Predicting liquid jet breakup and aerosol formation during the accidental release of pressurized hydrogen fluoride

The safe production and handling of toxic chemicals is an issue of growing importance for public officials, legislators and petrochemical plant managers. Industrial and academic research is improving the understanding of a variety of phenomena related to risk assessment, and communicating these risks to concerned parties. Several groups are investigating the behavior and mitigation of accidental releases of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid. Forthcoming results of these studies will include the key issue of aerosol formation.