Flamebar shelf life

[Stuart91]

A customer of ours has turned up a 5 litre container of Flamebar, that has been hidden in their store for at least three years. They are a bit unsure whether it is still fit for purpose or not.

 

I found a data sheet on the Flints website but it makes no mention of shelf life. I'm wondering if it's still safe (and effective) to use or if it breaks down over time. With something as safety-critical as this, my inclination is to err on the side of caution, but it's a lot of money to (literally) pour down the drain if it's definitely not going to deteriorate.

[kerry davies]

Just a cautionary note Stuart, Flint's give no specific info but other data sheets for N5, the wood/cardboard/wood products flamebar, say;

GENERAL INFORMATION Waste to be treated as controlled waste. Disposal to licensed waste disposal site in accordance with local Waste Disposal Authority.

DISPOSAL METHODS Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local authority requirements. Absorb in vermiculite or dry sand, dispose in licensed hazardous waste.

So pouring it down the drain if it is that type is a no-no.

 

Generally the makers claim that flamebar N5 and other theatre use types has an indefinite shelf life if stored as data sheet in a cool dry place in a well sealed container. In hot conditions of 35 degrees C it should last 2 years plus but it should never be exposed to temperatures below about 5 degrees whilst in storage. Hope that helps.

[Stuart91]

Thanks, Kerry - that's a very helpful reply and exactly what they needed.

 

Good point too about the disposal aspect - it's easy to forget how much stuff is controlled these days.At least they're not going to have to worry about that now!

[Jivemaster]

Probably the simplest test is to leave it an a warm office for a week (say 10 - 20C) then look inside for undissolved solids. If it's all still liquid then it's fine, if there is precipitate on the bottom then it's toxic waste for disposal.