Dry Paint Filters - Spontaneous Combustion?

[dbooker630]

We've finally reached the modern age on our plant painting line, replacing waterfalls with dry filters to reduce haz disposal costs. They've been in place a few weeks now with no issues until now.

Last night after what was thought to be a routine filter change, some discarded filters caught fire. The old filters were stacked in a hopper when the fire occurred.

We did some googling and did find some reports of spontaneous combustion on stacked filters that may have contained a considerable amount of moisture. This technology unfortunately is new to our plant so we're in a learning curve on best practices.

I am interested in finding out what practical safety precautions can be instituted to minimize the chance of SC reoccurrence. Thanks!

 

[kenvlach]

Best source of info is the local government agency overseeing storage of hazardous materials. There's a good chance your Fire Department has a HazMat officier or can refer you to a City or County agency.

Used paint filters are considered rather hazardous due to solvents and pigments (zinc, chromates). Fire Code may require storing 1) under water and/or 2) in a steel container (like a flammables storage cabinet for solvents & paints).

 

[FinishingTalkdotcom]

Stacking the filters can trap fumes from evaporating, causing friction, thus heat, thus fire. We have incorporated this dry filter system as well. Our procedure is to hang the filters to allow them to completely evaporate and dry, then disposal.
Hope this helps.