Close This Browser Window to Return to Data Sheet Index

DELTECH CORPORATION TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DIVINYLBENZENE - STORAGE AND HANDLING
http://www.deltechcorp.com/deltech02/monomers/dvbtechbltn.htm
Divinylbenzene (DVB) is an extremely reactive monomer and must be carefully handled to
prevent polymerization. Deltech DVB products, 63% DVB (DVB63) or 80% DVB (DVB80), can
rapidly polymerize if exposed to incorrect conditions. Prevention of preformed polymer is the
greatest concern when storing Deltech DVB. In addition, oxidation can cause degradation of
product quality by color formation or free particle formation during long-term storage.
DIVINYLBENZENE - PROPERTIES
PROPERTY TEMP-
o
C DVB63
DVB8
0
Molecular Weight 130.19 130.19

Boiling Point,
o
C at 760 mm 197 200

Density, lb/gal 20 7.64 7.69

25 7.60 7.65

30 7.57 7.61

Viscosity, cps 25 1.0 1.0

Solubility-DVB in Water, % 25 0.0052 0.0052

Solubility-Water in DVB, % 25 0.054 0.054

Refractive Index, D-Line 25 1.5585 1.5585

Heat Capacity, cal/g
o
C 25 0.42 0.42

Heat of Vaporization, cal/g 25 96.9 96.9

Flash Point,
o
C TCC 69 69

Autoignition Temperature,
o
C 494 470

Vapor Density (air=1) 4.5 4.5

Vapor Pressure, mm Hg 0 0.08 0.08

25 0.6 0.6

50 2.9 2.8

75 11.4 10.7

100 35.0 33.0

125 91.1 86.3

150 207.1 197.7

175 422.3 406.5

200 788.2 764.8

The formation of polymer in stored DVB will generally degrade the product quality and prevent
use in most applications. Practice of proper inventory management is required to ensure the
product quality is maintained until product is used. Deltech DVB can be safely stored for
extended periods if the proper conditions are maintained. Understanding the polymerization
characteristics, maintenance of storage equipment and proper polymerization inhibitor use for
DVB combine to support good inventory management.
POLYMERIZATION CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINYLBENZENE
Heat initiated free radical polymerization can easily occur in DVB. When heated, the monomer
molecule becomes unstable and forms a free radical which is a reactive species. The free
radical reacts with another DVB molecule and starts a polymer chain. The chain grows in
length until some type of chain terminating event occurs or until all molecules are reacted. The
polymerization reaction is exothermic (energy is produced by the reaction) which causes the
temperature of the bulk liquid to increase and accelerate the formation of more free radicals
and more polymerization. DVB polymerization is self promoting and auto-accelerating. Once
started; the energy generated by the reaction can rapidly increase the polymerization rate and
amount of polymer formation. DVB polymerization in a bulk storage can proceed at a rate that
causes the temperature of the bulk liquid to increase to a level where vigorous vapor venting
can occur which creates a dangerous fire hazard. DVB polymerization in a closed container
such as a metal drum can cause the buildup of extreme pressure leading to container failure
with release of explosive force.
Polymerization inhibitors are added to reactive monomers to prevent undesired polymerization
during transport or storage. An inhibitor reacts with the free radical to prevent reaction with
DVB molecules and polymer formation. Use of inhibitors to control polymer formation in bulk
liquid is discussed below.
Storage of reactive monomers in bulk tanks can also result in another type of polymer
contamination due to polymerization of uninhibited monomer on tank surfaces. During storage
of bulk liquid DVB, some of the DVB is vaporized and the vapors condense into droplets on the
roof and sides of the storage tank. These monomer droplets do not contain polymerization
inhibitor and may begin to polymerize if allowed to adhere to the roof or sides of the tank. Once
polymer begins to form, additional droplets are trapped and the polymerization can increase to
form sheets of polymer on tank sides or large accumulations from the roof (stalactites). If the
polymer accumulation becomes large enough, the weight causes detachment from the tank
sides or roof into the bulk liquid. The polymer is insoluble in DVB monomer but can cause hard
polymer particle contamination in the product which degrades product quality and prevents
use in many applications. Use of a properly designed storage tank is required to reduce the
potential for polymer accumulation on tank surfaces.
STORAGE TANK DESIGN
DVB monomer is a combustible liquid and the accepted equipment design and material
handling techniques for this hazard class must be practiced to prevent conditions that can
cause fire or explosion. The storage tank used should meet all applicable code requirements
including adequate grounding connections on tank and pump. DVB storage tanks should be
installed within a suitable diked enclosure to contain any unintended leaks or spills. Consult
the Deltech MSDS for recommendations for recycle or disposal of off-specification DVB.
Additional storage tank design requirements not related to safe handling practices are also
necessary to allow DVB storage without product degradation. A vertical storage tank with
self-supporting dome roof is recommended for DVB storage. The tank should be designed to
meet applicable code standards for atmospheric tanks.
TANK ARRANGEMENT
A simplified storage tank arrangement is shown:

