ASTM E2012-06(2012)
(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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2012 − 06 (Reapproved 2012)
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 E698 Test Method for Arrhenius Kinetic Constants for
Thermally Unstable Materials Using Differential Scan-
1.1 A binary chemical compatibility chart also called inter-
ning Calorimetry and the Flynn/Wall/Ozawa Method
reactivity chart, documents the hazards associated with the
E1231 Practice for Calculation of Hazard Potential Figures-
mixing of pairs of materials. This guide provides an aid for the
of-Merit for Thermally Unstable Materials
preparation these charts. It reviews a number of issues that are
PS168 Proposed Guide for Estimating the Incompatibility of
critical in the preparation of such charts: accurate assessment
Selected Hazardous Wastes Based on Binary Chemical
of chemical compatibility, suitable experimental techniques for
Reactions
gathering compatibility information, incorporation of user-
2.2 NFPA Standard:
friendliness, and provision for revisions.
NFPA 491 Guide to Hazardous Chemical Reactions
1.2 The uses of chemical compatibility charts are summa-
rized in this standard.
3. Terminology
1.3 This guide also reviews existing public domain compat-
3.1 Definitions:
ibility charts, the differences therein, and their advantages and
3.1.1 compatibility, adj—the ability of materials to exist in
disadvantages.
contact without specified (usually hazardous) consequences
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as under a defined scenario.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1.2 scenario, n—a detailed physical description of the
standard.
process whereby a potential inadvertent combination of mate-
rials may occur.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Summary of Guide
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E537 Test Method for The Thermal Stability of Chemicals
4.1 Abinarychemicalcompatibilitychartindicateswhether,
by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
under a given set of conditions (the scenario) the combination
of two materials does or does not yield a specified undesired
consequence.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E27 on Hazard
Potential of Chemicals, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E27.02 on
4.2 Asummaryoftheguidefollows.Determinethescenario
Thermal Stability and Condensed Phases.
for the determination of compatibility and the degree of
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2012. Published December 2012. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E2012 – 06. DOI:
10.1520/E2012-06R12.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Withdrawn.ThischartwassubsequentlyadoptedbytheU.S.EPAandiswidely
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM available by way of the Internet.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
the ASTM website. 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 (2012)
reaction that constitutes incompatibility. Both should be iden- 5. Significance and Use
tified in the documentation for the chart. Define the materials
5.1 Various United States governmental regulations forbid
within the scope of the chart. Define the test, calculation or
incompatible materials to be transported together and require
judgment that is used to make a decision. List the materials as
that chemical reactivity be considered in process hazard and
both columns and rows of a grid. At the intersections of the
risk analysis. A chemical compatibility chart is one tool to be
grid note whether the materials are compatible. To avoid
used to satisfy these regulations. Binary compatibility charts
duplicate entries, a triangular chart is required. If a decision on
are useful teaching tools in general education, in the chemical
compatibility was not by the standard means (as defined by the
plant or laboratory, and for areas and operations where com-
user) or the scenario differs, indicate by footnote the basis for
monly performed tasks might lead to chemical mixtures such
the decision or the change in scenario. The chart should be as might occur during co-shipment in compartmentalized
dated and the author identified. See Fig. 1 for an example of a containers, storage in a common area or compositing waste.
binary compatibility chart. Compatibility information is essential during process hazard
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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reviews (for example, HAZOP). These charts may provide storage tank; storage time 7 days maximum, nitrogen padded
guidance to terminal operators on DOT HM-183 that requires headspace (chemical transport scenario). Materials considered
that materials on adjacent compartments of multicompartment incompatible if temperature rise greater than 25°C, or grassy
tank trucks are compatible. They provide documentation that reaction.
the potential for inadvertent mixing as a potential source of 6.2.1.2 Ambient temperature in a hotter, subtropical climate
heat and gas evolution from chemical reactions has been (approximately 40°C), drum (55 gal) storage of mixed waste
considered in sizing relief devices. Compatibility charts serve for 3 months maximum. Materials considered incompatible if
as check lists for use during process hazard reviews, and the there could be a release from the drum.
preparation of the chart itself often brings attention to potential 6.2.1.3 Room temperature, 4L (1 gal) bottles, loosely
hazards that were previously unknown. capped, 1 month maximum storage time (typical lab waste
scenario). Materials considered icompatible if there is an
5.2 A binary chart only considers pairs of materials and
evolution of flammable vapor, toxic gas, or a temperature rise
therefore does not cover all possible combinations of materials
greater than 10°C.
in an operation. A common third component, for example,
6.3 Compile Compatibility Chart—The following steps may
acidic or basic catalysts, may be covered by footnoting the
potential for catalysis of a reaction between otherwise compat- be followed for constructing the compatibility chart (see
ible materials, but the form of the chart does not ensure this. Appendix X2).
