Commissioning and

Decommissioning of Installations for

Dry Chlorine Gas and Liquid
GEST 80/84
6th Edition
June 2013

EURO CHLOR PUBLICATION

_________________________________________________________________
This document can be obtained from:
EURO CHLOR - Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Box 2 - B-1160 BRUSSELS
Telephone: 32-(0)2-676 72 65 - Telefax: 32-(0)2-676 72 41

GEST 80/84
6th Edition

Euro Chlor
Euro Chlor is the European federation which represents the producers of chlorine
and its primary derivatives.
Euro Chlor is working to:

improve awareness and understanding of the contribution that

chlorine chemistry has made to the thousands of products, which

have improved our health, nutrition, standard of living and
quality of life;

maintain open and timely dialogue with regulators, politicians,

scientists, the media and other interested stakeholders in the
debate on chlorine;

ensure our industry contributes actively to any public, regulatory

or scientific debate and provides balanced and objective sciencebased information to help answer questions about chlorine and its
derivatives;

promote the best safety, health and environmental practices in

the manufacture, handling and use of chlor-alkali products in

order to assist our members in achieving continuous
improvements (Responsible Care).

***********

This document has been produced by the members of Euro Chlor and should not be reproduced in
whole or in part without the prior written consent of Euro Chlor.
It is intended to give only guidelines and recommendations. The information is provided in good
faith and was based on the best information available at the time of publication. The
information is to be relied upon at the users own risk. Euro Chlor and its members make no
guarantee and assume no liability whatsoever for the use and the interpretation of or the
reliance on any of the information provided.
This document was originally prepared in English by our technical experts. For our members
convenience, it may have been translated into other EU languages by translators / Euro Chlor
members. Although every effort was made to ensure that the translations were accurate, Euro
Chlor shall not be liable for any losses of accuracy or information due to the translation process.
Prior to 1990, Euro Chlors technical activities took place under the name BITC (Bureau
International Technique du Chlore). References to BITC documents may be assumed to be to
Euro Chlor documents.

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GEST 80/84
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RESPONSIBLE CARE IN ACTION

Chlorine is essential in the chemical industry and consequently there is a
need for chlorine to be produced, stored, transported and used. The
chlorine industry has co-operated over many years to ensure the well-being
of its employees, local communities and the wider environment. This
document is one in a series which the European producers, acting through
Euro Chlor, have drawn up to promote continuous improvement in the
general standards of health, safety and the environment associated with
chlorine manufacture in the spirit of Responsible Care.
The voluntary recommendations, techniques and standards presented in
these documents are based on the experiences and best practices adopted
by member companies of Euro Chlor at their date of issue. They can be
taken into account in full or partly, whenever companies decide it
individually, in the operation of existing processes and in the design of new
installations. They are in no way intended as a substitute for the relevant
national or international regulations which should be fully complied with.
It has been assumed in the preparation of these publications that the users
will ensure that the contents are relevant to the application selected and
are correctly applied by appropriately qualified and experienced people for
whose guidance they have been prepared. The contents are based on the
most authoritative information available at the time of writing and on good
engineering, medical or technical practice but it is essential to take
account of appropriate subsequent developments or legislation. As a
result, the text may be modified in the future to incorporate evolution of
these and other factors.
This edition of the document has been drawn up by the Storage Transport
and Safety Working Group to whom all suggestions concerning possible
revision should be addressed through the offices of Euro Chlor.

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Summary of the Main Modifications in this version

Section

Nature

3.

Precision added on the visual inspection and removal of grease

3.1.

Information added on tanks washing and drying

3.2.

Added some more explanation on the drying of small vessels and

pipework

3.
4.

& Completed with information from the guideline on pipelines (leak

testing, quality of chlorine )

5.

Several small clarifications added

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.

DEFINITION

2.

GENERAL COMMENTS

3.

CLEANING AND DRYING OF A NEW INSTALLATION BEFORE INTRODUCING

CHLORINE
6

4.

3.1. Large Storage Systems

3.2. Small Vessels and Pipework

3.3. Internal Equipment

3.4. Valves and Control Equipment

PUTTING THE EQUIPMENT ON TO CHLORINE DUTY

4.1. Inspection

4.2. Leak Testing

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10

4.2.1.

Testing with Dry Air or Nitrogen

10

4.2.2.

Testing on Chlorine

10

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4.3. Introduction of Chlorine

11

4.3.1.

Quality of the Chlorine

11

4.3.2.

