Gas duster: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Product used for dusting devices}} |
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{{redirect|Air spray|the North American airline|Air Spray}} |
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'''Gas duster''', also known as '''canned air''', is a product used to clean electronic equipment and other sensitive devices that cannot be cleaned using [[Water#As a dissolving agent or solvent|water]]. The can comes with a straw to direct the forceful wind that it can produce. The gases inside the can have been compressed to the point that they have become liquid, and they evaporate before leaving the can, since the valve draws from the top (unlike most [[Aerosol spray|aerosol cans]], which have a [[Aerosol spray#Packaging|straw]] that draws from the bottom of the can). Despite the name "canned air," the cans actually contain gases that are much easier to compress into liquids, such as [[difluoroethane]], [[1,1,1-Trifluoroethane|trifluoroethane]], or [[tetrafluoroethane]] (the main components of [[air]], which are [[oxygen]] or [[nitrogen]], are in fact very rarely used). [[Hydrocarbon|Hydrocarbons]], like [[butane]], were often used in the past, but their flammability forced manufacturers to use [[Fluorocarbon|fluorocarbons]]. |
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== Applications == |
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=== Cleaning === |
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A gas duster is usually used to clean or dust delicate items or reach difficult areas. The dusters are particularly useful on ventilation fans and electronic [[heat sink]]s, which collect dust readily, and are otherwise very difficult to clean. The gases themselves do not leave residues on sensitive equipment, however the bitterant added to prevent abuse will leave a residue, making gas dusters an inappropriate choice for cleaning anything users will come into contact with such as keyboards. They can create static unless a specific [[Electrostatic discharge|ESD]]-safe compound is added. |
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A '''gas duster''', also known as '''tinned wind''', '''compressed air''', or '''canned air''', is a product used for cleaning or dusting electronic equipment and other sensitive devices that cannot be cleaned using [[Water#Washing|water]]. |
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=== Cooling === |
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When the can is held upright and activated, gas flows out through the nozzle. The pressure inside the can therefore drops, and is no longer sufficient to keep the contents as a liquid; so some of the liquid boils, until the equilibrium pressure is re-established. The [[vaporization]] of a liquid is [[endothermic]]; thus, heat is absorbed, and the can becomes cold. |
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This type of product is most often packaged as a can that, when a trigger is pressed, blasts a stream of compressed gas through a nozzle at the top. Despite the names "canned air" or "compressed air", the cans do not actually contain [[air]] (i.e. do not contain [[Oxygen|O<sub>2</sub>]] or [[Nitrogen|N<sub>2</sub>]] gases) but rather contain other gases that are compressible into liquids. True [[liquid air]] is not practical, as it cannot be stored in metal spray cans due to extreme pressure and temperature requirements. Common duster gases include [[hydrocarbon]] [[alkanes]], like [[butane]], [[propane]], and [[isobutane]], and [[hydrofluorocarbon]]s like [[1,1-Difluoroethane|1,1-difluoroethane]], [[1,1,1-Trifluoroethane|1,1,1-trifluoroethane]], or [[tetrafluoroethane|1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane]] which are used because of their lower flammability. |
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If the can is held upside down, then its contents are expelled as a liquid. This liquid evaporates very quickly at [[standard temperature and pressure]], chilling anything in contact with it. This process can produce very cold temperatures, easily sufficient to cause [[frostbite]]. Similar cans with dip tubes are marketed as "freeze spray," and will expel liquid when held right side up. Freeze spray is intended for use as a testing and debugging aid to locate temperature-dependent issues. Because it is non-conductive, it can be used on running electronics. |
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When inhaled, gas duster fumes may produce [[Psychoactive drug|psychoactive]] effects and may be harmful to health, sometimes even causing death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.medicinenet.com/is_your_child_or_teen_huffing/views.htm|title=Huffing (Inhalant Abuse) Symptoms, Signs, Abuse Information - MedicineNet|author=Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD|work=MedicineNet}}</ref> |
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=== Alternative to 134a === |
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| ⚫ | Many gas dusters contain HFC-134a ( |
