Precautions for the storage and handling of niobium wire

When storing and handling niobium wire, it is necessary to take targeted measures in combination with its physical properties such as high ductility and corrosion resistance, as well as potential application scenarios such as superconducting materials, medical implants, and jewelry processing, to ensure the material's performance and safety. When storing, niobium wire should be kept in a dry environment with a relative humidity of no more than 60%. If necessary, it should be stored in a sealed container filled with inert gas (such as argon) to prevent surface oxidation. At the same time, high temperatures (> 200℃) or drastic temperature differences should be avoided to prevent the metal lattice stress changes from causing embrittlement. The storage area should be clean and dust-free, avoiding direct ultraviolet radiation. In particular, the colored niobium wire after anodizing should be stored away from light. In terms of packaging, niobium wire should be wrapped in layers with anti-static paper or polyethylene soft film. Coiled niobium wire should be placed in a sealed bag or aluminum foil bag, and a desiccant (such as a silica gel bag) should be added. The material, specification, surface treatment status and other information should be marked on the outside of the package. In addition, the storage area should be kept away from open flames and strong oxidants, and avoid contact with metals such as copper and iron to prevent electrochemical corrosion.

When handling niobium wire, it should be done gently to avoid excessive stretching, bending or squeezing. Especially for fine wires (such as those with a diameter of less than 0.5mm), they are prone to breakage. When taking it out, dust-free nitrile gloves or anti-static tweezers should be used to avoid contamination by hand sweat. When handling by winding, hard rollers or pallets should be used for fixation to prevent loose entanglement and tangling. When multiple rolls are stacked, foam pads or corrugated paper should be used to separate them to avoid gravity indentations. When cutting or polishing, it should be carried out in a local exhaust device (such as a fume hood). The operator needs to wear an N95 mask and goggles. Debris on the floor and countertop should be cleared in time and wiped with a damp cloth or collected with an explosion-proof vacuum cleaner. During transportation, it should be fixed in a hard box with cushioning materials filled inside. For long-distance transportation, it is recommended to use a temperature and humidity recorder to ensure that the environment meets the storage requirements.

Niobium wire safety protection and special application scenario requirements
In terms of safety protection, when in contact with niobium wire, anti-static clothing, gloves and goggles should be worn to avoid prolonged skin contact (which may cause minor irritation). If dust is accidentally inhaled, move immediately to a well-ventilated area and rinse your mouth with clean water. If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Waste niobium wire and debris should be classified and recycled as non-hazardous metal waste. Niobium wire used in the medical or nuclear industry should comply with the specific industry's disposal regulations. In special application scenarios, superconducting niobium wires (such as Nb-Ti alloy) must strictly avoid surface scratches or contamination. The storage environment should meet the standards of an oil-free and dust-free clean room. When handling, special tools for ultra-clean rooms should be used to avoid introducing impurities that may affect the superconducting performance. Medical-grade niobium wire must comply with certification. The storage area should be isolated from other industrial materials. Before packaging, it needs to be vacuum plasma cleaned and sealed for sterilization. The anodized colored niobium wire used for jewelry processing should be stored separately to avoid fading under light. When handling, cotton gloves should be worn to prevent fingerprints from contaminating the surface.

Emergency treatment measures for niobium wire
If the niobium wire undergoes slight oxidation, it can be soaked and cleaned in a 5% dilute nitric acid solution, then rinsed with pure water and dried. If the surface is contaminated with grease, it can be wiped with acetone or ethanol and then cleaned with deionized water. During the processing, it is necessary to strictly follow the operating procedures to ensure that the material properties are not affected and at the same time guarantee the safety of the operators.

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