Procedure

11

4.4. Final Testing before Putting into Service

5.

6.

12

VENTING DOWN AND OPENING UP OF AN INSTALLATION WHICH HAS

PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN CHLORINE SERVICE
12
5.1. Venting Down and Opening Up

12

5.1.3.

Reduction of Pressure

12

5.1.4.

Purging with Air/Nitrogen

12

5.1.5.

Disconnection from the System

12

5.1.6.

Removal of Control Equipment

13

5.1.7.

Valves, Blank Flanges

13

5.1.8.

Cleaning of the Equipment to be Inspected

13

5.1.9.

Internal Cleaning of Large Vessels

14

5.2. Preparation

14

REFERENCES

14

APPENDIX: DRYING OF CHLORINE EQUIPMENT

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1. DEFINITION
Practical experience has shown that the commissioning of installations which will
later be used for dry gaseous or liquid chlorine requires specific precautions
before they are put into service if one is to avoid all forms of deterioration and
to maintain them in a state compatible with the normal safety requirements.
This recommendation has as an objective the setting of a certain number of
rules which should be applied before:

The starting up of a new installation on the understanding that its

construction is in accordance with the normal requirements for chlorine.

The putting back into service of an installation after a stoppage for

cleaning, inspection and/or retesting.

This guideline is designed to prevent incidents in the course of subsequent

operation or after putting back into service equipment which has been under
maintenance.

2. GENERAL COMMENTS
The behaviour of dry chlorine (see GEST 10/362 Corrosion Behaviour of
Carbon Steel in Wet and Dry Chlorine) in contact with certain materials of
construction is modified by the surface state of these materials. For example,
the presence of an oxide layer on steel favours the local absorption of moisture
or can reduce considerably the temperature at which reaction occurs with dry
chlorine. See GEST 79/82 - Materials of Construction for Use in Contact with
Chlorine.
The aim therefore is to avoid an excessive surface layer of oxide, the presence
of greases or solvents which may be present inside certain equipment or new
pipework, or equipment being put back into service, as well as to eliminate all
sources of moisture which may lead to reactive conditions. The precautions to
be taken are more and more important if the equipment under consideration
includes an internal packing (such as rings, metallic packing, mist filters).

3. CLEANING AND DRYING OF A NEW INSTALLATION

BEFORE INTRODUCING CHLORINE
Different processes are used according whether they are a question of:

Storage systems of large size, fitted with a manhole

Storage vessels

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Transport containers (see GEST 79/78 Code of Good Practice for the
Operations to be Carried out before and after Maintenance on Road
and Rail Tankers and ISO-Containers of Liquid Chlorine)

Smaller vessels such as: tubular heat exchangers, columns, receiving tanks
associated with columns

Pipework

Small chlorine containers (see GEST 88/138 Small Chlorine Containers:

Construction, Filling and Handling)

Valves and control equipment (for valves see GEST 80/85 Code of Good
Practice for Installation Removal and Maintenance of Manually
Operated Chlorine Valves).

All components installed shall be inspected before use.

A visual examination has to be performed to confirm the absence of water and
grease. Special attention should be placed on low pockets where water could
accumulate.
If any grease is found, it may be removed by the use of a suitable solvent, by
preference a water-washable one.
Solvents such as methanol or hydrocarbons are not recommended, even in very
small quantities, as these products can lead to explosions in contact with
chlorine.

3.1. Large Storage Systems

The vessel should be approved and cleaned at the constructors premises. After
installation at the users premises a qualified person should precede to carry out
the following checks:

If necessary cleaning the internal surface. A preferred method to do this

consists of sandblasting using grit. The residues should be removed by
aspiration after dry brushing. The various branches should be cleaned out
with a rotating metallic brush if it has not been possible to clean them
adequately by the shot blasting procedure.

If necessary, the tank is washed with water and drained.

A further visual check should then be carried out to confirm the absence
of water pools, dust and any foreign bodies. This check should be carried
out by a suitably qualified person. As soon as possible after this, the
vessels should be closed up by the use of blank flanges, or blank flanges
equipped with valves, with a suitable joint ring/gasket for use with liquid
chlorine.

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Drying of the vessel and connections can be performed by successively

pressurising with a dry gas (air or nitrogen) (see Appendix Procedure for
drying chlorine containers) and depressurising it again.

