AWWA ACE54473

The beneficial effects of using chlorine gas for disinfecting water supplies is undoubted and the lives of countless millions of people across the world have been saved due to its use. In addition to the ability to destroy waterborne pathogens, the chlorine disinfection process allows a residual disinfectant level to be carried into the distribution system. This residual can be monitored, thus giving a reliable check on the overall process. Whilst some consumers may sometimes express dislike for the taste or odour associated with chlorination, others find its presence at the tap re-assuring. So why would we consider changing from this well-proven, well-understood and most reliable method of making potable water safe? The primary reasons for the switch from chlorine gas in large parts of the developed world are associated with the safety of handling the liquified gas itself. As society develops it is engaged in a continuous pursuit of improving living and working conditions, and this means raising the standards for acceptable safety. Risks that were commonplace and acceptable 25 years ago, may no longer be acceptable today. However, it is not entirely logical to argue that because the storage and transport of liquefied chlorine gas carries unacceptable risks, we have to find alternative disinfectants. The most logical way forward is to investigate whether there is a way to continue to use chlorine disinfection, but without the risks associated with the storage and transport of the liquefied gas itself. This paper describes an electrolytic process, ElectroChlor, which uses hydrochloric acid as a raw material in the on-site production of chlorine gas, so that the concerns about transporting and storing liquefied gas can be totally eliminated. The quantity of gas generated can be accurately matched and controlled to the requirements of the water treatment process. Includes reference, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

06/01/2001

Number of Pages:

11

File Size:

1 file , 470 KB