edc

OxyChemEthylene Dichloride

Handbook1 of 20

THE INFORMATION PRESENTED HEREIN WAS PREPARED BY TECHNICAL PERSONNEL AND IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF OURKNOWLEDGE. OXYCHEM DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPRESSOR IMPLIED, REGARDING PERFORMANCE, STABILITY OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT TOBE CONSTRUED AS AN EXPRESS WARRANTY CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE, STABILITY OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC OF ANY OXY-CHEM PRODUCT. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AS TO MANNER OR CONDITIONS OF USE. HANDLING, STOR-AGE, DISPOSAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES MAY INVOLVE OTHER OR ADDITIONAL LEGAL, SAFETY OR PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS. WHILEOUR TECHNICAL PERSONNEL WILL RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING SAFE HANDLING AND USE PROCEDURES, SAFE HANDLINGAND USE REMAINS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER. NO SUGGESTIONS FOR USE ARE INTENDED AS, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALLBE CONSTRUED AS A RECOMMENDATION TO INFRINGE ANY EXISTING PATENT OR TO VIOLATE ANY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAW.

Occidental Chemical Corporation 2000

Page

•• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

•• Principal Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

•• Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

•• Safety in Handling EDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

•• Unloading Liquid EDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

•• Equipment for EDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

•• Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

•• Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Ethylene DichlorideHandbook

EDCEDCOxyChem®

®OxyChem is a registered trademark of Occidental Chemical Corporation.

ForewordThis handbook outlines the methods for han-

dling, storing, and using ethylene dichloride. Italso includes information on the manufactureand physical properties of ethylene dichloride.

Additional information and contacts can be foundon the internet at www.oxychem.com

Occidental Chemical CorporationBasic Chemicals GroupOccidental Tower5005 LBJ FreewayDallas, TX 75244

Introduction2 of 20

Introduction

Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) or1,2-Dichloroethane is a clear,water white, flammable liquid. Itschemical formula is C2H4Cl2.

Although the vast majority ofcommon chlorinated compoundsare non-flammable, EDC has aflash point of 13°C (55.4°F). SinceEDC is a flammable liquid, it mustbe stored and handled with thishazard in mind.

Principal Uses

Ethylene dichloride is used pri-marily as a raw material in themanufacture of vinyl chloridemonomer (VCM). The vinyl chlo-ride, in turn is used to manufac-ture polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.EDC is also used as an intermedi-ate in the manufacture of chlori-nated and fluorinated compounds.

EDC has been used as a sol-vent in the textile, metal cleaningand adhesive industries.

Manufacturing

EDC is manufactured byOxyChem by two different reac-tions.

Direct chlorination is the reac-tion of ethylene and chlorine

C2H4 + Cl2 C2H4Cl2

Hydrochlorination is the reactionof oxygen, ethylene and hydrogenchloride

1/2O2 + C2H4 + 2HCl

C2H4Cl2 + H2O

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Safety in Handling3 of 20

Reactivity

In the absence of air and water,ethylene dichloride is stable to160°C (320°F). In contact with airor water it is subject to very slowhydrolysis or oxidation, eitherprocess offering the possibility ofthe formation of trace amounts ofHCl. This can lead to discolorationin storage tanks. EDC can bestored in vessels made of com-mon materials of construction.Ethylene dichloride is stable withcommon metals other than alu-minum, magnesium, zinc, andtheir alloys.

Avoid contact with pure oxygen,strong alkalis, alkali metals, openflames and welding arcs, or otherhigh temperature sources whichinduce thermal decomposition toirritating and corrosive HCl.

Flammability

Ethylene dichloride is extremelyflammable with a “Tag ClosedCup” flash point of 13°C (55.4°F).This solvent must be stored in aNational Fire PreventionAssociation (NFPA) Class I area.Proper grounding and bondingprocedures should be followed.

Dry chemical, carbon dioxide,foam, water fog or spray shouldbe used to extinguish fires. Watermay be ineffective, but should beused to keep fire-exposed contain-ers cool.

Health and Safety

Up-to-date toxicity informa-tion, first aid procedures andsafety measures are containedin the EDC Material Safety DataSheet (MSDS). The MSDSshould be carefully reviewedbefore use. Recognition ofpotential hazards, coupled withthe use of appropriate safetymeasures, is essential in main-taining safe operations.

