Improper storage of dangerous goods can have disastrous consequences if not kept at a properly controlled temperature. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nation’s specialised agency for maritime safety, has identified organic peroxides (Class 5.2) and self-reactive substances (Class 4.1) as Dangerous Goods requiring a temperature control system.
Without proper temperature control, uncontrolled decomposition of organic peroxides and self-reactive substances could occur. In fact, self-reactive substances are exothermic and can explode if not maintained at the correct temperature.
Jason Flynn, Klinge Corp sales manager, said, “It is no surprise that due to the volatility of organic peroxides and self-reactive substances, many of the largest shipping lines in the world will refuse this type of hazardous cargo if it is not properly temperature controlled.”
The IMO develops dangerous goods code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) was established as an international guideline for safe transport and shipment of dangerous goods or hazardous materials on sea-going vessels.
The IMO stipulates that when organic peroxides and self-reactive substances exceed the required temperature, a self-accelerating decomposition resulting in explosive violence may occur. So long as the temperature is kept well below its self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT), most hazards are avoided.
According to IMDG Code, the temperature of organic peroxides and self-reactive substances must be controlled in dual refrigeration units or dual refrigerated units with a back-up generator set.
Dual refrigeration and integral power supply
US company Klinge Corporation provides specialised temperature-controlled container systems suitable for transporting organic peroxides (IMDG class 5.2) and self-reactive substances (IMDG Class 4.1).
Mr Flynn said, “Over the last few months we have seen increasing demand by chemical companies for dual refrigeration units to transport organic peroxides and self-reactive substances as required by the IMDG Code. Companies are realising more and more that when it comes to safely transporting and storing chemicals, nothing is as important as the control of temperature.”
Klinge Corporation dual refrigerated containers are equipped with two (primary and back-up) refrigeration units. The refrigeration unit automatically switches to its back-up in the case of a loss of performance or system failure to provide the ultimate peace of mind when shipping hazardous cargo.
The company also offers a dual refrigerated container with an integral diesel generator set capable of powering the refrigeration unit if loss of external power supply occurs or during transport on a truck.
For nearly 30 years, our company has provided dual refrigerated containers to leading companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Our dual systems have been used to transport chemicals, ice core samples, and other temperature-sensitive or highly valuable cargo.