There may be reactive ternary systems that will escape 6.3.1 State the Scenario—In the preparation of a compat-
detection in a binary chart. ibility chart, consider stating both the scenario and the
scenario-based definition of incompatibility explicitly on the
5.3 The AIChE organization Center for Chemical Process
chart.
Safety (CCPS) has recommended the use of this standard in
5 6.3.2 Decide on a Hazard Rating Scheme—Formulate the
one of their recent monographs (1) . This work is currently
reference scale for the individual degree of mixing hazard. It
available for free download from: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/
may be desirable to have a simple “yes/no” (that is,
reactivechemicals/index.html
compatible/incompatible) scale. In some instances, ratings that
6. Procedure
convey more information may be advantageous. For example,
a numerical score of 1, 2, and 3 might be appropriate with 1
6.1 Define the Scenario—Chemical compatibility depends
indicating a compatible mixture, 2 indicating a moderate
heavily on the mixing scenario (see Appendix X1). Consider
hazard (for example, a temperature increase of 10°C or less),
including the following factors in the specification of the
and 3 indicating a severe hazard, such as polymerization or
mixing scenario, as they, and other factors, may contribute to
spontaneous combustion. Another example of a hazard rating
the assignment of compatibility.
scheme is given in Table 1. Note that in the Table 1 example,
6.1.1 Specific quantities of materials,
the hazard rating scheme also conveys information about
6.1.2 Storage temperatures,
procedures for emergency response, but this information need
6.1.3 Confinement (closed or open system),
notbeincludedinthechart.Theuseofcolor(ifavailableinthe
6.1.4 Atmosphere (air, nitrogen inerted), and
charting tool) may also aid in understanding the chart. For
6.1.5 The maximum time the materials may be in contact.
example, green could indicate safe, compatible mixtures, red
6.2 Define Incompatibility Within the Scenario
could indicate reactive, incompatible mixtures. It is important
Framework—An effective chart should clearly convey the
to avoid making the chart too complicated.
criteria for defining two materials as incompatible. In a general
6.3.3 Define the Categories—Defining categories for the
sense, chemical incompatibility implies that there may be
chart is an important part of chart construction. For small
undesirable consequences of mixing these materials at a
plants and operations, each chemical may be included in the
macroscopic scale. These consequences might be, in a worst
chart and the resulting chart may still be of manageable size.
case,afastchemicalreactionoranexplosion,areleaseoftoxic
For more general compatibility charts, for example, for a large
gas, or, in a less severe case, an undesirable temperature rise
manufacturing site, the chart may group chemicals into natural
that might take the mixture above its flash point or cause an
unacceptable pressure increase in the system. If, however, the
tank where the mixing will occur is inerted with nitrogen, and
TABLE 1 An Example of Hazard Levels and Typical Associated
the material has an acceptably low vapor pressure increase,
Emergency Response Actions
then even this temperature rise might not pose a practical
Hazard
Hazard Level Suggested Emergency Response
problem.Consequently,aworkingdefinitionofincompatibility Rating
0 Minimal Report inadvertent mixing event to supervision; no
needs to be formulated before compatibility judgments can be
further action necessary.
effectively and accurately made.
1 Caution Report event to supervision; implement plan(s) to
6.2.1 Some examples of mixing scenarios and incompatibil-
manage the situation; no emergency procedures
ity definitions include:
to be initiated.
6.2.1.1 Ambient temperature in summer, northern climate
2 Danger Report event to supervision; prepare to initiate unit
(approximately 25°C); (5000 gal) scale; insulated, vented
emergency plan if needed; notify personnel in
immediate area; consider halting normal activities
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of until extent of situation is fully assessed.
this standard.
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classifications based on their chemical structure. Examples of for the experimental determination of chemical compatibility.
these groupings are: mineral acids, aliphatic amines, However, some general considerations are given that may
monomers, water-based formulations, halogenated
assist in the design of an appropriate experiment.
hydrocarbons, and so forth. One limitation with this manner of
7.2 Scale is one key consideration in the accurate design of
chartconstructionisthatforanumberofclasses,certainbinary
an experimental compatibility test. Start the testing at small
combinations might be known to be compatible whereas other
enough scale to minimize the potential dangers to the test
combinations within the same two groups may not be. It may
operator. Also, in order to apply the results of compatibility
be best to provide the worst case compatibility rating in the
tests to various scenarios, quantitative data suitable for scaleup
actual chart with a separate list of compatible exceptions. It
are needed. One such quantitative testing s
...
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