Abstract: Cumene hydroperoxide (CHP

Abstract: Cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) is widely used in chemical processes, mainly as an
initiator for the polymerization of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene. It is a typical organic peroxide
and an explosive substance. It is susceptible to thermal decomposition and is readily affected
by contamination; moreover, it has high thermal sensitivity. The reactor tank, transit storage
vessel, and pipeline used for manufacturing and transporting this substance are made of metal.
Metal containers used in chemical processes can be damaged through aging, wear, erosion, and
corrosion; furthermore, the containers might release metal ions. In a metal pipeline, CHP may
cause incompatibility reactions because of catalyzed exothermic reactions. This paper discusses and
elucidates the potential thermal hazard of a mixture of CHP and an incompatible material’s metal ions.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal activity monitor III (TAM III) were employed
to preliminarily explore and narrate the thermal hazard at the constant temperature environment.
The substance was diluted and analyzed by using a gas chromatography spectrometer (GC) and gas
chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) to determine the effect of thermal cracking and metal
ions of CHP. The thermokinetic parameter values obtained from the experiments are discussed; the
results can be used for designing an inherently safer process. As a result, the paper finds that the
most hazards are in the reaction of CHP with Fe2+. When the metal release is exothermic in advance,
the system temperature increases, even leading to uncontrollable levels, and the process may slip out
of control.