EP1361990A2

EP1361990A2 - Safety-container assembly for receiving hazardous liquids, in particular an organic peroxide

Info

Publication number: EP1361990A2
Application number: EP02718135A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans-Peter Eisenhut; Manfred Maier
Original assignee: United Initiators GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: United Initiators Inc
Priority date: 2001-02-15
Filing date: 2002-02-14
Publication date: 2003-11-19
Also published as: WO2002064454A2; WO2002064454A3; AU2002249217A1; DE10107155A1; CA2437952A1; US20040112439A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety-container assembly (10) for receiving hazardous liquids, in particular an organic peroxide (OP). According to the invention, the safety-container assembly (10) has receiving chambers (12, 14), which are separated from one another. At least one first receiving chamber (12) receives the hazardous liquid (OP) and at least one second receiving chamber (14) receives an additional liquid (V) that can be mixed with the hazardous liquid (OP) to reduce potential dangers, in particular a liquid (V) for diluting and/or neutralizing the hazardous liquid (OP). At least one connection (106), which is closed by at least one safety mechanism (16), is provided between the receiving chambers (12, 14). Said mechanism opens the connection(s) (106) if danger is present, allowing the liquids to mix (OP, V).

Description

Safety container arrangement for holding dangerous liquids, in particular an organic peroxide

description

The invention relates to a Sicherheitsbeh lteranordnung for receiving dangerous liquids, in particular an organic peroxide.

Organic peroxides are relatively unstable compounds. Their use as indicators in the polymerization of monomers and in the crosslinking of polymers is based on their reactivity, ie on their decomposition into free radicals. In their pure form, many organic peroxides are sensitive to impact or even explosive and are considered "dangerous goods", ie they may only be transported, stored and handled under certain conditions. The dangers emanating from you should be controlled by practicing certain regulations and practically eliminated. These provisions concern, among other things, the type of packaging, the limitation of the amount of peroxide in the packaging and safety advice for transport, storage and handling. The transport regulations allow different types of packaging, which depend on the danger or the thermal stability of the products in question. Some liquid preparations can be transported in polyethylene-clad iron barrels or small containers or even in large tank wagons. However, most liquid products are filled in polyethylene canisters (self-supporting or with a cardboard coating). Today, the latter type of packaging is generally recommended, for the following reason: In a metallic container, any peroxide decomposition can potentially lead to an explosion due to the associated increase in pressure. Compliant plastic canisters burst, melt, or burn, yet before the internal pressure of the fission products has reached a dangerous level.

The transport regulations also determine the maximum permissible quantity per shipping container for each product. Normally, the containers may contain 25 to 50 kg of peroxide in the delivery form. In some cases e.g. in the case of particularly temperature-sensitive preparations or explosive products, the permissible amount is drastically reduced e.g. on 5 kg peroxide in delivery form per container. The subdivision into smaller packaging units means that local peroxide decomposition does not immediately affect the entire load but can only spread from one container to another with a considerable delay.

In the case of peroxidic indicators, explosiveness is an undesirable property which can be mitigated or eliminated entirely by appropriate dilution with suitable inert substances without impairing the intended effect, namely the provision of free radicals. For desensitization, i.e. liquid inert substances, e.g. Water and certain organic plasticizers and solvents. Even highly explosive peroxides, when sufficiently diluted with such inert substances to a peroxide concentration of, for example, 10 to 20% by weight, are no longer explosive, but at most are still flammable. In general, however, both manufacturers and processors of organic peroxides are interested in avoiding phlegmatization if possible or keeping it to a minimum. On the one hand, the desensitizing agents are only dietary fiber, which cause costs and, on the other hand, they often interfere with processing.

In contrast, it is an object of the invention to provide a safety container arrangement for holding dangerous liquids, in particular one to provide organic peroxide, which allows the transport of large amounts of organic peroxides of higher concentration.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a safety container arrangement for holding dangerous liquids, in particular an organic peroxide with separate holding spaces, of which at least one first holding space for holding the dangerous liquid and at least one second holding space for holding another one containing the dangerous liquid Mitigation of the risk potential of miscible liquid, in particular a liquid for diluting and / or neutralizing the dangerous liquid, wherein at least one connection is provided between the receiving spaces, which is closed by at least one security mechanism that releases the at least one connection in the event of danger and a mixing of the Liquids allowed.

