Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:01:05 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Don Abramowitz <dabramow**At_Symbol_Here**BRYNMAWR.EDU>
Subject: Re: Explosion Proof Refrigerator Storage
In-Reply-To: <BBFA6832756A874D89D201416246904006E7B866**At_Symbol_Here**exchng2k.dom.edu>
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>Generally, it is not necessary to store flammable liquids in an explosion
proof refrigerator. Flammable liquid cabinets are ideal for ordinary
storage. Your reference to 37.8 degrees C seems to correspond to the
definition of a flammable liquid (a liquid with a flash point at or below 1
00 degrees F). I've never seen that as a criteria for deciding what m
aterials require refrigeration. (Flashpoint is simply the temperature
at which a solvent gives off enough vapor that it can be ignited with a sp
ark and continue to burn. Gasoline has a flash point well below zero,
and it rests comfortably in our car gas tanks on hot days.)
Explosi
on proof refrigerators come into play when you decide, for whatever reason,
that you want to refrigerate flammable liquids. This is because putt
ing flammable liquids in a regular refrigerators creates an ignition hazard
.
I don't know of anyone who converts regular refrigerators to explo
sion proof ones. For an ordinary stockroom situation, I see no need t
o store all of your flammable solvents under refrigeration.
; Don
Donald Abramowitz
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Maw
r, PA
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