The tank should be equipped with:
Roof mounted vacuum-pressure relief device (Protectoseal No. 830)
Roof mounted manhole/emergency relief device (Protectoseal No. 51300)
Roof mounted gauging/sampling hatch (Protectoseal No. 4980)
Side mounted 20" manhole for inspection/cleaning entry
Internal sump with drain valve
Temperature indicator
TANK LINING
Tank roof and sides must be smooth to prevent polymer accumulation. Carbon steel tank
construction with the proper tank lining material will provide the desired smooth surface. Use of
the dome roof without internal supports permits simple lining installation and allows monomer
vapors that condense on the roof surface to quickly drain back to the liquid.
Condensed monomer vapors do not contain polymerization inhibitor. Uninhibited monomer
can form polymer deposits if allowed to collect on tank surfaces. Non-porous, non-wettable
smooth tank linings prevent retention and attachment of uninhibited monomer droplets. As a
result monomer drains quickly back into the bulk of the inhibited liquid monomer before
polymerization can occur. Baked phenolic, modified epoxy and inorganic zinc silicates all
perform well to prevent entrainment and polymer accumulation above the liquid level. Tank
linings must be applied according to manufacturer's instructions.
Baked phenolic and modified epoxy coatings are nonconductive so the tank floor and lower 6
to 8 inches of the walls of vertical storage tanks should be coated with inorganic zinc silicate
linings to provide electrical grounding.
Recommended tank linings: Interzinc 22
International Paint Inc.
6001 Antoine Drive
Houston, TX 77292
713 682-1711
CAUTION: Inorganic zinc coatings are not electrically conductive. The bottom 30 centimeters
of the tank should be coated with an inorganic silicate lining to provide adequate electrical
grounding.
TANK INSULATION
Maintaining DVB product storage temperature below 65
o
F is important to maximize product
quality for extended storage periods. If atmospheric conditions require, the tank should be
insulated with suitable insulation to prevent direct sunlight impingement on the tank. Use of a
package refrigeration system is recommended to control storage temperature within the
desired range.
PUMP REQUIREMENTS
Self-priming centrifugal pumps with a suitable mechanical seal should be used for DVB service.
Continual flow through the pump must be verified when the pump operates to prevent
deadheading the pump which can cause heat generation within the pump. Heating the DVB
can cause thermally induced free radical polymerization as described above.
POLYMERIZATION INHIBITOR
DVB monomer is treated with tertiary Butyl Catechol (TBC) as an inhibitor to prevent
premature free radical polymerization. Products are shipped with a minimum of 1000 parts per
million (ppm) of TBC and may contain up to 1200 ppm TBC upon customer request. TBC acts
a proton donor to stabilize a free radical and prevent reaction of the free radical with a
monomer molecule to start a polymer chain. The chemistry of free radical inhibition can be
found below.

