Returning Perchlorate-Contaminated Fume Hood Systems to Service Part II. Disassembly, Decontamination, Disposal, and Analytical Procedures

Part I presented work leading up to and including a pilot study for remediation of laboratory fume hood systems contaminated with residues from processes that used fuming perchloric acid. Since publication of Part I, three incidents involving explosions and fires related to perchlorates have come to the attention of the authors. Experience has been gained through decontamination/remediation of 41 additional systems. This article expands on previous one and includes (1) administrative details that need to be addressed before and during the execution of the decontamination itself, (2) a seven-step procedure for decontamination remediation/disposal, (3) some precautions associated with the use of methylene blue as a diagnostic tool for perchlorates, and (4) the recommendation for the use of the perchlorate-specific electrode to augment or replace the methylene blue test.

Keywords:

• Decontamination
• Disassembly
• Disposal
• Exhaust Fan
• Ion-specific Electrode
• Perchlorates
• Perchloric Acid
• Remediation
• Stack
• Ventilation Systems