3M™ Glass Bubbles S42XHS

• Flow properties: 3M™ Glass Bubbles S42XHS will remain free flowing for at least one year from the date of shipment when stored in the original, unopened container in accordance with the recommended storage conditions.
• Glass bubble breakage: Breakage may occur if the product is severely processed. To minimize breakage, minimize exposure to high shear processes such as high-speed Cowles Dissolvers, and point contact shear such as gear pumps and 3-roll mills. For twin screw extruders, place S42XHS glass bubbles in the downstream port to minimize time in the extruder. Contact your vendor for assistance if breakage is suspected.

For worker protection, please consider the following: Use chemical safety goggles for eye protection. For respiratory system protection wear an appropriate NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator. (For additional information about personal protective equipment.

S42XHS glass bubbles are packaged in heavy-duty polyethylene bags with cardboard containers designed to prevent damage during normal handling and shipping while maintaining free-flowing properties.

Storage: Ideal storage conditions include unopened containers in a dry and temperature-controlled warehouse. Extended exposure of 3M™ Glass Bubbles S42XHS boxes to high humidity and/or conditions susceptible to condensation may result in some amount of “caking” of the glass bubbles. To minimize the potential for caking and thereby maximize storage life, the following suggestions are made:

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

Handling: Due to the low weight and small particle size of S42XHS glass bubbles, dusting may occur while handling and processing. To minimize the dusting potential during handling, consider the following:

• Do not open glass bubbles packages until ready to use.
• Upon opening, have an air siphon near the opening to pull away airborne particles. (Dust collection equipment may be required — check with local OSHA regulations.)
• Remove glass bubbles with a suction “wand” (with slight positive pressure aeration) and transfer to a closed mixing tank inside fully contained piping. If a closed mixing tank is not available, use dust collection equipment as close as practical to the point of entry. Pneumatic conveyor systems have been used successfully to transport glass bubbles without dusting from shipping containers to batch mixing equipment.
• Static eliminators should be used to prevent static buildup.