Dow Microbial Control

Glutaraldehyde Materials of Compatibility &

Bulk Handling Recommendations
Safe Use and Handling Guide
Materials of construction, temperature control and handling procedures are important considerations in maintaining
high-quality glutaraldehyde products.

Materials of Construction

Solutions of glutaraldehyde are, in general, equal to or slightly less corrosive than water at an equivalent pH. Since the pH of
these solutions is relatively low (3.1 to 4.5), materials such as carbon steel, aluminum, iron, copper and Monel* should not be used
for bulk storage facilities. In addition to equipment damage from corrosion, these materials of construction will lead to product
contamination. Suitable materials of construction for tanks, pumps and piping are listed below.

Materials NOT Acceptable for Packaging Recommended Materials of Construction

and Bulk Handling
Tanks, pumps and piping
Carbon steel Stainless steel types 304 and 316
Aluminum Nickel
Iron Fiberglass-reinforced plastics:
Copper Polyester (e.g., Atlac 382)
Monel* Vinylester (e.g., Derakane 411 or 470)
High Density Polyethylene
Lined carbon steel containers are not recommended for bulk
storage, since pinhole leaks could cause product contamination. Gaskets
Rubber linings are also unsuitable because of the potential Gasket materials should be chosen carefully since the use of
for swelling. incompatible materials may lead to product leakage or material
failure. Recommended materials for gaskets include:
Silicone Teflon
Kalrez
Grafoil
Glutaraldehyde Materials of Compatibility & Bulk Handling Recommendations

Recommended Storage Conditions

Nitrogen Blanketing/Venting Figure 1 Bulk Storage Tank for Receiving

Dow stores glutaraldehyde-based solutions in nitrogen- Glutaraldehyde-Based Solutions
blanketed atmospheric tanks. Storage under nitrogen is
preferred but not mandatory; comparison of glutaraldehyde-
based solutions stored under air and nitrogen has not shown
significant product quality differences. Dow recommends using
From
a vapor-tight vent unit, instead of an open vent, to reduce odor Nitrogen
and minimize emissions. Supply

Temperature
Temperature control is the most important variable in
maintaining high-quality solutions of glutaraldehyde. Bulk
storage tanks should be insulated to prevent freezing or
overheating. The recommended storage temperature range
is between room temperature and the freezing point of the Receiving
glutaraldehyde solution. Provisions should be made for heating Line
bulk storage tanks in cold climates or for cooling in hot
climates. Freezing glutaraldehyde-based solutions may lead to
product stratification and should, therefore, be avoided.
To
Storage of glutaraldehyde-based solutions at elevated Process
temperatures may cause formation of polymers and LI
concomitant loss of monomeric material. Steam should not
be used to heat glutaraldehyde solutions. While storage at PI
temperatures as high as 37C may have little or no effect
on product activity, color formation may be appreciable.
Therefore, storage for extended periods at elevated Notes:
temperatures is not recommended. 1. Insulate tank and lines if storage is outdoors.
Provide electric or warm water 60C (140F)
maximum heating if extended ambient
pH temperatures below solution freezing point
are expected.
The recommended pH for storage of glutaraldehyde-based 2. Nitrogen blanket is preferred but not essential.
solutions is 3.1 to 4.5. Although the pH of the material
may become more acidic over time, this normally will
cause no decrease in storage stability. Solutions containing
glutaraldehyde will polymerize under alkaline conditions and
should not be stored in concentrated form above pH 4.5.

Typical Bulk Storage System

Dow recommends storage of these solutions in insulated,
stainless steel vessels that are tall in relation to their diameter.
Figure 1 illustrates Dows typical storage tank for glutaraldehyde-
based solutions. Round-bottomed tanks on legs with bottom
drawdown are generally used. Stainless steel centrifugal pumps
are used for transfer service.

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 Glutaraldehyde Materials of Compatibility & Bulk Handling Recommendations
Polymerization Prevention
Additional design practices are available to minimize or prevent
polymer buildup or plugging. A recirculation system will keep
the contents of the tank well mixed during drawdown and
prevent pump dead-heading. The piping system should be
designed with the shortest possible storage line between the
pump suction and the tank. Check valves should be avoided.
Bulk storage tanks should be constructed so that the entire
volume of the tank is consumed in normal operation every six
to twelve months (depending on storage conditions). This will
minimize storage time and will thus ensure that fresh material
Genuine Glutaraldehyde
The recommendations in this Safe Use and Handling Guide apply
to glutaraldehyde sourced from Dow, a supplier of GENUINE
GLUTARALDEHYDE.
In the more than six decades since glutaraldehyde was
introduced to the marketplace, it has become known as a
versatile molecule. Today, non-genuine products, mixed with
less-effective aldehydes such as formaldehyde or glyoxal, but
labeled deceptively as glutaraldehyde, are available in the
marketplace all over the world.
Risks are potentially high for workers and the environment when
mislabeled chemicals, especially ones containing carcinogens,
are unknowingly handled. GENUINE GLUTARALDEHYDE
is not a carcinogen, mutagen, nor a reproductive toxicant. It
does not bio accumulate and is readily biodegradable. Its
critical for companies to ensure they are using GENUINE
GLUTARALDEHYDE to comply with approved safe handling
guidelines. Non-genuine products may have significantly
different toxicological properties that can harm workers and the
environment and have been proven to fall short in efficacy and
sustainability.
The Dow Chemical Company has developed and validated new
analytical methods to help customers distinguish GENUINE
GLUTARALDEHYDE from non-genuine products that are
labeled incorrectly as glutaraldehyde. These methods include
an innovative, field-deployable, and easy to use test-kit that
provides a rapid detection method.
For more information, visit www.glutaraldehyde.com.
is available on a continual basis. Note that it is therefore
undesirable to continually top off a single bulk storage tank. If
this is done on a routine basis, it is likely that polymer buildup
will occur (as aged glutaraldehyde collects at the bottom of
the tank) and will worsen as the period between complete
emptying of the tank lengthens. Ideally, dual bulk storage tanks
would be employed so that one can be completely emptied
before it is refilled and still maintain an adequate inventory of
glutaraldehyde-based solutions.
Product Stewardship
Dow has a fundamental concern for all who make, distribute,
and use its products, and for the environment in which we
live. This concern is the basis for our product stewardship
philosophy by which we assess the safety, health, and
environmental information on our products and then take
appropriate steps to protect employee and public health and
our environment. The success of our product stewardship
program rests with each and every individual involved with
Dow products - from the initial concept and research, to
manufacture, use, sale, disposal, and recycle of each product.
Dow strongly encourages its customers to review both
their manufacturing processes and their applications of
Dow products from the standpoint of human health and
environmental quality to ensure that Dow products are
not used in ways for which they are not intended or tested.
When considering the use of any Dow product in a particular
application, review the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and
country-specific product label to ensure the intended use is
within the scope of approved uses and can be accomplished
safely. Dow personnel are available to answer your questions
and to provide reasonable technical support. Dow product
literature, including SDSs, should be consulted prior to use of
Dow products. Current SDSs are available from Dow.
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Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

* Monel is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation
Teflon and Kalrez are registered trademarks of DuPont.
Grafoil is a registered trademarks of GrafTech International Holdings Inc.

NOTICE: No freedom from infringement of any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time,
Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customers use and for ensuring that Customers workplace and disposal practices are in compliance
with applicable laws and other government enactments. The product shown in this literature may not be available for sale and/or available in all geographies where Dow is represented. The claims made may not have
been approved for use in all countries. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to Dow or the Company mean the Dow legal entity selling the products to Customer un-
less otherwise expressly noted. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

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