The central idea of the invention is to be seen in diluting a thermolabile substance such as an organic peroxide, for example, only in the event of danger to a concentration which precludes spontaneous combustion or deflagration under the given conditions. As already stated, are suitable for desensitization, i.e. to reduce the danger, liquid inert substances such as Water and certain organic plasticizers and solvents. If, in the event of danger, the organic peroxide reaches a critical temperature above which there is a risk of self-ignition or explosion of the organic peroxide due to a failure of a cooling device at elevated outside temperatures, the safety mechanism releases the connection between the receiving spaces and thus enables the liquids to mix.

As far as the allocation of the recording rooms is concerned, it can be provided, for example, that several smaller recording rooms for receiving the dangerous liquid are provided, which are connected to a single large receiving space for receiving the dilution and / or neutralization liquid via a corresponding number of security mechanisms. If, in the case of a plurality of receiving spaces arranged, for example, on a tanker truck, only a single receiving space reaches a dangerous temperature level due to insufficient cooling, it is only necessary to dilute the dangerous liquid contained in the individual critical receiving space, whereas in the others No mixing takes place in the recording rooms.

However, it is preferably provided that the receiving spaces which are separate from one another are assigned to one another in pairs, the receiving volume of the further container being dimensioned such that a harmless peroxide concentration which can be handled in conventional containers is established in the two interconnected containers after dilution. If the organic peroxide and the further liquid for dilution or / and neutralization have different densities, it can be provided that the receiving space for receiving the liquid with the higher density is arranged higher than the other receiving space. This arrangement allows the two liquids to mix independently as a result of the upward and downward movements of the two liquids induced by the difference in density.

In order to ensure, even after the two liquids have been mixed, that an overpressure arising as a result of decomposition of the organic peroxide cannot lead to damage to the safety container arrangement and, on the other hand, to ensure in such a case that only a manageable amount of organic peroxide escapes proposed that at least the higher-level receiving space have an overpressure relief tion device in particular in the form of a rupture disc. Such a rupture disc can be provided, for example, in a cover closing a manhole opening.

In order to keep the installation space of the safety container arrangement small, it is proposed that the two receiving spaces be arranged one above the other in a container and separated from one another by an intermediate wall. It is thus also possible to ensure a more uniform temperature distribution over both receiving spaces and also to enable the other receiving space to be cooled when only one receiving space is cooled.

In order to be able to ensure a simple but pressure-resistant construction, it is proposed that the first receiving space comprises an upper floor which is convexly curved at least in the peripheral area, an underbody which is convexly curved at least in the peripheral area and a peripheral wall connecting the upper floor and the underbody, and that the second receiving room of a bowl-shaped container part is formed, which is attached in the convexly curved region of the underfloor of the first receiving space. This structure ensures that the receiving space for receiving the dangerous liquid has a pressure-stable structure, whereas the second receiving space for receiving the dilution and / or neutralizing liquid has a simpler and therefore less expensive structure, and the second receiving space is preferably in a seamless area of the "Pressure vessel" is attached. It is thus possible to transport the dangerous liquid even at higher pressures, if this is conducive to the transport behavior, for example, whereas such a need for the dilution and / or neutralization liquid is rather unlikely. In addition, the pressure capacity of the first receiving space can ensure that when the pressure in the first receiving space increases rapidly, the triggering of the Safety mechanism and the associated decrease in pressure in the first receiving space can not damage the same.

In order to ensure, on the one hand, that the material of the receiving spaces is resistant to the hazardous liquid and the dilution and / or neutralizing liquid used, and on the other hand to ensure that the material used does not have a corrosive effect, it is further proposed that the receiving spaces and used fittings be made of stainless steel or pure Aluminum. However, the use of glass, porcelain or suitable plastics such as polyethylene would also be conceivable.

According to the invention, the safety mechanism can comprise a valve mechanism. Electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated valve mechanisms of any type are conceivable

Design type. For simpler and less expensive production, however, it is proposed that the valve mechanism be replaced by a

Helical compression spring biased valve plate in the opening direction, which by a between the compression spring side of the

Valve plates and a distance bracket held in his fuse

Sealing position is maintained. Glass barrels or glass bulbs, for example, can be used as such fuses, which are available for any temperature and the contents of which cannot trigger a reaction with the dangerous liquid. Alternatively, it can be provided that the glass barrels or glass flasks contain inhibitors which lead to an interruption of the reaction when released.

In order to ensure a quick and safe opening of the valve mechanism, it is proposed that the helical compression spring in the

Border area of the valve plate lies, a guide collar of one

Valve seat widens outwards in the opening direction and the Valve plate has a cutting edge on its outside. This arrangement ensures that an inclined position of the valve plate cannot occur during an opening movement and that even if the valve plate is inclined, jamming of the valve plate is excluded and its friction is reduced.