Note: if a hydraulic pressure test has been performed, it is necessary to replace

the gaskets after the test, as otherwise the system is difficult to reach the
desired dryness (moisture level). Hydraulic testing, cleaning and drying should
be carried out before the installation of valves and other accessories.
During venting of the drying gasses the dew point of the exit gas should be
checked from the relevant valves. The drying operation should be continued
until a dew point of less than minus 40C at atmospheric pressure has been
obtained and confirmed after a suitable period of time allowing the system to
reach equilibrium. After the system is proven to be dry enough it should be kept
at a positive pressure, for example 0,2 barg, in order to avoid the ingress of
moist air.

3.2. Small Vessels and Pipework

As a cleaning process to remove particulate deposits, the preferred method
consists of raising the pressure of gas and then releasing it abruptly. Small
vessels can as an alternative be cleaned by vacuum cleaner.
If this procedure fails one should then proceed to a chemical descaling process.
Although, one can use mixtures of hydrochloric acid (diluted and passivated), it
is preferable to choose mixtures of phosphoric acid which eliminate the oxide
film without attacking the base metal. Whatever mixture is used, it should be
confirmed with the supplier that it does not lead to the formation of any product
which will react with chlorine. The most frequently used technique is to use a
circulating pump and to circulate the liquor in a closed circuit from a small
pumping tank.
After any chemical descaling, all traces of by products must be removed.
Note: if a hydraulic pressure test has been performed, it is necessary to replace
the gaskets after the test, as otherwise the system is difficult to reach the
desired dryness (moisture level). Hydraulic testing, cleaning and drying should
be carried out before the installation of valves and other accessories.
The drying of the system (until dew point of minus 40C or lower) can be done in
sections, without forgetting any of them (care must be paid for sections in
parallel and dead legs); several successive operations are usually necessary:
pressurise with dry air, wait some hours for equilibrium, purge the gas and
measure the dew point (a low dew point in the gas does not give a guarantee on
the absence of water!). The simultaneous pressurisation/depressurisation
process facilitates the drying.
To accelerate the process, and if the design of the system allows for operating
at the corresponding pressure and temperature, steaming out with superheated
steam can be used, avoiding condensate forming at any low point.

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Another alternative method for piping systems is to vacuum dry. The vacuum
must be as low as the water vapour pressure at the actual temperature.
In all circumstances, this should be followed by purging with dry air or nitrogen,
after replacement of the gaskets until a dew point of less than minus 40C at
atmospheric pressure is obtained on the gas purged from the equipment (see
Appendix); an on-line analyser (e.g. based on P2O5) could help in checking the
dryness of the gas. The purge gas should be allowed to bleed from all
connections to ensure that there are no dead spots.
Afterwards, the equipment or pipework should be thoroughly sealed off and if
possible be maintained at a positive pressure, for example 0.2 barg.

3.3. Internal Equipment

Internal metallic components such as ring packing, mist eliminators, should be
removed, cleaned and dried if possible in a vacuum oven. They should then be
stored away from any source of moisture and grease until they are reinstalled.

3.4. Valves and Control Equipment

Equipment must be cleaned, degreased and inspected. It should be:

Dried in a vacuum oven, if it has not already been dried by the supplier
and then been kept in a vapour tight package with internal drying agents
(dessicants).

Stored in a suitable location.

The components that could come in contact with chlorine and which require to
be greased, must exclusively be treated with a grease compatible with chlorine
(special chloro-fluorinated grease).
They should not be installed until after completion of the operations described
in sections 3.1 and 3.2.
Before installation, remove drying agents (dessicants).

4. PUTTING THE EQUIPMENT ON TO CHLORINE DUTY

4.1. Inspection
After reinstallation, one should confirm that all the equipment conforms with
the drawings and specifications for the original equipment and in particular that:
All the connections have been correctly re-established (blank flanges, pipe
sections, etc.). For bolts for liquid chlorine, see GEST 88/134 - Stud Bolts,
Hexagon Head Bolts and Nuts for Liquid Chlorine.

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Particular care should be taken to confirm that the gaskets are all of a
type suitable for chlorine (see GEST 94/216 - Experience of Gaskets on
Liquid and Dry Chlorine Gas Service), and that any temporary additions
have been removed.

Control equipment and safety equipment have been correctly installed

and are ready for operation.

There is no restriction on the proper operation of the equipment designed

to avoid excess pressure (discs or relief valves).

Dry air or nitrogen connections which are not necessary have been
disconnected.

