What is pyrophoric gas?

Definition and Hazards Pyrophoric materials are substances that ignite instantly upon exposure to oxygen. They can also be water-reactive, where heat and hydrogen (a flammable gas) are produced.

What is the primary hazard of pyrophoric gases?

Pyrophoric materials ignite spontaneously when exposed to air. This is the primary hazard and reagents must be handled so as to rigorously exclude air/moisture. Pyrophoric materials tend to be toxic and come dissolved in a flammable solvent.

Is sodium a pyrophoric?

Some examples of pyrophoric materials include: alkali earth elements (sodium, potassium, cesium)

Is pyrophoric a chemical property?

Pyrophoric chemicals are used in research to catalyze certain reactions and often are incorporated into final products. However, they pose significant physical hazards. They are liquids and solids that will ignite spontaneously in the presence of oxygen and water.

What causes pyrophoric?

What is Pyrophoric Iron? Pyrophoric Iron (FeS) is a form of iron sulfide that combusts on exposure to oxygen; in this case with air. It is formed by reaction of hydrogen sulfide with carbon steel. When a refinery processes sour crude oil, the hydrogen sulfide present in the crude oil causes this problem to develop.

Where is pyrophoric found?

Pyrophoric materials are chemicals that can spontaneously ignite when exposed to air. They are often found in refinery piping, tanks, and vessels. A common pyrophoric material is pyrophoric iron sulfide.

What type of hazard is presented by pyrophoric?

Pyrophoric materials ignite spontaneously on exposure to; air at 130°F (54°C) or below, moisture in the air, oxygen, or water. Pyrophoric materials can be a solid, liquid, or gas. The most significant hazard presented by pyrophoric materials is the obvious risk of fire.

Is lithium a pyrophoric?

Mildly pyrophoric solids such as lithium tetrahydridoaluminate (lithium aluminum hydride) and sodium hydride can be handled in the air for brief periods of time, but the containers must be flushed with inert gas before the material is returned to the container for storage.

What causes Pyrophoricity?

Why is uranium pyrophoric?

A significant reaction rate of uranium and moisture occurs at room temperature which produces uranium oxide and hydrogen. If the hydrogen cannot escape, it will react slowly with uranium to form uranium hydride. The hydride is pyrophoric at room temperature when exposed to air.

What is pyrophoric solid?

The definition for pyrophoric solids and liquids is a solid or liquid respectively, which, even in small quantities, is liable to ignite within five minutes after coming in contact with air.