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== |
== History == |
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The first patent for a unitary, hand-held compressed air dusting tool was filed in 1930 by E C Brown Co, listing Tappan Dewitt as the product's sole inventor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dewitt |first1=Tappan |title=US1877778A Compressed air duster |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US1877778A/en |website=Google Patents |access-date=13 November 2020 |ref=2}}</ref> The patent application describes the product as a |
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Since gas dusters are one of the many [[inhalant]]s that can be easily abused, many manufacturers have added a [[bitterant|bittering]] agent to deter people from inhaling the product. Because of the generic name "canned [[air]]", some people mistakenly believe that the can only contains normal air or contains a less harmful substance such as [[nitrous oxide]]. However, the [[gas]]es actually used are denser than air, and [[Inhalant|inhaling]] can lead to [[paralysis]], serious injury, or death. Recently, in the United States and Canada stores have begun to ask for ID to verify that the customer is 18 years or older (some include [[Fred Meyer]], [[Office Max]], [[Office Depot]], [[Best Buy]], [[STAPLES|Staples]], [[RadioShack]], [[Walgreens]], [[Canadian Tire]], [[Shopko]], [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[Maplin Electronics]], [[CVS/pharmacy|CVS]], and [[Wal-Mart]]){{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}. |
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<blockquote> |
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Single-unit, i.e. unitary, hand-held apparatus comprising a container and a discharge nozzle attached thereto, in which flow of liquid or other fluent material is produced by the muscular energy of the operator at the moment of use or by an equivalent manipulator independent from the apparatus the spray being effected by a gas or vapour flow from a source where the gas or vapour is not in contact with the liquid or other fluent material to be sprayed, e.g. from a compressible bulb, an air pump or an enclosure surrounding the container designed for spraying particulate material. |
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</blockquote> |
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== Uses == |
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Though not extremely flammable in gaseous form, many dusters use a fluorocarbon which can burn under some conditions, and warn of this on the packaging. When inverted to spray liquid, the boiling fluorocarbon aerosol is easily ignitable, producing a very large blast of flame and extremely toxic byproducts such as [[hydrogen fluoride]] and [[carbonyl fluoride]] as a combustion product. |
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Gas duster can be used for cleaning dust off surfaces such as keyboards, as well as sensitive electronics in which moisture is not desired. When using gas duster, it is recommended to not hold the can upside down, as this can result in spraying liquid on to the surface. The liquid, when released from the can, boils at a very low temperature, rapidly cooling any surface it touches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://physics.stackexchange.com/q/10454 |title=What causes compressed air (from "Dust Off" cans) to freeze, but only when turned upside down?}}</ref> This can cause mild to moderate [[frostbite]] on contact with skin, especially if the can is held upside down. Also, the can gets very cold during extended use; holding the can itself can result in cold burns. |
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| ⚫ | A dust spray can often be used as a [[freeze spray]]. Many gas dusters contain [[1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane|HFC-134a]] (tetrafluoroethane), which is widely used as a propellant and refrigerant. HFC-134a sold for those purposes is often sold at a higher price, which has led to the practice of using gas dusters as a less expensive source of HFCs for those purposes. Adapters have been built for such purposes, although in most cases, the use of such adapters will void the warranty on the equipment they are used with. One example of this practice is the case of [[airsoft]] gas guns, which use HFC-134a as the compressed gas. Several vendors sell "duster adapters" for use with airsoft guns, though it is necessary to add a lubricant when using gas dusters to power [[airsoft gun]]s. |
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[[Fluorocarbon|Fluorocarbons]], although they replaced the older set of more flammable [[Hydrocarbon|hydrocarbons]], can still combust relatively easily, e.g., by holding a source of fire (such as a match or lighter) to the escaping [[fluid]]. They do, however, have a lower chance of exploding in a closed container by means of [[spontaneous combustion]] (which is what caused the general switch away from hydrocarbons). |
