CHLORINE AND ITS PROPERTIES

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TRAMFLOC, INC.
P.O. Box 350   Tempe, AZ   85280-0350
Telephone: 480-491-6895     Fax: 480-456-1664
Toll Free: 800-613-6803
water@tramfloc.com

 

 

Chlorine (chemical symbol Cl) belongs to the group of elements called halogens. Chlorine has the atomic number 17 and an atomic weight of 35.45. The chlorine molecule exists in the diatomic state and has the chemical symbol Cl2. Although chlorine comprises from .015 to .03 percent of the earth’s crust, it is not found in nature but is most commonly found in mineral compounds.

 

CHARACTERISTICS

 

At atmospheric pressure and normal temperatures chlorine is a yellow/green gas with a sharp, choking odor. At –35 degrees C chlorine liquefies to an oily, amber substance. The gas is 2.5 times as heavy as air and the liquid is 1.5 times as heavy as water. A quantity of gas will occupy 456.8 times as much volume as an equal weight of the liquid atmospheric pressure.

 

REACTIONS

 

Chlorine is a strong oxidizer and therefore reacts readily with many other materials. It is not flammable but because of its oxidizing properties, it will support combustion. As a result, chlorine is very corrosive to most metals, destructive to organic materials and will react dangerously with ammonia, turpentine, ether, hydrogen, powdered metals and other hydrocarbons and reducing agents. Chlorine is only slightly soluble in water, 0.64 percent by weight at 25 degrees C, but is it easily dissolved in alcohol.

 

MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE

 

Chlorine is the 8th highest volume chemical produced in the United Sates. The most common method of manufacture is the electrolysis of salt brine. This results in chlorine gas with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen as by products. Commercial chlorine is approximately 99 percent pure with the remaining 1 percent consisting of bromine, benzene, chlorinated hydrocarbons and water. The finished product is packaged and transported in 100, 150, and 2000 lb. steel cylinders. Tank trucks carry up to 22 tons and railroad tank cars holding up to 90 tons are also used, as are 600 and 1100-ton barges. These containers are filled approximately 85 percent volume with pressurized liquid chlorine; and as a result, have an internal pressure of around 100 PSI at 25 degrees C.

 

HANDLING

 

The highly reactive nature of chlorine presents unique conditions for handling and exposure. Chlorine gas is readily detectable by smell at concentration of around 1 PPM. The gas is extremely irritating at low concentrations and inhalation of concentrations about 4 to 5 PPM will cause respiratory difficulty and eventual pulmonary edema. For these reasons strict adherence to safe handing practices, proper use of protective clothing and adequate ventilation of work spaces must be maintained at all times. Exposure to chlorine should be treated immediately with proper first aid measures. All personnel who handle or work around chlorine should be familiar with the correct response to chlorine emergencies.

 

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

 

Use only in well ventilated areas. Eyewashes, showers, and oxygen should be available. Self-contained breathing apparatus or canister-type respirators should also be accessible.

 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SHOULD INCLUDE

 

  1. Full face shield or non-ventilated chemical goggles.
  2. Chemical resistant rubber gloves.
  3. Apron or jacket.
  4. Open shoes and sneakers should be prohibited.
  5. Wear long sleeves and trousers.

 

EFFECTS

 

Low concentrations: burning in the eyes, nose, throat, redness in the face, sneezing, and coughing.

 

High concentrations: tightness in throat and chest, pulmonary edema. 1000 PPM is rapidly fatal.

 

FIRST AID

 

Inhalation:

 

  1. Remove victim from contaminated area.
  2. Keep victim warm in reclining position with head and shoulders elevated.
  3. Give artificial respiration/CPR as necessary.
  4. Administer oxygen as soon as possible.
  5. Call physician immediately.

 

Skin contact:

 

  1. Shower victim, removing all contaminated clothing.
  2. Wash affected area with soap and water.

 

Eye contact:

 

  1. Irrigate eyes with water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids wide apart.
  2. Call physician immediately.
  3. Irrigate for a second 15-minute period if physician is not immediately available.