The primary health hazard asso-ciated with the use of ethylenedichloride is overexposure due tothe inhalation of vapors above theOSHA PEL.

The Occupational Safety andHealth Association (OSHA) hasestablished Permissible ExposureLimits (PEL) of 50 ppm. The PELis the allowable average concen-tration to which workers may beexposed, 8 hours per day, fivedays a week, without adverseeffects. Likewise, the AmericanConference of GovernmentalIndustrial Hygienists (ACGIH) hasestablished Threshold LimitValues (TLV) of 10 ppm for thisproduct. OSHA has also estab-lished a Short Term ExposureLimit (STEL) of 100 ppm for EDC,which is a 15 minute averageexposure that should not beexceeded.

Work areas employing EDCshould be isolated and contained.A local exhaust should provideadequate ventilation to limit sol-vent vapors to below exposurelimits.

Inhalation

Overexposure to vapors mayresult in dizziness, drowsiness,depression, headache, nausea,mental dullness, loss of coordina-tion, or in extreme cases, death.

To avoid overexposure to EDCvapors, monitor the EDC vaporconcentration in the work place. Ifvapors are found above the OSHAPEL, install engineering controls(such as localized ventilation) toreduce EDC vapor concentrationsto a safe operating level.

In areas where the concentra-tions of EDC vapors are eitherunknown or cannot be maintainedbelow the limits, workers must beequipped with NIOSH approvedrespirators as per the OSHARespiratory Protection standard.

Eye Contact

Direct contact of EDC with theeyes will result in pain, watering,and inflammation. To prevent eyecontact, protective eye wear (suchas splash goggles, a full faceshield, or safety glasses with sideshields) must be worn.

Safety in Handling4 of 20

Skin

Prolonged exposure of the skinto EDC will remove the skin’s nat-ural oils, causing the affected areato become red, rough and dry. Ifexposure continues, the EDC mayproduce a burning sensation.Prolonged contact with EDC cancause contact dermatitis. To pre-vent irritation, wear protectiveclothing (including gloves) whenworking with EDC.

Ingestion

Accidental ingestion of EDCmay result in irritation of the gas-trointestinal tract, nausea, vomit-ing, diarrhea, unconsciousnessand death. EDC is a liver and kid-ney poison. Proper labeling, han-dling and storage of EDC willreduce the likelihood of accidentalingestion.

Thermal Decomposition

Ethylene dichloride is a flamma-ble solvent. Direct contact withopen flames or a high energy heatsource will result in combustion aswell as corrosive, noxious gases.If combustion occurs, quenchflames using water, dry chemical,foam, or carbon dioxide (CO2).

Work areas that employ ethyl-ene dichloride should be fire resis-tant and well ventilated to limit theconcentration of potentially flam-mable vapors.

During EDC transfers from onecontainer to another, equipmentshould be properly grounded andbonded to prevent the build up ofstatic electricity. If discharged, thisbuild up could create an ignitingspark.

Toxicity

Up-to-date toxicity information isavailable from the Material SafetyData Sheets. Read the MSDSbefore use.

The OxyChem TechnicalService and Product Stewardshiporganizations, as well as manytrade associations, including theChemical ManufacturersAssociation (CMA), have trainedpersonnel to answer questionsabout the toxicity of this products.

Unloading Procedures5 of 20

Barge Unloading

Only properly trained person-nel should be involved inunloading operations. An oper-ator must be present through-out the unloading procedure.Written procedures must bereadily available. A safety show-er and eyewash must be readilyaccessible. The unloading areamust be adequately lighted. AllDOT regulations in CFR, Title 49must be obeyed.

1. Barges and vessels should bedocked at a Coast Guardapproved water front facilityequipped with dock-sideunloading lines. Beforeunloading, check to ensure allapplicable parties (CoastGuard, state regulatory agen-cies, etc.) have been notifiedand all paperwork is correctand up-to-date. Once docked,check to ensure the vessel isproperly moored. Do not begintransferring product until allsecurity inspections have beenperformed by the appropriateauthorities (Coast Guard, DOT,Shipping Authority or MarineInspection, etc.).

