The prevention of undesired decomposition reactions during storage requires knowledge of the peroxide and its general properties. Personnel who have been trained and understand organic peroxides will be able to handle the chemical safely.

There are two important factors when storing organic peroxide:

• Minimisation of a peroxide decomposition •  .

• Reducing the effects of such a decomposition •  .

The following is a guideline to minimise the probability of peroxide decomposition by limiting the heat exposure of the product and preventing contamination.

The recommendations given below, as well as specific measures for temperature-controlled products, are based on Chemstore’s experience and knowledge. There are also insurance and local regulations which must be taken into consideration in the design and construction of storage units.

Safety

Organic peroxide is thermally unstable due to the weak bond in the molecular structure. As a result, organic peroxides are heat sensitive and will decompose significantly above a certain temperature. This temperature is specific to each individual peroxide.

During its decomposition, heat is released and the rate of its decomposition increases with temperature. If this heat cannot be transferred to the environment due to a reduced surface area from stacking or high ambient temperatures, self-heating will accelerate and lead to a violent combustion or thermal explosion.

Every peroxide has a temperature at which the self-heating accelerates. This temperature is designated as the SADT – Self Accelerating Decomposition Temperature. At or above this temperature a reaction will take place. Due to this, temperature control and high temperature alarms are required for storage.

Storage

A number of organic peroxides can be safely stored at ambient temperature, however most require some form of temperature control. The maximum temperature allowed by regulatory agencies is referred to as ‘The Control Temperature’ (Tc)

For a longer shelf life, lower temperatures than the control temperatures are generally recommended. At this recommended ‘Storage Temperature’ (Ts) as indicated on the product label, the product will be stable and quality loss will be minimal.

As each organic peroxide has its own specific storage temperature, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

The temperature must be maintained at or below the recommended storage temperature, refer to the SDS or product data sheet.

Organic peroxides must be protected from direct sunlight and all other sources of heat.

Specific attention should be given to:

• Windows or clear roof panels (not recommended

•  Heating systems (radiators, warm water pipes etc)

Cooled storage rooms should be provided with at least two independent temperature alarms. An alarm is recommended when the storage temperature is exceeded by 5°C. If this is the case, the store should be inspected. The temperature alarm should incorporate  a delay device to allow for intermittent short temperature increases which result from inspection, loadng and unloading. Any possibility of alarm de-activation should be countered with an automatic alarm re-activation.

Non-cooled storage rooms should be provided with an alarm set at the emergency temperature, but not higher than 45⁰C. It is important that a signal from the alarm system should not escape notice at any time including nights, weekends, etc. and that appropriately trained personnel are alerted. There should be dual power supply for the alarm system.