ASTM E2012-06(2020)
(Guide)Standard Guide for the Preparation of a Binary Chemical Compatibility Chart
Standard Guide for the Preparation of a Binary Chemical Compatibility Chart
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Various United States governmental regulations forbid incompatible materials to be transported together and require that chemical reactivity be considered in process hazard and risk analysis. A chemical compatibility chart is one tool to be used to satisfy these regulations. Binary compatibility charts are useful teaching tools in general education, in the chemical plant or laboratory, and for areas and operations where commonly performed tasks might lead to chemical mixtures such as might occur during co-shipment in compartmentalized containers, storage in a common area or compositing waste. Compatibility information is essential during process hazard reviews (for example, HAZOP). These charts may provide guidance to terminal operators on DOT HM-183 that requires that materials on adjacent compartments of multicompartment tank trucks are compatible. They provide documentation that the potential for inadvertent mixing as a potential source of heat and gas evolution from chemical reactions has been considered in sizing relief devices. Compatibility charts serve as check lists for use during process hazard reviews, and the preparation of the chart itself often brings attention to potential hazards that were previously unknown.
5.2 A binary chart only considers pairs of materials and therefore does not cover all possible combinations of materials in an operation. A common third component, for example, acidic or basic catalysts, may be covered by footnoting the potential for catalysis of a reaction between otherwise compatible materials, but the form of the chart does not ensure this. There may be reactive ternary systems that will escape detection in a binary chart.
5.3 The AIChE organization Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) has recommended the use of this standard in one of their recent monographs (1).5 This work is currently available for free download from: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/reactivechemicals/index.html.
SCOPE
1.1 A binary chemical compatibility chart also called inter-reactivity chart, documents the hazards associated with the mixing of pairs of materials. This guide provides an aid for the preparation these charts. It reviews a number of issues that are critical in the preparation of such charts: accurate assessment of chemical compatibility, suitable experimental techniques for gathering compatibility information, incorporation of user-friendliness, and provision for revisions.
1.2 The uses of chemical compatibility charts are summarized in this standard.
1.3 This guide also reviews existing public domain compatibility charts, the differences therein, and their advantages and disadvantages.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2012 − 06 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
the Preparation of a Binary Chemical Compatibility Chart
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2012; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this standard is to provide expert guidance to those interested in the task of
compiling chemical compatibility (inter-reactivity) charts for the purposes of process safety and
reactive chemicals hazard evaluation. This standard does not provide specific answers regarding the
inter-reactivity of specific materials. However, it does provide a detailed framework for developing
charts based on the current best practices of the chemical industry and it directs the user to sources
of reactivity information. It is the E27 Committee’s belief that inter-reactivity charts will be
increasingly used in industry for day-to-day operations, process hazard reviews, employee education,
and emergency response. It is our hope that this standard guide can be useful in that effort.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 A binary chemical compatibility chart also called inter-
E537 Test Method for Thermal Stability of Chemicals by
reactivity chart, documents the hazards associated with the
Differential Scanning Calorimetry
mixing of pairs of materials. This guide provides an aid for the
E698 Test Method for Kinetic Parameters for Thermally
preparation these charts. It reviews a number of issues that are
Unstable Materials Using Differential Scanning Calorim-
critical in the preparation of such charts: accurate assessment
etry and the Flynn/Wall/Ozawa Method
of chemical compatibility, suitable experimental techniques for
E1231 Practice for Calculation of Hazard Potential Figures
gathering compatibility information, incorporation of user-
of Merit for Thermally Unstable Materials
friendliness, and provision for revisions.
PS168 Proposed Guide for Estimating the Incompatibility of
1.2 The uses of chemical compatibility charts are summa-
Selected Hazardous Wastes Based on Binary Chemical
rized in this standard.
Reactions
2.2 NFPA Standard:
1.3 This guide also reviews existing public domain compat-
NFPA 491 Guide to Hazardous Chemical Reactions
ibility charts, the differences therein, and their advantages and
disadvantages.
3. Terminology
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1 Definitions:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1.1 compatibility, adj—the ability of materials to exist in
standard.
contact without specified (usually hazardous) consequences
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
under a defined scenario.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.2 scenario, n—a detailed physical description of the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
process whereby a potential inadvertent combination of mate-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
rials may occur.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E27 on Hazard Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Potential of Chemicals, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E27.02 on the ASTM website.
Thermal Stability and Condensed Phases. Withdrawn.ThischartwassubsequentlyadoptedbytheU.S.EPAandiswidely
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally available by way of the Internet.
