Leaks fluorine

Fluorine in the atmosphere can be detected by chemical methods involving the displacement of halogens from haUdes. Dilute fluorine leaks are easily detected by passing a damp piece of starch iodide paper around the suspected area. The paper should be held with metal tongs or forceps to avoid contact with the gas stream and immediately darkens when fluorine is present. 

Organic fluorine as a separate industry that began in the late 1920s with the discovery by Midgle of fluorocarbons for use as refrigerants. Ammonia was unsuitable because of the hazard and unpleasant smell from minute leaks. Sulfur dioxide had similar problems. The best refrigerant was... 

At this point, the system was tested with catalyst for activation and FTS, in the hopes that the seal leak rates would be impeded by the presence of small catalyst particles. The FTFE 20-B catalyst (L-3950) (Fe, 50.2% Cu, 4.2% K, 1.5% and Si, 2.4%) was utilized. This is part of the batch used for LaPorte FTS run II.20 The catalyst was activated at 543 K with CO at a space velocity (SV) of 9 sl/h/g catalyst for 48 h. A total of 1,100 g of catalyst was taken and 7.9 L of C30 oil was used as the start-up solvent. At the end of the activation period, an attempt was made for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis at 503 K, 175 psig, syngas SV = 9 sl/h/g catalyst, and H2/CO = 0.7. However, the catalyst was found to be completely inactive for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Potential reasons for catalyst poisoning under present experimental conditions were investigated. Sulfur and fluorine are known to poison iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts.21,22 Since the stator of the pump is... 

Fluorine has a strong and characteristic odor that can be detected in very small amounts, as low as 20 parts per billion. This property is very helpful to those who work with fluorine. It means that the gas can be detected and avoided in case it leaks into a room. 

Fluorine Not flammable Not flammable Not flammable Not flammable Not pertinent Do not direct water onto fluorine leaks Dangerously reactive gas. Ignites most combustibles Not flammable Reacts with water to form hydrogen fluoride, oxygen and oxygen difluoride ... 

A hose assembly in fluorine service failed because of forming a leak (Fig. 10.38). The hose consisted of a PTFE tube (liner) at its core which had been reinforced with a stainless steel braiding. The failure occurred in the PTFE tube below and near the lower edge of the collar, away from the joint. The failed hose handled fluorine that had been diluted by a neutral gas. A lengthy analysis was performed to determine the cause of the failure because of the safety concerns about fluorine service. 

Several lubricated plug valves are now coated with a fluorinated plastic (for service to 450°F) or molybdenum disulfide to make the valves easier to open and close. This improves the lubrocisity but at the same time would not let the valve leak if a fire melted the thin plastic coating. The valve lubricant would continue to seal the plug against leaks. 

The fire hazard may not be as serious as many designers think. Recent tests show that fluorinated plastic seats, although damaged, did not leak after a ball valve was exposed to a direct hydrocarbon flame for 15 minutes. In some designs when the seat melts, the ball slides to the downstream side to provide a metal-to-metal seal. 

In case of fire involving fluorine, shut off the flow of gas if possible. Allow the fire to bum. Use water from an explosion-resistant location to keep the fire-exposed confainers cool. Do not direct water onto fluorine leaks, as water reacts violently with fluorine. 

Lung edema symptoms usually develop several hours later and are aggravated by physical exertion rest and hospitalization essential. As first aid, a doctor or authorized person should consider administaring a corticosteroid spray. Do not spray leaking cylinder with water (to avoid corrosion). Turn leaking cylinder so that leak is on top to prevent liquid fluorine escaping. Use cylinder with special fittings. 

VI. Circulated Hex. Almost all the remarks, including those concerning shielding, made for the heterogeneous slurry pile apply also for a circulated hex pile. However, the absence of slurry particles alleviates the erosion problem. The problem of corrosion, on the other hand, is especially important because a leak between hex and water would be disastrous. Although several metals stand up very well in pure hex, nothing is known about the corrosion effect of hex under the influence of flssion fragments, and Cannon found that free fluorine pits aluminium in the presence of -radiation. The presence of free fluorine can hardly be avoided under pile conditions. 

All systems containing fluorine should be checked frequently for leaks. Filter paper moistened with potassium iodide can be used to perform the tests. The paper will change color when any... 

In the event of a small leak, stop flow of gas if possible, or move cylinder to a fume hood or to a safe location in the open air. Accidental releases of fluorine require evacuation of the affected area and should be handled only by trained personnel equipped with proper protective clothing and respiratory protection. 

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