DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:57:53 -0400
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From: Neil Edwards <Neil.Edwards**At_Symbol_Here**LIU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Explosion Proof Refrigerator Storage
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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