2. Verify that the receiving linesand tank are properly labeled,and that there is sufficient vol-ume to hold the deliveredproduct. Ship, barge, and ves-sel unloading connections aretypically equipped with 6 or 8-inch connections. Check tomake sure that the dock-sidetransfer lines and connectionsare appropriately sized tomatch those of the shippingvessel.

If the receiving tank containedanother product be sure that it

is clean, dry and odor free andcheck to make sure the dock-side storage tank is empty andhas been purged with nitrogento a dew point of at least-40°C (-40°F) and to an oxy-gen concentration of 10 vol-ume percent or less.

3. Check all lines to make surethey are clean, dry, and free ofcontamination. The vessel’spump should be inspected toensure it has the proper gas-ket and packing materials, andthat it is clean, dry, and free ofcontamination. Make sure thepump has been checked bythe Coast Guard and haspassed inspection. Inspecttransfer lines and hoses fromthe ship to the dock to themanifold, ensuring all lines areclean, dry, free of contamina-tion, and constructed of theappropriate EDC resistantmaterials.

4. Have the surveyor sample thevessel’s tank and check forappearance, color, moisturecontent, and specific gravity.Sampling should only beaccomplished with a closedsystem that has built-in capa-bilities to handle vents, providenitrogen, process unused liq-uid volume and results in asample in a closed container.

5. After the surveyor has verifiedthat the product is within spec-ification requirements, connectthe dock-side unloading line tothe ship’s manifold.

6. Establish an electrical groundfor the dock side manifold,storage tank, and unloadinglines.

7. Ensure that workers involvedin the unloading proceduresare fitted with the proper safe-ty equipment including safetyshoes, hard hats, gloves, pro-tective glasses or face shield,and the appropriate respiratoryequipment. Only properlytrained personnel should beinvolved in unloading opera-tions. An operator must bepresent throughout the unload-ing procedure.

8. It is recommended and mightbe required by law that youconnect the vents from thestorage tank and the vessel’stank together to reduce vaporemissions to the atmosphere.If this is not possible, supplydry nitrogen make-up to thevapor space of the vessel’stank and vent the storage tankto an appropriate emissioncontrol system.

9. Open the appropriate valves,start the pump and beginunloading.

10. When one foot of product hasbeen loaded, stop loading andhave the surveyor pull a sam-ple from the storage tank andagain test for appearance,color, moisture content andspecific gravity. If the productis within specification range,finish unloading the product. Ifthe product does not meetspecification requirements, callOxyChem Customer Service

11. After all the product has beenunloaded, shut off the pump,then shut off the valve on thesuction side of the pumpPurge the transfer lines free ofEDC by blowing the linesclear, with nitrogen


12. Close the storage tank inletvalve. Disconnect the unload-ing line at the ship’s manifold,then at the dock manifold.Hoses with couplings thatautomatically close upon beinguncoupled are recommended.

13. Have the surveyor pull anothersample from the dock sidestorage tank, and have it ana-lyzed for each specificationitem to certify the tank’s con-tents.

Sampling

1. In general, an eight ouncesample is adequate for con-firming product specifications.Before transferring bulk ship-ments of OxyChem EDC, theshipping vessel should besampled and analyzed toensure product quality.

2. Sampling should only beaccomplished with a closedsystem that has built-in capa-bilities to handle vents, providenitrogen, process unused liq-uid volume and results in asample in a closed container.

3. Samples should be stored inglass with polyseal screw capsor caps lined with poly-fluoro-carbons are preferred, butcaps made of other HDPE orirradiated PE may also beused if non-volatile residue isnot important. If caps aremetal lined, make sure neithertin nor aluminum are used. Donot use plastic coated (insideor outside) sample bottleswhen sampling EDC since theplastic coating can contami-nate the product.

4. For barges, vessels, and one-compartment trucks, a singlesample is sufficient. For multi-ple compartment trucks orbarges, samples should betaken and analyzed for eachcompartment.

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5. Samples taken as retainsshould be labeled with theproduct name and grade,name and address of supplier,date sent, date received,barge, vessel, truck ID num-ber, and lot number. Samplesshould be stored in a safe, dryplace, away from direct sun-light for an appropriate period,generally ninety days.Afterwards, they should beadded to the customer’s inven-tory, or disposed of in accor-dance with all federal, state,and local regulations.

