ASTM E1746-08

It is very difficult to exclude sample contamination by ambient air during the process of sampling. The levels of atmospheric contamination caused by poor sampling methods are often equal to or larger than the levels of the gaseous impurities present in the chlorine. This results in markedly elevated levels of detected impurities. As specifications become tighter, it becomes more important to measure the gaseous impurity levels in liquid chlorine correctly.

Additional problems are experienced in the sampling of liquefied gases for the gaseous impurities. The gaseous impurities reach an equilibrium between the liquid phase and vapor phase in a sample bomb. The quantity of gases measured in any particular sample containing both liquid and vapor will be a function of the amount of vapor space in the sample bomb. This test method avoids the presence of liquid in the sample bomb.

1.1 This test method covers sampling and analysis of liquid chlorine for the determination of oxygen (200 to 400 μg/g), nitrogen (400 to 800 μg/g), and carbon dioxide (800 to 1000 ppm) content at levels normally seen in liquid chlorine. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide concentrations in liquid chlorine are typically at or below the detection limit of this test method.

Note 1—The minimum detection limit of hydrogen using a 1 cm³ gas sample and argon carrier gas is 100 to 200 μg/g. The detection limit for the other components is significantly lower.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 Review the current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for detailed information concerning toxicity, first aid procedures, and safety precautions.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards statements are given in Section 7.