At approximately what temperature does the fusible plug on a chlorine cylinder start to melt?

The fusible plug on a chlorine cylinder is designed to provide a safety mechanism by melting at a specific temperature to release the gas, thereby preventing a potential explosion or rupture in the event of a fire. The correct answer indicates that this melting typically occurs around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is specifically chosen to ensure that if a fire heats the cylinder to dangerous levels, the fusible plug will melt, allowing the gas to escape in a controlled manner rather than building up pressure to catastrophic levels.

Understanding this safety feature is crucial for wastewater operators who handle chlorine since it is a hazardous material. This knowledge ensures that proper safety procedures are in place when storing and using chlorine cylinders, significantly reducing the risk of incidents related to high temperatures.

In this context, the temperature ranges listed in the other options do not represent the melting point of the fusible plug, meaning they would not provide the same level of protection in a fire situation as the correct answer.