Tank CleaningProcedures

One of the primary hazardsassociated with the use of EDCoccurs when employees areexposed to high concentrations ofthe solvent vapor in an enclosedarea. Adequate ventilation mustbe supplied to remove vaporsbefore hazardous concentrationscan accumulate. EDC vapors areexpected to be highest duringstorage tank clean out. Duringconfined area entries, special caremust be taken to ensure employ-ee safety. The following proce-dures were adapted from theASTM D 4276, StandardPractice for Confined AreaEntry and are listed as a start-ing point for developing proce-dures. You must follow theOSHA requirements given in 29CFR 1910.146.(For the purpose of these instruc-tions, a confined area entry refersto the entering of any tank vessel,sump, pit, duct, tank car, tanktruck, van trailer, or enclosedspace in which EDC was con-tained.) It should be noted thatEDC vapors are heavier than airand will concentrate at the lowestpoint.

Clean Out Preparation

All personnel involved in tankclean out procedures should beproperly trained in safe entry andrescue procedures. They shouldhave a working knowledge andunderstanding of the hazards thatmay exist.

Entry into confined spaces shouldbe by written entry permit, issuedby the responsible supervisor orother qualified person. The pur-pose of the entry permit is toensure that a checklist of precau-tions has been reviewed prior toentry. This permit is an authoriza-tion and approval in writing certify-ing that all existing hazards havebeen evaluated, and necessaryprotective measures have beentaken to ensure the safety of theworker. The permit should be validfor a limited time only (usually 8-10 hours), and a new permitshould be required in the event ofany job interruption or any indica-tion of changes in job conditions.Issuance of the entry permitshould address all of the followingconsiderations:

Vessel Preparation

1. All process lines exiting orentering the confined spaceshould be disconnected,capped off, and blinded.Closing of valves alone is notadequate protection.

2. Pumps connected to theenclosed area or any othermechanical or electrical equip-ment, especially conveyors,are to be locked out by lockingthe main electrical switch inthe “OFF” position.

3. A system for positive ventila-tion should be provided priorto, and during, entry periods.Fans, exhaust vents, airmovers, or natural drafts thatare capable of ventilating theconfined air space within sev-eral minutes are necessary.

4. Prior to entry, the enclosedspace must be tested for oxy-gen content, lower explosivelimit, and toxic vapor concen-tration. The oxygen contentmust be between 19.5% and22.0% in all levels of the tank.The atmosphere must be non-explosive (< 10% of the lowerflammability limit), and beabsent of toxic vapors. Theconcentration of ethylenedichloride vapors may bedetermined using the appropri-ate NIOSH approved gas-detection tubes, a calibratedhalide meter, portable flame-ionization gas chromatograph,or a portable infrared (IR) ana-lyzer.

Personal Protection

5. Personal protective equipmentshould include an approvedrespirator (Self ContainedBreathing Apparatus [SCBA])or supplied air respirators arerecommended), hard hat, safe-ty glasses or splash goggles,gloves, and long sleeves. Inaddition, any person enteringthe enclosed area must be fit-ted with a safety harness andlifeline. The lifeline should besecured outside the entrance.


6. When entry into the vesselmust be made through a topopening, a hoisting device orother effective means must beprovided to lift the worker outof the space. Ladders must bein place for entrances andexits where the drop or climbinvolves a depth of more thanthree feet.

7. Self-contained breathing appa-ratus or supplied air respira-tors should be available at thevessel entrance. Thesedevices must be worn if testingfinds the EDC level to beabove the OSHA PermissibleExposure Limit (PEL).

8. A second person must beavailable at the area entranceand in sight of the personinside at all times. They shouldbe equipped with proper safetyequipment and adequate com-munications equipment forsummoning additional help ifnecessary (i.e. a two wayradio, whistle, etc.). Under noconditions should this observerenter the affected area withoutothers standing by. If theobserver is required to leavehis or her post, the personinside the enclosed spacemust exit.

9. Approved low-voltage electri-cal equipment must be usedwhere the atmosphere in theconfined area may containflammable vapors or wherethe atmosphere could containEDC vapors within their flam-mable limits. All electrical cir-cuits should be equipped witha ground-fault interrupter.

