Process

On site Electrolytic Chlorination is a system for producing chlorine as a solution of sodium hypochlorite on-site, on demand with complete safety. Salt is dissolved into a brine solution, diluted and passed across electrodes powered by a low voltage current. The result is an average 0.8 percent diluted sodium hypochlorite solution that is injected into the distribution system by various dosing methods. Only the raw materials (salt, electricity and water) must be handled and bought.

This is distinct from the Chlor Alkali process that uses a membrane type cell where brine is converted to chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide which is then combined to produce a commercial (12 percent) sodium hypochlorite. The on-site Biochlor process utilises an undivided cell and electrolyses the brine directly to dilute hypochlorite.

Primary Considerations :

Safety: On-site generation is exempt from HazMat regulations (solution strength is below the 1 percent concentration threshold for hazardous classification), and dangerous materials are not required or produced. There are no containment requirements or process safety management concerns associated with Biochlor products. Furthermore, unlike most chlorine installations, accidental leak prevention and safety equipment mandated by the Occupational Health & Safety Act is not necessary..

Efficiency: Unlike commercial products affected by temperature and storage, dilute (0.8 percent) sodium hypochlorite is stable, is unlikely to degrade and contains less chlorate than commercial hypochlorite. In comparison to commercial hypochlorite’s high pH of 13, sodium hypochlorite produced on-site is a diluted consistency with a pH of 9. It is unlikely to cause scaling of injection lines or fittings. On-site generation allows consistent dosing and requires little maintenance.

Community Relations: As the number of commercial and residential developments neighbouring treatment facilities increases, exposure to accidental chemical release has become a growing concern. The “not in my neighbourhood” attitude is more prevalent as citizens speak out against chemical transportation and storage in their communities. On-site installations do not require safety placards or warning signs, as the raw materials used (salt, water and power) are common in most resident’s homes. Sodium Hypochlorite generation presents the unique opportunity to meet customer’s needs and avoid risks to the environment and human safety.