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E2012 – 06 (2012). Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
DOI: 10.1520/E2012-06R20. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2012 − 06 (2020)
4. Summary of Guide duplicate entries, a triangular chart is required. If a decision on
compatibility was not by the standard means (as defined by the
4.1 Abinarychemicalcompatibilitychartindicateswhether,
user) or the scenario differs, indicate by footnote the basis for
under a given set of conditions (the scenario) the combination
the decision or the change in scenario. The chart should be
of two materials does or does not yield a specified undesired
dated and the author identified. See Fig. 1 for an example of a
consequence.
binary compatibility chart.
4.2 Asummaryoftheguidefollows.Determinethescenario
for the determination of compatibility and the degree of
5. Significance and Use
reaction that constitutes incompatibility. Both should be iden-
tified in the documentation for the chart. Define the materials 5.1 Various United States governmental regulations forbid
incompatible materials to be transported together and require
within the scope of the chart. Define the test, calculation or
judgment that is used to make a decision. List the materials as that chemical reactivity be considered in process hazard and
risk analysis. A chemical compatibility chart is one tool to be
both columns and rows of a grid. At the intersections of the
grid note whether the materials are compatible. To avoid used to satisfy these regulations. Binary compatibility charts
NOTE 1—Footnotes/Information Sources:
(1) Unlikely to be compatible—USCG chart NVC-475 indicates a hazard
with non-oxidizing acids plus sulfuric acid.
(2) Unlikely to be compatible—the Proposed Guide PS168 chart indicates
that gas and heat are formed; USCG chart NV 4–75 indicates a hazard
when combining sulfuric and organic acids.
(3) The Proposed Guide PS168 chart indicates that heat is formed; USCG
chart NV 4–75 only indicates a hazard with furfuryl alcohol plus
non-oxidizing mineral acids; testing should be conducted on this combi-
nation.
(4) Unlikely to be compatible — see Proposed Guide PS168 chart.
(5) Lab experiment 980001 resulted in a XXX°C adiabatic temperature
rise.
(6) Lab experiment 980002 resulted in a XXX°C adiabatic temperature
rise.
(7) Organic acids and amines are generally incompatible.
(8)TheProposedGuidePS168andUSCGchartsindicatenohazard;most
likely compatible, but lab testing should be performed.
(9) Heat of mixing may be a concern in some circumstances. The
maximum adiabatic temperature rise is XX°C (see XYZ Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology).
(10) Heat of mixing may be a concern in some circumstances. The
maximum adiabatic temperature rise is XX°C (see XYZ Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology).
(11) Lab experiment 98005 showed that mixing acetic acid and water is
endothermic at room temperature.
(12) Lab experiments 98003 and 98008 indicate that the materials do not
generate heat or gases when mixed nor when heated to 100°C. Although
the USCG chart NVC 4–75 indicates that some alcohols and amines are
incompatible, ethylene diamine has been found to be compatible with
many alcohols; see Appendix of USCG Guide.
(13) Plant experience has shown that these materials do not generate heat
or gases when mixed. In addition, no condition is known that would cause
the materials to be combined at elevated temperature.
FIG. 1 Hypothetical Compatibility Chart
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are useful teaching tools in general education, in the chemical problem.Consequently,aworkingdefinitionofincompatibility
plant or laboratory, and for areas and operations where com- needs to be formulated before compatibility judgments can be
monly performed tasks might lead to chemical mixtures such effectively and accurately made.
as might occur during co-shipment in compartmentalized 6.2.1 Some examples of mixing scenarios and incompatibil-
containers, storage in a common area or compositing waste. ity definitions include:
Compatibility information is essential during process hazard 6.2.1.1 Ambient temperature in summer, northern climate
reviews (for example, HAZOP). These charts may provide (approximately 25°C); (5000 gal) scale; insulated, vented
guidance to terminal operators on DOT HM-183 that requires storage tank; storage time 7 days maximum, nitrogen padded
that materials on adjacent compartments of multicompartment headspace (chemical transport scenario). Materials considered
tank trucks are compatible. They provide documentation that incompatible if temperature rise greater than 25°C, or grassy
the potential for inadvertent mixing as a potential source of reaction.
heat and gas evolution from chemical reactions has been 6.2.1.2 Ambient temperature in a hotter, subtropical climate
considered in sizing relief devices. Compatibility charts serve (approximately 40°C), drum (55 gal) storage of mixed waste
as check lists for use during process hazard reviews, and the for 3 months maximum. Materials considered incompatible if
preparation of the chart itself often brings attention to potential there could be a release from the drum.
