{"operation":"document","citation":"98-0525","title":"Elkem Metals Company — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"1998-03-02","effective_on":null,"summary":"98-0525 response to Elkem Metals Company concerning 173.124.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0525.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0525.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0525","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980525.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\n-\nof Transportation\nU.S. Department\n400 Seventh Street, S.W.\nWashington, D.C.\nSpecial Programs\nResearch and\n20590\nAdministration\nMAR - 2 1998\nMs. Sharon L. Thompson\nManager-Traffic and Distribution\nElkem Metals Company\nPost Office Box 72\nMarietta, Ohio 45750-0072\nDear Ms. Thompson:\nThis is in response to your letter dated October 30, 1997, requesting confirmation that your\ncompany's ferrosilicon is not subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR\nParts 171-180). You state that your product was tested in accordance with the test method\ndescribed in Appendix E to Part 173, and found it does not meet the definition of a Division\n4.3 (Dangerous When Wet) material.\nAs provided in § 173.22, it is the shipper's responsibility to properly classify a hazardous\nmaterial. However, based on the test data you provided, we concur that your company's\nferrosilicon with 50% ferrosilicon does not meet the definition of a Division 4.3 material.\nTherefore, if your company's material does not meet any other hazard class definition of Part\n173 it is not subject to the HMR.\nI hope this satisfies your request.\nSincerely,\nDelon Hilling\nDelmer F. Billings\nChief, Standards Development\nOffice of Hazardous Materials Standards\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\n•\n& Elkem\nDale\nPAi!\n700. 173,124\n1322\nOctober 30, 1997\nMs. J. Suzanne Hedgepeth\nDirector\nOffice of Hazardous Materials\nU.S. Department of Transportation\n+00 Seventh Street. S.W.\nResearch & Special Programs Administration\nWashington. D.C. 20590\nDear Ms. Hedgepath:\nIn accordance with the rules set forth in U.S. DOT 49 CFR 173, Appendix E, Elkem performed\nin Division 4.3. Based on the attached findings. we do not believe our product meets the criteria as it did\nthe test as described on our 50% Ferrosilicon to determine if our product met the criteria for classification\nnot spontaneously ignite nor was there any gas evolution observed.\nnot meet the 4.3 definition.\nWe would appreciate your review of the attached report and confirmation that our product does\nSincerely,\nStar 1. Thompan\nManager - Traffic and Distribution\nSharon L. Thompson\nEnclosures\nELKEM METALS COMPANY MARKETING SERVICES; P.O. BOX 72; MARIETTA, OHIO 45750-0072\nQuality i\nОш\nTelephone: (800) 848-9795\nFax: (614) 374-1043\nPRIORITY\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\ni x\nResults of the tests performed on Elkem's regular 50 % FeSi (50 wt. %\nSi) using DOT procedures.\n(09/29/97)\nE. G. Allain, F. X. He, D. G. C. Robertson\nCenter for Pyrometallurgy\nDepartment of Metallurgical Engineering\nUniversity of Missouri-Rolla\nSummary\nwas used to test Elkem's 50 % ferrosilicon material. The sample was sieved to determine\nthe particle size distribution after handling and transportation. The percentage of particles\nof less than 500 micrometers was 0.23%. Therefore, according to the DOT instructions,\nthe material did not need to be ground for testing. Results of the three tests recommended\nby the U.S. DOT show that no gas evolution or spontaneous ignition was observed when\nElkem's 50 % ferrosilicon was put in contact with distilled water.