Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) – Highly toxic, highly flammable and difficult to detect
Why precise gas detection is vital for survival
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a colourless, extremely volatile and toxic gas with a typical almond-like odour that many people do not recognize. HCN is widely used in industrial processes, particularly in plastics production, metal finishing, electroplating and the chemical industry– and therefore also poses a safety risk.
HCN – A deadly danger even in the smallest quantities
The effect of hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic: just 20-40 ppm in the air is enough to cause serious damage to health. Above 120 ppm, HCN can be fatal within a few minutes. The gas blocks cell respiration and prevents oxygen utilization in the body – with rapid, irreversible effects.
Typical symptoms of HCN poisoning:
- Headache, nausea, shortness of breath
- Unconsciousness, cramps
- Cardiac arrest at higher exposure
- Often fatal without immediate countermeasures
Explosion hazard: HCN is not only toxic, but also highly flammable
In addition to its high toxicity, hydrogen cyanide is also a flammable gas that forms explosive mixtures with air. The ignition limit is between 5.6 % and 40 % by volume, the flash point is -17.8 °C. There is a considerable risk of fire and explosion, particularly in closed rooms or poorly ventilated systems – even with small leaks.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas detectors: Your protective measure for people and technology
In all areas where HCN is used, early and continuous gas measurement is essential. Our hydrogen cyanide gas detectors have been specially developed for safe use in demanding environments and ensure maximum safety.
Your benefits with our HCN gas detection systems:
- Highly sensitive sensor technology for the lowest ppm values
- Real-time measurement & immediate alarm if limit values are exceeded
- Visual, audible & digital alarms
- Interfaces to emergency shutdowns, ventilation or fire protection systems
- Flexible use: mobile, stationary or can be integrated into process control systems
- Certified technology in accordance with international safety standards
Typical areas of application for HCN detection:
- Plastics and textile industry
- Electroplating companies & metal finishing
- Exhaust gas and flue gas treatment
- Chemical synthesis processes
- Pharmaceutical production
- Research facilities & laboratories
Conclusion: Safely detect hydrogen cyanide – with professional gas monitoring
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is one of the most dangerous industrial gases – toxic, explosive and often unnoticed. Our modern gas detection systems for HCN provide precise measurement results, enable fast reactions and reliably protect people, systems and processes.
For sustainable safety in sensitive work areas – from individual workstations to large-scale installations.
Reliable detection of hydrogen cyanide – with state-of-the-art gas technology
Our gas detectors for HCN monitoring offer maximum safety thanks to:
- High-precision sensor technology – reliably detects even the lowest ppm concentrations
- Real-time monitoring – permanent control in hazardous work areas
- Rapid alarm triggering – for toxic or explosive threshold values
- Compatibility with emergency shutdowns – direct connection to ventilation and safety systems
- Flexible application options – portable and stationary devices for every application
Your solution for HCN gas detection – certified, proven, safe
Whether for personal safety, process control or explosion prevention – our hydrogen cyanide warning devices comply with international standards and have proven themselves in numerous industries. Rely on tested technology for maximum safety in the workplace.
The following gas sensors and systems from Bieler+Lang can detect hydrogen cyanide
We will be happy to advise you on the selection of suitable detectors and the corresponding evaluation devices for your individual application.
