Why cannot water be used to flush a liquid chlorine leak? What should be done instead?

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In the event of a liquid chlorine leak, the immediate reaction for some people is to rinse with water, dilute it quickly, and absorb it promptly. But if that’s the case, it would be a huge mistake, an absolutely terrible mistake. Why? 1. When water reacts with chlorine, hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid are formed; this corrosion at the leak points increases the size of those leaks, thereby increasing the amount of liquid chlorine that leaks out. 2. The vaporization of liquid chlorine due to a leak absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of the liquid chlorine and thereby slowing down its vaporization rate. If washed with water, it will raise the temperature of liquid chlorine, accelerating vaporization and leading to increased leaks. 3. The impact of water flow caused liquid chlorine to splash, increasing its vaporization and dispersion, which expanded the area affected by poisoning and exacerbated the out-of-control situation at the scene. 4. Alkali solutions must not be sprayed onto the leaking liquid chlorine cylinders or storage areas either, as an increase in temperature will likewise accelerate the vaporization of the leak. 5. Leaking chlorine cylinders cannot either be pushed into an alkali solution tank for absorption and neutralization. The reason is that the amount of alkali in the alkali tank is often far too low to absorb chlorine, which instead exacerbates the chlorine leakage. What should be done? 1. Liquid chlorine cylinders, storage tanks, and vaporization units should be designed to be located in enclosed spaces during project construction, along with exhaust gas absorption facilities that meet the required standards. 2. After a chlorine cylinder leaks, the gas outlet of the cylinder should be directed upward in order to prevent the leakage of liquid chlorine; the amount of gaseous chlorine that leaks is much smaller than that of liquid chlorine, and it is easier to control such leaks. 3. Depending on the actual situation of the leak, use appropriate leak-sealing tools to stop the leak, or carry out tank transfer procedures. 4. To reduce the leakage of chlorine, it is recommended to use an ammonia curtain in the facilities outside the storage area to absorb any leaked chlorine, thereby reducing its dispersion, minimizing environmental pollution, and preventing poisoning of personnel.