Accession Number:

AD0816425

Title:

STUDIES OF HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS. PART 1 - STABILITY OF FLUOROCARBONS IN AIR OVER HOPCALITE CATALYST OR STAINLESS STEEL

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Johnson, J. E.
• Musick, James K.

Report Date:

1967-05-26

Pagination or Media Count:

23.0

Abstract:

A study was made of the catalytic decomposition of a number of fluorine-containing halogenated hydrocarbons in air, using Hopcalite catalyst in a laboratory-scale reactor which simulates the COH2 burners of nuclear submarines. A few of the highly fluorinated compounds were found to be stable at 305 C. A number of other halogenated hydrocarbons showed substantial decomposition with the production of halogen acids, whereas over stainless steel, a noncatalytic material, very little decomposition occurred. In no case was phosgene observed to be a product. Admixture of lithium carbonate with Hopcalite catalyst had no significant effect on the rate of decomposition of the chlorofluorocarbons. Sulfur hexafluoride in air was stable over Hopcalite at temperatures as high as 425 C. The results show that use of the chlorofluorocarbons should be as limited as possible in closed environments such as those of nuclear submarines. Where they are needed, as in refrigeration systems, it is recommended that R-114, R-14, or R-12 be used since they show the greatest resistance to Hopcalite-catalyzed decomposition.

Descriptors:

• *DECOMPOSITION
• *FLUORINE
• *HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS
• AIR
• VAPORS
• STAINLESS STEEL
• CORROSION INHIBITION
• THERMAL STABILITY
• PURIFICATION
• CATALYSTS
• SUBMARINES
• HUMIDITY
• GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
• PYROLYSIS
• LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
• FLUORINATION
• CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
• SULFUR COMPOUNDS
• CARBONATES
• NUCLEAR POWERED SHIPS
• AGING(MATERIALS)
• CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES
• SIMULATION
• TEMPERATURE

Subject Categories:

• Physical Chemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE