Pressure development during self-heating of unstable liquids in vented containers where gas escape is the controlling factor

Abstract

Equations are derived for the rate of increase of internal pressure when a self-heating unstable liquid undergoes gas-generating decomposition in a vessel with a small orifice. Two situations emerge according as the liquid is below or at its boiling-point. In the latter case the pressure may increase until the vessel bursts or the reactant supply becomes depleted, or the system may settle down to a steady temperature and pressure; criteria for deciding which of these outcomes will occur for a given system are provided.