10. Entrances to confined spaceshould be posted, identifyingthe area as a confined spaceand that a permit is requiredfor entry. During the work,when there is more than oneentrance to the confined area,signs indicating that workersare inside, posted at eachentrance, are advised.

Clean-Out Procedure

11. Before entering a EDC storagetank or other EDC vessel forcleaning or inspection, anyremaining EDC should bedrained or removed by vacu-um, and placed in a safe con-tainer awaiting disposal orreuse. The tank should thenbe nitrogen dried or steamedor filled with water, drained,ventilated, and checked forpresence of EDC vapors.

12. Remove metal fines or chips,rust, and all other insolublecontaminants from the tankbottom. Scrape any baked oncontaminants if necessaryusing an appropriate wirebrush to avoid sparking.Repair defects to the tank sur-face as necessary.

13. After removing insoluble cont-aminants, rinse all EDC wettedsurfaces thoroughly with analcohol or water rinse. If clean-ing a tank where acidity hasbeen a problem, all EDC wetsurfaces should be scrubbedwith a wire brush and a 5%soda ash (sodium carbonate)

or baking soda (sodium bicar-bonate) solution to removemetal chlorides and visiblepatches of corrosion.

Strong alkalis, such ascaustic soda (sodiumhydroxide, NaOH) or causticpotash (potassium hydrox-ide, KOH), must not be used.They can react with EDC toform explosive mixtures.

14. After cleaning, rinse the tankthoroughly with several suc-cessive water rinses toremove any remaining impuri-ties. Dry the tank completelyby ventilating for severalhours. Do not refill with EDCuntil the tank is completely dry.

15. Close manways and all otheropenings and secure vessel.Open the appropriate entranceand exit lines, and prepare thetank to be filled with EDC.(New gaskets are recommend-ed to ensure the integrity ofthe product and to preventleaks.) For large bulk storagetanks, purge the tank withnitrogen to a dew point of-40°F. An oxygen content ofless than 1% may also bedesired.


Truck Procedures

Only properly trained person-nel should be involved inunloading operations. An oper-ator must be present through-out the unloading procedure.Written procedures must bereadily available, and followed.A safety shower and eyewashmust be readily accessible. Theunloading area must be ade-quately lighted. All DOT regula-tions in CFR, Title 49 must beobeyed.

1. Tank trucks containingOxyChem EDC should belocated on a level, paved sur-face in a designated unloadingarea.

2. All unloading and receivingareas for EDC should be sur-rounded by total containmentfor the control of potentialspills and leaks. Where largescale containment (i.e., diking)is not practical, drip pans orother suitable containers mustbe placed under connectionsin the event of a leak.

3. Set hand brakes and wheelchocks, and establish an elec-trical ground for the tank truck,unloading lines, pump, andstorage container.

4. Verify the tank truck’s contentsby sampling or check the plac-ards, bill of lading, and certifi-cate of analysis. Verify that thereceiving tank and lines areproperly labeled, and that thetank has sufficient volume tohold the delivered product.

5. Check all transfer lines andhoses to make sure they areclean, dry, and free of anycontamination. Whenever pos-sible, use pumps and flexiblehoses dedicated to EDC ser-vice. Tank trucks are typicallyprovided with their own pumpsand several sections of chemi-cally resistant hoses. Verifythat they are compatible withthe product received. The sizeand location of the valvesand/or outlets will differ some-what from truck to truck.Inspect all connections andthe pump to ensure they con-tain the proper gasket materialand packing, and that they areclean, dry and free of contami-nation.

6. Connect one section of the 2-inch flexible hose to the tanktruck’s 2-inch bottom or rearunloading valve and to thesuction side of the pump. Ifusing the tank truck’s pump,connect another section of thehose from the pressure side ofthe pump to the storage tankor permanent unloading line.Check to make sure all con-nections are secure.

7. Ensure that workers involvedin the unloading proceduresare fitted with the proper safe-ty equipment including safetyshoes, hard hats gloves, pro-tective glasses or safetyshield, and the appropriaterespiratory equipment. Onlyproperly trained personnelshould be involved in unload-

ing operations. An operatormust be present throughoutthe unloading procedure.

