STUDIES OF HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS. PART 1 - STABILITY OF FLUOROCARBONS IN AIR OVER HOPCALITE CATALYST OR STAINLESS STEEL
Abstract
A study was made of the catalytic decomposition of a number of fluorine-containing halogenated hydrocarbons in air, using Hopcalite catalyst in a laboratory-scale reactor which simulates the CO/H2 burners of nuclear submarines. A few of the highly fluorinated compounds were found to be stable at 305 C. A number of other halogenated hydrocarbons showed substantial decomposition with the production of halogen acids, whereas over stainless steel, a noncatalytic material, very little decomposition occurred. In no case was phosgene observed to be a product. Admixture of lithium carbonate with Hopcalite catalyst had no significant effect on the rate of decomposition of the chlorofluorocarbons. Sulfur hexafluoride in air was stable over Hopcalite at temperatures as high as 425 C. The results show that use of the chlorofluorocarbons should be as limited as possible in closed environments such as those of nuclear submarines. Where they are needed, as in refrigeration systems, it is recommended that R-114, R-14, or R-12 be used since they show the greatest resistance to Hopcalite-catalyzed decomposition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0816425
Entities
People
- J. E. Johnson
- James K. Musick
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory