About Hypochlorite
What is sodium hypochlorite?
Sodium Hypochlorite is a member of the chlorine family of disinfectants. Sodium Hypochlorite is a chemical compound made up of the elements: sodium, oxygen, and chlorine and is formed from salt and water.
The generation of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) from on-site generators is a safe alternative to chlorine gas chlorination systems, as the chlorine generated in the generator is locked up as sodium hypochlorite at concentrations below the threshold of hazardous materials (1%) mandated by the EPA.
Bio-fouling 101
Algae build-up within seawater piping systems is caused by small pieces of vegetable matter lodging in pipe joints, cracks, and/or areas of low flow which cause material to cling to the pipe wall. This algae build-up within piping systems is very susceptible to chlorine attack; therefore, low chlorine dosing can be very effective at algae reduction.
On-site hypochlorite generators (OSG) have been used effectively for many years in the power industry to control bio-fouling within the pipework systems of cooling water systems. Generally, seawater-cooling systems for power stations utilize OSHG to control algae and mussel growth that can block intake systems and severely impede the flow of seawater to condensers and heat exchangers.
Algae will slowly become immune to low chlorine dosing levels over a period of one to two weeks, depending on the water temperature. Therefore, to control the buildup of algae in seawater systems, hypochlorite dosing should be only enough to maintain a small “Chlorine Residual” in the tail-water system. Chlorine residual is the amount of chlorine left in the water after all bacteria, pathogens and marine species have been destroyed. Chlorine residual can be sampled either continuously or by grab methods in the tail-water.
By keeping a constant dosing at 1 ppm of chlorine in the cooling water system, marine growth is impeded from clogging cooling water systems. The application is not limited to sea water. By using a brine water source in place of seawater, fresh water supplies can be effectively chlorinated using the same technology without the dangers associated with gaseous chlorine.
Electrichlor’s OSG provide control of biofouling in industrial cooling water equipment and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor locations.
The control of bio-fouling through chlorination has proven to be the most effective method for water treatment. Hypochlorination from brine water provides an effective method of water treatment that is safe for handling as well as the environment.