To ensure high operational reliability of the valve mechanism over a long period of time even when presenting a highly aggressive dangerous liquid such as to ensure an acid and at the same time to allow an optimal flow through the valve mechanism, it is further proposed that the valve mechanism is arranged in an inclined region of the intermediate wall such that the pressure spring side of the valve mechanism faces away from the dangerous liquid. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to design the energy accumulator of the valve mechanism from conventional spring steel and to provide it with a coating made of polyethylene or another plastic which is not intended to be exposed to the dangerous liquid in the long term.

It can further be provided that the second receiving space has an overflow which extends from the underside of the receiving space to close to the upper end of the receiving space. This arrangement on the one hand ensures that the receiving space can be filled to a predetermined level without increasing its internal pressure, the fitting provided on the underside of the container being protected from damage at the same time. On the other hand, it is possible, by prematurely closing the overflow, to bring about a defined pressure increase in the second receiving space, ie to produce a gas bubble with an increased pressure which, when the connection between the two receiving spaces is opened, accelerates mixing by the rising gas or / and the expression of the dilution and / or neutralization liquid allows. In order to enable accelerated mixing of the liquids, it is proposed in a further development of the invention that the safety mechanism comprises a device which causes the liquid to be forced to circulate through the two receiving spaces. As such a device, for example, a membrane or piston arrangement would be conceivable, with which, for example, a liquid displacement could be brought about as a result of a volume reduction in the second receiving space. Alternatively, a pump arrangement can be provided which effects the forced circulation of the two liquids.

The invention also relates to the use of a safety container arrangement for transporting and / or storing organic peroxides. Depending on the sensitivity of the organic peroxide to the action of heat, it can be provided that the transport and / or storage of the organic peroxide at room temperature or a slightly elevated temperature in the range from 20 ° C. to 50 ° C., preferably in the range from 20 ° C. to 30 ° C, or at temperatures below room temperature in the range from -40 ° C to 20 ° C, preferably in the range from -25 ° C to 20 ° C.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. It shows:

Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a security container assembly according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the safety container arrangement in an enlarged view in viewing direction II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a valve mechanism in an enlarged view; and Figure 4 is a simplified view of another safety container arrangement according to the invention, which is provided with a forced circulation device.

In Figure 1, the security container arrangement according to the invention is generally designated 10. It comprises a first receiving space 1 2 for receiving an organic peroxide OP and a second receiving space 1 4 for receiving a further liquid that is miscible with the organic peroxide to reduce the hazard potential, in particular a liquid V for diluting the organic peroxide OP. Between the receiving spaces 1 2, 1 4 one recognizes two valve mechanisms 1 6, which in the event of danger release a connection between the two receiving spaces 1 2 and 14 and allow the liquids OP, V to be mixed.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first receiving space 1 2 comprises a convexly curved upper floor 1 8, a lower floor 20 inclined on all sides towards the center and a peripheral wall 22 connecting the upper floor 1 8 and the lower floor 20 to one another 8 is provided in a central area with a manhole opening 24 which can be closed by a screw cover 26 articulated at 25, which is shown in FIG. 1 both in its closed and open position, which is designated by 26 ', and an overpressure relief device in the form a rupture disc 28. Furthermore, a pressure compensation device 30 is provided on the upper floor, which allows the same to be ventilated when the first receiving space 1 2 is filled or emptied.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the second receiving space 14 is formed by a pot-shaped or bowl-shaped container part 32, which consists of an underbody 34 inclined on all sides towards the center and one

Circumferential wall 36 is formed, which is curved with a convex Circumferential area of the underfloor 20 of the first receiving space 1 2 is connected in a suitable manner. It should be pointed out in particular that the individual bottoms 1 8, 20 and 34 each have a convex curvature at least in the peripheral region and run parallel to the container axis A in their connecting region with the associated peripheral wall 22, 36, the connecting region between the peripheral wall 36 and the underbody 20 is in a seamless area.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the underfloor 20 of the first receiving space 1 2 terminates in the center with a plate-shaped collecting basin 38, which is connected to a tubular section 40 which passes through and after the second receiving space 1 4 and the underbody 34 in the axial direction A. ends at the bottom in a hemispherical cap 41, to which an outlet connection 42 with a flange 44 connects. On this is a valve 48 and a by means of fastening bolts 46

Quick coupling 50 flanged, the quick coupling 50 additionally by means of a holding bracket 52 and a fastening bolt 54 with a

Slot row 56 one attached to the underside of the underbody 34

Retaining tab 58 is connected. The quick coupling 50, which is used to connect hose lines, not shown, is closed on the outlet side by means of a cap 60, which is secured to the

Retaining tab 58 is secured.