\nAims\nThe aim of this report is to provide to Elkem the results obtained during the tests\nof Elkem's 50 % FeSi (50 wt. % Si) in applying rigorously the instructions indicated in\nthe U.S. DOT 49 CFR 173, appendix E, entitled \"Guidelines for the Classification and\nPacking Group Assignment of Class 4 Materials\", division 4.3. This division gives the\ntest conditions for the classification of \"dangerous when wet\" materials.\n1. Material\nThe Elkem's 50% Fesi material was sent to UMR in a drum. As received, it\nmainly contained pieces measuring from about one to ten centimeters. However, it also\nincluded a relatively low amount of powder. The total weight of this material was 11,362\ngrams.\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\n2. Tests procedure and results\n2. 1. Preliminary sieving test\nThe U.S. DOT 49 CFR 173, appendix E, division 4.3 gives in section \"a). Test\nmethod\" the following specifications:\n\"For a solid material, the package should be inspected for any particles < 500 um\ndiameter. If that powder constitutes more than 1 percent (mass) of the total or if the\nmaterial is friable, then the whole of the sample should be ground to a powder before\ntesting to allow for a reduction in particle size during handling and transport,\notherwise the material should be tested in its commercial state\"\nTherefore, the totality of the as-received Elkem's 50 % FeSi material was sieved three\ntimes, during 10 minutes, using the following equipment:\n- A series of 8 sieves of the Tyler Standard Screen Scale (From 3 Mesh to 28 Mesh).\nThe 500 um opening (32 Mesh Tyler equivalent) sieve was taken from a U S\nstandard sieving series. Openings of these sieves are given in Table I.\n- A shaking apparatus model \"COMBS gyratory sifting machine\", manufactured by\nGreet Western Mfg. Co., Kansas.\nAs indicated in Table II, the amount of particles ‹ 500 um constituted less than 0.23\n% of the weight of the as received 50% FeSi material. It was also found that this material\nwas not friable (at least to handling in the laboratory). Therefore, the further tests\nrecommended by the DOT should be performed in its commercial state.\nTable I: Characteristics of sieves used to sift the Elkem's 50 % FeSi\nMeshes to the inch\nOpening (in)\nOpening (mm)\n3\n0.263\n6.680\n4\n0.185\n4.699\n6\n0.131\n3.327\n8\n0.093\n2.362\n10\n0.065\n1.651\n14\n0.046\n1.168\n20\n0.0328\n0.083\n28\n0.0232\n0.589\nTyler equivalent 32*\n0.0197\n0.500*\nSieve taken from a US standard sieving series.\n:\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\nin it\n•\n•\n:\nTable II: Size distribution of the as received Elkem's 50 % FeSi\n# Test 1\n# Test 2\n#Test 3\nAverage\nScreen\nSize\nWeight\n(g)\nretained\nWt %,\nWeight\nWt%,\nWeight\nWt%,\nWeight\nWt %,\n(g)\nretained\n(g)\nretained\n(g)\nretained\n+3M\n11318.60\n99.634 11319.38\n99.642 11319.39\n99.644 11319.12\n99.640\n-3M+4M\n6.25\n0.055\n4.90\n0.043\n5.470\n0.048\n5.540\n0.049\n4M+6M\n0.67\n0.006\n1.25\n0.011\n0.660\n0.860\n0.008\nSM+8M\n1.400\n0.012\n1.08\n0.010\n1.010\n0.010\n-8M+10 M\n1.19\n0.010\n1.38\n0.012\n1.470\n0.012\n-10M+ 14 M\n1.33\n0.012\n1.28\n0.011\n1.230\n0.011\n-14M+ 20 M\n1.53\n0.013\n1.45\n0.013\n1.470\n0.013\n-20M+ 28 M\n1.85\n0.016\n1.92\n0.017\n1.840\n0.016\n0.016\n-28M+ 32 M\n1.25\n0.011\n1.24\n0.011\n1.290\n0.011\n1.260\n0.011\n-32 M*\n26.12\n0.230\n26.13\n0.230\n25.990\n0.229\n26.080\n0.230\nTotal\n11360.19\n100\n11360.01\n100\n11359.82\n100\n11360.00\n100\n* <500 um\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\n?.\n3. Tests to detect spontaneous ignition or gas evolution.\n3. 