Thermal Hazard Analysis and Chemical Incompatibility Test with Novel Custom High-Pressure Crucibles Made from Commonly Used Metals and Alloys

The assessment of reactive hazards and chemical incompatibilities is necessary for safe operations in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In this investigation, custom differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) high-pressure crucibles made of commonly used metals and alloys have been constructed in-house using a microwelding system containing a jewelry spot-welder and a microscope. They provide an inexpensive and efficient method to perform thermal hazard analysis and compatibility tests at elevated temperatures compared to a DSC with commercial high-pressure crucibles or an accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC). The application of these crucibles is demonstrated with case studies of the thermal hazard analysis of ammonium nitrate (AN) and an ionic liquid: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([emim][Tf 2 N]).