The underbody 34 of the second receiving space 14 also has at its lower end a plate-shaped collecting basin 64, which is welded to the tubular section 40 on the one hand and on the other hand has a further outlet connection 66 which ends in a flange 68 which is fastened by means of fastening bolts 70 a valve 72 and a quick coupling 74 closed by a cap 76 is connected.

In its area near the edge, the underbody 34 of the second receiving space 14 is provided with a ventilation device in the form of a Overflow 78 provided, which extends from the underside of the underbody 34 to close to the upper end of the receiving space 1 4. The overflow 78 has a riser pipe 80 which is closed at the bottom by a metal screw cap 82 with a pressure compensation device 84.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve mechanism 16 can be seen, which is arranged in an inclined region of the underbody 20. The valve 16 has a valve body 88 through which a flow channel 90 pulls. At its upper end, the valve body 88 has a guide collar 92 which widens outwards in the opening direction from a valve seat 94. The valve seat 94 essentially consists of an O-ring 96 which is received in an annular groove 98 pointing in the axial direction AV of the valve body 88.

At its lower end, the valve body 88 has an external toothing 100 which engages with an internal toothing 102 of a sleeve 104 which is inserted into an opening 106 of the underbody 20 and fixed therein by means of a weld seam 1 08, between an end near the valve 1 1 0 of the sleeve 1 04 and a seat 1 1 2 provided on the outer circumference of the valve body 88, a seal 1 14 is provided.

The guide collar 92 at the upper end of the valve body 88 has on its outer circumference a toothing 1 1 6, which is in engagement with an internal toothing 1 18 of a sleeve 1 20, which has a corrugated surface 1 22 on its outer circumference, with the help of which the sleeve 1 20 can be screwed onto the guide collar 92. At its upper end, the sleeve 1 20 is provided with a plurality of brackets 1 26 via a welded connection 1 24, of which only a single one is shown in FIG. 3. At its upper central end, the bracket 1 26 has a bore 1 28 provided with internal teeth, into which an adjusting screw 1 30 is screwed. The adjusting screw 1 30 serves a valve disc 1 32, which has a cutting edge 1 34 on its outside, by means of a glass bulb 1 36 and a glass bulb seat 1 38, which is inserted into a bore 1 40 provided centrally in the valve disc 1 32, on its valve seat 94 to press.

A helical compression spring 1 42 is provided on the underside of the valve plate 1 32, which is supported on the one hand in the edge region of the valve plate and on the other hand on a seat 1 44 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 88. In order to enable the valve body 88 to be firmly screwed into the sleeve 104, a recess 146 is provided on the outer circumference of the valve body 44, which serves as a contact surface for a correspondingly dimensioned wrench.

If the temperature of the liquid received in the first receiving space 1 2 exceeds a predetermined limit value, the glass piston 1 36 is destroyed, which has the consequence that the helical compression spring 1 42 lifts the valve plate 1 32 from the valve seat 94 and in the direction of the end of the bracket 1 26 opposite the valve disk until the valve disk 1 32 strikes the surface 148 of the bracket 1 26 facing the valve disk 1 32, which is illustrated schematically by the dashed valve disk 1 32 '. After the valve has been opened, the two liquids OP and V are mixed due to the different liquid densities via the valves 1 6, and an outflow between the two receiving spaces 1 2, 14 is further amplified by a gas volume G rising from the lower receiving space 1 4, which by means of of the overflow 78 can be adjusted.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, the valve mechanism 16 is arranged in an inclined region of the underbody 20 such that the Compression spring side of the valve 1 6 facing away from the organic peroxide. With this arrangement, it is possible, on the one hand, to achieve a flow through the valves 1 6 running approximately in the axial direction A of the safety container arrangement 1 0 and, on the other hand, to ensure that the valve 1 6, which is sensitive to peroxide, such as, for example, with the valve 1 6 still closed the helical compression spring 1 42 are only exposed to the aggressive liquid in an emergency.

