3M™ Glass Bubbles S15

Because 3M™ Glass Bubbles K15 are a dry powder, pH is not defined. The pH effect will be determined by the alkalinity as indicated above. When 3M glass bubbles are mixed with deionized water at 5% volume loading, the resulting pH of the slurry is typically 9.1 to 9.9, as measured by a pH meter.

Dusting problems that may occur while handling and processing can be minimized by the following procedures:

• For eye protection wear chemical safety goggles. For respiratory system protection wear an appropriate NIOSH/ MSHA approved respirator. (For additional information about personal protective equipment, refer to Material Safety Data Sheet.)
• Use appropriate ventilation in the work area.
• Pneumatic conveyor systems have been used successfully to transport 3M glass bubbles without dusting from shipping containers to batch mixing equipment. Static eliminators should be used to help prevent static charges. Diaphragm pumps have been used to successfully convey 3M™ Glass Bubbles K15. Vendors should be consulted for specific recommendations. 

3M™ Glass Bubbles S15 breakage may occur if the product is improperly processed. To minimize breakage, avoid high shear processes such as high speed Cowles Dissolvers, point contact shear such as gear pumps or 3-roll mills, and processing pressures above the strength test pressure for each product.

• Small Box (10 Cubic ft.)

A single corrugated box with a plastic liner. All boxes are banded together and to the wooden pallet. 4 boxes per pallet.

1. Each box inside diameter is 22 in. × 19 in. × 39 in.
2. Pallet size is 42 in. × 48 in.

• Large Box (50 Cubic ft.)*

A single corrugated box with a plastic liner. Top enclosed with interlocking double cover banded. Bottom is normal box closure, entire box banded to wooden pallet.
Each box inside diameter is 48 in. × 42 in. × 44 in. Overall load size is 483/4 in. × 423/4 in. × 50 in. including pallet. Pallet size is 42 in. × 48 in.
*S60 and S60HS large boxes are 38 cubic ft. 

• Small Box - 50 lb.
• Large Box - 265 lb.
• Truckload Large Box - 11,660 lb.

To help ensure ease of storage and handling while maintaining free flowing properties, 3M™ Glass Bubbles K15 have been made from a chemically stable glass and are packaged in a heavy-duty polyethylene bag within a cardboard container.

Minimum storage conditions should be unopened cartons in an unheated warehouse.

Under high humidity conditions with an ambient temperature cycling over a wide range, moisture can be drawn into the bag as the temperature drops and the air contracts. The result may be moisture condensation within the bag. Extended exposure to these conditions may result in “caking” of the 3M glass bubbles to various degrees. To minimize the potential for “caking” and prolong the storage life, the following suggestions are made:

• Carefully re-tie open bags after use.
• If the polyethylene bag is punctured during shipping or handling, use this bag as soon as possible, patch the hole, or insert the contents into an undamaged bag.
• During humid summer months, store in the driest, coolest space available.
• If good storage conditions are unavailable, carry a minimum inventory, and process on a first in/first out basis.