Chlorine gas is harmful and toxic. Therefore, when using chlorine gas, recommended safety and maintenance procedures should be followed. Also have your chlorine emergency kit handy.
Chlorine valves should always be inspected for corrosion and leaks on a frequent basis. A build-up of corrosion on the valve can lead to the weakening of the valve’s material, which can then cause potential stress cracks on the valve body or threads. Build up of corrosion on valves is very common when using chlorine gas. Even the environment where chlorine gas is being used is most often a “corrosive environment”. Taking a corroded valve out of service for inspection and cleaning is recommended by the Chlorine Institute of America.
When checking for leaks on a chlorine valve, do not spray ammonia solution directly onto the valve. Ammonia itself is corrosive to the valve’s material of construction. The recommended procedure is to fill a bottle that has a wick at the top with ammonia. Once the wick is saturated with ammonia, simply place the wick near the valve. If there is a chlorine leak, the wick will start to smoke. You may then take the necessary safety actions at that point.
Packing Nuts on the valve should never be over tightened. Always use the appropriate tool for tightening the packing nut and always tighten to factory recommendations.
Chemtech International has been marketing chlorine valves since 1992. We are authorised dealers for Sherwood Chlorine Valves