TECHNICAL GUIDANCE MANUAL

ACETONE HANDLING
(C.A.S. # 67-64-1)
(current as of 06.01.2001)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This manual provides information for reducing the risks associated with the handling and storage of acetone. While it is not intended to be a comprehensive examination of all possible acetone safety issues, it does provide direction to enable individuals who manufacture, use, store, transport, dispose, recycle and/or reclaim this chemical to do so properly.

Acetone is an oxygenated hydrocarbon belonging to the ketone family. Its primary uses are as an industrial solvent and as an intermediate in the production of methyl methacrylate, methylisobutyl ketone, and methylisobutyl carbinol. Acetone is not known to have chronic or cumulative effects on humans. It is considered extremely flammable and its vapors may become explosive when mixed with air.

USE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This technical guidance manual for handling acetone is offered solely for your information, consideration, and investigation. This manual is for general informational purposes only. Since every situation is unique, and acetone is hazardous if not handled appropriately, you must consult qualified technical and engineering personnel to evaluate your specific situation and answer any specific questions you may have. Sunoco disclaims all warranties, either expressed or implied, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the data contained herein, and will not be liable for any personal injury, property damage, environmental harm or legal noncompliance that may result from reliance upon this document or your management of acetone.

SAFETY

Acetone should always be handled, stored, and used with precautions against fire and explosion. Acetone is a flammable liquid with flammable limits of 2.6 to 12.8 vol% at 25°C.  Solutions of acetone and water can be flammable. Since acetone vapors travel with air currents, they can be ignited by flames and sparks at locations remote from the site at which the material is being handled. Smoking should be prohibited since prolonged exposure to acetone may cause the chemical to remain on clothing.

Appropriate safety gear should always be worn when handling acetone. This includes safety glasses with cup-type side shields or chemical goggles, safety shoes, natural rubber, or neoprene gloves, and hard hat. In unusual or emergency situations when contact with the liquid is necessary or likely, the handler should wear full protective equipment and clothing. All contaminated clothing must be washed before reuse. Protective equipment and clothing should be decontaminated or disposed of according to the manufacturers instructions.

In case of eye contact with acetone, wash with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Obtain medical attention promptly. In case of skin contact, wash with water for at least 15 minutes. If inhaled, remove the patient from contaminated atmosphere to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen which is administered only by trained personnel. Get prompt medical attention.

For more detailed information on first aid and the safe handling of acetone, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet which can be provided to you by Sunoco in compliance with OSHA hazard communication regulations.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

SPILL OR LEAK: Eliminate all sources of ignition in the vicinity of a spill or released vapors. Isolate the area. Permit only trained personnel wearing full protective clothing and equipment to enter the spill area. Terminate the leak immediately, if possible. Collect the contaminated soil, debris, clothing, etc., into a waste container for disposal. Flush the spill area thoroughly with water and wash all contaminated equipment. All flushing and wash water must be contained and prevented from entering a waterway. Ventilate the area to disperse vapors.

Spills of acetone in excess of its Reportable Quantity (RQ) should be reported to the appropriate federal, state, and local environmental agencies, including The National Response Center (800-424-8802). Consult Material Safety Data Sheet for the Reportable Quantity.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PRECAUTIONS

Handle acetone as a very flammable liquid. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed tanks and containers cool. Do not enter the fire area without proper personal protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STORAGE SYSTEMS

For the safe storage of acetone, portable tanks not exceeding 660 gallons and containers not exceeding 60 gallons must comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 30, Chapter 4 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 1910.106. Leaks are difficult to detect in underground tanks but if it is necessary to use such tanks, they must also conform to the above mentioned codes and all federal, state and local regulations.

Acetone is a Class 1 flammable liquid. Bulk storage tanks are not to be located inside buildings unless built in accordance with the process tank provisions of the NFPA code.

The design of storage tanks must conform to the principles of good engineering practice. Tanks can be either horizontal or vertical and in any shape consistent with good design principles. Acetone can be stored in tanks designed for the following pressure ranges and standard:

Pressure tanks built according to ASME code are preferred over atmospheric tanks if acetone is to be stored at or near its boiling point (56.2°C). In the case of atmospheric tanks, provisions must be made for inbreathing (vacuum relief) and outbreathing (pressure relief) in the form of a combination pressure/vacuum relief valve whose size is based on the vent rates established by NFPA 30, Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code. Tanks should not have steam coils.

Open vents should not be used with acetone since its flash point is below 100°F. When designing vents, the minimum for venting that should be used is contained in NFPA 30, Flammable & Combustible Liquid Code. For inbreathing, vacuum relief API 2000 should be used.

Note: The inbreathing sizing as called for in API 2000 is not adequate for the situation where a steam tank is subject to sudden cooling. For most tanks, emergency vents are required to protect against fire exposure. Although protection can be achieved by the use of additional P/V valves, a gauge hatch or manhole cover that lifts when exposed to abnormal pressure is normally used. Again, tanks used for acetone storage will not usually have steam coils.

