A Food Heating Device Based On the Hyper-Corrosion of a Magnesium-Iron Alloy
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BlazeTech contributed to the development of the Flameless Ration Heater (FRH), a food heating device based on the hypercorrosion of a magnesium-iron alloy. In 1991, the FRH was selected
by Research and Development Magazine's "R&D 100 Awards Com- petition" as one of the top 100 most significant techincal products of 1990. The FRH is currently packaged with every Meal,
Ready-to-Eat (MRE), providing U.S. troops with hot meals in the field.
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A Pack of Flameless Ration Heaters
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A simple flowchart was developed by BlazeTech to demistify the complex federal regulations for packaging and labeling of transported hazardous material. Information for re-writing the
MSDS was compiled from tests described below.
(Click here to access the DOT packaging and labeling requirements.)
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DOT Packaging and Labeling Requirements
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Fire And Explosion Hazard Data
Unusual Fire And Explosion Hazards
If a case of Flameless Ration Heaters is ignited, the cardboard and the plastic (polyethylene) pouch will burn initially as a class A fire. If this fire is allowed to burn for more than a few
minutes, the following additional hazards arise:
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Magnesium powder ignites and burns as a class D fire -- exhibiting sparking and flare up if sprayed with water. The production of hydrogen is possible.
The plastic pouch containing the FRH pad melts, potentially exposing the FRH to water from attempted fire fighting. This water may activate the FRH and produce hydrogen (up to a
maximum of a 1/3 cu. ft. per pad).
If the hydrogen that is produced is allowed to accumulate in a confined space there is a potential for fire intensification and a risk of an explosion.
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Flare of magnesium powder with water
Click picture to watch a 616KB MPEG Movie. |
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Special Fire Fighting Procedure
In the early phase of a fire, when only the cardboard and the plastic are involved, the fire can be fought with conventional suppression agents intended for class A fires. This requires very early
detection and suppression of the fire before the involvement of magnesium or the production of significant amounts of hydrogen.
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Firemen produce water fog curtain to shield themselves from the hear of a fire
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Firemen produce water fog curtain to shield themselves from the heat of a fire.
If the addition of a fire fighting agent intensifies the reaction (which suggests magnesium has become involved), fire fighting operation with water should be immediately stopped.
If the FRH continues to smoke or sizzle after the flames are out, hydrogen is being produced. The addition of water, if indoors, should be stopped since it can increase hydrogen generation.
If it is possible to do so safely, a small indoor fire should be moved outdoors and allowed to burn out. Caution should be exercised while moving it such that burning magnesium particles do not
drip out and produce a trail of fire. Once safely outdoors, spreading the contents of the case will attenuate a magnesium fire, but caution should be exercised to prevent burning magnesium
particles from being carried by the wind as firebrands. Provided there are no nearby sources of ignition, the fire may then be thoroughly drenched with water. Otherwise, allow the burned
material to drain and dry out to reduce hydrogen generation.
Overall fire behavior is insidious and may startle or deceive fire fighters. Fire fighters should be informed of the potential fire behavior to enable them to take proper actions.
Extinguishing Media
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If the magnesium becomes involved, none of these agents will work very well and some (particularly water) may cause the fire to flare up. FRHs should be allowed to burn to completion,
wherever safely possible.
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In the early phase (i.e. when a case of FRH burns as a Class A fire), water, carbon dioxide, and foam may be used
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Precautions For Safe Handling And Use
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled
Collect spilled FRHs and inspect the integrity of the plastic pouches to protect against water penetration into their interior:
- If breached (such as by tears, cracks, punctures, even as small as pinholes), then dry and dispose of as waste as described below.
- If the pouches are not breached, then dry and repackage.
Waste Disposal Method
Reacted (used) FRHs may be disposed as ordinary waste. Unreacted (unused) FRHs may:
- Be opened and reacted with water in accordance with the instructions on the label, then disposed of as ordinary waste, or
- Be incinerated or reacted by an approved hazardous waste disposal facility.
Unreacted (unused) FRHs which have been damaged by having the polyethylene pouches punctured or torn should be disposed as above as quickly as possible to ensure they are not accidentally exposed to water.
Precaution to be Taken in Handling and Storage
Warehouses where large quantities of FRH pallets are stored should provide the following protection:
- Protection against physical damage of the cases.
- Protection from water in any form, including leaks, snow, rain, or flooding. Damaged cases should be handled with particular care since they are more vulnerable to activation by water.
- Protection against sources of ignition.
- Early fire suppression which is essential to prevent the formation of a difficult to suppress magnesium fire. This also prevents breaching the integrity of the plastic pouches that
protect the FRH from activation by fire fighting water.
- Equipment for fighting Class A and Class D fires should be available.
- Proper ventilation should be provided so that hydrogen will not build-up in confined spaces should it be generated.
- Training of the local fire service in fighting combined Class A and Class D FRH fires.
- Complete burn-out of the fire should be planned for if early suppression is unsuccessful.
Locations where small quantities of FRHs are stored (such as one or two pallets in a distribution center) should ensure the same protective measures as for large quantities, except that complete
burn-out may be replaced by safe movement of the pallet outdoors.
During transportation, the same protection as described above for storage should be followed except that the described fire suppression equipment are not likely to be present. In such cases,
the material should be off-loaded to the outdoors and allowed to burn-out as described above. Appropriate warning labels should be placed on the exterior of the case and should be visible
when cases are stacked on a pallet regardless of case orientation.
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