Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a glove box

[KlausST]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

Hi,

I really don't know how dangerous this is..
But isopropyl alcohol in a closed glove box may result in explosive gas (concentration) inside the box.
The flash point is at about 12°C.
Combined with heat of the soldering iron...

Maybe consult a person who has experience with this topic.

Klaus

 

[betwixt]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

I should add that the 12C flash point is for pure isopropyl alcohol, the commonly available types are mixed with water and have higher flash points. The 'auto ignition' temperature where it spontaneously combusts is MUCH higher! Otherwise many common domestic cleaning products would ignite at room temperature!


Brian.

 

[KlausST]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

Hi,

Yes, I know that the flash point is not the temperature where it immediately starts to burn. But if there is high enough temperature around (soldering iron, spark..) it may start to burn.

But how sure are you that a mixture with water decreases the flash point? And how much?
I assume many alcohol for cleaning purposes are at least 70%.

Klaus

 

[c_mitra]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

But isopropyl alcohol in a closed glove box may result in explosive gas (concentration) inside the box.

You are correct. The glove box need to be ventilated periodically if any significant amount of isopropyl alcohol is being used inside the glove box.

Isopropyl alcohol is not particularly toxic; it can be safely used outside the glove box.

If you are having a spark source inside the glove box (e.g., power outlet in which the soldering iron is plugged into (and is rather loose fitting), this can be rather risky. One single spark can result in a great show.

 

[neazoi]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

You are correct. The glove box need to be ventilated periodically if any significant amount of isopropyl alcohol is being used inside the glove box.

Isopropyl alcohol is not particularly toxic; it can be safely used outside the glove box.

If you are having a spark source inside the glove box (e.g., power outlet in which the soldering iron is plugged into (and is rather loose fitting), this can be rather risky. One single spark can result in a great show.

Very helpful!
Thanks, I will avoid this mistake.
Do you think the same risk could happen because of other chemicals in the solder fumes?

 

[KlausST]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

Hi,

Do you think the same risk could happen because of other chemicals in the solder fumes?

I don`think there are flammable contents. At least not in sufficient concentration.

Datasheets and MSDS will give you more reliable informations.
Yes, MSDS: Each of the products you use should provide an MSDS. There you may find safety considerations. (Don´t be shocked by reading all this)

Klaus

 

[c_mitra]

Re: Solder fumes behaviour considering, for making a blove box

Do you think the same risk could happen because of other chemicals in the solder fumes?

The major component in the core of the solder is rosin: a gum obtained from plants. This is activated by acid treatments.

Shamelessly copied from wikipedia:

Rosin is an ingredient in printing inks, photocopying and laser printing paper, varnishes, adhesives (glues), soap, paper sizing, soda, soldering fluxes, and sealing wax.

Rosin can be used as a glazing agent in medicines and chewing gum. It is denoted by E number E915. A related glycerol ester (E445) can be used as an emulsifier in soft drinks. In pharmaceuticals, rosin forms an ingredient in several plasters and ointments.

In industry, rosin is a flux used in soldering. The lead-tin solder commonly used in electronics has about 1% rosin as a flux core helping the molten metal flow and making a better connection by reducing the refractory solid oxide layer formed at the surface back to metal. It is frequently seen as the burnt or clear residue around new soldering.

A mixture of pitch and rosin is used to make a surface against which glass is polished when making optical components such as lenses.

Rosin is added in small quantities to traditional linseed oil/sand gap fillers, used in building work.

When mixed with waxes and oils, rosin is the main ingredient of mystic smoke, a gum which, when rubbed and suddenly stretched, appears to produce puffs of smoke from the fingertips.