Pyrophoric Process Solids Mitigation

Pyrophoric materials pose significant process safety risks, particularly during equipment maintenance operations. Standard industrial practices to remove pyrophoric solids use mechanical or chemical methods, such as potassium permanganate treatment, which often require a process turndown. A novel pyrophoric solid has been observed in the commercial selective 1-hexene process. Characterization of this material by a variety of analytical techniques led to development of a deactivation method compatible with the process conditions. The pathway from laboratory discovery to commercial implementation will be discussed along with key safety learnings.