Page 12 - Apollo - Industrial Applications Guide

INTRODUCTION:

Ethylene Oxide (Often referred to as EO or EtO) is used in the production of
textiles, polyurethane foam, solvents, detergents, antifreeze, adhesives, and MARKETS:
pharmaceuticals. It is also used for the sterilization of surgical equipment as
well because once it evaporates there are no residuals; leaving a clean surface. Production of textiles,
In lesser concentrations it is utilized in making fumigants and sterilizing agents polyurethane foam, solvents,
for spices and cosmetics. EO is extremely volatile and requires valves and other detergents, antifreeze, adhesives,
vessels where media can become trapped, and experience thermal changes, to and pharmaceuticals, fumigants,
be vented or have means/method and a path for media expansion.
sterilizing agents for spices
and cosmetics. It is used for the
CHARACTERISTICS: sterilization of surgical equipment
as well because once it evaporates
A flammable, colorless gas at temperatures above 51.3°F (10.7°C). Reportedly there are no residuals leaving a
smells like ether at toxic levels. Exposure is generally recognized first by eye pain clean surface.
and sore throat. It can cause difficulty in breathing, blurred vision, dizziness;
nausea, headache, convulsions, blisters, coughing and vomiting. Ethylene
Oxide is a known carcinogen. It is believed to cause various cancers and has
been linked to other health issues like spontaneous abortion, genetic damage, MATERIALS:
nerve damage, peripheral paralysis, muscle weakness, impaired thinking and
memory loss. In a liquid state, contact can cause severe skin irritation. Exposure Past experience shows Stainless
over an 8 hour period should not exceed 1 ppm (part per million). Maximum Steel as the most common
allowable short term exposure is limited to 5 ppm in a fifteen minute period. material utilized for metallic
Product with substantial and well performing sealing components should be components like valve bodies,
utilized. bonnets, retainers, and trim
materials (ball and stem). Sealing
components like seats, stem
GENERAL NOTE: Applications may have Fugitive Emissions requirements even relatively
small spills or releases into the atmosphere have to be reported to the Environmental packing and body seals are
Protection Agency. generally PTFE based materials.
Occasionally graphite based seal
materials are utilized for some
customers. Hastelloy® C,
Nickel-Copper Alloy (M35-1), or
Titanium (Occasionally used in
wet chlorine, but becomes volatile
in dry chlorine and should be
avoided)

It is always good to check compatibility/
acceptability of selected materials based off specific
application data like concentrations, temperatures
and pressures.

12 Copyright © 2014 Apollo Valves - Manufactured by Conbraco Industries Customer Service (704) 841-6000