DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

We have a lot of items that are stenches such as mercaptans, phoshines,
polyamines, etc. The weakest point of any container is where it is sealed.
For bottles it is the cap. As a general rule, we wash down the outside of
the capped bottle with a bleach solution. Once cleaned, the cap is secured
to the bottle with tape and then dipped in hot wax. When the wax cools, it
offers a pretty good seal. We use wax that melts at 55 - 65 C. The bottle
is then placed in secondary containment for storage. Typically, we use
friction top metal cans for containment. We have tried lower melting wax,
but in the summer months the warehouse gets hot and the wax melts down the
sides of the bottles. This process eliminated a lot of our odors.

Hope this helps
Brian




                      "Prisby, Mary"
                                            cc:
                      Sent by: DCHAS-L         Subject:  [DCHAS-L] Managing Chemicals with stench characteristics
                      Discussion List
                      

                      09/01/2004 09:59
                      PM
                      Please respond to
                      "Prisby, Mary"




I have been involved with moving materials from one faciity to another.
During the exercise, I am drafting a more extensive policy for chemical
storage.  Since we have a mulititude of materials, I am focusing on items
that I have highlighted from the existing storage.  One primarily is
materials that have a stench and/or are odiferous.

I understand that there may be products sold to absorb the stench odors or
reduce it.  Double bagging with vermiculite doesn't seem to be as effective
as I would hope.

Any general good practice successes would be greatly appreciated.

Mary
EHS
 deCODE Chemsitry