scope:

Risk assessments of certain chlorine containing systems have indicated that installation of scrubbing systems should be one of the considerations for vapor release prevention as part of an overall environmental protection program. This pamphlet intends to provide general guidance and source information for chlorine producers and consumers for the effective containment and treatment of their gaseous chlorine effluents. The information in this pamphlet is written primarily for sodium hydroxide solutions and their reactions with chlorine. However, selected properties of some other chemicals can be found in Appendix B.

Included in this pamphlet are:

• Chemical properties of scrubbing and by-product liquids

• Practical design considerations and data

• Description of potential issues when choosing and operating a scrubber system

• General scrubber system reliability considerations

• Materials of construction

There are many other scrubbing system issues that are NOT addressed in this pamphlet, including:

• Determination if a scrubber is needed

• Additional documentation that will be required to complete the design

• Design considerations for gas collection systems

• Review of the impact of the system on the total plant and neighboring area

• Review of all the applicable codes and regulations

• Conducting a process hazards review

• Developing manuals that support the operation and maintenance of the unit

• Training operations, start-up and maintenance personnel

• Performing a system reliability assessment including spare parts availability, maintenance, etc.

• Review of the current OSHA regulations for personnel exposure limits