Thermal Hazard Behavior of TBP and DBP

Abstract

The exothermic behavior of Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) with nitric acid at elevated temperatures is a serious cause of concern in nuclear industry as well as in various other industries where it is the principal extractant. In this study, the comparative study of thermal hazard of TBP and one of its major decomposition products, Dibutyl phosphate, (DBP) has been investigated under adiabatic conditions. Parameters such as comparative self-heat rate and pressure rise were deduced using world’s benchmark adiabatic calorimeter, Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC). FTIR spectrum of the products obtained after ARC experiments pertaining to TBP and DBP are compared.