Problem: An alarm that went off at O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant in Ridgeland, Mississippi, indicating a chlorine gas leak. All personnel were evacuated and multiple agencies responded. First responders along with plant maintenance staff identified three leaking valves and secured the area.

Solution: The plant installed a FOC-1 Fiberglass Emergency Gas Scrubber from Purafil with Chlorosorb dry-scrubbing media next to the chemical building. It is designed to contain the entire contents of a fully loaded 1-ton chlorine cylinder in a worst-case release. This outperforms the requirements of the Uniform Fire Code. The building has air scrubbers to keep chlorine from escaping the building.

Result: Instead of toxic liquid caustic to neutralize gases, the EGS uses non-toxic, dry-scrubbing media. The process removes chlorine by adsorption, absorption and chemical reaction. Chlorine gas is trapped within pellets where an irreversible chemical reaction changes it into a harmless solid. During the chlorine leak the EGS immediately began to remove the chlorine gas, minimizing the risk to employees and the community. No injuries were reported, and no other evacuations of the surrounding area were needed. 800-222-6367; www.purafil.com