Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a strongly irritating and corrosive gas commonly leaking from semiconductor etching, metal surface treatment (pickling), hydrochloric acid manufacturing, and chemical plant piping. The Korean OEL is 1 ppm TWA. The WANDI EDW500 with IECEx international explosion-proof certification (IECEx TPS 25.0057X) simultaneously measures 5 gases including HCl to protect workers in semiconductor fabs, metalworking, and chemical plants.
HCl Properties and Hazards
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | HCl (MW: 36.46) |
| Korea OEL (TWA) | 1 ppm |
| STEL | 3 ppm (15 minutes) |
| IDLH (NIOSH) | 50 ppm |
| Odor Threshold | 1–5 ppm (strong pungent/acidic odor) |
HCl Health Effects by Concentration
| Concentration | Duration | Health Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ppm (OEL) | Long-term | Chronic respiratory irritation, dental erosion |
| 3–5 ppm | Short-term | Severe eye/nose/throat irritation, tearing, coughing |
| 50 ppm (IDLH) | Immediately | Severe pulmonary edema, fatal risk |
Sources: NIOSH Pocket Guide, Korea MOL OEL Notice, ACGIH TLV
WANDI EDW500: HCl Detection Solution
EDW500 features a dedicated EC sensor for HCl measurement with simultaneous 5-gas capability including HCl, flammable gases (EX/LEL), O₂, CO, and H₂S. IECEx Zone 0 explosion-proof certification ensures safe use in semiconductor fab environments where other hazardous gases may also be present. Cloud connectivity enables real-time remote monitoring and automatic data logging for regulatory compliance.
HCl Accident Prevention Scenario with EDW500
- 1Micro-leak from corroded pipe: Worker's EDW500 detects 0.5 ppm HCl → first alarm activates.
- 2At 1 ppm: Second alarm → work stops immediately, cloud alert sent to safety manager.
- 3Simultaneous 5-gas monitoring: HCl leak checked alongside flammable gas → fire and explosion prevention.
- 4Automatic logging: HCl exposure records → worker health examination data and legal compliance documentation.
A Closer Look at the WANDI EDW500
Below are real photos of the WANDI EDW500 portable multi-gas detector.
