Safety Guidelines for the Use of Anti-flake Dispersants: The Invisible Line of Defense for Production and Health

Safety Guidelines for the Use of Anti-flake Dispersants: The Invisible Line of Defense for Production and Health 

Anti-flake dispersants are the “heroes” behind the scenes in the production of coatings, inks, plastics, and other industrial products to enhance the color uniformity of products. However, improper use of these chemical additives can lead to safety risks, threaten operator health or cause production accidents. This article will be from the chemical properties, operating practices and emergency measures and other perspectives, analysis of the use of anti-flowering dispersants must pay attention to the safety issues, to help companies achieve a balance between efficient production and safety management.

1.recognize the “double identity” of dispersant: function and risk coexist 

Anti-flowering dispersant stabilizes pigment particles through wetting, electrostatic repulsion and spatial resistance effect, but its chemical composition may contain the following risk components:

Organic solvent residues: Some solvent-based dispersants may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as alcohols and ethers and ketones, which may cause respiratory irritation or central nervous system damage when inhaled for a long time.

Surfactants: dispersants containing sulfonate, phosphate and other groups may be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, and need to be rinsed promptly after contact.

Nanoscale additives: new dispersants containing nanoparticles may enter the human body through inhalation or skin penetration, and should be alert to the potential risk of bioaccumulation.

Case warning: an ink factory did not wear protective equipment for direct contact with high concentrations of organic solvents containing dispersants, resulting in three workers dizziness, vomiting symptoms, after testing the workshop VOCs exceeded the standard by 5 times.

2.Preparation before operation: safety begins with details 

Labeling and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Verification 

Carefully read the product label to confirm the type of dispersant (aqueous/solvent-based), flash point, pH value and contraindications.

Focus on the “Hazard Overview”, “First Aid” and “Fire Fighting” sections of the SDS to develop a targeted protection program.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) configuration 

Respiratory protection: If the dispersant contains VOCs or dust, wear N95 mask or gas mask (with organic vapor filter box).

Skin protection: Wear chemical resistant gloves (e.g. made of nitrile rubber), protective clothing and goggles to avoid splashing or penetration.

Eye protection: In high speed dispersing or grinding operation, it is mandatory to wear fully enclosed goggles.

Environmental pre-check 

Ensure that the operation room is well ventilated, and the solvent dispersant operation area needs to be installed with explosion-proof exhaust system.

Remove sources of ignition, static electricity accumulation points, the floor is paved with non-slip, impermeable materials.

3. the operation of the norms: to avoid the “invisible bomb” 

step by step accurate addition 

pre-dispersion stage: slowly add dispersant to the mixing of the base material, to avoid the local concentration of excessive triggering a violent reaction (such as blistering, heat).

Avoid splashing: keep the container's mouth facing down when pouring, use funnel or pumping equipment to reduce the risk of manual pouring.

Strict control of process parameters 

Temperature management: the working temperature of water-based dispersant is usually ≤50℃, and solvent-based dispersant needs to be kept away from open flame (products with flash point >60℃ are safer).

Stirring rate: the speed of high-speed disperser should match the tolerance of dispersant, too high shear force may lead to molecular chain breakage of dispersant, reduce the effect and increase the risk of heat generation.

Cross-contamination prevention and control 

Different types of dispersants need special containers and tools to avoid precipitation, gel or corrosion of equipment due to mis-mixing.

Thoroughly clean the pipeline and reactor before replacing the product, as the residue may cause chemical reaction.

4. Emergency Response: Nip the Risk in the Bud 

Leakage Response 

Small amount of leakage: adsorb with inert materials (e.g., sand, vermiculite), collect and treat as hazardous waste, and prohibit direct flushing into the sewer.

Large amount of leakage: activate the emergency plan, evacuate the personnel to the upwind direction, and wear positive pressure air respirator to deal with the professional personnel.

Personnel Exposure Disposal 

Skin contact: immediately remove contaminated clothing, flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention if necessary.

Eye contact: Lift eyelids, flush with running water or saline for at least 20 minutes, carry SDS when seeking medical attention. 

Inhalation / Misuse: Move quickly to a ventilated area, keep the airway open; Misuse is prohibited to induce vomiting, seek medical attention immediately and inform the ingredient information.

5.Fire and Explosion Response 

Solvent dispersant fires require foam, carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguishers; water extinguishing is prohibited (may expand the fire).

Explosion risk areas need to be installed with combustible gas detectors, which will automatically cut off the power supply and alarm when the concentration exceeds the standard.

6. Storage and Disposal: Whole chain safety management 

Storage specification 

Classified storage in cool, dry, ventilated special warehouses, away from oxidizers, acids and alkalis and food.

Containers of solvent dispersants should be sealed and marked with “flammable” and “toxic” signs, and stacked at a height of no more than 2 meters.

Waste disposal 

Empty containers should be flattened after triple cleaning (water washing → alkali washing → water washing) and treated as recyclable metal.

Waste liquid should be entrusted to qualified hazardous waste treatment organization, and mixed with domestic garbage is prohibited.

6.safety culture: sublimation from system to habit 

Training and assessment 

Regularly organize safety operation training, which covers the use of PPE, emergency procedures and typical accident cases.

New employees are required to pass the practical assessment before they can work independently, and the assessment records are archived for reference.

Risk Dynamic Assessment 

Quarterly update the risk list to include safety assessment after new dispersants or process changes.

Encourage employees to report hidden dangers and reward effective suggestions.

Conclusion 

The safe use of anti-flowering dispersants is the epitome of fine management in the chemical industry. From the selection to the disposal of each link, a scientific attitude and rigorous operation are required to build a safety defense. Only by integrating the safety concept into the production gene can the enterprise improve the quality of its products and at the same time truly protect the health of its employees and the sustainable development of the enterprise.