organic peroxides in note CS21.

Find out more about the engineered solutions DENIOS offers for the storage of organic peroxides.

Learn more about about DENIOS fire-rated storage solutions.

As an absolute minimum protective eye goggles and gloves should be worn when handling organic peroxides. See our range of personal protective equipment

The quantities stored and used within the workplace should be as small as possible.

All containers and equipment that comes into contact with organic peroxides must be in good working order and made of a compatible material, this includes glass, porcelain, polyethylene and 316 grade stainless steel. DENIOS UK offer a wide range of containers that are suitable for hazardous substances.

If a quantity of organic peroxide is needed that requires transferring into a smaller container size, then a separate, designated area or room should be provided. This zone should be kept free of all incompatible and combustible materials. All dispensing of liquid peroxides should be done over an appropriate spill tray. This tray should be capable of holding the entire contents of the peroxide container. The container into which the peroxide is transferred should not introduce a level of confinement over and above that provided by the supplying container.

Specifically dedicated and clean dispensers or pumps should be used. The advice of the manufacturer and / or supplier of the organic peroxide should be followed with regard to suitable equipment.

Browse the DENIOS range of dispensing equipment for hazardous materials.

See our FALCON range of high grade, top quality dispensing equipment.

Pumps should be given particular attention when used for handling organic peroxides. Care should be taken as they may introduce frictional heating, over-pressurisation or static generation to the storage and handling environment, which can be problematic.

It is important that the correct absorbent materials are within quick and easy reach and they should be kept close to storage, dispensing and handling areas. Absorbent materials should be of inert materials such as vermiculite, kieselguhr or sand. Combustible materials such as paper, rags or sawdust should not be used.

It is important that all absorbent materials that have been contaminated with the peroxide liquid are disposed of according to the manufacturer or supplier instructions. The contaminated materials should not be confined, nor should they be allowed to contaminate any drainage or water systems.

DENIOS UK provides an extensive choice of absorbent material for hazardous liquid spills and leaks.