1- What is Chlorine (Cl2) Gas?
Chlorine is a greenish-yellow, pungent, poisonous and oxidizing gas with the chemical formula Cl. The Word name is Chlorine, derived from the Greek word “chloros” meaning green.
It can be converted into a liquid by compressing it under pressure or cooling it to its boiling point of -34°C and into a solid at its melting point of -101°C. It is two and a half times heavier than air. In case of leakage, it can accumulate near the ground and spread along the ground.
2- Where is Chlorine Gas Found? Where is it Used?
Chlorine, a highly reactive substance, is not found in free form in nature. It is found in compounds with other substances, especially as salts such as sodium chloride (NaCl). It is the 3rd most abundant element in ocean water. It is the 21st most abundant element in the earth’s crust. The element chlorine in the form of chloride (Cl-) is essential for the sustainability of life in all living organisms. The main source of chlorine gas and the most common compound form is sodium chloride (NaCl).
Chlorine, which has an important place in industry, is produced by various methods such as electrolysis of salt water. Chlorine gas plays a major role in the treatment of drinking water and pool water. It is also a good disinfectant as it kills bacteria. Since it is one of the main ingredients in PVC production, it is widely used in industry. It is used in industry to make alkali and bleach, as a disinfectant, and as a bleaching agent in the paper and textile industries.
3- What are the Dangers of Chlorine Gas?
While chlorine gas poses a danger primarily because it is poisonous to living things, its oxidizing nature brings other dangers in industrial environments. In addition, although it is not a flammable gas, it can increase the flammability of other substances.
Toxicity
Chlorine gas is a highly toxic substance. It enters the body through inhalation or contact with skin and eyes. Symptoms of poisoning include burning in the eyes, nose and mouth; discharge from the eyes and nose; cough, chest pain; nausea, vomiting; headache, dizziness; pulmonary edema.
The chlorine limits that can be found in the working environment are as follows: 0.1 ppm (TWA) for 8 hours and 0.4 ppm (STEL) for 15 minutes. A chlorine level of 10 ppm is a danger to human health and life and should be removed immediately. (IDLH)
Chlorine gas is moderately water-soluble and, if inhaled, produces irritating effects on the lungs and the entire respiratory tract. One of the most common causes of chlorine gas poisoning is the inhalation of toxic vapors produced by mixing household cleaners containing hypochlorite with cleaning agents containing acid.
Oxidizing
Its solution in water is a strong acid. It reacts strongly with bases and is highly corrosive. For this reason, it can damage metal, some types of plastics and castings.
Due to its oxidizing effect, although it is not a flammable gas, it can increase the flammability of other substances; it can interact with substances such as acetylene, ether, turpentine, ammonia, hydrogen.
4- How to Detect Chlorine?
Although chlorine gas is easy to recognize with its pungent odor and irritating effect, it takes a back seat in terms of reliability and competence because human senses are always fallible. Measurement using professional gas detection equipment in environments where chlorine gas may be present provides the most accurate results.
Karf&Scoot GDSFX Chlorine Detector detects Chlorine gas precisely, quickly and reliably with electrochemical sensor technology. Thanks to its analog and digital signal outputs, it can be used alone or in harmony with the equipment in your facility. It is suitable for use in explosive environments and has Atex certification. Its robust housing ensures flawless measurement even in harsh industrial conditions.
For more information, you can check our GDSFX Electrochemical Detector page. Hazardous gas detection technologies are highly important equipment for your personnel and facility safety. For more detailed information and customized gas detection solutions for your facility, you can contact us from our contact addresses below or from our contact page.
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