Adding viscosity reducing dispersants: Safety strings should not be loosened
In industrial production, viscosity reducing dispersants are like "behind-the-scenes heroes" that can effectively reduce
material viscosity, promote particle dispersion, and improve production efficiency and product quality. However, it is
not a "gentle angel". If safety issues are ignored during the addition process, it may cause a series of dangers. Today,
let's talk about the safety points that must be paid attention to when adding viscosity reducing dispersants, focusing
on the importance of protective masks and masks.
Comprehensively understand the characteristics of the product, and don't panic
Before contacting the viscosity reducing dispersant, be sure to carefully read the product instructions and safety data
sheets (MSDS). These materials are like the "identity cards" of the viscosity reducing dispersant, which record in detail
its chemical composition, physical properties, toxicity, corrosiveness, flammability and explosiveness and other key
information.
Different types of viscosity reducing dispersants have very different characteristics. Some viscosity reducing dispersants
may be highly corrosive. Products containing strong acid or strong alkali ingredients, once in contact with the skin or eyes,
will quickly cause chemical burns, leading to redness, swelling, pain and even permanent damage. Some viscosity reducing
dispersants may be flammable and explosive substances, which are very likely to cause fire or explosion accidents when
exposed to high temperature, open flames or oxidants. Only by deeply understanding these characteristics can we take
preventive measures in advance during the addition process, so that we can be well prepared and not panic when
encountering problems.
Do a good job of personal protection and build a solid first line of defense for safety
Personal protective equipment is our "amulet" when adding viscosity reducing dispersants. It must be worn and used
correctly, among which protective masks and masks play a vital role.
Masks: "gatekeepers" of the respiratory system
In the operating environment where viscosity reducing dispersants are added, dust and harmful gases are the two
common "enemies". When viscosity reducing dispersants exist in solid form, or when stirring, grinding and other operations
are performed, dust is easily generated. These dust particles are tiny and can be suspended in the air for a long time. Once
inhaled by the human body, they will enter the respiratory system and cause a series of health problems.
Ordinary cotton masks can only block larger dust particles, and have almost no protective effect on the tiny dust generated by
viscosity reducing dispersants. Professional dust masks are different. They use special filter materials that can effectively filter out
tiny dust particles in the air. These filter materials usually have a multi-layer structure, which can intercept dust layer by layer to
ensure that the air entering the respiratory tract is relatively clean.
In addition to dust, some viscosity-reducing dispersants also volatilize harmful gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These harmful gases have irritating odors, and long-term inhalation can cause damage to the human respiratory system, nervous
system, etc. Dust masks have limited protection against these harmful gases, so you need to wear a mask with anti-gas function.
The gas mask is equipped with a gas filter canister filled with activated carbon and other adsorbent materials, which can absorb
harmful gases in the air and reduce their concentration, thereby protecting the respiratory system from damage.
Protective mask: a full-range "protective shield"
When the viscosity-reducing dispersant is highly toxic, or there are high concentrations of harmful gases and dust in the operating
environment, wearing a mask alone may not provide sufficient protection. At this time, a protective mask becomes an indispensable
equipment.
Protective masks are usually divided into two types: half masks and full masks. Half masks mainly cover the mouth and nose, and can
provide a certain degree of respiratory protection, but the protection for the eyes and other parts of the face is insufficient. The full-face
mask can completely cover the head, including the eyes, mouth, nose and face, providing all-round protection for the operator.
Full-face protective masks are usually equipped with high-efficiency gas filter canisters and dust filter boxes, which can filter harmful
gases and dust at the same time. It has very good sealing and can effectively prevent harmful substances from entering from the edge
of the mask. In addition, the full-face mask also has a good field of view and comfort, and will not affect the normal work of the
operator. In some high-risk operations of adding viscosity-reducing dispersants, such as handling viscosity-reducing dispersants
containing highly toxic substances, full-face protective masks can provide reliable safety protection for operators and reduce the risk
of poisoning and occupational diseases.
Standardize the operating environment and eliminate potential safety hazards
The safety of the operating environment is directly related to whether the process of adding viscosity-reducing dispersants is smooth.
First of all, ensure that the operating area is well ventilated. Many viscosity-reducing dispersants will volatilize harmful gases. If ventilation
is not smooth, these gases will accumulate in the air. When they reach a certain concentration, they will cause poisoning hazards to the
human body, and symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing will occur. Ventilation equipment such as exhaust fans
and ventilation ducts can be installed to discharge harmful gases outdoors in time to keep the air fresh. At the same time, good
ventilation also helps to reduce dust concentration and reduce the harm of dust to the human body.
Secondly, the operating site should be away from fire and heat sources. Flammable and explosive viscosity-reducing dispersants
are very likely to cause fire or explosion when encountering open flames or high temperatures. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to
smoke, use open flames, or perform operations such as electric welding that may produce sparks in the operating site. At the same
time, the viscosity-reducing dispersant should be stored in a cool and dry place to avoid direct sunlight and high temperature
environments.
In addition, the operating site should be kept clean and orderly to avoid accumulation of debris. Debris will not only affect the
operating space, but may also hinder the evacuation and rescue of personnel in the event of an accident.
Standardize the addition process and eliminate illegal operations
Strictly following the prescribed addition process is the key to ensuring safety.
Before adding the viscosity reducing dispersant, the equipment should be inspected and maintained to ensure that the equipment
operates normally without leakage. If the equipment fails or leaks, the viscosity reducing dispersant may leak out, causing environmental
pollution or safety accidents.
During the addition process, the speed and amount of addition should be controlled. Too fast an addition speed may cause excessive
local concentration, violent reaction or splashing; too much addition may exceed the processing capacity of the equipment, causing
overflow or other problems. You can use precise addition equipment such as metering pumps to ensure the accuracy of the addition amount.
At the same time, pay attention to the order and method of addition. Some viscosity reducing dispersants need to be diluted before adding,
while others need to be mixed with other substances in a specific proportion before adding. If the order or method of addition is wrong,
it may affect the effect of the viscosity reducing dispersant and even cause danger.
Properly handle waste to avoid secondary pollution
Waste generated after adding viscosity reducing dispersants, such as used packaging containers, residual viscosity reducing dispersants, etc.,
if not handled properly, will cause harm to the environment and human health.
For discarded packaging containers containing viscosity reducing dispersants, they cannot be discarded at will or treated as ordinary garbage.
It should be cleaned first to remove the residual viscosity-reducing dispersant, and then recycled or disposed of in accordance with relevant
regulations. If there is a lot of residual viscosity-reducing dispersant in the discarded packaging container, it is necessary to entrust a
professional hazardous waste treatment unit to handle it.
The residual viscosity-reducing dispersant cannot be discharged directly into the environment. It should be classified and collectedaccording to its properties, and then treated by appropriate methods, such as neutralization, precipitation, adsorption, etc., so that it can
meet the emission standards before being discharged.
Although adding viscosity-reducing dispersants can bring many conveniences to industrial production, safety issues must not be ignored.
We must fully understand the characteristics of the product, correctly wear and use personal protective equipment such as protective masks
and masks, standardize the operating environment, strictly follow the addition process, and properly dispose of waste. Only in this way can
we give full play to the role of viscosity-reducing dispersants and escort industrial production on the premise of ensuring safety.
