What are the specific requirements for storing activated carbon?
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The reason for bringing up this topic is as follows: The activated carbon purchased by our department over the years has been stored in a regular warehouse, and no fires or burning incidents have occurred there. However, a fire broke out recently – the activated carbon was stacked in the warehouse during the day, and a fire started at night. (The only item in the warehouse that is prone to catching fire is the piston.) Could the fire have been caused by the activated carbon? Is the activated carbon storage warehouse not properly managed or does it not meet the required standards?
It is probably caused by activated carbon. Activated carbon can catch fire on its own under certain conditions.
1) Activated carbon is listed in the catalog of hazardous chemicals; it is a self-igniting substance with the code 42521 and is flammable. After catching fire, there is no flaming combustion; only smoldering occurs.
Fire prevention: During storage or transportation, activated carbon should be kept away from direct contact with sources of fire to prevent ignition. When regenerating activated carbon, avoid introducing oxygen and ensure thorough regeneration; after regeneration, it must be cooled with steam to below 800°C, otherwise the high temperature combined with oxygen can cause the activated carbon to catch fire on its own.
According to the 2015 version of the Hazardous Goods List issued by the State Administration of Work Safety, activated carbon is no longer included in it. Activated carbon is very difficult to ignite, and once it does catch fire, it burns slowly. The specific hazard associated with this is smoldering; no smoke or flames are produced during combustion, but carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide may be generated. Activated carbon can only be ignited when it reaches a certain high temperature and comes into contact with a flame. When exposed to strong oxidizing agents such as ozone or liquid oxygen, the burning process intensifies. The ignition point of coal-based activated carbon is above 400 degrees Celsius. Of course, if it is modified activated carbon, the ignition point may drop below 200 degrees. Furthermore, if activated carbon absorbs VOCs with a low ignition point, it will also possess the same fire hazard as the VOC components.
It is probably caused by activated carbon. Activated carbon can catch fire on its own under certain conditions.