Hydrogen fluoride detector - HF gas

Why use an hydrogen fluoride detector

HF gas - CAS 7664-39-3

Also known as hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound that is available in liquid or gaseous form. HF gas is composed of a hydrogen atom and a fluorine atom.

Hydrogen fluoride is used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, the production cycle of aluminum, hydrocarbons, fluorine, uranium hexafluoride and for metal pickling. At the same time, various chemical, industrial processes or natural phenomena are sources of HF gas emissions, including alumina baths, welding, and volcanoes.

The dangers of hydrogen fluoride

Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is corrosive; it is very quickly liquefiable at room temperature; and can cause fires by chemical reaction with other elements. At the same time, contact with hydrogen fluoride in its liquid form can cause very serious burns. Particularly toxic, inhalation of this gas and can cause severe intoxication (kidney and liver damage) that can lead to death (respiratory failure and cardiac arrest). The hazardous properties of this gas highlight the need to monitor its presence to prevent accidents and thus protect facilities and personnel.

Portable HF gas detector

The use of a portable hydrogen fluoride detector is an ideal solution to ensure the personal safety of operators working in different areas that may be at risk of high concentrations of this gas. At the same time, these portable devices are a particularly effective and practical measurement tool. A portable HF gas detector offers, depending on the model, different measurement ranges, visual and audible alarms, high-performance sensors, data logging and a long battery life (up to 200 hours ), all in a simple to use housing, resistant and easy to carry. Designed as versatile devices, some portable gas detectors dedicated to HF hydrofluoric acid can also be used to record and export measurements. These devices can be used with a sampling pump. And finally this equipment is in compliance with several regulations governing various industries (ATEX, IECEx, CSA us).

Also classified in the portable category, colorimetric gas detector tubes tubes can measure the presence of hydrogen fluoride. Coupled with a manual sampling pump, this measurement system is accurate fast and easy to use. Finally, dosimeter tubes (used without a sampling pump) also make it possible to control the average value of gas exposure very precisely.

Fixed Hydrogen fluoride detector

Fixed hydrogen fluoride detectors are located in areas prone to high concentrations of HF gas and therefore require monitoring. A fixed detector, also called a transmitter, integrates a target gas sensor able to measure the presence of HF gas in ppm. Given the density (density in grams per cubic centimeter) of this element (1g cm3) the transmitter should be installed at the level of operators’ respiratory tract in the concerned environment.

Various types of fixed detectors are available for monitoring hydrogen fluoride: with or without display, as an optical analysis system (colorimetric paper) or electrochemical sensors, in the form of a stand-alone device or integrating a complete fixed gas detection with a controller unit. These devices typically have a 4-20 mA linear output, 24V power supply, relay outputs, and mounting brackets.

hydrogen fluoride detector - See also

Respiratory protection equipment in addition to the HF detector :

Gas masks - Powered air purifying respirators