Chlorine (Cl2) is a naturally occurring chemical commonly found fused into compounds like table salt (NaCl). This chemical element can exist as a liquid or gas. But, due to its reactive nature, under normal atmospheric conditions, liquid chlorine vaporizes. That’s why storing the liquid version of this yellowish-green gas in a safe chlorine cylinder is essential.
Chlorine gas has a pungent and irritating odor and is approximately 2.5 times heavier than air. If you don’t store it in a pressurized chlorine cylinder, it can spread instantly and have uncontrolled reactions with chemicals. It can also have violent reactions to human skin. But, liquid chlorine is still beneficial. It’s the most widely-used water disinfectant in the world.
1. Name of Chemical: Chlorine
2. Chemical Formula: Cl2 (or Cl)
3. Boiling Point: - 34.04°C (- 29.272°F)
4. Melting Point: - 101.5°C (- 150.7°F)
5. Atomic Number: 17
6. Atomic Weight: 35.45 g
7. Appearance: Greenish yellow or redDensity at 20°C: 0.003214 g/cm3
Chlorine is a Widely Used Disinfectant
When you add chlorine to the water, it reacts aggressively, eliminating viruses, parasites, bacteria, and other harmful organisms. Compared to other disinfectants, buying liquid chlorine cylinders doesn’t cost much. That’s why chlorine and different versions of chlorine (e.g., chlorine dioxide) are used as disinfectants for water treatment.
What is the Purpose of Chlorine?
While the most common use of chlorine is in water treatment/disinfection, that’s not the only use of this chemical. Chlorine can react with a variety of elements and compounds. That’s why it’s used in an extensive range of industrial applications. Here are some industries/applications where the use of pressurized chlorine cylinders is widespread –
1. Manufacturing pesticides
2. Manufacturing rubber
3. Processing of wood pulp
4. Disinfection of laboratory equipment
5. Manufacturing solvents
6. Manufacturing plastics
7. Industrial water treatment
8. Sewage water treatment
9. Paper and fabric bleaching
10. Manufacturing pharmaceutical products
To be stored, transported, and used in industry settings, chlorine gas is pressurized, cooled, and converted into a liquid form. Release liquid chlorine into the atmosphere for a second, and it will quickly turn into a gas. The average chlorine cylinder will weigh 150 lbs. The cylinders that contain this chemical are called “ton containers” because liquid chlorine is pretty heavy.
Chlorine Cylinder Safety Risks
Chlorine gas is approximately 2.5 times heavier than air. When released accidentally, this gas settles in low-lying areas. To disperse it, users may have to take various decontamination steps. But, operators typically don’t have too much time to take these measures because chlorine reacts with its surroundings very quickly.
1. It’s highly corrosive to human skin.
2. Chlorine reacts violently with gasoline, diesel, oil, and other petroleum products.
3. If breathed in or injected, chlorine gas can damage the eyes and the respiratory system.
4. Chlorine gas can damage skin (blistering, redness, etc.)
5. It can corrode the mucous membranes causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
The toxicity of chlorine increases significantly when it’s in high concentrations. In high concentrations, the corrosive effects of chlorine can be lethal. Thankfully, proper training can help people avoid these threats despite these threats. Storing chlorine cylinders correctly is the first and most important safety step users can take.
1. Always store chlorine cylinders upright.
2. Never stack two or more cylinders together.
3. Keep enough space between the chlorine cylinders so that all are easy to access in case of emergencies.
4. Store the cylinders in excellent, covered sheds only.
5. Keep them away from finely divided metals, flammable materials, the hot sun, and other heat sources.
Accessories for Chlorine Gas Cylinders
In addition to proper storage, operators can use the right accessories to improve the safety of their chlorine cylinders. Some valuable accessories include –
1. Cradles with chain sling combinations to open the cylinders properly.
2. Protective respiratory equipment.
3. Rubber gloves, protective clothing, and facemasks.
4. Cylinders that come with compressed air and have 30+ minute capacities.
Only store these cylinders in safe and isolated locations. Test and refill your chlorine cylinders regularly.