General
Limiting the heat exposure of the product and preventing contamination can minimize the probability of a peroxide decomposition. Temperature control is the most critical control measure in preserving quality and preventing a runaway reaction.
Although a number of organic peroxides can safely be stored at room temperature, most require some form of temperature control. The maximum temperature allowed by the regulatory agencies is the control temperature (Tc). This temperature together with emergency temperature (Tem) are derived from the SADT as follows;
| SADT |
Control temperature |
Emergency Temperature |
| 20°C or less |
20°C below the SADT |
10°C below the SADT |
| Over 20°C and below 35°C |
15°C below the SADT |
10°C below the SADT |
| Over 35°C |
10°C below the SADT |
5°C below the SADT |
For a longer shelf life, lower temperatures than the control temperatures are generally recommended. This recommended maximum storage temperature (Ts max.) is printed on the product label as well as on specific Product Data Sheets and Material Safety Data Sheets, which can be downloaded from this website.
Temperature monitoring and control
The temperature must be maintained at or below the recommended maximum storage temperature (Ts max.). Some products have also a minimum storage temperature (Ts min.) if phase separation, or crystallization is known to occur below the temperature indicated.
Prevent exposure to heat
Organic peroxides should be protected from direct sunlight and all other sources of heat:
- No windows
- Heating systems (radiators, warm water pipes, warm air etc.) should be shielded from direct contact with the peroxide package
Cooled storage
Cooled storage rooms should be provided with at least two indeoendent temperature indicators with alarms. An alarm is recommended when the storage temperature is exeeded by 5°C. The storage should be inspected in case of temperature alarm. It is recommended to incorporate a delay device to allow for intermittent short temperature increase which result form inspection, loading and unloading etc. Any possibility of alarm de-activation should be countered with an automatic alarm re-activation.
See also additional requirements for cold storage.
Ambient storage
Non-cooled storage rooms should be provided with a temperature alarm set at the emergency temperature of the product but not higher than 45°C. It is important that an alarm from the alarm system should not escape notice at any time including nights, weekends etc. and that appropriately trained personnel are alerted.
It is recommended to install a system to prevent that the temperature in the store can rise above 30°C (e.g. a water spray on the roof or a double-deck roof)
See also ambient storage equipped with heating systems.
Fire fighting
A sprinkler or deluge system of large capacity is recommended to fight large fires.
A dry-powder fire extinguisher with a capacity of at least 10 kg should be located outside the storage building, near the entrance. This is only used to fight small fires.
After a fire has been extinguished the peroxide should be cooled to a temperature below the SADT to prevent the peroxide from re-ignition due to self-heating.
Do's and Don'ts