Sometimes it is not enough just to install a chlorine system, complete with valves. When we are working with a substance as potentially hazardous as chlorine, we need to know that the equipment we are using is up to the job. This is why you need to always be using the very best quality chlorine valves in your workplace.
Safety, First and Foremost
The primary concern when working with chlorine is always going to be personal safety, for you, your staff, your customers and for anyone else who risks being exposed to the potentially dangerous element. The high expansion rate of chlorine means that it can quickly escape if there are any flaws in your system. Typically, flaws occur where the system is most vulnerable, which is usually around valves and other apertures.
Chlorine is highly toxic and its effect on the human body is felt very quickly. If you have ever experienced burning eyes or irritated skin when using chlorine bleach, you are already well aware of this. If chlorine escapes from an enclosed system, the effects can be much, much worse.
The element rapidly affects the human body’s respiratory system, making it difficult to breath. The exposed individual will also experience acute chest pains, severe eye irritation, and burning sensations. Prolonged exposure can even result in death. Making sure that your chlorine system, including its valves, is of a high quality is major step towards eliminating this risk. Recognizing the warning signs of chlorine leaks is another.
A Sound Investment
If you are working with chlorine, then your organization will already have a detailed set of health and safety procedures and protocols in place for dealing with a potential leak. This means that, in the event of a catastrophic system failure, you will be able to evacuate the premises and contain the leak or spill very quickly.
However, this still leaves your system and your infrastructure dangerously exposed. The atomic make-up of Chlorine makes it highly reactive, even with a substance as apparently inert as water. When Chlorine and water come into contact with one another, they react and acid is produced. This acid is highly corrosive, which is one of the reasons why it is so harmful to humans.
However, this characteristic of chlorine also makes it incredibly damaging to your infrastructure and to your systems. Your chlorine systems will be able to handle the effects of chlorine passing through them, but will not be able to withstand the corrosive properties of the acid it can produce. Investing in a high quality valve to reduce this risk will save you serious money down the line, as the one off purchase will be far cheaper than replacing equipment and infrastructure damaged after a spill.
Preventing a Long Lasting Problem
One of the factors which make chlorine so dangerous is that it is difficult to get rid of. Chlorine is heavier than air, so it will drain to the bottom of anywhere in which it is released, much in the same way as water will. Here it will remain until it can react with a water to form an acid, or until it is absorbed in some way.
This translates to a lengthy cleaning operation and ongoing risk assessment until your facility is safe for use once again; an issue which can be prevented simply by taking the right precautions regarding valves.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that everything is being taken care of and that you have the very best equipment in place to prevent dangerous chlorine leaks is priceless. Purchasing a lower quality valve, or even a whole system, may save you some money in the initial capital outlay, but it is simply not worth it.
For true peace of mind and to remain safe in the knowledge that you are working with the very best equipment, take a look at the chlorine valves on our product pages. Chemtech International supplies only the finest quality Sherwood Valves, helping you to adopt a positive approach towards chlorine safety.