Hydrofluoric Acid Poisoning Incident in Abandoned Chemicals in Hangzhou Sounds Alarm: Hanhai Optoelectronics Assists in Accurate HF Monitoring

On September 15, a distressing hydrofluoric acid poisoning incident involving abandoned chemicals occurred in Hangzhou, once again bringing the safety management of hazardous chemicals to the forefront of public attention. It is understood that the involved abandoned hydrofluoric acid was randomly discarded in a non-professional disposal area. Nearby residents came into contact with it unknowingly, and many developed varying degrees of poisoning symptoms. After being sent to the hospital, they were diagnosed with toxic reactions caused by hydrofluoric acid burns. This incident immediately touched the hearts of countless people and made us deeply aware that the monitoring and management of hazardous chemicals, especially highly toxic and corrosive substances like hydrofluoric acid, admit of no delay.

Hydrofluoric Acid: The "Invisible Killer" Behind Wide Applications

Hydrofluoric acid (HF), as an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride gas, is extremely widely used in the industrial field. It is indispensable in processes such as etching in semiconductor chip manufacturing, surface treatment in the glass processing industry, and the production of chemical products like fluorides and fluororesins. However, behind this "heavy use" lies enormous risks. Hydrofluoric acid is highly permeable and toxic. Even at low concentrations, it can quickly penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin and enter subcutaneous tissues. Obvious symptoms may not appear until hours or even 12 hours later, with initial manifestations only as erythema and paleness, which are easily overlooked. As fluoride ions diffuse, severe injuries such as intense pain, blisters, and tissue blackening and necrosis follow. If the contact area exceeds the size of a palm, it may cause life-threatening hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, endangering life.

In the production processes of industries such as chemical engineering and semiconductors, hydrofluoric acid is used in numerous links, and there is also a risk of leakage during storage and transportation. Once a leak occurs, failure to detect and handle it in a timely manner can lead to unimaginable consequences. In past cases, poisoning incidents caused by hydrofluoric acid leakage have not only resulted in casualties but also brought serious losses such as environmental pollution and production shutdowns, imposing a heavy burden on enterprises and society.

Hanhai Optoelectronics Technology: The "Precision Hunter" for Trace Hydrofluoric Acid

Faced with the potential threats of hydrofluoric acid, accurate monitoring is the crucial first step in preventing accidents. With profound accumulation in the field of laser technology, Hanhai Optoelectronics possesses a series of advanced products and technologies capable of detecting trace hydrofluoric acid, providing solid support for safe production and environmental monitoring.

Hanhai Optoelectronics adopts advanced laser spectroscopy technology—Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS). Its principle is to utilize the high monochromaticity and high energy density of lasers to generate specific absorption interactions with trace hydrofluoric acid gas molecules. By detecting changes in laser intensity after absorption, the gas concentration is accurately measured. This technology boasts extremely high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling precise identification of hydrofluoric acid concentration changes at the ppm or even ppb level, leaving even the slightest trace of leakage nowhere to hide.

Taking Hanhai Optoelectronics' Fixed Reflective Laser Gas Telemeter as an example, this equipment can conduct real-time online monitoring of various gases including hydrofluoric acid. It consists of a transmitting-receiving device and a pure optical reflection device. The transmitting-receiving device is responsible for laser control and spectral signal analysis, while the reflection device requires no power supply and is easy to install. The detection laser is emitted from the transmitting-receiving device to the reflection device, and the returned spectral signal is received. The concentration monitoring result is obtained through analysis, with a maximum monitoring range of 1 kilometer. It is particularly suitable for overall monitoring of large-scale spaces, such as chemical parks and semiconductor factory premises.

In addition, the Fixed Scanning Laser Gas Telemeter can perform 360-degree rotational scanning within a radius of 300 meters. Combined with high-definition video, it realizes remote online visual intelligent monitoring. It not only monitors hydrofluoric acid concentration in real time but also accurately locates the leakage direction. It is suitable for operating areas with complex process layouts and high risk levels, providing key information for timely emergency response measures.

Guarding Safety, Building a Joint Defense Line

The hydrofluoric acid poisoning incident in abandoned chemicals in Hangzhou has sounded a safety alarm. There must be no slack in the monitoring and management of hazardous chemicals. Hanhai Optoelectronics' laser monitoring technology provides a reliable and accurate solution for the monitoring of hydrofluoric acid and other hazardous gases, playing an important role in ensuring personnel safety, stable production, and environmental protection.

We call on more industries to attach importance to the safety monitoring of hazardous chemicals, actively introduce advanced technologies, and strengthen the construction of safety management systems. Hanhai Optoelectronics will also continue to deepen its focus on the laser technology field, continuously innovate products and services, and work hand in hand with all parties to jointly build a solid defense line for production safety and environmental safety, avoid the recurrence of similar tragedies, and protect our lives and homes.