Precaution for Handling Sodium-Filled Exhaust Valves (If Equipped)
Read all of the instructions before disposing of sodium-filled exhaust valves.
- Sodium requires extreme caution in handling and disposal. Sodium is highly flammable and it reacts with water and oxygen in the air. Sodium reacts with water vigorously and may cause an explosion.
- Make sure to wear protective tools (such as goggles and gloves) when handling sodium. Keep sodium away from eyes and skin as it may cause caustic skin burns, and contact with eyes may cause blindness.
- When handling sodium, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area as it reacts with water to form hydrogen gas.
- If you come in contact with sodium, flush thoroughly with a large amount of water and seek immediate medical attention.
Determination Method of Sodium-Filled Exhaust Valves
Identification marks (A) for sodium-filled exhaust valves are located on the valve head and/or valve stem.
NOTE: The illustration is a typical sample of the sodium-filled valve.
Waste Disposal of Sodium-Filled Valves
1. When the sodium-filled exhaust valves are NOT damaged
NOTE: You can dispose sodium-filled exhaust valves as you would with normal valves unless the sodium in the valve stem is exposed. If they are exposed, the valve stem must be neutralized using the Neutralization Procedure.
WARNING:
Do not destroy the valves intentionally to expose sodium.
2. When the sodium-filled exhaust valves are damaged
NOTE: Do the neutralization procedure before disposal.
WARNING:
- Make sure to wear protective goggles and gloves, and do this procedure in a well-ventilated area.
- When you do this procedure, make sure to have a fire extinguisher (dry powder type) on hand.
- Handle the damaged valves with tweezers or tongs, not with bare hands.
Neutralization Procedure
1. Prepare a large container filled with 10 L (2.64 US gal) of water.
2. Soak the damaged valves into the water.
- Soak the damaged valves completely.
- Keep all cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the container. Chemical reaction of sodium and water generates hydrogen gas.
- Keep a few meters away from the container as this procedure may cause severe reaction of chemicals.
- This procedure can neutralize a maximum of six damaged valves at the same time.
3. When the procedure is finished after 4-5 hours, pick up the damaged valves with tweezers or tongs, and dispose of them as normal valves.
WARNING:
The waste liquid after neutralization procedure contains highly-concentrated sodium hydroxide. It is very harmful physically and environmentally. Dispose the waste liquid according to your local regulations.
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