Problems with phosphorus trichloride?
Thread Content
How is phosphorus trichloride fed in? Our phosphorus trichloride is in barrels; how is it transferred into tanks? We are using a centrifugal pump – how should it be operated, and how do we fill the pump?
I wonder that too – can it be done using vacuum?
Phosphorus trichloride is a Class A hazardous material; it is highly corrosive and irritating, and can cause burns to the human body. Its danger level is very high, so it is best not to use barrels for transporting it. It is recommended to use tank trucks for transport, with fully enclosed processes for loading and unloading, as otherwise the highly irritating environment at the site would be unbearable for the workers!
It is best to use tank trucks for safety; if barrels are used, corrosion-resistant electric or pneumatic diaphragm pumps are advisable.
Phosphorus trichloride is transported in tank trucks, and attention must be paid to system sealing to prevent leaks. It is best to carry out feeding in a sealed environment, paying attention to ventilation. Make the operations as mechanized and automated as possible. The positive pressure method can be used, with tank trucks used to feed the storage tank. I wonder if the original poster knows how the positive pressure method works!
A hand-cranked pump can be used; a threaded insert tube that can be connected to the threads of the barrel should be made. After connecting them, the barrels can be pumped one by one. There are small holes on the threaded cover to prevent the tank from becoming empty. The pumping process should not be too fast, in order to avoid creating a vacuum that could cause the barrel to collapse. Operators must wear protective clothing, glasses, gloves, and a gas mask, and they should stand in a location with a favorable wind direction. This post was last edited by Albertlu on 2009-4-5 at 11:07
Using phosphorus trichloride in barrels is troublesome; it’s better to have a pump designed for transferring liquid from barrels. Phosphorus trichloride emits fumes easily and has a high density, so vacuum methods are not suitable for its transportation. It’s best to use containers packed in tank trucks, with compressed air being used to transport phosphorus trichloride.
Nitrogen can be used for this purpose; a temporary nitrogen line is connected to the barrel, with the other end of that line leading to the tank. Nitrogen is then introduced, and once the barrel starts to deform, it indicates that there is nothing left inside the barrel!