Hydrogen Chloride - Gas Profile
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) is a colourless to slightly yellow, nonflammable gas with a strong, unpleasant odour. Heavier than air, Hydrogen Chloride (HCI) is heavier than air at an average temperature and produces thick, white corrosive fumes when it comes into contact with the atmosphere. Hydrogen Chloride gas is not flammable; it is highly corrosive, making it very dangerous in industrial and laboratory applications.
Hydrogen Chloride is created by directly interacting chlorine (Cl2) gas with hydrogen (H2). This process is fast and created at temperatures above 250 °C (482 °F). Dissolving gaseous hydrogen chloride in water produces hydrochloric acid. Because of the acid's corrosive nature, ceramic, glass, and occasionally tantalum equipment are typically utilised. Concentrated hydrochloric acid is a solution that contains 28–35% hydrogen chloride by weight and is generally referred to as hydrochloric acid. Although an ahydrous liquid, hydrogen chloride is accessible; its application is limited due to the bulky and expensive containers required to store it.
Hydrogen chloride irritates and corrodes any tissue it touches. Short-term exposure to low levels irritates the throat. High amounts of exposure can cause fast breathing, constriction of the bronchioles, blue skin pigmentation, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and even death.
Gas Fact – Hydrogen chloride is naturally emitted by volcanoes, often contributing to acid rain in surrounding environments.
Industrial Applications of Hydrogen Chloride
Hydrogen chloride is foundational in many industries, particularly in chemical manufacturing, where it’s used for:
- Producing hydrochloric acid (28–35% concentration)
- Metal cleaning and pickling
- pH control and water treatment
- Pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis
- Refineries, Fertiliser Production, Plastic Fabrication, Brick Manufacturing
Due to its corrosive effects, materials like glass, ceramic, or tantalum are often used for containment. While anhydrous HCl is available in liquid form, it’s less commonly used due to its storage complexity and cost.
Health & Safety Hazards of HCl Gas
Exposure to hydrogen chloride gas poses serious health risks:
Low exposure: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
High exposure:
- Constricted airways
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs)
- Cyanosis (blue skin discoloration)
- Respiratory failure or death
Due to its high toxicity and corrosiveness, hydrogen chloride gas detection is essential in any environment where leaks or emissions may occur.
Why You Need an HCl Gas Detector
In chemical plants, laboratories, and enclosed industrial settings, hydrogen chloride can accumulate rapidly, with little warning. Real-time detection systems help:
- Maintain workplace health and safety
- Ensure regulatory compliance (HSE/OSHA/NIOSH standards)
- Prevent equipment corrosion and chemical damage
- Trigger early alerts and automated shutdowns
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MSA Senscient ELDS – Open Path Gas DetectorFrom £20,832.00 £17,360.00
To £39,606.00 £33,005.00
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Teledyne OLC 100 & OLCT 100 Fixed Gas DetectorFrom £405.60 £338.00
To £1,248.00 £1,040.00
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FAQs About Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
What is the difference between hydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid?
HCl is a gas. When dissolved in water, it becomes hydrochloric acid — a strong, corrosive solution widely used in industry.
How can you detect hydrogen chloride gas?
HCl gas detectors continuously monitor air quality and trigger alerts if dangerous levels are detected.
Where is hydrogen chloride commonly used?
In metal processing, chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and pH control applications.
What are the symptoms of hydrogen chloride exposure?
Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, coughing, chest tightness, and in severe cases, lung damage or death.