Runaway effects of nitric acid on methyl ethyl ketone peroxide by TAM III tests

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) is an unstable material above certain limits of temperature, decomposing into chain reactions by radicals. The influence of runaway reactions on this basic characteristic was assessed by evaluating kinetic parameters, such as activation energy ( E a ), frequency factor ( A ), etc., by thermal activity monitor III (TAM III). This was done under three isothermal conditions of 70, 80, and 90 °C, with MEKPO 31 mass% combined with nitric acid (HNO 3 6 N) and sodium nitrate (NaNO 3 6 N). Nitric acid mixed with MEKPO gave the maximum heat of reaction ( △H d ) and also induced serious reactions in the initial stage of exothermic process under the three isothermal temperatures. The time to maximum rate ( TMR ) also decreased when HNO 3 was mixed with MEKPO. Thus, MEKPO combined with HNO 3 6 N forms a very hazardous mixture. Results of this study will be provided to relevant plants for alerting their staff on adopting best practices in emergency response or accident control.