1. Tests Procedure\nThe U.S. DOT 49 CFR 173, appendix E, division 4.3 specifies four different tests\nto determine whether the reaction of a material with water leads to the development of a\ndangerous amount of gases which may be flammable or toxic. The first three tests are\ndescribed in terms indicated below:\nTest (1): \"A small quantity (approximately 2mm diameter) of the test material is placed\nin a trough of distilled water at 20 °C. It is noted whether any gas is evolved and\nif it spontaneously ignites.\"\nTest (2): \"A small quantity of the test material (approximately 2mm diameter) is placed\nin the center of a filter paper which is floated flat on the surface of distilled\nwater at 20 °C in a 100 mm diameter evaporating dish. The filter paper is to\nkeep the material in one place, under which condition the likelihood of\nspontaneous ignition of any gas is greatest. It is noted whether any gas is\nevolved and if it spontaneously ignites.\"\nTest (3): \"The test material is made into a pile approximately 2 cm high and 3 cm in\ndiameter with an indentation in the top. A few drops of water are added to the\nhollow. It is noted whether any gas is evolved and if it spontaneously ignites.\"\n3. 2. Results\n3. 2. 1. Test (1)\nThree samples of the as-received Elkem's 50% FeSi material were submitted in\ntriplicate to this test. They were put in a trough containing about 80 cm of distilled water,\nduring 20 minutes. The sample characteristics are the following:\nSample 1: A piece of about 2mm diameter taken from the + 3 Mesh fraction size.\nSample 2: A piece of about 2mm diameter taken from the - 3 Mesh to + 32 Mesh\nfraction size.\nSample 3: 0.5 gram of the powder from the - 32 Mesh fraction size.\nTable III summarizes the results obtained during test (1). It shows that no\nspontaneous ignition or gas evolution occurred in this test condition.\nTable III: Results of test (1)\nSample/Test\nN° 1\nN° 2\nN° 3\nSample 1\nN. S. I.*, N.G. E.**\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nSample 2\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nSample 3\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\n* N. S. I.: No Spontaneous Ignition, ** N.G. E.: No Gas Evolution\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\n...\n•\n•\n3. 2. 2. Test (2)\nThree samples of the as-received Elkem's 50 % FeSi material were submitted in\ntriplicate to this test. These samples have the same characteristics as those described\nabove for test (1). They were put on a filter paper floating on distilled water contained in\na 10-cm diameter evaporating dish, during 20 minutes.\nTable IV shows the results obtained during this test. It indicates that no\nspontaneous ignition or gas evolution occurred during the three tests.\nTable IV: Results of test (2)\nSample/Test\nN° 1\nN° 2\nN° 3\nSample 1\nN. S. I.*, N.G. E.**\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nSample 2\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nSample 3\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\n* N. S. I.: No Spontaneous Ignition, ** N.G. E.: No Gas Evolution\n3. 2. 3. Test (3)\nTwo samples of the as-received Elkem's 50 % FeSi material were submitted in\ntriplicate to this test. The sample characteristics were the following:\nSample 1: A piece of about 2 om high and 3 cm large taken from the + 3 Mesh\nfraction size of the Elkem's 50 % FeSi material. A hollow of about 3-\nmm depth was drilled at the top of this piece. Then, some drops of\nwater were added.\nSample 2: Some pieces of the Elkem's 50 % FeSi material were ground.to <80\num The resulting powder was packed into a small refractory crucible\nof 2 cm high and 2 cm. A hollow of about 3-mm depth was made at\nthe top of this pile. Then, some drops of water were added.\nTable V groups the results obtained during Test (3). It shows that no spontaneous\nignition or gas evolution occurred during the three tests.\nTable V: Results of Test (3)\nSample/Test\nN° 1\nN° 2\nN° 3\nSample 1\nN. S. I.*\n, N.G. E.