While researching acids today

[DaveBB]

On a break from work, I was researching hydrofluoric acid, and at what levels it passivates carbon steel.  Hydrofluoric is a weak but dangerous and poisonous acid.  It binds to calcium and magnesium in the blood, and can cause cardiac arrest.   I came across a disturbing article/study about U.S. fighting vehicles with fire suppression systems.  A number of them have been hit directly in the fire suppresion systems, and the high heat of an RPG or large caliber hit has caused the entire fire supression system to convert to hydroflouric acid vapors.  Crews of vehicles have safely made it out, only to die of lung damage later.  Even when the Army started recognizing this, it was still extremely difficult to treat (crews had to be on ventillators for weeks).

Here are two case studies, short but very interesting.  Are these fire suppression systems still used?

https://www.sto.nato.int/publications/_layouts/WordViewer.aspx?id=/publications/STO%20Meeting%20Proceedings/RTO-MP-HFM-207/MP-HFM-207-03.doc&Source=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esto%2Enato%2Eint%2Fpublications%2FSTO%2520Meeting%2520Proceedings%2FForms%2FAll%2520MPs%2Easpx%3FRootFolder%3D%252Fpublications%252FSTO%2520Meeting%2520Proceedings%252FRTO%252DMP%252DHFM%252D207%26FolderCTID%3D0x0120D5200078F9E87043356C409A0D30823AFA16F602008CF184CAB7588E468F5E9FA364E05BA5%26View%3D%257B72ED425F%2DC31F%2D451C%2DA545%2D41122BBA61A7%257D&DefaultItemOpen=1&DefaultItemOpen=1

[Shamus]

I thought you were talking about cigars.

[pembquist]

Phosgene is another nasty but highly useful chemical that gets made inadvertently, fires around refrigeration and that kind of thing.

[SPKmes]

I thought I was about read about dragons and stuff


Interesting article none the less... I am surprised they would use HFC's in a system though.... the potential for harm has been known for so long... mind you... it is probably one of the best as it can suppress all fire types....

[Traveler]

Wasn't hydrofluoric acid the basis for Mustard gas in WWI?

[Shuffler]

Phosgene is another nasty but highly useful chemical that gets made inadvertently, fires around refrigeration and that kind of thing.

If you are in a plant that makes phosgene and you smell fresh cut grass... it is probably too late. You don't have long to reach a safe house.

Pretty much any chemical with gene in it is deadly.

[Ramesis]

I guess I'm showing my age but I thought the topic was LSD
I did it alot in the '60s 

[MiloMorai]

Dave, http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42857

[DaveBB]

Dave, http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42857

My malware software won't let me go to this site.  It says it's a "deceptive site".  Hmmmm.

[MiloMorai]

Don'y worry Dave, the site is safe.

[pembquist]

Don'y worry Dave, the site is safe.

You sound a little like Hal in 2001.

[nrshida]

You sound a little like Hal in 2001.

 


Bit worried that Dave happened to be researching acids in his lunchbreak. More worried about his hobbies than what he does for work.

[oakranger]

Wasn't hydrofluoric acid the basis for Mustard gas in WWI?

Yes

[morfiend]

Most homes with a pool in the backyard have the makings for a type of mustard gas!   Chlorine and muiratic acid ,people buy those two items together all the time. Mix them together and you will melt your lungs!!!


   

[DREDIOCK]

I thought you were talking about cigars.

Cigars...pfft