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0 pointsridgeguy11y ago0 comments

Fluorine can be so dramatic.

I witnessed a test of a small (500 lb thrust) H2/F2 rocket engine. The fuel & oxidizer were fed into the combustion chamber with small turbo pumps, which was the point of the test. The native fluoride protective coating failed in the F2 turbo pump, and there was an explosion with subsequent metal/fluorine fire.

Blockhouse sealed off and we all grabbed the Scott packs as a yellowish cloud of fluorine drifted by, setting fire to sagebrush as it went. Can't beat exotic propellants for excitement.

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Robin_Message11y ago

I'm intrigued: what's a Scott pack? Is is just breathing apparatus? But since the gas cloud is setting organic matter on fire surely you'd need more than that?

Or is it just a good pair of running shoes?

technofiend11y ago

Scott makes a variety of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) devices. Mostly you see them used by fire-fighters, but Scott offers chemical industry and oil and gas variants. Check out their SCBA offerings here: https://www.scottsafety.com/en/us/Pages/ProductSeries.aspx?P...

I'm with you on needing more than that: anecdotally I was once advised to use an air filter plus nose clip in case of any accidental releases. I asked "Uh, like what?" "Oh, ammonia, that sort of thing." Needless to say if ammonia was released and it got to me I'd be blind anyway. :shrug: So based on entirely anecdotal experience I'd say yeah it's to hopefully help you run away. :-)

petemc_11y ago

I've been told that some criminals like to keep ammonia in a squeeze bottle (like a jif lemon container) to be used as a weapon if necessary. Also handy that they can use it to clean their cocaine as well.

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