8. Release any pressure in thetruck by slowly and carefullyopening one of the safetyvents on top of the trailer.EDC vapors should be ventedthrough an emission controlsystem during unloading.Whenever possible, connectthe vents from the storagecontainer and the shippingvessel allowing them to breaththe same vapor space, there-by eliminating vapor emissionsto the atmosphere.

9. Open the storage tank inletvalve, followed by the tanktruck’s unloading valve. Turnon the pump and begin trans-ferring product. At the sametime, have another operatorcheck all connections for anysign of leaks.

10. After the tank truck is empty(or the pump can no longerremove any more EDC), shutoff the pump, close the tankinlet valve, then close thetruck’s unloading valve.Disconnect the flexible 2-inchunloading line from the truckand drain as much EDC aspossible. Disconnect the flexi-ble line to the suction side ofthe pump, and collect any drip-pings in a suitable container.Close the valve on the pres-sure side of the pump, anddisconnect the hose.


11. If the tank truck’s pump wasused to unload the container,close the valve on the pres-sure side of the pump thenclose the tank inlet valve orvalve at the end of the dedi-cated unloading line.Disconnect the flexible hoseand collect any EDC remain-ing in a suitable container.

12. Reseal the tank truck by clos-ing the safety vent. Replaceany caps that may have beenused to keep the valves clean.Remove hand brakes andwheel chocks before releasingthe truck.

Pressure Unloading

Tank trucks containingOxyChem EDC may also bepressure unloaded. Nitrogen (dewpoint less than -40°C/-40°F)should be used to pressure off-load moisture sensitive EDC. EDCshould not be pressure offloaded with air due to its flam-mable characteristics.

Tank Truck Top Unloading

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Equipment12 of 20

GeneralRecommendations

Written procedures detailingrequirements for proper handling,safety equipment, first aid training,unloading and loading proceduresare good practice and in manycases, required by law. Theyshould include detailed instruc-tions for handling and reportingspills.

Considerable care should betaken when transferring EDC tomaintain high product quality.These same careful practices willensure the health and safety ofworkers, and ensure that no EDCis allowed to escape into the air,soil or water.

An above ground tank must beused whenever a large volume ofEDC is to be stored at a customeror terminal site. Storage tanksshould be large enough to containa minimum of 150% of the normaldelivery volume.

Storage tanks previously usedto contain other products may beused for storage, but must bethoroughly cleaned, water tested,drained and dried prior to beingplaced in EDC service. New tanksshould be prepared in the samemanner. Since water testing is notalways sufficient to detect smallliquid or vapor leaks, the tankshould be monitored closely dur-ing the initial filling with EDC tocheck for leaks not detected dur-ing water testing. A halide meter(or equivalent) should be used formonitoring. It is recommendedthat the halide meter be used aspart of a routine maintenance pro-gram.

Storage tanks may be mountedhorizontally or vertically. Storagetanks used for EDC should meetthe American Petroleum Institute

(API) Standard 650, API standard620, ASME UPV Code VIII, orother suitable design and fabrica-tion standards. All local regula-tions concerning above groundstorage tanks should be reviewedand all permits obtained beforeinstalling a bulk storage system.

Bulk storage containers shouldbe constructed of either mild, car-bon, or stainless steel. Do not usealuminum as a material of con-struction for any wetted metalparts. Storage tanks should not beconstructed of, nor contain, anynon-compatible plastic compo-nents.

The storage tanks exteriorshould be cleaned, primed andpainted with a white or aluminum-colored paint to aid in keeping thetank and its contents cool.

Storage Tank Pads orSaddles

Saddles used to support horizon-tal tanks may be constructed ofreinforced concrete or steel. Thedesign of the concrete pad or sad-dle foundation (if horizontal)should be based on at least thetotal weight of the tank filled withEDC.

Dikes

All storage tanks should be dikedto contain the tank contents in theevent of a spill or tank rupture.They should be large enough tocontain the tank’s volume, and anadditional appropriate volume as asafety factor. (Containment vol-umes and diking requirementsare often defined and mandatedby individual states and locali-ties. Regulations must bereviewed prior to construction.)Dikes may be constructed of con-

crete or concrete treated with aEDC resistant epoxy-phenolicsealant. Where diking does notapply, EDC resistant buckets orother appropriate portable spillcontainers should be used.

