Email Enquiry

Subject:                        Blue Sachet Mystery

Date of Initial Email :   Tue 31/07/2007

Initial Email Detail:

During our demolition operations we have come across some small unidentified liquid sachets. The unknown sachets of blue liquid we found attached to each bolt head inside the cable tray protected by fireproofing on a Rack. These bolts go through the metal outer sheath, the insulation barrier and the cable tray structure and would present a heat path near to the cables.
The sachets are approx 50mm x 30mm. Our lab has sampled the liquid and so far has only confirmed that it is not glycol. We are keen to know what their purpose was and more importantly what chemicals they might contain.  Would it be possible to put a request out to JOIFF to see if anyone could assist us in identifying what they are?

Second Email: (dated 31/07/2007)

Could it be carbon tetrachloride?  I’ve seen it used in numerous older applications in the US where it was packaged in a container that would rupture or be broken upon heat/flame exposure.

Third Email: (dated 01/08/2007)

I've asked one of our Electrical Engineers to look at this as his reply is as follows:-

Cable trays are constructed in 6 mtr lengths with fishplates bolted at inter sections. a copper earth bond braid is connected between these fish plates to provide electrical continuity  and can be weather proofed inside a plastic sleeve.

My best guess at the picture is a disolved copper braid inside a swollen plastic envelope. lab analysis should confirm that the liquid is copper sulphate and possibly a bit of lead solder and nickel