Chlorination Chlorination C hallenged by increasing safety restrictions and rising operation costs, water utilities are reconsidering their disinfection options. Formerly the industry standard, chlorine gas is regulated to the extent that utilities must convert to a less dangerous treatment method. Many utilities have explored the alternatives and discovered producing sodium hypochlorite on-site is the best choice. Also, safety equipment associated with chlorine gas handling would be eliminated.
G enerating sodium hypochlorite on-site is a simple and straightforward process.
Salt is dissolved into a brine solution. The solution is diluted and passed across electrodes powered by a low voltage direct current. The by-product, hydrogen gas, is vented to the atmosphere. In some cases the feed water must be softened, and this will contribute an insignificant amount of recharge brine to waste. Only the raw materials salt, electricity and water must be handled and purchased.