The absorption installation for any effluent gas is in a state ready for
operation and that connections to this system have been properly
connected without any restriction.

The filling of any hydraulic seals has been carried out.

A re-commissioning check list, specific to each system, is strongly recommended

for the steps of this section.

4.2. Leak Testing

Before putting the equipment into service, the entire system, including all
valves and other accessories should be tested in order to guarantee their perfect
leak tightness under all conditions of service.
This is usually done in several steps.
4.2.1. Testing with Dry Air or Nitrogen
A leak test should be carried out by the normal soap and water test, with a low
internal pressure, for example 0.4 to 2 barg and detection of leaks with water
containing a foaming agent.
In circumstances where the equipment operates at a very low pressure, at which
level testing soap bubbles is not adequate, one may use other techniques such as
the use of helium at low pressure and the associated detector; it is
recommended to proceed in a calm and non-ventilated atmosphere.
4.2.2. Testing on Chlorine
After having completed the procedure of the above section, a small quantity of
chlorine should be introduced. The use of dry air mixed with a low concentration
(a few per cents) of chlorine gas at a low pressure provides for safe and easy
detection of any possible leakage, and at the same time conditions the internal
surfaces of the equipment by allowing for a slow rate of reaction of chlorine
with the steel, or any areas of damp rust, which may exist in spite of the
precautions indicated earlier.
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Note: if a leak is discovered or in case of problem (for example sudden

temperature rise), the system should immediately be depressurized and the
chlorine should be purged out to the absorption unit.
After checking by a small purge that there is sufficient chlorine to make a test
with an ammonia vapour bottle, the pressure should be progressively increased
to the operating pressure by addition of dry inert gas. One should at each stage
check all of the gaskets, accessories and other parts of the equipment with an
ammonia bottle. If possible, valves should be exercised as part of this
procedure.

4.3. Introduction of Chlorine

4.3.1. Quality of the Chlorine
Before pure chlorine is introduced in the system, one must confirm the quality of
the product.
The chlorine should be dry (see GEST 10/362 Corrosion Behaviour of Carbon
Steel in Wet and Dry Chlorine) and clean. The gaseous chlorine can form an
explosive mixture with hydrogen and the current information relating to the
flammable limits of hydrogen in gaseous chlorine is detailed in the GEST 168
Physical, Thermodynamic and Selected Chemical Properties of Chlorine
Chapter 9 - Safety.
For liquid chlorine, the NCl3 content will be in accordance with GEST 76/55 Maximum Levels of Nitrogen Trichloride in Liquid Chlorine.
The quality of chlorine introduced in the equipment should be monitored and
checked periodically.
4.3.2. Procedure
The concentration of chlorine should be increased progressively while venting
the system towards the absorption installation to eliminate the inert gas
present. In particular where the equipment includes internal components, it is
recommended to keep the installation approximately for one hour under chlorine
gas pressure before introduction of any liquid chlorine.
The connection towards the absorption installation will be closed before
introducing the liquid chlorine.
On all the parts of equipment which will carry chlorine, the leak tightness of the
gaskets should be checked once more with only chlorine gas in the equipment
and after the final pressure and temperature regime has been established.
Note: flange insulation should only be carried out after the system has passed all
pressure and leak tests.

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4.4. Final Testing before Putting into Service

All interlock functions should be tested for a last time before putting the system
in service and a visual check should be performed.
The flow rate will then be increased progressively to the desired throughput.

5. VENTING DOWN AND OPENING UP OF AN INSTALLATION

WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN CHLORINE SERVICE
5.1. Venting Down and Opening Up
Empty the vessel from liquid chlorine. For nitrogen trichloride hazards (see GEST
76/55 Maximum Levels of Nitrogen Trichloride in Liquid Chlorine).
5.1.3. Reduction of Pressure
One should first reduce the pressure within the equipment and/or pipework by
venting them down to a chlorine absorption or neutralisation system, (see GEST
76/52 Equipment for the Treatment of Gaseous Effluents Containing
Chlorine), or by purging towards a chlorine consuming unit until pressure within
the equipment or pipework is equal to or less than 1 bar(a). In order to
accelerate the vaporisation of chlorine remaining within the vessel, one may
purge the system with inert dry gas at a higher temperature, always less than
40C to prevent overpressure. If during the purging with inert gasses the
equipment or piping still contains liquid chlorine special attention has to be
taken in order not to lower the temperature of the liquid chlorine below minus
40 oC.
5.1.4. Purging with Air/Nitrogen
The equipment may be continuously purged with dry air or nitrogen to the
chlorine absorption installation, checking the residual chlorine content of the
gas. (ammonia vapour test).
Alternatively the equipment can be pressurised with dry air or nitrogen and then
vented down to the chlorine absorption installation. This operation must be
repeated several times, followed by a check on the residual chlorine content of
the gas (ammonia test).
5.1.5. Disconnection from the System
Whilst still connected to the absorption installation, the pressure should be
reduced to atmospheric pressure and the equipment or apparatus disconnected
from the rest of the chlorine system. This disconnection should be confirmed by
the removal of a section of pipework in all the pipe connections. For this
removal, all precautions must be taken to prevent direct contact with chlorine.

