Lessons Learned─Explosion and Fires Resulting from Quenching Lithium, Lithium Nitride, and Sodium

Abstract

Alkali metals, including lithium, sodium, and potassium, are exceptionally reactive due to their pyrophoric water reactive behavior and are widely used in chemical research laboratories. They have also been the cause of numerous laboratory fires. Lithium metal even reacts with nitrogen gas to form highly reactive lithium nitride as a surface contaminant. Quenching of alkali metals and lithium nitride can follow the same protocol, but it is critical that the quenching be properly conducted to avoid fires. Improperly conducted quenches described herein resulted in significant fires with equipment damage but fortunately no personal injuries. In light of those events, a thorough discussion of quenching considerations, challenges, and protocols are followed by comprehensive and detailed guidance for quenching these reactive metals.