FireDOC Search

Author
Ansul Chemical Company
Title
Fire Protection for Metal Alkyls.
Coporate
Ansul Chemical Co., Marinette, WI
Report
Technical Bulletin No. 38, [date unknown], 2 p.
Keywords
fire protection | fire extinguishing agents | ignition | fire extinguishers | inert atmosphere
Abstract
Fire protection for trialkylaluminums has proved a thorny but evermore common problem because of their increasing use by industry. Most of these metal-organic compounds are pyrophoric liquids which ignite on contact with air. Many aluminum alkyls are finding use as polymerization catalysts, reducing agents and chemical intermediates. They have been used in low pressure polyethylene synthesis, tetraethyl lead production, alcohols synthesis and aluminum gas plating. The handling and storage of these materials must be conducted under an inert atmosphere. Any leak or spill during manufacturing process is followed immediately by a fire.