Are carbon black raw material oil and coal tar considered dangerous chemicals?

last edited:March 23,2023   

  First of all, to give a clear answer, carbon black feedstock oil is a hazardous chemical. There are two main types of feedstock oil used in carbon black production: petroleum-based oils and coal tar-based oils. In China, the main types of feedstock oil used in carbon black production are ethylene tar and coal tar. Of course, there are also a small amount of anthracene oil used, so many people ask if ethylene tar, anthracene oil, carbon black oil, and coal tar used as carbon black feedstock oil are all dangerous chemicals. In fact, whether they are hazardous chemicals or not needs to be checked in the "List of Hazardous Chemicals" or the "List of Dangerous Goods".

  As the raw material oil for carbon black production, it is generally flammable and explosive organic compounds, which are basically hazardous chemicals. Among them, the CAS number of coal tar is 8007-45-2, the CAS number of high-purity anthracene is 120-12-7, the CAS number of fluorescent anthracene is 206-44-0, the CAS number of styrene [stable] is 100-42-5, and the CAS number of ethylene oxide is 75-21-8.

  In fact, most of the carbon black oil used in China now is a mixture, and the harmful components include 45% anthracene oil (including: 25% anthracene; 5.69% carbazole; 3.6% fluorene and its homologues; 2.8% phenol and its homologues; 0.29% quinoline and its homologues; 3.4% naphthalene and its homologues; 0.78% alpha-methylnaphthalene; 1.18% beta-methylnaphthalene; 0.13% indole; 1.93% carbostyril; 5.37% acenaphthene; 5.43% sulfide; 40.35% other high-boiling substances), and 55% asphalt.

  The hazard category of carbon black feedstock oil is Class 8.3 - Other Corrosives.

  The pathways of invasion for carbon black feedstock oil are inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. The health hazards of carbon black feedstock oil include irritation and corrosion of skin, mucous membranes, and other tissues. Inhaling high concentrations of vapor can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, anemia, and loss of appetite.

  Carbon black feedstock oil is also hazardous to the environment and special attention should be paid to the pollution of water bodies and soil. It is also a fire and explosion hazard and can ignite when exposed to high heat or an open flame.

  Precautions for handling carbon black feedstock oil: The operation should be carried out in a sealed environment with proper ventilation. Operators must receive specialized training and strictly adhere to operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter gas masks (half masks) and chemical safety goggles. They should also wear anti-penetration and anti-static work clothes, and rubber oil-resistant gloves. Keep away from flames, heat sources, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment to prevent steam from leaking into the workplace air. Avoid contact with oxidizers. Provide appropriate types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and emergency leakage treatment equipment. Empty containers may contain harmful substances.

  Storage precautions for carbon black feedstock oil: Keep away from flames and heat sources. Store separately from oxidizers and avoid mixing. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities, and prohibit the use of mechanical equipment and tools that generate sparks. Inspect the storage facilities regularly to prevent leaks. Emergency leakage treatment equipment and suitable containment materials should be provided.

  Packaging label for carbon black feedstock oil: Corrosive substances.

  Packaging category for carbon black feedstock oil: Category II.

  Packaging method for carbon black feedstock oil: Bulk in tank trucks.

  Transportation precautions for carbon black feedstock oil: The tank trucks used for transportation should have grounding chains (lines) and can be equipped with baffle plates to reduce static electricity generated by vibration. It is strictly forbidden to mix and transport with oxidizers, food chemicals, and other materials. During transportation, avoid exposure to sunlight, high temperatures, and keep away from flames and heat sources. The exhaust pipes of vehicles transporting this product must be equipped with flame arrestors. When transporting on highways, follow the prescribed routes and do not stop in residential areas or densely populated areas.

  Based on the information provided by the carbon black industry website, it can be seen that carbon black feedstock oil is a hazardous chemical. Therefore, it is essential to strictly follow safety technical operating procedures when handling, transporting, and storing carbon black feedstock oil.