Trace levels (ppb and ppm) of Total Chlorine are measured by an oxidative combustion elemental analyzer according to micro coulometric detection technique / micro coulometry. In the petrochemical industry, Total Chloride and Total Chlorine are used interchangeably, while in the environmental market, the sum parameter is expressed as Total Halogens. All these terms have the same definition and are abbreviated as TX.

Applications where the amount of Total Chlorine is examined:

• Organic Chlorines will form hydrochloric acid, this formation needs to be avoided to reduce corrosion formation in piping and equipment which is used in refining processes in the Petroleum and Gas industry.
• During the production process of High Purity Solvents like Benzene, Hexane, Iso-octane and Methanol, expensive catalyst material is used. The catalyst material is affected by Chlorine present in High Purity Solvents so trace level analysis of these high purity solvents is critical to maximize the lifetime of such catalyst material.
• Skydrol is a fire-resistant aviation hydraulic fluid and is made up of a group of chemical additives dissolved into a fire-resistant phosphate ester base stock which inhibits corrosion and prevents erosion damage to servo valves and includes a purple or green dye to ease identification.

It has been approved by most airframe manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing and BAE Systems and has been used in their products for over 40 years.

The amount of Total Chlorine in this type of hydraulic fluid is measured because it is corrosive to the hydraulic system components. Liquid chlorine contaminants can alter the fluid’s fire-resistant properties, affect seal performance, cause gel formation and lead to acid development.