A Comparison of Reaction Hazard Screening Techniques

Abstract

The requirement for a systematic approach to chemical reaction screening is described along with a comparison of results from some commercially available equipment. The limitations of using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as a screening tool are discussed and how the implementation of a technique (TSU) (thermal screening unit [Hazard Evaluation Laboratory Ltd., 50 Moxon Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 5TS, UK; Internet: http://www.helgroup.co.uk]) for rapid identification of thermal and pressure hazards has helped to overcome the DSC shortcomings. This TSU test is described along with some in-house modifications made to the commercially available system to reduce heat losses. Comparative results for 20 thermally unstable compounds, using commercially available equipment, are presented which show how the combination of both temperature and pressure information obtained with the TSU can help increase levels of safety.