Manways

Manways on tanks are necessaryfor access to the tank for inspec-tion and cleaning. Two manways,24 inches in diameter, are desir-able. One manway should belocated on top of the tank, whilethe second should be positionedon the side near the base forempty tank inspection and cleanout procedures.

Piping

Carbon steel is the material ofchoice for piping. Transfer pipesare typically 2-inch in diameter,but may be as large as 6-8 inchesfor barge and vessel deliveries.Fittings may be carbon steel orstainless steel, and may bethreaded, flanged or welded.Threaded piping is only recom-mended for sizes less than 3/4” indiameter. It is essential that thepipe be threaded two full turnsbefore applying threading com-pound or Teflon® tape to eliminatethe possibility of contaminating theinterior of the pipe. All pipesshould be free of oils and anyother contaminants prior to beingplaced in service.

Drain Lines

Storage tanks should beequipped with a flanged andvalved outlet drain at the floorlevel to allow the tank completedrainage if necessary. This outletshould be located such that it canbe tied into a pump. Since this

Equipment13 of 20

outlet is rarely used, the valveshould be plugged and equippedwith a locking system to preventany accidental releases.

Outlet Line

An outlet line for normal EDCwithdrawal should be located 3-4inches above the tank floor. Itshould be tied into the drier-filter-pump system. This piping systemensures that clean, dry EDC canbe loaded without duplication ofequipment. A safety valve shouldbe provided between the tank andthe pump as a means for shuttingoff the flow of EDC should a prob-lem arise with the pump.

Valves

Ball, gate, globe or plug valvesare suitable for use with EDC.Construction may be steel. Ballvalves should have monel ballsand stems, and seats should becarbon filled PTFE, and globevalves should have 13% chrometrim and hard-faced Stellite seats.Valve stems may be packed withPTFE or graphite impregnatedPTFE. Ball, gate or plug valvesare generally preferred where fullline flow is desired. Globe valvesare used where throttling is nec-essary.

Pumps

Pumps may be either positivedisplacement or centrifugal type,and can be constructed of steel,cast iron, or bronze. All packingsmust be made of EDC resistantmaterials such as PTFE. Pumpsused for drumming should supply

EDC at a rate of approximately 50gpm. The pump should be locatedso that a positive head pressure isalways maintained on the suctionside.

Bypass Line

A bypass line must be providedwhen utilizing a positive displace-ment pump, and is recommendedfor centrifugal pumps to protectagainst pipe damage and unduestrain on the pump.

Emergency Shut-OffValve

An emergency shut-off valveshould be located at the outlet ofthe vessel feeding the pump.

Meters

A meter of Hatellow C, mild orstainless steel construction withPTFE packing should be usedwith EDC. For best results, itshould also contain an air elimina-tor, strainer, and temperature com-pensator. EDC meters must notbe constructed of any reactivemetals such as aluminum, zinc ormagnesium alloys.

Tank Level Indication

Several gauging methods areused to determine the EDC vol-ume inside storage tanks.Typically dP cells, sonic, or a floatwith electronic read out are used.

Electrical Ground

An electrical ground line is arequired safety feature that pro-vides a point of discharge for anybuild-up of static electricity frompumping dry EDC.

Hoses

Recommended materials of con-struction include braided or seam-less stainless steel, polytetrafluo-roethylene (PTFE or Teflon), andsome grades of Viton®. If a com-position other than stainless steelor Teflon is used, it must first betested to ensure compatibility withEDC.

Gaskets

Gaskets used in the service ofEDC may be constructed of PTFEenvelope gasket material orGRAFOIL. If a composition differ-ing from those mentioned above isto be used, it must first be testedwith the EDC to ensure compati-bility.

Equipment14 of 20

Other Non-Metal WettedParts

All non-metal wetted surfacessuch as internal pump, valve andmeter parts must be constructedof components that are inert toEDC, such as Teflon. Neopreneand natural rubber parts cannotbe used for EDC service. Otherplastic products such as ultra-highmolecular weight, high molecularweight-, irradiated, or cross-linkedpolyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, orother common polymeric com-pounds must first be tested withEDC to ensure compatibility.