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The operations are as follows:

Closure of valves and venting down of the section of equipment

concerned;

Preventing the inflow of chlorine (spades, double valve with a bleed

arrangement in between, nitrogen buffer. );

Removal of a section of pipework;

The installation of a blank flange on all the ends of the pipework

connected to the system which remains in service;

Blanking off of all free openings to avoid the ingress of moisture.

As soon as these operations have started, they should be finalised without

interruption.
For these operations, personnel should be wearing individual protective
equipment against any chlorine leak.
5.1.6. Removal of Control Equipment
Control equipment should be removed after the system has been opened to the
air and before carrying out any washing procedure. Once this work has been
started, it should be finalised without interruption. Their branches should also
be blanked off and the equipment itself should be decontaminated as quickly as
possible to avoid any corrosion prior to inspection.
5.1.7. Valves, Blank Flanges
These should be removed, all the joint rings/gaskets etc. should be removed and
discarded. Valves should then be immersed in a bath of soda ash solution. They
should then systematically be sent for overhaul in conformity with GEST 80/85
Code of Good Practice for Installation Removal and Maintenance of
Manually Operated Chlorine Valves.
5.1.8. Cleaning of the Equipment to be Inspected
In order to eliminate all traces of chlorine and ferric chloride the installation
parts should be cleaned by the introduction of water which is sufficiently
alkaline, either by a dip pipe or from a low point of the equipment, allowing air
to escape at the top. As an alternative for large vessels, the manhole should be
opened and the water should be introduced through it. To avoid any corrosion,
this operation should be carried out with a large throughput of water
continuously and it must be ensured that the equipment has been filled
completely. The water should then be discharged directly or displaced by
compressed air whichever is preferred. It is recommended that this cleaning
procedure should be repeated a second time.
After washing, it is necessary to replace the gaskets to avoid possible corrosion
in the flange-gasket area.
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5.1.9. Internal Cleaning of Large Vessels

After washing/cleaning the manhole should be opened as quickly as possible, in
order to enable someone to go inside the vessel and to remove with a brush and
sponge any remaining pools of water. If the gas pressure has not been provided
by air, it is obligatory that the vessel is purged with air before anybody is
allowed to enter. In all circumstances, a check on the absence of chlorine and
presence of a sufficient oxygen concentration in the atmosphere within the
vessel must be carried out. Then the vessel can be entered in an approved way.
The cleaning work should be carried out by two operators, the one who enters
the vessel being equipped with an external breathing air supply equipment and
wearing a harness attached by a cord leading to the second man who should
throughout remain outside the vessel providing overall surveillance.

5.2. Preparation
After completion of the previous work, the preparation to put the installation
back into chlorine service can start. The various operations described above in
section 3 should then be carried out.

6. REFERENCES
GEST 76/52 Equipment for the Treatment of Gaseous Effluents
Containing Chlorine
GEST 76/55 Maximum Levels of Nitrogen Trichloride in Liquid Chlorine
GEST 79/78 Code of Good Practice for the Operations to be Carried out
before and after Maintenance on Road and Rail Tankers and ISOContainers of Liquid Chlorine
GEST 79/82 - Materials of Construction for Use in Contact with Chlorine
GEST 80/85 Code of Good Practice for Installation Removal and
Maintenance of Manually Operated Chlorine Valves
GEST 88/134 - Stud Bolts , Hexagon Head Bolts and Nuts for Liquid
Chlorine
GEST 88/138 Small Chlorine Containers Construction, Filling and
Handling
GEST 94/216 - Experience of Gaskets on Liquid and Dry Chlorine Gas
Service
GEST 10/362 Corrosion Behaviour of Carbon Steel in Wet and Dry
Chlorine

