Videos

A common misconception is that the flash point of a liquid is the temperature at which it autoignites. Watch this video to find out more

Mike Brodie MD Chemstore UK ignites 2 smoke bombs to simulate flammable vapour and talks through the features of the ATEX extraction system together with the benefits of a high velocity cowl (HVC).

A tour of the new Warwick University Firevault, the system comes complete with a touch screen temperature control system, fire detection, Novec 1230 fire suppression system and purge extraction system. Mike Brodie Chemstore UK Managing Director gives the tour.

A live demonstration of a deluge of hot foam fire suppression media in a newly built chemical warehouse project in the UK, due to its simplicity and convenient installation, it’s a very cost-effective system when comparing it with other firefighting systems. No automatic dampers are required at each generator as found in conventional Hi-Ex systems which need to bring in fresh air inside the building. The Hot foam technology uses inside air from the inside of the building. The system prevents any smoke, or any polluted fumes being exhausted outside of the building and into the environment. Together with a very versatile agent, the water quantity required to extinguish the fire is minimal, so the Hot-foam system offers users the best possible solution. This makes the high expansion foam system especially convenient where a water supply is limited and run off could be a potential pollution problem. The new chemical store has the following dimensions: - 25m (L) x 15m (W) x 7.75m (H) (6m to the eaves), with an expected rack storage height of 4.6m.


Total volume to protect = 25 x 15 x 5 = 1875m3

Total capacity per minute based on 3 minute filling = 1875 ÷ 3 = 625m3

Total capacity = 625 x 1.2 x 1.2 = 900 m3

No of generators = 900 ÷ 58 = 16 x HG25 Generators

Total flow rate = 16 x 90 lpm = 1440 lpm

Total flow rate based on a 3 minute filling of the risk volume = 4320 ltrs

In order to comply fully with the requirements of the Water Pollution Act 1997, 1990 bunds should be tested at least every three years. However, it is recommended to test more frequently in certain cases such as highly sensitive environmental areas.

The testing period is gauged when bunds are filled to the minimum capacity and monitored for loss after a 6 hour, 24 hour or 5 day test period.

The bund must be constructed of a compatible material capable of containing the liquid being stored. A common error found in the industry is storing corrosive liquids in a steel bund which is highly likely to corrode and leak over time.

Protecting Lithium Ion Batteries is the Electrovault, available with different Fire Suppression media to suit your requirements. The Electrovault can be temperature controlled, humidity controlled and can detect gases given off during a thermal runaway, visit www.chemstore.co.uk/electrovault for more info.

Here is an install of a 5m high Firevault designed for the storage of Ethanol tanks, the unit was delivered in two parts and assembled onsite. The install was completed in 3 days with minimal distruption, get in contact with Chemstore today if you have a similar requirement. www.chemstore.co.uk

Do you store or handle corrosives?

Visit https://www.chemstore.co.uk/corrosives-checklist/ to download your free guide

A common mistake and problem we discover on client sites time and time again is improper segregation of hazardous materials.

By storing, for example, #oxidsing chemicals with #flammables it creates a higher risk of fire outbreak by both classes of material reacting. This Firevault is designed to mitigate that risk with designated compartments for specified chemical classes.

Organic peroxides are organic chemicals which contain the unstable -O-O- peroxy linkage in their molecular structure. They are highly reactive, combustible and thermally unstable substances which may undergo self-accelerating decomposition. They also possess oxidising characteristics and will react, often violently, with organic matter and chemical reducing agents. A limited number of liquid compositions are low flash point, highly flammable liquids. In the pure state some are detonable and easily initiated. These properties are suppressed or removed by dilution or phlegmatisation (desensitisation) with liquids such as water and phthalates. Even so, commercially available organic peroxides are capable of self heating and runaway decomposition. Initiation is by heating or contamination with, for example, transition metal compounds (particularly those of vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron and cobalt) amines, strong acids and alkalis. Contamination of a container of organic peroxide with parts per million of a resin accelerator is likely to result in an exothermic runaway reaction. The conclusion to a runaway reaction may be a violent pressure burst of the container together with a sudden release of hot flammable vapours which might be toxic and ignite spontaneously. If the container provides significant confinement, an explosion of the peroxide may occur. Peroxides spilled onto combustible materials eg wood, paper, cotton, may result in a fire.

If you are storing Organic Peroxides onsite please contact Chemstore to organise a site visit to discuss our bespoke solutions