For transport or storage, the safety container 1 0 is provided on its outside with a support frame 1 50, which is attached by means of fastening bolts 1 52 and 1 54 to the outside of the safety container and is supported relative to it by rubber buffers (not shown) and by a hold-down frame 1 56 in the support frame held. The area between a subframe 1 58 and the underbody 34 of the second receiving space 14 is protected on all sides by profiled sheets 1 60. In order to enable the safe stacking of several safety containers 10 on top of one another, the supporting frame 1 50 has catching shoes 1 62 in its lower corner areas and stacking corners 1 64 in its upper corner areas.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention, which has two receiving spaces 1 80 and 1 82 which are arranged next to one another and which are connected to one another by means of an electric pump 1 48 and a valve 1 86. If, for example, a sensor arrangement (not shown) detects that the organic peroxide OP received in the first receiving space 1 80 reaches a critical temperature, the electric pump 1 84 and the valve 1 86 (or also two electric pumps) are actuated in order to force the two liquids to circulate to effect through the two receiving spaces 1 80, 1 82 to enable rapid mixing of the two liquids. Here, the liquid with the lower density is preferably by means of Pump 1 84 is pumped into the lower area of the other receiving space, which leads to an additional acceleration of the mixing of the liquids due to the additional rising and falling movements induced by the density differences.

Claims

Expectations

1 . Safety container arrangement for holding dangerous liquids, in particular an organic peroxide (OP), with separate holding spaces (1 2, 1 4), of which at least one first holding space (1 2) for holding the dangerous liquid (OP) and at least a second one Receiving space (14) for accommodating a further liquid (V) which is miscible with the dangerous liquid (OP) to reduce the hazard potential, in particular a liquid (V) for diluting and / or neutralizing the dangerous liquid (OP), between the receiving rooms (1 2, 1 4) at least one connection (1 06) is provided, which is closed by at least one security mechanism (1 6) which, in the event of danger, the at least one connection

(1 06) releases and allows the liquids (OP, V) to be mixed.

2. Safety container arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving space (1 2) for receiving the liquid with the higher density (OP) is arranged higher than the other receiving space (14).

3. Safety container according to claim 2, characterized in that at least the higher-arranged receiving space (1 2) has an overpressure relief device, in particular in the form of a rupture disc (28).

4. Safety container arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two receiving spaces

(1 2, 1 4) arranged one above the other in a container and separated from each other by an intermediate wall (20).

5. Safety container arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first receiving space (1 2) an at least in the peripheral region convexly curved upper floor (1 8), an at least convexly curved lower floor (20) and a the upper floor (1 8) and the

Includes subfloor (20) peripheral wall (22) and that the second receiving space (14) is formed by a bowl-shaped container part (34, 36) which is attached in the convexly curved area of the underbody (20) of the first receiving space (1 2) is.

6. Safety container arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving spaces (1 2, 1 4) consist of stainless steel or pure aluminum.

7. Safety container arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety mechanism comprises a valve mechanism (1 6).

8. Safety container arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve mechanism (1 6) comprises a by a helical compression spring (1 42) biased in the opening direction valve plate (1 32), which by a between the compression spring side of the valve plate (1 32) and one Spacer (1 26) held fuse (1 36) in its

Sealing position is maintained.

9. Safety container arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the helical compression spring (142) rests in the edge region of the valve plate (1 32), a guide collar (92) from one

Valve seat (94) widens outwards in the opening direction and the valve disk (1 32) has a cutting edge (134) on its outside.

10. Safety container arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the valve mechanism (1 6) is arranged in an inclined region of the intermediate wall (20) so that the pressure spring side of the valve mechanism (1 6) facing away from the dangerous liquid (OP) is.

1 1. Safety container arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second receiving space (14) has an overflow (78) which extends from the underside of the receiving space (14) to close to the upper end of the receiving space (14).

12. Safety container arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety mechanism comprises a device (184, 186) which causes forced circulation of the liquids (OP, V) through the two receiving spaces (1 80, 1 82).

1 3. Use of a safety container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 1 2 for the transport and / or storage of organic peroxides.

14. Use of a safety container arrangement according to claim 1 3, characterized in that the transport and / or storage of the organic peroxide at room temperature or slightly elevated temperature in the range from 20 ° C to 50 ° C, preferably in the range from 20 ° C to 30 ° C takes place.

5. Use of a safety container arrangement according to claim 1 3, characterized in that the transport and / or storage of the organic peroxide at temperatures below room temperature in the range from -40 ° C to 20 ° C, preferably in the range from -25 ° C to 20 ° C takes place.