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APPENDIX: DRYING OF CHLORINE EQUIPMENT

Principle:
Drying of the equipment/piping is carried out by displacing wet air by means of
dry air (dew point less than minus 40C at atmospheric pressure). It is carried
out on the assumption that the equipment/piping does not contain liquid water
(walls carefully wiped down following the previous operations of inspection).
Equipment:
The installations comprise:
1. An air compressor, non-lubricated, in order to avoid the contamination of
the air dryer with oil or contamination of the equipment/piping itself.
This equipment includes the following accessories:
A heat exchanger which will keep
approximately 30C before the dryer

the

air

temperature at

A water separator and air reservoir

2. An air dryer to provide the dry air required (dew point minus 40C) including
filter.
Operation of the installation
Taking into account the arrangement of pipework within the equipment/piping,
it can appear very difficult to displace all the moist air within the container by a
simple dry air purge. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out a number of
successive complete purges of the vessel.
The theoretical number of purges required is calculated for an initial air
temperature of 0C or 20C for example, and assuming that the air is saturated
(which is an unfavourable circumstance).
The number of purges which are actually necessary is found to be very little
different from the theoretical requirement, provided that sufficient time is
allowed before each purge for equilibrium conditions to be attained.

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1st example: air at 0C saturated with moisture in the equipment

Pressure supplied by a compressor at 7 bars absolute
1st purge
For 1 m at 0C saturated, that is a water content of 4.868 g/m 3 , a purge of dry
air with a dew point of minus 40C (in effect, 0,86 m3 of air under a pressure of
7 barg) at a temperature of 30C, containing 0,117 g of water per Nm, is
discharged into the barrel giving 7 Nm of gas mixture at atmospheric pressure,
or 1 m at a pressure of 7 bars.
The water content of the mixture is:
1 m * 4,868

4,868

6 m * 0,117

0,702

Total

5,570

That is: 5,570 / 7 = 0,7957 g/m corresponding to a dewpoint of minus 21C.

2nd purge
The calculation can be carried out in the same manner but beginning with a
moisture content of air 0,7957 g of water per m.
The water content of the mixture becomes:
1 m * 0,7957

0,7957

6 m * 0,117

0,702

Total

1,4977

That is 1,4977 / 7 = 0,2129 g/m corresponding to a dewpoint of minus 34C.

3rd purge
Beginning with air at 0,2129 g/m
The water content of the mixture becomes:
1 m * 0,2129

0,2129

6 m * 0,117

0,702

Total

0,9149

That is: 0,9149 / 7 = 0,1307 g/m corresponding to a dew point of minus 39C.

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2nd Example: air at 20C saturated with moisture contained in the equipment
Pressure supplied by a compressor at 7 bars absolute
1st purge
For 1 m of air at 20C, with a water content of 17,148 g/m contained in the
equipment. 6 Nm of dry air (in effect 0,86 m at 7 bar pressure), with a dew
point of minus 40C, temperature 30C, containing 0,117g of water per Nm is
added. The water content of the mixture is:
1 m * 17,148

17,148

6 m * 0,117

0,702

Total

17,850

That is: 17,850 / 7 = 2,55 corresponding to a dew point of minus 8C.

2nd purge
1 m * 2,55

2,55

6 m * 0,117

0,702

Total

3,252

The water content of the mixture is: 3,252 /7 = 0,464 corresponding to a dew
point of minus 27C.
3rd purge
1 m * 0,464

0,464

6 m * 0,117

0,702

Total

1,166

The water content of the mixture is: 1,166 /7 = 0,165 corresponding to a dew
point of minus 37C.
It can be seen that in the two cases the approach to a dew point of minus 40C
is almost the same with three purges, even if one assumes that the air at the
beginning of the operation was saturated with water vapour, which is very
conservative.
After the 3rd purge, it is necessary to maintain the equipment under a pressure
of air for a minimum of one hour and then, by further venting down, to confirm,
by dew point measurement, that the drying operation has been sufficiently well
carried out.

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Industrial consumers of chlorine, engineering and equipment supply companies

worldwide and chlorine producers outside Europe may establish a permanent
relationship with Euro Chlor by becoming Associate Members or Technical
Correspondents.

Details of membership categories and fees are available from:

Euro Chlor
Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse 4
Box 2
B-1160 Brussels
Belgium
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
Internet:

June 2013

+32 2 676 7211

+32 2 676 7241
eurochlor@cefic.be
http://www.eurochlor.org

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