Abstract: In order to study fire prevention measures for sodium chlorite, firstly, the combustion-supporting characteristics of sodium chlorite under different ignition sources and humidity conditions were studied through simulation experiments. Secondly, ion chromatography is employed to measure the content of ClO_2^ in the combustion residues, thereby quantitatively analyzing the combustion-supporting effect of sodium chlorite. Finally, fire prevention design strategies for sodium chlorite are formulated based on the investigations above. The results show that when a cigarette butt is used as an ignition source, sodium chlorite can cause most of combustible materials to burn, with the greatest pronounced effect observed on sulfur-containing substances and potassium sorbate. When mechanical sparks are used as ignition sources, sodium chlorite can promote the combustion of sulfur-containing substances, preservatives as well as porous combustibles, but it is difficult to promote the combustion of fabrics with dense structure. When an incandescent light is used as an ignition source, sodium chlorite can only facilitate the combustion of a few strong reducing agents. However, when an electric heater is used as an ignition source, sodium chlorite fails to cause the combustion of any of the experimental samples. In addition, when a drop of water is used as an ignition source, sodium chlorite can cause the combustion of sulfur-containing organic compounds or reductive sulfur-containing substance. Samples mixed with sulfur and sodium sulfide can even undergo deflagration under humidity conditions ranging from 33.1% to 97.6%. This paper can provide some reference for fire prevention requirements in production, storage and transportation of sodium chlorite.

Key words: sodium chlorite; combustion supporting characteristics; combustion residues; fire prevention measures