**\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nSample 2\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\nN. S. I., N.G. E.\n* N. S. I.: No Spontaneous Ignition, ** N.G. E.: No Gas Evolution\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\n3. 2. 4. Test (4)\nTest (4): \"Water is put into the dropping funnel and enough of the material up to a\nmaximum weight of 25 g) to produce between 100 cm' and 250 cm' of gas is\nweighed and placed in a conical flask. The tap of the dropping funnel is opened\nto let the water into the conical flask and a stop - watch is started. The volume\nof gas evolved is measured by any suitable means. The time taken for all the\ngas to be evolved is noted and, where possible, intermediate readings are taken.\nThe rate of evolution of gas is calculated over seven hours at 1-hour intervals.\nIf the rate of evolution is erratic or is increasing after 7 hours, the measuring\ntime should be extended to a maximum time of 5 days. The 5 day test may be\nstopped if the rate of evolution becomes steady or continually decreases and\nsufficient data has been established to assign a packing group to the material or\nto determine that the material should not be classified in Division 4.3. If the\nchemical identity of the gas is unknown, the gas should be tested for\nflammability and toxicity.\"\nThe samples taken for this test weighed 25g of ground material. The experimental\napparatus used to measure the volume of gas that could evolve from the 50 % FeSi\nconsisted in a flask of 500 cm' connected to a U-tube having a 1/16-inch ID. This U-tube\nwas filled with water colored by the addition of a small amount of red ink. From the\nresults of previous tests the gas volume was expected to be very low or even equal to\nzero. So, the change of the liquid position in the U-tube, due to the variation of the\npressure in the flask was expected to indicate us the gas volume evolved as function of\nthe time.\nAs specified by the DOT 49 CFR 173, the 25 grams 50 % FeSi Material were put\ninto contact with water in the flask. No ignition or gas evolution were observed. As\nreported in table VI no variation of the water height was noticed in the U-tube, from the\nbeginning of the experiment through 7 hours. Hence, as recommended by DOT\nspecifications, the measurements were stopped.\nTable VI: Results of Test (4)\nTime (hours)\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nAh* (mm)\n0\n0\n0\nGas volume (mm?)\n0\n0\n0\n0\n0\n* Variation of the colored water height in the U-tube.\n\n<<<PAGE 9>>>\n\n3.2.5. Chemical analysis\nA sample weighing about 200 grams was taken from the as received 11.4 kg\nElkem's 50% FeSi. This sample was ground and sieved to a powder of less than 80\nmicrometers. Then, four samples of five grams each were taken and sent to the MINTEK\nLaboratories, Randburg, South Africa (See Appendix I). The four samples were analyzed\nby emission spectroscopy to measure their Fe, Si, Al, Ca and Mg contents. Results are\ngiven below in Table VII and in Appendix I.\nTable VII: Results of chemical analysis of Elkem's 50 % FeSi.\nSample\nSi %\nFe %\nA1 %\nCa %\nMg %\n2% *\n1\n50.5\n47.9\n0.65\n< 0.2\n< 0.1\n99.35\n2\n50.2\n47.7\n0.62\n< 0.2\n< 0.1\n98.82\n3\n50.7\n47.6\n0.61\n< 0.2\n< 0.1\n99.21\n4\n50.1\n47.6\n0.62\n< 0.2\n< 0.1\n98.62\nAverage.