What is the flammability limit value of eo?
Lower explosive limit: 3.0%, upper explosive limit: 100%. Explosion hazard: severe, when exposed to flame.
How ethylene oxide is produced?
Ethylene oxide can be produced by reacting oxygen (O2) and ethylene (C2H4) at temperatures of 200 – 300°C and pressures of 10 – 20 bara. The typical yield of this reaction is up to 80 – 90%.
Why the ethylene oxide is highly reactive?
Ethylene oxide is very reactive because its highly strained ring can be opened easily, and is thus one of the most versatile chemical inter- mediates.
How do you dilute ethylene oxide?
Closed cup flash point determinations indicate that, at concentrations below 1% by weight the vapours are not flammable in air at ambient temperatures, i.e. leakage of ethylene oxide is rendered non-flammable by diluting 100 fold with water.
What is an acceptable flammable limit reading?
An oxygen content of 19.5 percent can support life and is adequate for entry. Atmospheres with a concentration of flammable vapors at or above 10 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL) are considered hazardous when located in confined spaces.
Where is ethylene oxide manufactured?
In the U.S., ethylene oxide is primarily produced in two states: Texas and Louisiana.
What products use ethylene oxide?
Most ethylene oxide is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals used to manufacture products, such as fabrics for clothes, upholstery, carpet and pillows. It is used to produce ethylene glycols for engine antifreeze that keeps our automobiles performing.
What is EtO sterilization used for?
ETO is used in healthcare facilities to sterilize critical items (and sometimes semicritical items) that are moisture or heat sensitive and cannot be sterilized by steam sterilization.
Where is Ethylene Oxide manufactured?
In which concentration Ethylene Oxide is very effective?
The four essential parameters (operational ranges) are: gas concentration (450 to 1200 mg/l); temperature (37 to 63°C); relative humidity (40 to 80%)(water molecules carry ETO to reactive sites); and exposure time (1 to 6 hours). These influence the effectiveness of ETO sterilization.
What is the auto ignition temperature of ethylene oxide?
The auto-ignition temperature (AIT) of ethylene oxide in air at atmospheric pressure is 429°C. However, any contaminants present, such as rust can significantly reduce the AIT. Solutions of ethylene oxide in water may give rise to flammable vapour. Even a 1 % solution of ethylene oxide in water has a closed cup flashpoint of 22°C.
When is the reaction of ethylene glycol and Ethyle Oxide carried out?
The reaction is usually carried out at about 60 °C (140 °F) with a large excess of water, in order to prevent the reaction of the formed ethylene glycol with ethylene oxide that would form di- and triethylene glycol: 2 (CH 2 CH 2 )O + H 2 O → HO–CH 2 CH 2 –O–CH 2 CH 2 –OH
What is the vapor pressure of ethylene oxide?
The vapor pressure for ethylene oxide is 1,095 mm Hg at 20°C, and it has an octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) of -0.22. (2) Ethylene oxide has a solubility in water of 1 × 106 mg/L at 20°C and is soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, and benzene. (2) Ethylene oxide has an odor threshold of 787 mg/m3. (2)
What is the stewardship manual for ethylene oxide?
The Ethylene Oxide Product Stewardship Guidance Manual was prepared by the American Chemistry Council’s Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycols Panel (Panel). It is intended to provide general information to persons who may handle or store ethylene oxide.