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51315-5425-A Unique Explosion Case Involving a Titanium Reactor

Picture for A Unique Explosion Case Involving a Titanium Reactor
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An unexpected explosion occurred in the vent line connecting at the top of a titanium reactor that was used to make a fire-retardant fabric. In this presentation the cause for this accident will be discussed based on the findings in examining samples from the vent line and the results of high-temperature tests.

Product Number: 51315-5425-SG
ISBN: 5425 2015 CP
Author: Te-Lin Yau
Publication Date: 2015
Industries: Materials Selection and Design , Science of Corrosion
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Like most metals, fine forms of titanium metal, such as powders and metal shavings, pose a significant fire hazard and, when heated in air, an explosion hazard. While large titanium metal pieces are difficult to ignite, these pieces will become ignitable under certain circumstances, such as dry chlorine, red fuming nitric acid and oxygen-rich environments. Any titanium fires and/or explosions occurring outside these well known conditions are considered unusual and unique.
An unexpected explosion occurred in the vent line connecting at the top of a titanium reactor that was used to make a fire-retardant fabric. The fabric was made by mixing 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene (durene) and nitric acid in the presence of plentiful water at 138oC (280º F). The line consisted initially of a short section of 6-inch titanium pipe and fitting before connecting to stainless vent line. Titanium seemed to be compatible with reactor conditions. There was no knowledge or expectation that these conditions could pose fire or an explosion hazard in titanium. That is, it was not feasible to create red fuming nitric acid or other known incompatible chemicals under reactor conditions.
Nevertheless, explosions occurred in the vent line but not in the reactor after 3 ½ years of operation. In this presentation, the cause for this accident will be discussed based on the findings in examining samples from the vent line and the results of high-temperature tests.


Keywords: downloadable, Titanium, nitric acid, 1245-tetramethylbenzene, vent line, fire, explosion

Like most metals, fine forms of titanium metal, such as powders and metal shavings, pose a significant fire hazard and, when heated in air, an explosion hazard. While large titanium metal pieces are difficult to ignite, these pieces will become ignitable under certain circumstances, such as dry chlorine, red fuming nitric acid and oxygen-rich environments. Any titanium fires and/or explosions occurring outside these well known conditions are considered unusual and unique.
An unexpected explosion occurred in the vent line connecting at the top of a titanium reactor that was used to make a fire-retardant fabric. The fabric was made by mixing 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene (durene) and nitric acid in the presence of plentiful water at 138oC (280º F). The line consisted initially of a short section of 6-inch titanium pipe and fitting before connecting to stainless vent line. Titanium seemed to be compatible with reactor conditions. There was no knowledge or expectation that these conditions could pose fire or an explosion hazard in titanium. That is, it was not feasible to create red fuming nitric acid or other known incompatible chemicals under reactor conditions.
Nevertheless, explosions occurred in the vent line but not in the reactor after 3 ½ years of operation. In this presentation, the cause for this accident will be discussed based on the findings in examining samples from the vent line and the results of high-temperature tests.


Keywords: downloadable, Titanium, nitric acid, 1245-tetramethylbenzene, vent line, fire, explosion

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