Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Detection

Portable & fixed-point Br₂ detectors for healthcare, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, agriculture, and environmental testing.

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About Hydrogen Chloride Detection

Hydrogen chloride (aka chlorane) is a colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor. The compound fumes strongly in moist air. It is used in the production of fertilizers, dyes, in electroplating, and in the photographic, textile, and rubber industries.

HCl is used in the manufacture of organics such as dichloroethane and vinyl chloride—used to manufacture PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It is used to effectively regulate the pH level of a wide variety of manufacturing processes including the production of drinking water (likewise in swimming pool purification), foods, and pharmaceuticals.

Hydrogen chloride is also employed to “pickle” steel (removing rust and scale from the material), and in the processing of leather.

Occupational Health/Toxicology

Hydrogen chloride is irritating and corrosive to any tissue it contacts. Brief exposure to low levels causes throat irritation. Exposure to higher levels can result in rapid breathing, narrowing of the bronchioles, blue coloring of the skin, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and even death. Some people may develop an inflammatory reaction to hydrogen chloride. This condition is called reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), a type of asthma caused by some irritating or corrosive substances.

Depending on the concentration, hydrogen chloride can produce from mild irritation to severe burns of the eyes and skin. Long-term exposure to low levels can cause respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation, and discoloration of the teeth. Other effects of exposure include shock, circulatory collapse metabolic acidosis, and respiratory depression.

Full record on hydrogen chloride from Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), a database provided by the US National Library of Medicine.

The hydrogen chloride entry from NIOSH’s Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.

Ranges We Detect For Hydrogen Chloride

Sensor Range

0 - 20 ppm

0 - 2000 ppb

Measurement Specifics

Range0 - 20 ppm
Maximum Overload200 ppm
Resolution< 0.2 ppm
Typical Baseline Range-1 ppm to 1 ppm

Range0 - 20 ppm
Maximum Overload200 ppm
Resolution< 0.2 ppm
Typical Baseline Range-1 ppm to 1 ppm

Not sure what range you need?

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

Aerospace

Agriculture & Fertilizer

Chemical Manufacturing

Environmental Monitoring

Healthcare

Mining

Oil and Gas

Pharmaceutical

Semiconductor

Textiles

Waste Water Treatment

Wood, Paper & Pulp

Portable Gas Detection

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Fixed Gas Detection

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Fixed Point Gas Detection

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Fixed or Portable Gas Detectors: What Does Your Facility Need?

Fixed and portable gas detectors have different functions in industries. Fixed gas analyzers protect the facility and personnel by detecting accidental leaks and monitoring gas levels daily for compliance and process optimization. Portable gas analyzers protect individuals from exposure to hazardous gases in high-risk areas and jobs. The two systems’ use is not mutually exclusive.

How to Place Gas Detectors for Optimal Safety and Accuracy

Fixed sensors’ accuracy and reliability depend on optimal placement. Several characteristics of gases, such as point of origin, facility process, and equipment, must be considered to determine the location and placement of sensors. Industrial hygienists and safety managers should consult experts on gases, facility processes, and engineering to jointly determine the placement of fixed sensors.

Ensuring Accuracy in Gas Detection: The Importance of Wet Chem Calibration

Watch the video to see our wet chem calibration setup in action. At Interscan, we are committed to delivering precise and reliable gas detection solutions. One unique offering is the ability to calibrate gases that require wet chemistry. This article will explore wet chem calibration, why it is necessary, the process involved, and how we ensure our clients receive consistently accurate sensors. What is Wet Chem Calibration?

Is Fixed Gas Detection Necessary?

Yes, fixed gas detectors are necessary to provide continuous air monitoring for hazardous gases in stable and risky areas in workspaces without human intervention. Fixed gas detectors can be connected to alarm systems and building management software to provide crucial safety chain reactions, even without human intervention. Fixed gas detectors keep personnel safe and healthy, protect the facility, and help in regulatory compliance.

Gas Detection Applications Primer

Commonly Used Terms for Gas Detection Applications PPM: Part(s) Per Million A unit of concentration, pertaining to a gas mixture, defined as the ratio between the volume of an individual component V i and the total volume V total 10,000 parts per million equals one percent. LEL: Lower Explosive Limit The lowest concentration of a gas in air, which, when ignited, will sustain combustion.