Self Accelerating Decomposition Temperature
Encyclopedia
The self accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) is the lowest temperature at which an organic peroxide
in a typical vessel or shipping package will undergo a self-accelerating decomposition
. This reaction can be violent, usually rupturing the vessel or container dispersing peroxide, liquid and
gaseous decomposition products considerable distances. The heat generated might autoignite flammable vapors. There is generally a period of time after the SADT is reached and before the decomposition becomes violent. The length of time depends upon how much the SADT is exceeded, which can greatly accelerate the decomposition. As a rule of thumb, the SADT tends to decrease with increasing packaging size.
Although a number of organic peroxides can safely be stored at room temperature, most require some form of temperature control. For long storage periods, the organic peroxide is usually kept at a lower temperature than the maximum safe storage temperature
as determined by the SADT.
Organic peroxide
Organic peroxides are organic compounds containing the peroxide functional group . If the R' is hydrogen, the compound is called an organic hydroperoxide. Peresters have general structure RCOOR. The O-O bond easily breaks and forms free radicals of the form RO·...
in a typical vessel or shipping package will undergo a self-accelerating decomposition
Chemical decomposition
Chemical decomposition, analysis or breakdown is the separation of a chemical compound into elements or simpler compounds. It is sometimes defined as the exact opposite of a chemical synthesis. Chemical decomposition is often an undesired chemical reaction...
. This reaction can be violent, usually rupturing the vessel or container dispersing peroxide, liquid and
gaseous decomposition products considerable distances. The heat generated might autoignite flammable vapors. There is generally a period of time after the SADT is reached and before the decomposition becomes violent. The length of time depends upon how much the SADT is exceeded, which can greatly accelerate the decomposition. As a rule of thumb, the SADT tends to decrease with increasing packaging size.
Although a number of organic peroxides can safely be stored at room temperature, most require some form of temperature control. For long storage periods, the organic peroxide is usually kept at a lower temperature than the maximum safe storage temperature
Maximum safe storage temperature
The Maximum Safe Storage Temperature is the highest temperature to store a chemical above which slow decomposition and explosion may occur....
as determined by the SADT.