Aluminium Powder

 Aluminium Powder

is a highly flammable powder created by grinding aluminum into fine grains of material. It is one of the tools utilizer in various applications of pyrotechnics, including the creation of fireworks displays.

1. Chemical Analysis

(1). Spherical Aluminium Powder

(2).   Flake Aluminium Powder

2. Application

•  High-level metal pigments (high-level automotive metal paints, etc.)
•  Solar energy electronic pastes
•  Conductive paints
•  Military industry (gunpowder, various cartridge filling agents)
•  Aerospace (solid rocket propellants, etc.)
•  Smelting alloy (thermit, steelmaking deoxidant, etc.)
•  Anticorrosive materials
•  Fire resistant materials (steelmaking Mg-C bricks, etc.)
•  Fireworks and crackers
•  Chemical industry (catalyst, high precision alloy, precision powder casting components, etc.)
•  Medical and pesticide industry (pesticide additives)
•  Ceramics industry

3. Transportation Information:

4. Handing & Storage

• Storage should be in rooms of noncombustible or limited combustible construction.
• Aluminum powder should be stored in the original shipping containers and kept tightly sealed.
• Aluminum powder should not be stored in areas containing flammable liquids or other combustible materials, due to the differences in fire fighting methods.
• Store sealed containers of aluminum powder in a dry room at a temperature below the flash point of the solvent.
• Stack containers properly with ample aisle space. Keep stack height to a minimum.
• Aluminum powder must not be stored in the same area as incompatible materials such as oxidizers.
• Safety aspects of bulk storage should be discussed with the powder or paste supplier.

5. Packing

• In net 50kg drums.
• 10MT/20’FCL.

6. Fire Fight Method  

Since it is almost impossible to extinguish a large aluminum powder fire, the fire must be controlled in its incipient stage.

Aluminum powder fires on reasonably flat surfaces may be controlled by blanketing the fire with a Class D dry extinguishent or ringing the fire with a dam of dry sand. This should be done with great care to avoid disturbing the powder and creating a dust cloud. Even a minor dust cloud may explode violently. Long handled shovels or scoops of non-sparking material should be provided for the application of dry extinguishing agents.

A properly blanketed or ringed fire will develop a hard crust of metal oxide which will ultimately exclude enough oxygen to cause self-extinguishment. After dispensing the extinguishing material, leave the area, close all doors leading to the area and seal them with sand. All fans and machinery, including dust collection systems should be shut down. The area should not be reentered until combustion has stopped and the material has cooled.

Water must not be used to fight an aluminum powder fire since water reacts with hot aluminum powder to produce hydrogen. Also, the force of a water stream could suspend the aluminum powder to form a dust cloud.

Where Class A, B, or C fire hazards exist in powder areas, extinguishers suitable for use on such fires must be labeled “Not for Use on Aluminum Powder Fires.”