Line Filters

Filters of small micron pore sizecan be used to remove insolublecontaminants that can accumulatethrough product transfers. Filtersshould be made of solvent resis-tant materials, and should be ade-quately sized for the required flowrate.

Line Driers

EDC can absorb moisture fromthe air during product transfer.Desiccants such as Drierite® (cal-cium sulfate), molecular sieve(4A), alumina or certain ionexchange resins (Dow X811) maybe used for drying liquid EDC.Before using another desiccantmaterial, laboratory tests shouldbe run to determine compatibilityand performance. The EDC filterand drier should be arranged inseries such that product passesthrough each during transfer toand from storage.

Pressure/Vacuum ReliefSystem

Tanks should also be equippedwith a pressure-vacuum relief sys-tem to maintain the integrity andsafety of the tank. The set pointsfor such a system are typicallydesign values of the vessel.

Safety Seal

If the storage tank is fitted with aliquid overflow line, the line mustbe equipped with a seal. A filledU-trap can serve as a seal, butthe use of a seal pot is recom-mended.

Vent Scrubbers

An emission control device suchas a scrubber or low temperaturecondenser, may be fitted to thevent (and may be required bylaw). Vent scrubbers may containa EDC trapping media, such asactivated carbon, to prevent EDCemissions to the atmosphere.

Equipment15 of 20

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Compatibility16 of 20

ABS NRAcrylics NRAluminum DBrass ABronze NRButyl GR-1 NRCarbon steel AGraphite, (impregnated with TFE ) AChemraz (FPM) AChlorinated polyether ACPVC NREthylene-propylene

terpolymer (EPT) NREthylene-propylene-

diene (EPDM) NRFEP AFuran AGrafoil AHastelloy® B/B-2 AHastelloy C/C-276 A

Hypalon® (CSM) NRInconel® AKalrez® (FPM) AMonel® ANaval Bronze ANeoprene NRNickel ANitrile Buna-N NRNoryl NRNylon 66 APFA (Teflon) APolyether-urethane NRPolyethylene UHMW DPolypropylene NRPolystyrene NRPVC NRPVDC (Saran) APVDF (Kynar) ARayon ARyton A

SBR Styrene ASS 304/347 ASS 316 ASS 400 Series ATantalum ATFE (Teflon) ATitanium AVinyls NRViton A A

EDC Compatibility

The information in this table can be used as a starting point in evaluating suitable materials for contact withEDC. It is recommended that laboratory testing under actual use conditions be performed before using anymaterial that you have not previously tested. Contact time, temperature, pressure, light, water and otherchemical components can dramatically impact the suitability of these materials with EDC. EDC, in the absence of moisture is harmless to practically all metals. However, if moisture is present, hydroly-sis can occur to release hydrogen chloride, and result in muriatic acid. When this situation is encountered,material selection must be restricted to those materials which resist muriatic acid in the existing concentra-tions and at the existing temperatures. The information in this table is for dry, HCl-free EDC, unless notedotherwise. Caution should be used in specifying the 300 series stainless steels, if there is the slightestchance that the EDC could be wet, or become wet. The hydrolysis and resulting HCl formation could lead tochloride stress cracking.

A = Can be Acceptable; NR = Not Recommended; D = Very Dependent on Conditions:

Technical Data17 of 20

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula CH2ClCH2Cl

CAS number 107-06-2

Names Ethylene dichloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane, sym-dichloroethane,ethlyene chloride, EDC, Dutch liquid, Dutch oil

Molecular Weight 98.96

Elemental CompositionCarbon 24.27%Hydrogen 4.07%Chlorine 71.66%

Flash PointOpen Cup 18°C (64°F)Closed Cup 12.85°C (55°F)

Index of refraction 1.4421 at 25°C

Boiling Point 83.44°C

Freezing Point -35.66°C

Explosive Limits in air 6 - 16% (volume % at 25°C and 1 Atmosphere)

Density See graph on page 18

Vapor Pressure See graph on page 19

Water Solubility See graph on page 20

Technical Data 18 of 20

Liquid Density at various Temperatures


Vapor Pressure at various Temperatures


Solubility of Water in EDC at various Temperatures

edc

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