What do you get from the bottom valve of a ton cylinder, and the top valve?

• A. Liquid in the bottom, gas on the top
• B. Gas in the bottom, liquid on the top
• C. Both liquid
• D. No contents

Answer: (A)

In a ton cylinder storing chlorine, the liquid chlorine settles at the bottom while the chlorine gas sits in the headspace above it. The two outlets are designed to access these two phases separately: the bottom valve taps into the liquid, and the top valve taps into the gas. This arrangement exists because liquid chlorine is much denser than its vapor, so it collects at the bottom under pressure, with gas occupying the space above. Therefore, you get liquid from the bottom valve and gas from the top valve. Remember, handling liquid chlorine requires strict safety measures since it can vaporize and release dangerous fumes.