Dry Picric Acid

Picric Acid when wet or in solution is fairly innocuous, however, if allowed to dry out can explode if subjected to shock, friction, or heat. Dry Picric Acid must therefore be re-hydrated as quickly as is safely possible. Whilst this sounds easy, the process is beset by difficulties. A drop of just a few inches is sufficient to trigger an explosion, as is the friction caused by the unscrewing of the cap on threads contaminated with dry crystals.

If you discover Dry Picric Acid, you must immediately protect against physical damage. Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location, away from any area where the fire hazard may be acute. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from incompatibles, in particular metals. Do not store on concrete floors (can form explosive calcium picrate). If possible submerge the whole container in water, in a plastic container, weighting as necessary with non-metallic weights.

Containers of this material are hazardous when empty since they retain product residues; observe all warnings for the product.

LEL offer a re-hydrating service. Our highly experienced specialists will make your Picric safe prior to disposal without fuss or palaver. Our emergency response team are available at a moments notice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 07967 311505.