Metal Alkyl Usage: Partnering for Performance and Safety

Metal alkyls are chemical compounds with a direct carbon-to-metal bond. They find application as catalysts and cocatalysts in the polymerization of olefins (like polyethylene and polypropylene), rubber synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and the production of fine chemicals.

Gulbrandsen: A Reliable Global Supplier Of Metal Alkyls

Gulbrandsen’s success as a market leader in the manufacture and supply of aluminum-based metal alkyls has been built on an intense focus on safety, environmental performance, and a robust product stewardship program, essential when dealing with potentially hazardous metal alkyls.  With manufacturing experience dating back more than two decades, we’ve developed in-depth organometallic knowledge and best practices. This expertise is shared with our customers, enabling them to establish safe, controlled systems for product use.  With our fleet of specialized shipping containers, Gulbrandsen can safely deliver a full range of metal alkyl products to customers across the globe.

Aluminum Alkyls Offered By Gulbrandsen

Given below are the aluminum alkyl products offered by Gulbrandsen:

Safety Expertise Developed Over Decades

Metal alkyls are powerful and versatile compounds, critical to numerous industrial processes. However, their unique chemical properties mean that working with them demands more than just standard caution – it requires rigorous, unwavering safety protocols.

At Gulbrandsen, safety is a key part of our product stewardship. With decades of experience in handling metal alkyls, we provide our customers with the expertise they need for safe and effective usage of these products.

A Multi-Layered Approach to Safe Metal Alkyl Usage

Metal alkyls present significant safety challenges due to their pyrophoric nature, meaning they will ignite spontaneously when exposed to air. The reaction of aluminum alkyls with water is particularly vigorous, even more so than with air. Consequently, ensuring safe handling relies on several critical interconnected strategies:

Robust Facility Design: The foundation of safety lies in a facility specifically designed and constructed for handling metal alkyls, utilizing appropriate materials. A crucial element is the incorporation of fail-safe valving systems that permit emergency shutdown, thereby preventing or mitigating potential incidents.

Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Avoiding direct contact with aluminum alkyls is paramount. Personal Protective Equipment is vital as the final barrier against serious injury. While PPE can offer brief protection to allow for escape in a fire, it is not designed to shield against prolonged exposure.

Effective Emergency Response & Fire Control: In well-designed facilities, fail-safe shutdown systems can significantly reduce the risk and scale of a spill. Should a small spill occur, the primary response is to smother the resulting fire using dry chemical powder extinguishers, dry vermiculite, or dry sand. For larger spills, allowing the fire to burn out while protecting the surrounding environment is often the safest course of action.

Thorough and Comprehensive Training: True safety comes from understanding. Knowing why specific procedures are in place is just as important as knowing how to perform them. Gulbrandsen is a strong proponent of, and provider of, detailed training programs. These programs cover the inherent properties of metal alkyls and include practical knowledge to build user confidence and ensure the safe, effective application of these materials.

Gulbrandsen – Your Partner in Safety and Performance

Metal alkyls are indispensable, but they demand expertise and diligence. Through robust facility design, rigorous procedures, proper PPE, and continuous, thorough training, these inherently hazardous materials can be handled safely and confidently.

With over four decades of expertise in manufacturing specialty chemicals, Gulbrandsen has built a reputation for reliability, trust, and operational excellence.

At Gulbrandsen, we’re committed to sharing our knowledge and partnering with you every step of the way. Whether you currently use metal alkyls or are exploring their potential, we invite you to connect with our team. Together, we can harness their power, safely and effectively.

FAQs

What packaging options does Gulbrandsen offer for Metal Alkyls?

Gulbrandsen offers a wide range of UN-approved containers for shipping metal alkyls, from 1-liter samples to bulk ISO containers exceeding 22,000L. These containers are designed, fabricated, and tested to meet the latest national and international transport regulations, ensuring the safe worldwide transport of metal alkyls.

What are the primary concerns associated with Metal Alkyls?

Key safety concerns when handling metal alkyls stem from their pyrophoric nature, meaning they can spontaneously ignite in air, posing a significant fire hazard. Furthermore, these compounds react vigorously and dangerously with water, as well as with substances containing active hydrogen (like alcohols), oxidizing agents, and some solvents, which can release hazardous gases. Therefore, they require expertise for their safe handling.

What is the typical lead time for product delivery from Gulbrandsen?

With a strong global supply chain and distribution network worldwide, Gulbrandsen aims to ensure timely deliveries worldwide. Lead times will vary based on location and order volume.

How do I get more information about the products offered by Gulbrandsen?

To learn more about Gulbrandsen and the products it offers, send an email to gpl-cs-orders@gulbrandsen.com. Our sales team will connect with you to share more information.