Why is a concentration of 25%-30% for the ethylene oxide solution the most dangerous condition?
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Seeking advice from experts: I came across a statement in the foreign supplier’s process documentation that read: “The worst case Water/EO ratio in terms of heat generation is between 25%wt and 30%wt EO in water.” It was said that this ratio represents the most problematic one in terms of heat generation; I’m not quite sure what this means – does it refer to EO decomposing on its own? Water as a decomposition catalyst? I also looked up some information and came across a statement saying that \"significant energy is generated during the automatic decomposition of EO, which is generally used as power for rockets or jet propulsion systems; the substances involved are usually nitromethane and ethylene oxide.\" Is the automatic decomposition of 25%-30% EO aqueous solutions related to this?
It should be the concentration at which EG reacts the fastest; the reaction between EO and water is exothermic, and the heat released accelerates this reaction, creating a vicious cycle.
Yes, at that concentration, a large amount of EG is generated, releasing plenty of heat and creating a vicious cycle. If the concentration of EO remains too high at this point, polymerization of EO occurs, which in turn releases a large amount of heat and poses a danger