How do you test for hydrofluoric acid?

Laboratory criteria for diagnosis Biologic: No specific test for hydrofluoric acid is available; however, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and an elevated concentration of fluoride in the serum might indicate that an exposure has occurred.

What is the proper treatment for HF exposure?

For minor exposures with very dilute hydrofluoric acid (HF): mix 10 mL of 10% calcium gluconate with 100 mL of normal saline to give an approximately 1% calcium gluconate solution. With a syringe, irrigate the eye intermittently for a period of 15 to 30 minutes or until relief of pain occurs.

What is HF service?

Hydrofluoric acid is used in an alkylation process that is critical to petroleum refining and certain other chemical processing. Carbon steel PVF products may be used safely for HF service, as long as HF acid concentration stays at least 65% and moisture level below 4% – in essence, virtually NO WATER.

Where is hydrogen fluoride found?

Hydrogen fluoride typically refers to a gas, used in the production of refrigerants, high-octane gasoline, aluminum, plastics, electrical components and incandescent light bulbs.

What happens if you get hydrofluoric acid on your skin?

Depending on the concentration of the chemical and the length of time of exposure, skin contact with hydrogen fluoride may cause severe pain at the point of contact; a rash; and deep, slow-healing burns. Severe pain can occur even if no burns can be seen.

How many people have died from hydrofluoric acid?

Although hydrofluoric acid burns are frequent, fatality is rare. In the case of massive exposure, the prognosis is generally poor. We present two fatal cases resulting from extensive exposure to hydrofluoric acid which produced acute systemic metabolic acidosis with profound hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia.

What does HF burn feel like?

The usual initial signs of a dilute solution HF burn are redness, swelling and blistering, accompanied by severe throbbing pain. Eye Contact – HF can cause severe eye burns with destruction or opacification of the cornea. Blindness may result from severe or untreated exposures.

What is hydrofluoric acid used for in a refinery?

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Alkylation Units, often referred to as HF Alky units, are process units used in petroleum refining to convert isobutane and alkenes (primarily propylene or butylene) into alkylate, which is used to make gasoline.

What does an alkylation unit do?

In refining, the alkylation unit produces a high-quality gasoline blendstock by combining two LPG-range molecules to form one gasoline-range molecule. This involves reacting isobutane with some type of light olefin, typically either propylene or butylene coming from the FCC.

Can fluoride be absorbed through the skin?

There is no data on fluoride absorption through the skin, but the fluoride ion will not readily pass through the skin and this pathway is not likely to contribute to people’s fluoride intake.

Will hydrofluoric acid dissolve a gun?

Hydrofluoric acid is very nasty stuff, but it isn’t a strong acid. Even when dilute it will etch glass and ceramics, but it won’t dissolve or burn flesh.

Where to find hydrofluoric acid safety data sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on Hydrofluoric Acid mustalways be kept in the immediate work area where Hydrofluoric Acid is used. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Any area, lab, department that uses Hydrofluoric Acid musthave an up-to-date written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Contact OH&S at 205-934-2487 if you need assistance.

How to contact Honeywell hydrofluoric acid service?

From conducting emergency response simulations to choosing the right protective equipment, we have decades of knowledge in consulting our customers on all aspects of HF usage: Customers can log in or sign up for access to our technical service resources, or contact us to learn more about our technical service offerings.

What’s the best way to handle hydrofluoric acid?

Use plastic beakers and containers for HF manipulations, and ensure that there are neither cracks nor brittleness. Also, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling HF. Handling Neverwork alone with HF and limit all HF manipulations to regular office hours. Only trained personnel are allowed to work with HF.

Where does hydrofluoric acid need to be stored?

HF Acid User’s Guide Page 6 Last Updated: 09/29/2016. Hydrofluoric Acid must be stored in a:  tightly closed container made from either Polyethylene, Fluorocarbon, or Lead.  cool dry place away from other chemicals or materials.