Peroxide
Introduction
Hydrogen Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is often called Peroxide. Peroxide is used as a
sterilisation agent in Tetra Pak filling machines. It is a clear, colourless fluid
Oxygen
which is odourfree in small concentrations but has a somewhat pungent smell
at higher concentrations. The peroxide is not particularly toxic and it is simple
to handle, since the residues of water and oxygen gas are harmless.
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Decomposition
Peroxide molecule In pure form and at a low pH-value peroxide is a relatively stable compound.
The decomposition into water and oxygen gas takes place when the peroxide
gets polluted, for instance by metals.
It is accelerated by:
• heat
• high pH-value
• light
When the peroxide is polluted by metallic chlorides, e.g. chlorides of copper,
chrome, or iron, it can decompose very quickly. The decomposition can also
ppm = parts per million = 10-6 take place at very low proportions of pollutions, a few ppm.
When the peroxide concentration is higher than 30% it might cause ignition
in case of contact with wood, paper, cloth, or such. Peroxide itself is not
flammable but the oxygen gas, created by decomposition, may facilitate
ignition and maintain the burning.
Catalysis = Change of reaction Some metals have catalytic influence on peroxide. This means that the metal
rate. accelerates the decomposition into water and oxygen gas. Pure passivated
acidproof metals, such as steel or aluminium, does not have any catalytic
influence on peroxide and can be used as construction materials. At the
passivating process coatings inside e.g. pipe lines are removed by rinsing with
distilled water and peroxide.
Safety
Peroxide is a chemical product, which is corrosive in contact with eyes and
skin as well as by consumption. Furthermore, inhalation of peroxide steam
or peroxide mist is very irritating for nose and throat.
Where the peroxide is handled and stored:
• an emergency shower and eye flushing equipment shall be easily
accessible,
• a water hose must be reachable in order to dilute and wash away any
spillage,
• persons working with peroxide shall wear tight-fitting safety glasses,
protective rubber gloves, shoes made of plastic or rubber, and a protective
apron.
Technical Training Centre 1/9902 TM-00071 Training Document. For training purpose only. 6-1
Persons working with peroxide must be aware of the risks involved as well
as the local safety rules and they must follow the safety instructions about
peroxide provided in the Tetra Pak manuals.
Below is a brief description of injuries that could occur when working with Personal injuries
peroxide
• Skin - Peroxide with a higher concentration than 10% is corrosive in
contact with skin. The skin turns white because small blisters of oxygen gas
are formed in the skin, called emphysema.
• Eyes - Peroxide is very irritating to the eye and might cause permanent
damage on the cornea.
• Inhalation - Inhalation of peroxide vapour or peroxide mist may cause
severe pain in nose and throat as well as sneezing and coughing. In high
concentrations there is risk of bronchitis and fluid in the lungs, so called
pulmonary edema.
• Consumption - Consumption of peroxide causes smarting pain, stomach
pain, and corrosive damages. The peroxide will quickly decompose into
water and oxygen gas, which distends the stomach and there is a risk that
it may burst.
Peroxide is a chemical with relatively small handling risks. However, those Handling
who handle the peroxide must know the risks.
• Peroxide must be handled with care in order to avoid any spillage.
• If peroxide is spilled, remove it with lots of water.
• Keep the peroxide in its original packing as long as possible.
• Emptied peroxide must never be returned to the original packing.
• Tetra Pak recommends that the special filling station is used when
emptying the original packing into the container.
According to the safety precautions peroxide must be stored: Storage
• in a dark and cool place.
• protected against every risk of pollution.
• separate from combustible material.
• in a properly ventilated area.
6-2 TM-00071 Training Document. For training purpose only. Technical Training Centre 1/9902