It is recommended that tanks larger than 10,000 gallons be equipped with either an internal or an external floating roof to prevent the accumulation and loss of vapor.

Because of the high vapor pressure of acetone (2.5 PSIA at 20°C) federal regulations require that tanks larger than 20,000 gallons which were constructed, reconstructed or modified after July 23, 1984 have a floating roof or have a vapor recovery system to minimize emissions.

NOTE: Floating roof tanks need a double closure seal to eliminate the space between the roof edge and wall. The design of floating roof tanks is covered by API Standard 650.

Acetone storage tanks may be painted white to minimize radiational heating by sunlight. Tanks should also not be filled to the top as acetone will expand as temperatures rise in warmer weather.

NOTE: Check for any additional requirements mandated by State or Local regulations.

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION

All storage tank systems should be equipped with instrumentation to monitor temperature and level, as well as a high-level alarm if possible. Centrifugal pumps are preferred for transferring acetone. Avoid using positive displacement type pumps since acetone provides minimum lubrication to the internal parts. Fire safe valves, which can be plug, gate, ball, or other types capable of providing tight shut-off consistent with ANSI Standard B31.3 or ANSI B31.4l, could be used. Plastic valves should not be used since they typically do not provide adequate fire protection and may not be compatible with acetone. Sufficient valves are required to control flow into and discharge from the tank under normal and emergency conditions.

A water spray system may be installed consistent with NFPA 12 since acetone/water mixtures are flammable. All tanks should have connections for the introduction of polar solvent (alcohol) type foam. Floating roof tanks need connections near the seal area.

Electrical equipment used should meet the requirements of the NEC (NFPA 70) Class I, Group D. Additional information can be found in NFPA 30, The Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code and NFPA 497A Recommended Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas, which give the minimum requirements for proper classification.

In dealing with static electricity problems refer to NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity, and NFPA 780, Lighting Protection Code.

In order to minimize problems from static electricity arising from the loading and unloading of acetone, grounding and bonding procedures should be used. (Refer to NFPA 77).

Location of tanks with respect to each other and property lines need to conform with NFPA Standard 30.

Provisions for containment of spills from tanks must also be made in accordance with this standard. An approved fire alarm system is required and a public alarm box is recommended. The number of portable fire extinguishers on hand should be consistent with the particular hazard.

MATERIALS FOR CONSTRUCTION

Carbon steel or stainless steel are the preferred materials for construction of tanks, pumps, and piping components. If diacetone alcohol or mesityl oxide are of concern, stainless steel is preferred. Gaskets may be made of expanded TFE or TFE-gylon 3510. Aluminum can be used as the floating roof material. TFE wrapped urethane foam inserted with polypropylene fingers that bolt to the floating roof provide an effective perimeter seal for the roof.

NOTE: Acetone is a solvent for many elastomers. Therefore, the sealing material for a floatiang roof closure must be selected carefully. It is recommended that all construction materials used for equipment or containers be checked for acetone compatibility.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

HANDLING BULK DELIVERIES

Guidelines for loading and unloading bulk deliveries are covered in NFPA 30, Chapter 5. Systems must also comply with DOT Regulation 49 CFR 172.312 and 172.402.

Loading and unloading facilities should be at least 25 feet from other buildings and warehouses. When using compressed gas for transferring, refer to NFPA 30, Paragraph 5-4.1.4, which allows the use of inert gas for Class 1 flammable liquids. When loading acetone into rail cars or tank cars, install a vapor recovery system to minimize emissions. In addition, provide grounding and bonding facilities for protection from static sparks while loading and unloading.

Before loading or unloading a bulk delivery always check the storage tank to insure that it has sufficient available space. Monitor the tank level at all times during filling and be prepared to stop the flow immediately if necessary. High level alarms and shutdown may be installed.

Samples should not be taken through the dome immediately after filling (Refer to NFPA 77).

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS

The volatile properties of acetone make maintenance and inspection procedures especially critical. Personnel should routinely observe for possible leaks from valves, pump fittings, and storage tanks. Inspect all atmospheric tanks internally every 10 years or when operational problems arise. Floating roofs should be inspected every 5 years. Annually compare ultrasonic measurements or tank material thickness to monitor the corrosion rate of the tank walls. It is instructive to conduct a visual inspection of all welds at this time as well. If potential problem areas are observed, tests and/or an X-ray inspection should follow with repairs made accordingly.

Specific maintenance procedures for other equipment are available from its manufacturer. Testing of all systems must be in accordance with applicable codes, including ANSI B#1 as defined in NFPA 30.

Piping specifications can be found in NFPA 30, Section 3-3, (ANSI B31 & B31.4).