Celluloses (fibres & dust) — properties & hazards overview
Volatility
Non-volatile (particulate only)
Water affinity
Hydrophilic; swells, insoluble
Dust explosibility
Yes (typ. St-1); housekeeping critical
Environmental
High COD/BOD if wetted
Flammability
Combustible dust
Toxicity
Irritation (dust/fibres)
Chronic risk
Dust exposure
Environmental
COD / biofouling
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Composition | Natural polysaccharide (β-1,4-glucose). Occurs as fibres/flakes; no gas-phase component. |
| Physical state | Solid fibres/dust (PM). Airborne as lint/fibre fragments; can entrain as droplets/slurry after wetting. |
| Reactivity | Stable; combustible. Hydrolyses/biodegrades when wet; can form viscous slurries and foul internals. |
| Behaviour in gas streams | Acts as particulate: removal by inertial impaction/venturi scrubbing and fibre-bed/mist elimination. Generates COD/BOD in blowdown. |
| Best analytical detection | Isokinetic gravimetric PM sampling — reference mass measurement of cellulose particulates on filters; captures full size spectrum and correlates directly with compliance & scrubber efficiency. |
*Indicative values; verify specifics via SDS/process data (“verify via SDS”).