Supercooled Liquid: Potential Problems in Chemical Plants

[Razorback]

What kinds of problems could a supercooled liquid lead to in a chemical plant?

 

[mgb_phys]

Do you know what a supercooled liquid is?

If a liquid freezes what effect does this have - do you live in a country with water pipes and cold winters?

 

[Razorback]

It is a liquid whose temperature is lowered below the freezing point but lacks a nucleation site for freezing to occur. Truthfully, I didn't even think about water pipes.

 

[mgb_phys]

The danger of a supercooled liquid is that it freezes as soon as you touch it. So it is very difficult to handle - pump, pass through pipes / valves etc.