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Isocyanate

White spirit

  • CAS
    624-83-9
  • Structural formula

    R–N=C=O

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Remove isocyanates from the exhaust air

What are isocyanates?

Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive chemical compounds that contain an isocyanate group (–N=C=O). They are primarily used as starting materials for the production of polyurethanes, which are widely used in foams, paints, adhesives, sealants and coatings. Due to their high reactivity, isocyanates can easily react with compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, such as alcohols and amines.

Formation

Industrially, isocyanates are usually produced by reacting amines with phosgene. This process produces primary isocyanates, which are then purified and formulated for various applications. Aromatic isocyanates such as TDI and MDI are often produced on a large scale, while aliphatic isocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) are mainly used for special applications, e.g. in high-performance coatings.

Detection

Isocyanates are usually colourless to yellowish liquids with a sharp, pungent odour that can be detected even in low concentrations. They are reactive and react violently with water to form carbon dioxide and amines. Many isocyanates are volatile and can therefore quickly enter the air we breathe. Due to their chemical reactivity, they are stored in sealed, moisture-free containers to prevent premature reaction.

Limit values

Isocyanates are subject to strict occupational exposure limits in the EU. For example, the AGW for toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is 0.005 ppm (0.036 mg/m³) and for MDI it is 0.05 mg/m³. These low values reflect the high hazard potential. In addition, technical measures are in place to minimise exposure, such as closed systems and extraction systems.

Hazards

Isocyanates are strong respiratory and skin sensitizers. Even small amounts can cause asthmatic symptoms, shortness of breath, coughing and skin reactions. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to chronic asthma. In high concentrations, they are acutely toxic and can cause severe lung damage. Isocyanates are also dangerous for the environment, as they can be toxic to organisms in water and soil.

The oxytec Purification Technology

For many organic pollutants, we offer energy-saving and clean technologies for neutralisation, which we combine in multi-stage plants. In order to achieve a reduction below the limit values, not only the dimensioning of the respective purification stage but also the sequence of the technologies is decisive, as they have different physical effects on the molecules. Below we present some of our purification modules.

Alternative technologies

Other technologies, such as conventional activated carbon filters and simple ventilation systems, often have disadvantages such as high energy consumption, limited cleaning performance, large space requirements, long lead times and high investment costs.

Advantages of the Oxytec solution

  • Compact design: Low space requirements compared to traditional systems.
  • Environmental friendliness: Minimal environmental impact thanks to innovative technologies.
  • Efficient isocyanate reduction: High cleaning efficiency with minimal energy consumption.