Thermal Decomposition of Mono-Nitrated Toluene (MNT) with Additives

Abstract: On September 21^st 1992, an explosion happened in Castleford, UK, at the distillation unit, owned by Hickson & Welch Ltd. The incident killed 5 people and caused nearly 200 injuries. The main reason is due to the decomposition of mono-nitrated toluene (MNT). Nitrated aromatic compounds present a potential run-away reaction threat to the chemical process industry, due to its unstable structure and extensive heat release during upset situations. This study employs the Advanced Reactive System Screening Tool (ARSST) to study the effects of various common contaminants on MNT’s thermal decomposition, including sodium nitrate, sodium hydroxide, and sodium carbonate. Experimental parameters and results such as ‘onset’ temperature, pressure increase rate, temperature increase rate and maximum temperature are present. Sodium hydroxide and sodium nitrate can lower the decomposition onset temperature of MNT and make the consequence more severe. Thermokinetics of the decomposition reaction is shown and SADT prediction of UN25 kg package storage is calculated.