Overview of Potassium Chlorate
Potassium chlorate is a compound containing potassium, chlorine and oxygen, with the molecular formula KClO3. In pure form, it is a white crystalline substance. It is the most common chlorate in industrial use, and is usually present in well-stocked laboratories. It is used
as an oxidizing agent,
to prepare oxygen,
as a disinfectant,
in safety matches, and
in explosives and fireworks
Specification of Potassium Chlorate
|
Iterm |
Superior class |
First class |
|
Purity % |
99.5 |
99.2 |
|
Moisture % |
0.05 |
0.10 |
|
Water insolubles % |
0.03 |
0.10 |
|
Chloride (based on Cl)% |
0.02 |
0.03 |
|
Bromate (based on BrO3) % |
0.03 |
0.08 |
|
Sulfate based on SO4% |
0.01 |
0.03 |
|
Febased on Fe% |
0.003 |
0.005 |
Usage of Potassium Chlorate
Potassium chlorate was one key ingredient in early firearms percussion caps (primers). It continues in that application, where not supplanted by potassium perchlorateChlorate-based propellants are more efficient than traditional gunpowder and are less susceptible to damage by water. However, they can be extremely unstable in the presence of sulfur or phosphorus and are much more expensive. Chlorate propellants must be used only in equipment designed for them; failure to follow this precaution is a common source of accidents. Potassium chlorate, often in combination with silver fulminate, is used in trick noise-makers known as "crackers", "snappers", "pop-its", or "bang-snaps", a popular type of novelty firework When mixed with a suitable fuel, it may form an explosive material, a so-called Sprengel explosive. The hygroscopic and slightly weaker sodium chlorate is sometimes used as a safer and less expensive substitute for potassium chlorate. In World War I, mixes of potassium chlorate with plasticizers (such as wax) were the most common type of plastic explosive used, often filling grenades and other munitions. When used in explosives as an oxidizer, the explosive is low order meaning it burns rapidly rather than explodes.
Safety of Potassium Chlorate
Potassium chlorate should be handled with care. It reacts vigorously, and in some cases spontaneously ignites or explodes, when mixed with many combustible materials. It will burn vigorously in combination with virtually any combustible material, even those which are considered to by only slightly flammable normally (including ordinary dust and lint). Mixtures of potassium chlorate and a fuel can be ignited by contact with sulfuric acid and this reagent should be kept away from potassium chlorate. Sulfur should be avoided in pyrotechnic compositions containing potassium chlorate, as these mixtures are prone to spontaneous deflagration. Most sulfur contains trace quantities of sulfur- containing acids, and these can cause spontaneous ignition - "Flowers of sulfur" or "sublimed sulfur", despite the overall high purity, contains significant amounts of sulfur acids. Also, mixtures of potassium chlorate with any compound with ignition promoting properties (ex. antimony(III) sulfide) are very dangerous to prepare, as they are extremely shock sensitive.
Production of Potassium Chlorate
On an industrial scale, potassium chlorate is produced by the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution to form sodium chlorate, which is reacted with potassium chloride to precipitate potassium chlorate. The resultant sodium chloride is returned to the mother liquor for electrolysis.KClO3 can also be produced on a smaller scale by the thermal disproportionation of a hypochlorite to its respective chlorate and chloride by boiling, then adding KCl. This reaction should be done in a fume hood due to the production of chlorine and chlorine dioxide gas.
Package and storyage of Potassium Perchlorate
Solid: Iron drum with plastic bag ,net weight: 50kg ,
liquid: PVC plastic drum,net weight: 25kg , or following your demand
The container should have clear symbols, including "oxidant", factory name,product name, spec, grade, approval No. product date, net weight, serial no., trade brand etc
No mixed with acid or reductive amtter. sealed,in cool,airiness and dry place. Avoid sunshine and fare away from heat and fire,Outfire:extinguishing it with sand , water, or kinds of fire extinguisher. Stimulation to breath trachea. mucous membrane. eyes & skin. The solution falling into the eys & skin. water washing instantly. Eat it. drinking salt water &warm soap solution immediately., sick it and cure in hospital.
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