Question

A liquid mixture containing 0.50 mole fraction benzene - toluene is contained in a storage vessel at 25°C and 1 atm. The vessel is vented to the atmosphere.
a. Is the vapor in the vessel flammable?
b. What are your resulting concerns about fire and explosion hazards with this storage vessel?

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Yes, it is flammable.

b. It can cause hazard and carcinogenic effect.

Explanation:

A. Yes, the vapor in the vessel is flammable because it is an organic solvent with a very low boiling point. For this reason, less energy can vaporize it. Therfore, a little high temperature or energy causes it to be very reactive and flammable.

B. - Being flammable makes it hazardous, that is, it is capable of being ignited and can burn easily, which makes it really dangerous.

- It results in carcinogenic effect on the body. Substances that cause carcinogenic effect are capable of increasing the risk of cancer. They might contain compounds that can initiate tumor.

When the temperature is high, the risk of explosion increases. Due to the fact that at higher temperature, the kinetic energy of the atoms which result in an increase in the volume and finally blasting of the vessel.