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== Health and safety == |
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Since gas dusters are one of the many [[inhalant]]s that can be easily abused,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/dusted-off/|title=Dust Off Death : snopes.com|author=snopes|date=4 March 2016|work=snopes}}</ref> many manufacturers have added a [[bitterant|bittering]] agent to deter people from inhaling the product. Some U.S. states, as well as the UK, have made laws regarding the abuse of gas dusters, as well as other inhalants, by criminalizing [[inhalant abuse]] or banning the sale of gas dusters and other inhalants to those under 18. Because of the generic name "canned air", it is mistakenly believed that the can only contains normal air or contains a less harmful substance (such as [[nitrous oxide]], for example). However, the [[gas]]es actually used are denser than air, such as [[difluoroethane]]. When inhaled, the gas displaces the oxygen in the lungs and removes [[carbon dioxide]] from the blood, which can cause the user to suffer from [[hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]]. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of the psychoactive effects of these inhalants is not a result of oxygen deprivation. The euphoric feeling produced stems from cellular mechanisms that are dependent on the molecular structure of the specific inhalant, as is the case with all psychoactive drugs. Their exact mechanisms of action have not been well elucidated, but it is hypothesized that they have much in common with that of [[Alcohol (drug)|alcohol]].<ref name="Neural basis of inhalant abuse">{{cite journal |last1=Balster |first1=Robert |title=Neural basis of inhalant abuse |journal=Drug and Alcohol Dependence |date=1 June 1998 |volume=51 |issue=1–2 |pages=207–214 |doi=10.1016/S0376-8716(98)00078-7 |pmid=9716942 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871698000787 |access-date=26 February 2021|url-access=subscription }}</ref> This type of [[Inhalant|inhalant abuse]] can cause a plethora of negative effects including brain and nerve damage, [[paralysis]], serious injury, or death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.medicinenet.com/is_your_child_or_teen_huffing/views.htm|title=Huffing (Inhalant Abuse) Symptoms, Signs, Abuse Information - MedicineNet|author=Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD|work=MedicineNet}}</ref> |
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Use of dusters can produce large clouds of dust, which may directly affect the lungs. |
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== Environmental |
== Environmental impacts == |
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| ⚫ | Difluoroethane (HFC-152a), trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), and completely non-flammable tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) are potent greenhouse gases. |
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===Global warming=== |
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| ⚫ | [[1,1-Difluoroethane|Difluoroethane]] (HFC-152a), [[trifluoroethane]] (HFC-143a), and completely non-flammable [[tetrafluoroethane]] (HFC-134a) are potent greenhouse gases. According to the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] (IPCC), the [[global warming potential]] (GWP) of HFC-152a, HFC-143a, and HFC-134a are 124, 4470, and 1430, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ar4-wg1-chapter2-1.pdf |page=212 |title=Changes in Atmospheric Constituents and in Radiative Forcing |publisher=Cambridge University Press |date=2007 |access-date=11 May 2017}}</ref> GWP refers to global warming effect in comparison to CO<sub>2</sub> for unit mass. 1 kg of HFC-152a is equivalent to 124 kg of CO<sub>2</sub>.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Heck |first1=Ronald M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U9fMCaiNWkcC&q=12400+ozone&pg=PA477 |title=Catalytic Air Pollution Control: Commercial Technology – Ronald M. Heck, Robert J. Farrauto, Suresh T. Gulati – Google Books |last2=Farrauto |first2=Robert J. |last3=Gulati |first3=Suresh T. |date=2009-02-24 |isbn=9780470275030 |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> |
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===Ozone layer depletion=== |
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== Alternatives == |
== Alternatives == |
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True "air dusters" using ordinary air are also available in the market. These typically have much shorter run times than a chemical duster, but are easily refillable. Both hand pump and electric compressor models have been marketed. The maximum pressure for an aerosol can is typically 10 bar (145 psi) at 20{{nbsp}}°C (68{{nbsp}}°F).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chemaxx.com/aerosol12a.htm|title=Aerosol Explosion Investigation and Accident Reconstruction at CHEMAXX.COM}}</ref> Therefore, a fully compressed air duster will exhaust air about 10 times the can volume. |
