Keeping Chemicals safe

[pyro37]

Hi,

I am planning on getting some chemicals soon but I am a bit afraid of the consequences of keeping them. Currently I do have KNO3 and some sulfur and keeping them in a plastic airtight containers.

 

As a newbie, I was wondering what are you guys keeping your chems in, and where is the safest place to...

 

1. Do you keep most of the chemicals in plastic airtight containers like I do?

 

2. What are the chemicals that can't be kept in containers?

 

3. Is KClO3/KClO4 'OK' to be kept in zip plastic bags or plastic containters?

 

Hope someone can clarify me

Thanks!

[BlastFromThePast]

I keep all of my chems in just standard plastic tupperware, airtight and all, but nothing fancy. Yes most chems can be kept in plastic bags such as the gallon type ziploc freezer bags but I find that it can be messier keeping them in bags as opposed to plastic tubs. Both chlorate and perchlorate can be kept in either. There really aren't many chems (at least that I know of) that need special containers. For some hygroscopic chems it's good to keep a desicant in with them to prevent moisture build up, but again, if the containers you're using are new and "airtight" then you should be okay. Many times if you order from pyro suppliers they will conveniently send your item in plastic tubs. If you buy chems here and there from ebay or amazon or similar they will often times send it to you in double bagged ziplocs. Stock up on tupperware, preferably the interlocking type which can be stacked.

-Blast

 

-edit, to highlight your first concern about consequences of keeping chemical, as long as you keep them separate, there should be no issues. And when you use up a particular chemical, unless you buy more of the same and plan to store it in that empty container, get rid of it to eliminate the chance of cross contamination.

Edited May 1, 2013 by BlastFromThePast

[pyro37]

Wow, thanks very much for the detailed reply, I appreciate it

[pyro37]

Hey one more question if you don't mind

What about blackpowder? I've heard that it shouldn't be kept much time in a container, and be used right after ballmilled...

[BlastFromThePast]

I don't mind at all. Well, it would certainly be safer to use it right after ball milling but I definitely keep mine in a container. It's one thing if you're making 100g of BP and I could see someone easily using that much for a specific project such as a rocket or what not but if you're making more than that than you're gonna have more than you need. Plus it's nice to have granulated BP or meal on hand for when you need it. If you do store BP, or any other live comp for that matter just make sure it's in a plastic container. Don't store it in a glass jar for obvious reasons. But to sum it up, it's fine to store BP. Edited May 1, 2013 by BlastFromThePast

[pyro37]

Thanks again!!

[AirCowPeacock]

People will use kilograms of BP just for a single shell. 100g is nothing, just for the record.

[FlaMtnBkr]

Technically home made BP and other live material needs to be stored in a magazine. That magazine should be registered with the ATF and you could get in trouble. I imagine you would be able to plead your case a little better if you had a technically legal magazine you were storing in. At least that is my understanding of it from going to ATF meetings that my club set up.

[pyro37]

Thanks for all the info guys! I appreciate.

 

@FlaMtnBkr I agree with you but I'm not a big pyro, therefore I'm not going to make kilos of BP and store them around

[Seymour]

For me it really depends on the material being stored. Many are simply in plastic bags, ranging from supermarket and ziplock bags and other, more industrial varieties. Other materials are stored in plastc buckets with lids on (a lot of live material I feel more comfortable in a bucket, even if it's multiple bags in there sharing one). I also have an assortment of laboratory, pharmaceutical and Tupperware and just general containers.

 

It really depends on the nature of the material. If it's bought barbeque charcoal or example, I'd be pretty happy with a few shopping bags as a bare minimum, it's already in equilibrium with atmospheric moisture. If the mix or compound is hygroscopic or moisture sensitive then the emphasis is on double bagging, tripple bagging ect.

 

Explosive materials you want some thick case that will resist burning through to an extent and seal. The ordinary HDPE (I think) buckets with tight fitting lids have been shown to hold up relatively well.