An inhibitor level of 1000 ppm is normally effective in preventing polymerization for 60 days at
maximum temperatures of 65
o
F. TBC is an effective inhibitor only in the presence of oxygen.
DVB products shipped by Deltech are saturated with oxygen allowing full utilization of the TBC
inhibitor. Use of nitrogen or inert gas blanketing on DVB storage tanks is not recommended.
INHIBITOR DEPLETION
The most significant cause of TBC depletion is related to DVB monomer storage temperature.
Temperature of stored monomer should be maintained at less than 65
o
F to avoid excessive
depletion of TBC. The TBC concentration will deplete over time under ideal storage conditions
which will leave the monomer unprotected against free radical polymerization.
Due to the solubility of TBC in water, the presence of free water in the DVB storage can cause
the TBC content of the monomer to be rapidly depleted. DVB storage tanks should be routinely
checked to ensure that water is not present.
INHIBITOR MAINTENANCE
The TBC concentration in DVB monomer is determined using ASTM Test Method D4590.
Deltech will provide assistance in specifying the equipment required for TBC analysis at the
storage location. Deltech will also perform this analysis as a service for DVB customers.
Contact Deltech for sample shipping instructions and the laboratory contact for sample receipt.
If TBC concentration in DVB monomer is depleted below 900 ppm, additional TBC should be
added to the storage to increase the concentration to the desired range. Contact Deltech for
assistance in obtaining the TBC solution suitable for addition to DVB monomer.
MAINTAINING OXYGEN CONTENT
A minimum oxygen concentration of 15 ppm in DVB monomer is required to ensure the TBC
inhibiting capability is effective. Deltech ships DVB monomer saturated with oxygen (30-40
ppm). Saturation ensures that minimum oxygen concentration is maintained. Storage
conditions and TBC depletion in storage can cause oxygen concentration to decrease over
time. In a bulk storage which is vented to atmosphere, intermittent or continuous agitation of
the monomer usually assures that minimum oxygen concentration will be maintained.
Circulating the tank using the transfer pump is a convenient method of tank agitation.
In bulk storage, use of nitrogen or inert gas padding or blanketing is not recommended. If inert
gas blanketing is necessary due to regulatory requirements, a rigorous program of oxygen
addition must be enforced to maintain the minimum oxygen concentration in DVB monomer.
The monomer should be sparged with clean dry air on a scheduled basis that will add the
required oxygen content to the monomer. An oxygen monitor should be used to test the
monomer to verify oxygen content is adequate and determine the proper air sparging
schedule.
POLYMER TESTING
The presence of preformed polymer in DVB monomer can be determined using the simple test
method ASTM D2121. Performing the test is required because DVB polymer is soluble in the
monomer and can be present in quantities that degrade product quality although not visually
apparent.
1. Obtain a representative sample of DVB monomer from storage.
2. Add 5 milliliters (ml) of sample to a clean, clear test tube.
3. Add 25 ml of dry reagent grade methanol to the test tube.
4. Mix thoroughly.
Solution will remain clear if no polymer is present.
Solution will be hazy at low (less than 20 ppm) polymer concentration.
Solution will be cloudy/milky at higher (greater than 20 ppm) polymer concentration.
If quality of DVB monomer is not known, product should be tested for polymer concentration
before use.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND TESTING
Deltech recommends that DVB stored in bulk for periods exceeding 30 days be routinely
monitored to ensure product quality is maintained. Storage temperature should be checked
daily and product analysis performed as shown below:
Test Frequency Test Method
TBC Once per week ASTM D4590
Polymer Once per week ASTM D2121
EXPECTED STORAGE LIFE
Typical storage life for DVB products (no observable degradation of quality due to
polymerization or oxidation products) in bulk storage is about 30 days if recommended storage
conditions are not followed. This storage life can be extended if the tank configuration and
lining meet the recommended requirements, inhibitor concentration is maintained, monomer is
saturated with oxygen and bulk liquid storage temperature is maintained at 65
o
F. Proper
precautions must also be observed to assure that localized heat sources do not increase the
surface temperature of the tank or associated piping.
Storage temperature is the single most critical factor in the storage life of DVB products. Use of
an insulated tank and refrigeration through a close loop circulation system are recommended
when the temperature of the stored product may exceed 65
o
F without refrigeration. For
longest term DVB storage, a temperature of 65
o
F is recommended.
DVB DRUM STORAGE
DVB monomer is often supplied in 55 gallon steel drums for customers with lower
requirements. Storage in drums is acceptable if proper precautions are observed:
Storage Condition: DVB in drums must be stored in a location that is shaded from direct
sunlight. Storage in a covered warehouse type facility with adequate ventilation to avoid
excessive temperature increase is recommended. DVB drums should not be stored where
temperature reaches 80
o
F for extended periods. DVB drums must not be stored in locations
where external heat sources such as hot pipes can contact the drum and increase DVB
temperature. Temperature of stored DVB drums should be monitored on a routine basis to
ensure drums are not overheating.
Storage Period: DVB in drums should be used within 30 days if stored in an area where
temperatures are greater than 80
o
F for sustained periods. Storing at lower temperatures will
extend the product life. For extended storage, DVB drums should be stored at controlled
temperature of less than 65
o
F.
Oxygen Content: DVB drums stored for longer than 30 days should be aerated with clean
dry air to ensure the monomer contains adequate oxygen for TBC inhibitor to be active.
Inhibitor Concentration: DVB drums stored for longer than 30 days should be tested for TBC
concentration to ensure adequate inhibitor is available.
CAUTION: DVB drums exposed to direct sunlight or other external heat sources can begin
to polymerize. Polymerization will cause the drum temperature to increase and could cause an
uncontrollable polymerization which will result in pressure buildup and explosive drum failure.
DVB drums that show indication of polymerization should be immediately cooled with water to
reduce temperature.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Deltech technical product representatives are available to answer questions concerning DVB
storage and handling. Recommendations may be case specific depending upon use and
storage conditions. Deltech also offers assistance in analysis for TBC and polymer content,
setting up customer testing capability and recovering downgraded product (depending upon
DVB condition).
For assistance contact:
Gene Fluharty Telephone: 225 358-3170
Deltech Corporation Email: efluharty@deltechcorp.com
11911 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

This information is provided as a service to Deltech customers. No warranty, express or implied, is given nor is
freedom from any patent to be inferred. Inasmuch as any assistance furnished by Deltech with reference to the
proper use and disposal of Deltech products is provided without charge, Deltech Corporation assumes no obligation
or liability thereof.