Hydrogne Fluoride

Hydrogen fluoride

Hydrogen fluoride (HF), a solution of Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride (AHF) in water, is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.

Naturally produced

Fluoride is mostly naturally occurred in a chemically bonded form, which has a distinctive feature of releasing Fluoride when Fluorite (CaF2) is grinded. While Fluoride produced from earth crust accounts for approximately 0.007%, naturally produced Fluoride compounds mainly exist in the form of natural sediments such as CaF2 and Cyrolite.

HF manufacture

HF is first generated in the form of HF gas by the endothermic reaction of CaF2(grinded/dried) and Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) within the reactor, which is then purified and condensed. It is then diluted and absorbed with water to create HF of desired purity, such as HF 55%, 70%, etc.

※ CaF2 (Fluorite)
CaF2 is a mineral containing Calcium and Fluoride which exists in the form of transparent or semi-transparent crystal cubic structure, Mohs hardness 4, specific gravity 3 ~ 3.25, fragile, and splintery fracture.
CaF2 is mainly utilized as a raw material of HF acid, additives for Ceramics and smelting process. CaF2 is reserved in large quantities in China, Mexico, South Africa, France, Spain, Mongolia, and Vietnam, while China, Mexico, South Africa, Mongolia, and Spain constitute approximately 80% of worldwide production.

※ H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid)
H2SO4 is a colorless, non-volatile liquid which is manufactured industrially using Platinum or Vanadium Pentoxide catalyst. It is the second most commonly manufactured after water, and is a highly acidic chemical compound with a powerful dehydrating property. Its tendency to absorb hydrogen and oxygen from chemical compounds makes it a common ingredient in various desiccants and dehydrants.

• Procurement of AHF : Secured a stable raw material source by owning the only in-house production facility (10,000MTPY) in Korea and a China Joint Venture Company (Foopeng Chemical : 15,000MTPY).

• Procurement of CaF2 : Secured a stable supply source of high-quality CaF2 from China and Vietnam's fluorite mines.

• HF can be inhaled in its gaseous state.
  Strong irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat will occur when exposed to HF gas.

• Acute symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, fever, and chills. When exposed to high dosage, the possible effects include bronchial spasm, laryngeal spasm, pulmonary edema, and bleeding.

• Symptoms typically appear immediately after inhalation, but lung damage may appear after 12 ~ 36 hours.

Effects of ocular exposure

• When ocular exposure occurs, symptoms include irritation in the eye and cornea. In worst cases, it may result in corneal damage and sight loss.

• In the case of ocular penetration, depending on the concentration of HF, symptoms range from minor burns to scarring and vascularization of the cornea.

• When exposed to a more dilute solution, reported symptoms include progressive opacification, and higher concentration exposure leads to symptoms such as subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphema, and haematocornea.