DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

Debbie:

Anthony's advice is good and correct. A disposal company trained in
handling potential explosives is used for containers of ethyl ether,
whether empty or not. I am mainly searching for information on the
potential detonation force of peroxides that are left in and empty
container.

Kent

On 4/29/2005 1:29 PM, Debbie Decker wrote:

> At 12:38 PM 4/29/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>
>> Scenario: Ethyl ether in metal container that is over 10 years old.
>> Peroxide content unknown. Container is empty (<3%) to the best of our
>> knowledge. Cap is clear plastic with no visible signs of peroxides.
>> Understand that peroxides can concentrate as the ether evaporates.
>
>
> 
>
> Kent:
>
> Anthony's advice to contract with a reactive chemicals disposal firm is
> excellent. I would add the following couple of details to it.
>
> What the disposal firm needs to do is remotely open the can and add a
> suitable solvent (ethanol is probably a good choice) then reseal the can
> and dispose as a flammable liquid lab pack, carefully re-labelling it
> according to your local requirements. I don't know if I'd attempt to bulk
> it with other flammable liquids at that point. If the container comes
> apart during the remote opening, well, you've solved your problem,
> haven't you?
>
> Onyx Environmental is a firm we've used - I have no financial or personal
> interest in Onyx.
>
> 
>
> Hope this helps,
> Debbie
>
> Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Hygiene Officer
> Environmental Health and Safety
> University of California, Davis
> 1 Shields Ave.
> Davis, CA 95616
> (530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
> dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
> Co-Conspirator to Make the World A
> Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy

--
Kent A. Candee, CIH
Environmental Health Division
EMC Insurance Companies
Ph: 515-362-7832
Cell: 515-321-5874

You can count on EMCís Environmental Health Division.

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