oxybate
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Registered: 14-9-2006
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How dangerous is it to store nitromethane?
I have several gallons of 80% nitromethane/20% methanol (no oil additive at all) stored in plastic bottles in my basement. There are no other
chemicals at all present - these 30z plastic bottles were purchased from an online RC outfit for use in making one's own fuel (i.e. simply adding more
methanol and oil to one's taste).
Is there an explosive hazard to storing them for any significant length of time?
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jokull
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As far as I know, for nitromethane (purity greater than 95%) explosion or fire hazards arise from its vapors, since it decomposes in CO2, CO, and some
nitrogen compounds.
However, my suggestion is to obtain a copy of MSDS from your provider.
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Klute
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As long as you keep them in a ventilated, cool area, away from any sources of ignition (not next to a gas heater fro example  ), there shouldn't be any problem IMHO. Such a concentration can be sensibilized by
bases and such, so be carefull not to contamine the jerricans with some.
Alot of racing amateurs store such or simialr fuels in their basements, with a little common sense nothing bad is to happen.
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franklyn
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Not to worry
See Pages 581 - 586
Chemistry and Technology of Explosives vol 1 by Urbanski
Treat as you would gasoline or any ordinary volatile combustible.
The possibility of nitromethane detonating was unknown until a railroad tank car
exploded in 1958 likely due to the hammer effect of the incompressible fluid upon
bubbles. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoluminescence
( So don't go using it as a solvent in an ultrasonic bath  )
http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:fIhytYmTKuQJ:ecb.jrc.it/...
Subsequent investigation determined that for safe transport amounts in any single
container should be limited to 55 gallon drums.
This is true only if uncontaminated, being tautormeric, amines sensitize it by
causing the " aci " nitronic acid form which is very much less stable than the
nitro arrangement. For example Sodium nitronate is a dangerously sensitive
primary explosive salt. As a sensitzed liquid it still requires shock to explode
since such formulations were used as dragster fuel in the early days of
quarter mile racing. It is now forbidden, violators are banned from racing.
Good overview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitromethane
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