Chlorine container leaks

Although chlorine is a hazardous substance, it can he handled safely. All persons who handle chlorine should he thoroughly trained in its properties, in correct use of safety equipment, and in the nperulion ol all other equipment including containers. The Chlorine Institute. 342 Madison Ave.. New York. NY 10017. publishes Ihe Chlorine Manual (available from the Insli-(ule at nominal cost) which provides useful information on these matters. In addition the Chlorine Institute has designed emergency kits capable of capping off certain types of leaks which can occur in chlorine containers. 

Several appropriate emergency container leak repair kits should be stored near the chlorine application facility. 

Do not spray water on a chlorine leak. To do so makes the leak worse because of the corrosive action of wet chlorine. When a leak occurs in equipment in which chlorine is being used, immediately close the chlorine container valve. 

If a chlorine container is leaking in such a position that chlorine is escaping as a liquid, the container should be turned if possible so that chlorine gas escapes instead. The quantity of chlorine escaping from a gas leak is about one-fifteenth the amount that escapes from a liquid leak through the same size hole. Leaks at valve stems are often stopped by tightening the valve packing nuts or closing the valve. 

Regulations prohibit the normal shipment of a leaking chlorine container or a container that has been exposed to fire, whether full or partially full. It may be necessary in some instances to ship a defective chlorine container. In such... 

At regular points of storage and use, emergency preparations for disposing of chlorine from leaking cylinders or ton containers should be made. Chlorine may be absorbed and reacted into caustic soda or soda ash solution. Caustic soda solution is preferred because it absorbs and reacts with chlorine most readily. 

If fire is present or imminent, chlorine containers and equipment should be moved away from the fire if possible. If a nonleaking container or equipment cannot be moved, it should be kept cool by putting water on it. Water should not be used directly on a chlorine leak. Chlorine and water react forming acids and the leak quickly will get worse. However, where several containers are involved and some are leaking, it may be prudent to use a water spray to help prevent overpressure of the nonleaking containers. 

A leaking chlorine container must not be immersed or thrown into a body of water the leak will be aggravated and the container may float when still partially full of liquid chlorine allowing gas evolution at the surface. 

In case of fire, chlorine containers should be removed from the fire zone immediately. As soon as there is any indication of the presence of chlorine in the air, take steps to correct the condition. Chlorine leaks always get worse if not corrected promptly. Keep on the windward side of the leak and higher than the leak. Since gaseous chlorine is approximately 2 times as heavy as air, it tends to lie close to the ground. 

If a motor vehicle transporting chlorine containers is damaged, any leaking containers should, if possible, be positioned so that only gas escapes, and if necessary, moved to an isolated area before attempts are made to stop the leaks. If there is any possibility of fire, the containers should be removed from the vehicle. 

At regular points in areas of chlorine storage and use, provisions should be made for emergency disposal of chlorine from leaking containers. Chlorine may be absorbed in solutions of caustic soda or soda ash. The proportions of alkali and water recommended for this purpose, in the amounts needed to absorb indicated quantities of chlorine, are given in Table 2. 

The Chlorine Institute has released pamphlets and recommendations covering all aspects of safety, e.g., first aid [258], emergency response plans [259], protective equipment [260], prevention of injuries to personnel [261], prevention of chlorine releases [262], and estimating the area affected by a chlorine release [263]. Emergency kits have been developed for sealing leaks in chlorine containers, drums, and tank cars [264],... 

Chlorine gas Leak containment Containment building and gas scrubber... 

Chlorine loading/storage facilities and chlorine addition systems should, where possible, be located remotely. Alternatively, the chlorine containers can be located near, and on the normal upwind side of, cooling towers so that a leak can be flow directly into the cooling water system. The containers themselves should be protected from impact by vehicles. When the containers are transported, they should be well secured. Chlorine containers should not be stored near a heat source, anhydrous ammonia, hydrocarbons, or any chemicals with which it could react violently. 

In the event of a container leak or a liquid spUl, water should not be sprayed directly on to the liquid. Water sprayed on to the liquid will increase the vaporization rate and will form highly corrosive hydrochloric acid that could then increase the size of the leak. Therefore, the water should be sprayed into the chlorine... 

SafeChem, a subsidiary of Dow, has developed a handling system for chlorinated solvents that allows them to be used in closed-loop degreasing systems. The Safe-Tainer system uses two dedicated double wall containers one to hold fresh solvent and the other used solvent. The containers are connected to the cleaning equipment with zero dead volume, leak-free connections that prevent spills, leaks or vapour emissions during use. Used solvent is collected for recycling and professional disposal of any residues. The system minimises solvent use and release to the environment. A study carried out by Dow during a trial in... 

C for mixtures containing 8-18% of hydrogen [8], A faulty non-return valve allowed hydrogen to leak into a fibreglass-reinforced pipeline containing chlorine, and spontaneous ignition and explosion occurred [9],... 

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