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An [[gas compressor|air compressor]] fitted with a small nozzle (as part of a compressor accessory kit) can be used in lieu for cleaning. This offers a fixed equipment cost, at the expense of portability. Care must be taken however, as water vapor may condense in the tank or at the nozzle. |
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Recently{{when|date=July 2022}} electronic versions which only use air have become viable alternatives that are preferred by many large corporations due to the fact that they contain no hazardous chemicals, are safe for the environment, do not freeze and cannot be abused. Another mechanical alternative is a camera air blower.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} |
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Portable compressed air canisters that can be refilled with a [[bicycle pump]] are also an option. The same caution about water vapor applies. |
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==See also== |
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Electric dust blowers offer another alternative. |
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* [[List of cleaning products]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.snopes.com/toxins/dustoff.asp Snopes: Adolescents huffing from cans of Dust-Off brand compressed air have died.] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gas Duster}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gas Duster}} |
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[[Category:Cleaning products]] |
[[Category:Cleaning products]] |
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[[ja:エアダスター]] |
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Latest revision as of 05:42, 6 October 2024
A gas duster, also known as tinned wind, compressed air, or canned air, is a product used for cleaning or dusting electronic equipment and other sensitive devices that cannot be cleaned using water.
This type of product is most often packaged as a can that, when a trigger is pressed, blasts a stream of compressed gas through a nozzle at the top. Despite the names "canned air" or "compressed air", the cans do not actually contain air (i.e. do not contain O2 or N2 gases) but rather contain other gases that are compressible into liquids. True liquid air is not practical, as it cannot be stored in metal spray cans due to extreme pressure and temperature requirements. Common duster gases include hydrocarbon alkanes, like butane, propane, and isobutane, and hydrofluorocarbons like 1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane which are used because of their lower flammability.
When inhaled, gas duster fumes may produce psychoactive effects and may be harmful to health, sometimes even causing death.[1]
History
[edit]The first patent for a unitary, hand-held compressed air dusting tool was filed in 1930 by E C Brown Co, listing Tappan Dewitt as the product's sole inventor.[2] The patent application describes the product as a
Single-unit, i.e. unitary, hand-held apparatus comprising a container and a discharge nozzle attached thereto, in which flow of liquid or other fluent material is produced by the muscular energy of the operator at the moment of use or by an equivalent manipulator independent from the apparatus the spray being effected by a gas or vapour flow from a source where the gas or vapour is not in contact with the liquid or other fluent material to be sprayed, e.g. from a compressible bulb, an air pump or an enclosure surrounding the container designed for spraying particulate material.
Uses
[edit]Gas duster can be used for cleaning dust off surfaces such as keyboards, as well as sensitive electronics in which moisture is not desired. When using gas duster, it is recommended to not hold the can upside down, as this can result in spraying liquid on to the surface. The liquid, when released from the can, boils at a very low temperature, rapidly cooling any surface it touches.[3] This can cause mild to moderate frostbite on contact with skin, especially if the can is held upside down. Also, the can gets very cold during extended use; holding the can itself can result in cold burns.
A dust spray can often be used as a freeze spray. Many gas dusters contain HFC-134a (tetrafluoroethane), which is widely used as a propellant and refrigerant. HFC-134a sold for those purposes is often sold at a higher price, which has led to the practice of using gas dusters as a less expensive source of HFCs for those purposes. Adapters have been built for such purposes, although in most cases, the use of such adapters will void the warranty on the equipment they are used with. One example of this practice is the case of airsoft gas guns, which use HFC-134a as the compressed gas. Several vendors sell "duster adapters" for use with airsoft guns, though it is necessary to add a lubricant when using gas dusters to power airsoft guns.
