Reaction Calorimetry & In-situ FTRI Reaction Analysis
Our reactive chemical laboratory is equipped with a state-of-the-art Reactor Calorimeter, RC1e. This calorimeter can be used for process optimization and to perform experimental testing that provides data for conducting systematic assessments of risk due to potential loss of control over chemical reactions.
This RC1e is equipped with an in-situ FTRI probe (React IR™), that provides real-time information about the chemical species involved or formed during the progress of a chemical reaction (i.e., intermediate products). This probe can detect the potentially hazardous reactant accumulation. In combination with the data from realtime calorimetry, the FTRI probe can be used for a comprehensive evaluation of the reaction system, selection of the operating conditions, assess safety of process changes, etc.
Adiabatic Reaction Calorimetry
Our laboratory is also equipped with an Automatic Pressure Tracking Adiabatic Calorimeter (APTAC), which can be used for the evaluation of the thermal runaway behavior of reactive systems.
The APTAC can operate under different modes including heat ramp, isothermal, and heat-wait-search modes (HWS). When operating under HWS mode, the APTAC can detect and track exotherms at heat generation rates as low as 0.04°C/min and up to about 400°C/min. This calorimeter can use sample cells of different materials including Hastelloy, titanium, stainless steel, and glass. Its pressure range goes from vacuum to 2,000 psi.
The information obtained from the APTAC can be used for conducting kinetic and thermodynamic studies, determining the thermal stability of a reactive system, providing valuable data for pressure relieve valves design, etc.
Dust Explosion Testing
The center also has a 36-L vessel that can be used to evaluate the explosibility characteristics of dust samples and hybrid mixtures. With this equipment we can determine the hazard class for the analyzed sample (KSt values), the Lower Oxygen Concentration (LOC), and the Minimum Explosible Concentration (MEC). These results are valuable for conducting a hazard assessment of process/ operations that involve handling of dust particles.
Our equipment has been carefully calibrated and its performance has been evaluated using samples from Round Robin tests. The results obtained show an excellent agreement with other standard equipment (i.e., 20-L and 1m3 vessels), which confirms the validity of our results.
Other Testing Capabilities
The areas of expertise of the MKOPSC in experimental safety include reactive chemicals, dust explosions, flammability of gases and liquid aerosols. In addition to the standard tests mentioned, the MKOPSC can develop tailored experimental setups to meet the needs of our clients. Please contact us for details.