\n50.4\n47.7\n0.63\n< 0.2\n< 0.1\n99.03\n* Total assuming that Ca = 0.2% and Mg = 0.1%\n4. Conclusion\nElkem's 50% FeSi material was tested following the U.S. DOT method\nprocedure, specified in the U.S. DOT 49 CFR 173, appendix E. Test results lead to the\nfollowing conclusions:\nThe percentage of particles of less than 500 micrometers in the as-received\nmaterial was 0.23%,\nNo gas evolution or spontaneous ignition were observed when small quantity of\nElkem 50% FeSi is placed in a trough of distilled water at 20 °C,\nNo gas evolution or spontaneous ignition were observed when a small quantity of\nElkem 50% Fesi is placed in the center of a filter paper which is floated flat on\nthe surface of distilled water at 20 °C,\nNo gas evolution or spontaneous ignition were observed when few drops of water\nwere added at 20 °C into a hollow made in the top of a piece of Elkem 50% FeSi,\nNo gas evolution could be measured or even detected when water was put in\ncontact with a weight of 25 g of Elkem 50 % FeSi in a conical flask at 20 °C.\nThe chemical analysis of the Elkem 50% FeSi give an average content of 50.4%\nSi, 47.7% Fe, 0.63 %Al, less than 0.2% Ca and less than 0.1% of Mg.\n\n<<<PAGE 10>>>\n\nAPPENDIX I\n\n<<<PAGE 11>>>\n\n2509-94-\n08:20 792 6650\nMINTEK ASD\n->0915733416934\nPage 1 of →\nPage 01\nTELEFAX MESSAGE\nAnalytical Science Division\nMINTEK\nFacsimila\n(011)-792-6650 (Local)\nTolophone (011)-709-4111\n(2711)-782-6650 (Int')\nFaksimileo (011)-723-2413 (Plans)\n(2711)-792-6650 (Int')\nPrivate Bag X3015, Randburg,\nTelefaon (011)-709-4111\n2125 South Africa\nPrivatsak X3015, Randburg,\n2125 Suid-Afrike\nCONFIDENTIALITY WARNING\nThe information in this facsimile message is privileged and confidential information intended solely for the use\nof the addressed person or entities. If you are not such persons or antitles, you are hereby notified that any\ndistribution, dissemination or reproduction of this facsimile message, including the taking of any action in\nresponse to the contents thereof, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please call\nus Immediately at the above number to arrange for the documents) to be returned at our cost.\nDnte: 97/09/25\n09l\n....\nTo: UNIVERSiTY OF MISSORI- ROLLA\nFax No:\n(573)\n34)\n6934\n::\nFor attention: DAVID ROBERTSON\nPlease\nfind\nattached\nresults\nfor\nthe ferrosilicon\nsambles submitted or\nanalysis.\nPlase acknowledge receift of this\nfax.\n•\n....\nKind regards:\n•....\nSheena Maharaj\n\n<<<PAGE 12>>>\n\ni:rii...\n.-..::.\n...\n----\n...\n\"ri::.\n.......\n. ••\ntintiniv\nSistaal Nr.\nictl No.\nProject No.\nProjek Nr.\nSoction\nEMISSION\nSPECTROSOOPY\n2K 739\n[13189701\nSeksic\nEMISSIE-\nSPEKTROSKOPIE\nRep\nMINTEK\nVer\nATTI DAVID ROBERTSON\nSpocialists in mineral and\nmetallurgicad tocanology\nTochnique/Plate No. SE002\nTegniek/Plaat Nr.\nResults reported in\nResultate gerapporicer in\n%\nDate starled\nDatum begin\n97/09/01\nDate reported\nDatum gerapporteer\n97/09/22\n11g\nAe\nCa\nTe\n1\n<0.1\n0.65\n1 D. 2\n47.9\n2\n->0915733416934\n0,62\n3\n0.62\n47.7\n0.59\n47.6\n4\nV\n0.62\nV\n47.6\n5\n6\nMINTEK ASD\n7\n8\n9\n10\nsample/Verw. monster\nA167\n50.1\nvalue/Aanv. waarde\n50.05\nB ample/Verw. monster\nwAany. waarde\nAnalyst\n08:21\nAnalis\nTime\nNo of determinations\n1.\ns, tu arsland.\nTyd\nGetal bepalings\n20\nChecked by\nNagesien deur ..\n1.\n.....Hrs/uur Total time: Hrs\nApproved by\n25-09-97\n2\nPobuhozr z\n....Hrs/uur Totale Tyd: uur\nGoedgekeur deu\n\n<<<PAGE 13>>>\n\n....\n* Workshet no.\nWerkstaat nr.\nLAK 739\nAITI DAVID ROBERTSON\nMINTEK\nGroup- CHEMISTRY\nResults reported in\nResultate gerapporteer in\n%½\nProject\nProjok\n1131897011\nDatur begin 97/9/23\nDate received\nDate reported\nDatur gerapporteer 97/9/2\nMonster\nSample\nSi\n1\n49,8\n150,3\n2\n50,2\n50,7\n4\n50,1\n5\n7\n8\nMINTEK ASD\n10\nTechnique\nTegniek\nLab metode L 64\nLab, method.\nAnalyst\nAnalis\nTyd h\nTime\nVerwysingsmonster\nRef. sample\nBestanddeel\nConstituent\nResultate\nResults\n1..A.\nI VAN LENDER..\n1\n....\nA167\nS:\n48,07\n792 6650\n2\n• ...\n3....\n3...\n4....\n4...\nTotal time\nTotale tyd\nNo. of determinations\n25-09-97\nAantal bepalngs\nGoedgekeur\nApproved","truncated":false,"body_characters":17303}