Health and safety
[edit]Since gas dusters are one of the many inhalants that can be easily abused,[4] many manufacturers have added a bittering agent to deter people from inhaling the product. Some U.S. states, as well as the UK, have made laws regarding the abuse of gas dusters, as well as other inhalants, by criminalizing inhalant abuse or banning the sale of gas dusters and other inhalants to those under 18. Because of the generic name "canned air", it is mistakenly believed that the can only contains normal air or contains a less harmful substance (such as nitrous oxide, for example). However, the gases actually used are denser than air, such as difluoroethane. When inhaled, the gas displaces the oxygen in the lungs and removes carbon dioxide from the blood, which can cause the user to suffer from hypoxia. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of the psychoactive effects of these inhalants is not a result of oxygen deprivation. The euphoric feeling produced stems from cellular mechanisms that are dependent on the molecular structure of the specific inhalant, as is the case with all psychoactive drugs. Their exact mechanisms of action have not been well elucidated, but it is hypothesized that they have much in common with that of alcohol.[5] This type of inhalant abuse can cause a plethora of negative effects including brain and nerve damage, paralysis, serious injury, or death.[6]
Since gas dusters are often contained in pressure vessels, they are considered explosively volatile.
Environmental impacts
[edit]Global warming
[edit]Difluoroethane (HFC-152a), trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), and completely non-flammable tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) are potent greenhouse gases. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global warming potential (GWP) of HFC-152a, HFC-143a, and HFC-134a are 124, 4470, and 1430, respectively.[7] GWP refers to global warming effect in comparison to CO2 for unit mass. 1 kg of HFC-152a is equivalent to 124 kg of CO2.[8]
Ozone layer depletion
[edit]Gas dusters sold in many countries are ozone safe as they use "zero ODP" (zero ozone depletion potential) gases. For example, tetrafluoroethane has insignificant ODP. This is a separate issue from the global warming concern.
Alternatives
[edit]True "air dusters" using ordinary air are also available in the market. These typically have much shorter run times than a chemical duster, but are easily refillable. Both hand pump and electric compressor models have been marketed. The maximum pressure for an aerosol can is typically 10 bar (145 psi) at 20 °C (68 °F).[9] Therefore, a fully compressed air duster will exhaust air about 10 times the can volume.
Recently[when?] electronic versions which only use air have become viable alternatives that are preferred by many large corporations due to the fact that they contain no hazardous chemicals, are safe for the environment, do not freeze and cannot be abused. Another mechanical alternative is a camera air blower.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD. "Huffing (Inhalant Abuse) Symptoms, Signs, Abuse Information - MedicineNet". MedicineNet.
- ^ Dewitt, Tappan. "US1877778A Compressed air duster". Google Patents. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "What causes compressed air (from "Dust Off" cans) to freeze, but only when turned upside down?".
- ^ snopes (4 March 2016). "Dust Off Death : snopes.com". snopes.
- ^ Balster, Robert (1 June 1998). "Neural basis of inhalant abuse". Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 51 (1–2): 207–214. doi:10.1016/S0376-8716(98)00078-7. PMID 9716942. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
- ^ Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD. "Huffing (Inhalant Abuse) Symptoms, Signs, Abuse Information - MedicineNet". MedicineNet.
- ^ "Changes in Atmospheric Constituents and in Radiative Forcing" (PDF). Cambridge University Press. 2007. p. 212. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ Heck, Ronald M.; Farrauto, Robert J.; Gulati, Suresh T. (2009-02-24). Catalytic Air Pollution Control: Commercial Technology – Ronald M. Heck, Robert J. Farrauto, Suresh T. Gulati – Google Books. ISBN 9780470275030. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ "Aerosol Explosion Investigation and Accident Reconstruction at CHEMAXX.COM".