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Previous by Date: Subject: Re: Explosion Proof Refrigerator Storage Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:42:07 -0400 Author: Pete Vail |
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Although I have heard of converting an ordinary refrigerator to one that would be safe for flammable storage, I would not recommend doing so. I think it is far more prudent to purchase a refrigerator that has been designed with the appropriate safety features for your purpose. The distinction between flammable and explosion-proof refrigerators lies in the fact that, while both are safe for storage of flammable liquids (because there is no open ignition source inside the refrigerator), the explosion-proof variety gives an added measure of safety by having its EXTERNAL sources of ignition sealed (e.g., the compressor), so that there is no chance of causing a fire or explosion if there are flammable vapors immediately OUTSIDE the refrigerator. In many situations, the considerable extra expense is not justified. In addition, an explosion-proof refrigerator must be hard-wired to a sealed connection to electrical power; it cannot simply be plugged into an outlet; so there is additional expense to accomplish this as well. Neil Edwards Laboratory Manager Department of Chemistry Long Island University - C. W. Post Campus nedwards**At_Symbol_Here**liu.edu -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List on behalf of Don Abramowitz Sent: Fri 7/30/2010 1:01 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Explosion Proof Refrigerator Storage 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 100 degrees F). I've never seen that as a criteria for deciding what materials require refrigeration. (Flashpoint is simply the temperature at which a solvent gives off enough vapor that it can be ignited with a spark and continue to burn. Gasoline has a flash point well below zero, and it rests comfortably in our car gas tanks on hot days.) Explosion proof refrigerators come into play when you decide, for whatever reason, that you want to refrigerate flammable liquids. This is because putting flammable liquids in a regular refrigerators creates an ignition hazard. I don't know of anyone who converts regular refrigerators to explosion proof ones. For an ordinary stockroom situation, I see no need to store all of your flammable solvents under refrigeration. Don Donald Abramowitz Environmental Health & Safety Officer Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr, PA We are in the process of annual review of our chemical inventory and I was hoping to get some help with the specific guidelines of what chemicals must be stored in our explosion proof refrigerator. I have read several resources that indicate a flashpoint of 37.8C is the cut off however this covers a lot of lab solvents and I would not have enough room. Our acetone for example is stored in our vented flammable cabinets. Does anyone know of a site which gives detailed information on refrigerator storage. Also our stockroom only has an explosion proof refrigerator and vented flammable cabinets we have no "Flammable" refrigerators available. Does anyone in the Chicago area know of a company that can convert our household refrigerators into flammable ones? As always thank you all in advanc for the help. Kathleen Schmidt-Nebril, NRCC-CHO Chemistry Division Department of Natural Science Dominican University River Forest, IL 60305 708-524-6533
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