sampling Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl Chloride

1) Description

Name: ..............................................................................................Vinyl chloride

Chemical Formula: ........................................................................C₂H₃Cl

CAS No: ..........................................................................................75-01-4

Other Names: ...............................................................................Chloroethene, Chloroethylene, Ethylene monochloride, Monochloroethene, Monochloroethylene, VC, VCM, Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)

Uses: ...............................................................................................Industrial

Physical state: ..............................................................................Colorless gas or liquid (below 7°F)

Color: ..............................................................................................Colorless

Odor: ...............................................................................................Mild, sweet odor

Boiling Point: ................................................................................-13.9°C (7°F)

Freezing Point: ..............................................................................-160°C (-256°F)

Flash Point: ...................................................................................179°C (-110°F)

Upper Explosive Limit: .................................................................33.0%

Lower Explosive Limit: .................................................................3.6%

Vapor pressure: ..............................................................................3 mmHg

2) Hazards

Reactivity: Copper, oxidizers, aluminum, peroxides, iron, steel [Note: Polymerizes in air, sunlight, or heat unless stabilized by inhibitors such as phenol. Attacks iron & steel in presence of moisture.]

Specific Hazards related to Sampling: As VCM is highly flammable and a carcinogen, it is important that Operators are protected at all times from accidental spills, splashes and fumes. Ideally, sample systems should be enclosed with an adequate venting system to prevent exposure. Alternatively, it can be sampled using an enclosed system such as a container.

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3) Sampling Facts

Plants need to monitor for potential contamination and concentration

HCl, caustic, trace chemicals and moisture. Typically, samples are analyzed using gas chromatography.

4) Most common Sample Receptacles

As VCM is extremely toxic, it should be sampled in a totally enclosed system.