A Type 3003 aluminum transfer line failed completely after only a few hours service in refined propylene dichloride. Following this failure a time - sequence study was made in the laboratory of the propylene dichloride-aluminum reaction to illustrate the nature and rapidity with which this reaction may occur once conditions for initiation have been established. Significant changes in the appearance of the solution and test specimens were recorded and photographed in sequence from the time the temperature of the solution reached the boiling point until the reaction had subsided sufficiently to remove the test specimens. Test specimens were reweighed at the end of the reaction and the corrosion, rates calculated from the weight loss.
It has been found that chlorinated hydrocarbons have been handled successfully in aluminum under certain limits of product purity, time, temperature and condition of metal surface. It was recommended, however, that aluminum not be used as a material of construction for chlorinated hydrocarbons until these limits have been more clearly defined. 4.4.5
