Thermal hazard simulations for methyl ethyl ketone peroxide induced by contaminants

Historically, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO), a universal hardener in the rubber industries, has caused many serious explosions and fires in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China. This study used certain thermal analytical methods to thoroughly explore both why MEKPO led to these accidents and what happened during the upset conditions. Potential process contaminants, such as H₂SO₄, KOH, and Fe₂O₃, were deliberately selected to mix with MEKPO in various concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to calculate the thermokinetic parameters. Kinetic evaluation was also implemented by means of the methods and software developed by Chem-Inform St. Petersburg, Ltd. The results indicate that MEKPO is highly hazardous when mixed with any of the above-mentioned contaminants. Fire and explosion hazards can be effectively lessened if safety parameters and thermokinetic parameters are properly imbedded into manufacturing processes. 2004 Korea/Japan/Taiwan Chemical Engineering Conference held at Busan, Korea between November 3 and 4, 2004.