hazards that were previously unknown. 6.2.1.3 Room temperature, 4L (1 gal) bottles, loosely
capped, 1 month maximum storage time (typical lab waste
5.2 A binary chart only considers pairs of materials and
scenario). Materials considered incompatible if there is an
therefore does not cover all possible combinations of materials
evolution of flammable vapor, toxic gas, or a temperature rise
in an operation. A common third component, for example,
greater than 10°C.
acidic or basic catalysts, may be covered by footnoting the
potential for catalysis of a reaction between otherwise compat- 6.3 Compile Compatibility Chart—The following steps may
ible materials, but the form of the chart does not ensure this. be followed for constructing the compatibility chart (see
There may be reactive ternary systems that will escape Appendix X2).
detection in a binary chart. 6.3.1 State the Scenario—In the preparation of a compat-
ibility chart, consider stating both the scenario and the
5.3 The AIChE organization Center for Chemical Process
scenario-based definition of incompatibility explicitly on the
Safety (CCPS) has recommended the use of this standard in
chart.
one of their recent monographs (1). This work is currently
6.3.2 Decide on a Hazard Rating Scheme—Formulate the
available for free download from: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/
reference scale for the individual degree of mixing hazard. It
reactivechemicals/index.html.
may be desirable to have a simple “yes/no” (that is,
compatible/incompatible) scale. In some instances, ratings that
6. Procedure
convey more information may be advantageous. For example,
6.1 Define the Scenario—Chemical compatibility depends
a numerical score of 1, 2, and 3 might be appropriate with 1
heavily on the mixing scenario (see Appendix X1). Consider
indicating a compatible mixture, 2 indicating a moderate
including the following factors in the specification of the
hazard (for example, a temperature increase of 10°C or less),
mixing scenario, as they, and other factors, may contribute to
and 3 indicating a severe hazard, such as polymerization or
the assignment of compatibility.
spontaneous combustion. Another example of a hazard rating
6.1.1 Specific quantities of materials,
scheme is given in Table 1. Note that in the Table 1 example,
6.1.2 Storage temperatures,
the hazard rating scheme also conveys information about
6.1.3 Confinement (closed or open system),
procedures for emergency response, but this information need
6.1.4 Atmosphere (air, nitrogen inerted), and
notbeincludedinthechart.Theuseofcolor(ifavailableinthe
6.1.5 The maximum time the materials may be in contact.
charting tool) may also aid in understanding the chart. For
6.2 Define Incompatibility Within the Scenario
example, green could indicate safe, compatible mixtures, red
Framework—An effective chart should clearly convey the
criteria for defining two materials as incompatible. In a general
sense, chemical incompatibility implies that there may be
TABLE 1 An Example of Hazard Levels and Typical Associated
undesirable consequences of mixing these materials at a
Emergency Response Actions
macroscopic scale. These consequences might be, in a worst
Hazard
Hazard Level Suggested Emergency Response
Rating
case,afastchemicalreactionoranexplosion,areleaseoftoxic
0 Minimal Report inadvertent mixing event to supervision;
gas, or, in a less severe case, an undesirable temperature rise
no further action necessary.
that might take the mixture above its flash point or cause an
1 Caution Report event to supervision; implement plan(s)
unacceptable pressure increase in the system. If, however, the
to manage the situation; no emergency
tank where the mixing will occur is inerted with nitrogen, and
procedures to be initiated.
the material has an acceptably low vapor pressure increase,
2 Danger Report event to supervision; prepare to initiate
then even this temperature rise might not pose a practical
unit emergency plan if needed; notify personnel
in immediate area; consider halting normal
activities until extent of situation is fully
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of assessed.
this standard.
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could indicate reactive, incompatible mixtures. It is important 7. Experimental Tools for the Determination of
to avoid making the chart too complicated. Compatibility
6.3.3 Define the Categories—Defining categories for the
7.1 In certain cases, an experimental determination of the
chart is an important part of chart construction. For small
compatibility is the most prudent approach. This may be
plants and operations, each chemical may be included in the
necessaryifthecompoundsormoleculartypescannotbefound
chart and the resulting chart may still be of manageable size.
in one of the published charts, if the data are not provided by
For more general compatibility charts, for example, for a large
themanufacturer,orifthescaleandscenarioofmixingwarrant
manufacturing site, the chart may group chemicals into natural
an actual verification of the hazards involved. It is beyond the
classifications based on their chemical structure. Examples of
scopeofthisguidetoprovidestandardtestmethodsanddetails
these groupings are: mineral acids, aliphatic
...
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