WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE?
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a synthetic, green-yellow gas with a chlorine-like irritating odor. It is a neutral chlorine compound and is vastly different from elemental chlorine both in its chemical structure and its behavior. Chlorine dioxide is a small, volatile, and very strong molecule. When diluted in water it becomes a free radical. At high concentrations it reacts strongly with reducing agents.
HOW SOLUBLE IS CHLORINE DIOXIDE IN WATER?
One of the most important properties of chlorine dioxide is its high-water solubility, especially in cold water. It does not hydrolyze in water like chlorine does but remains a dissolved gas. It is about ten times more soluble in water than chlorine is. It can be removed by aeration and carbon dioxide.
HOW IS CHLORINE DIOXIDE PRODUCED?
There are several ways to produce chlorine dioxide, all involve being produced at the point of use due to its volatility and explosiveness. However, a stabilized solution is now available that is not explosive.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN APPLICATIONS FOR CHLORINE DIOXIDE?
Chlorine dioxide has many applications. Initially, it was used in the electronics industry to clean printed circuit boards. It has also found uses in the oil industry for treating sulfides and it has been used for bleaching textiles. Currently it is used to sterilize medical and laboratory equipment and as a municipal chlorine replacement. More importantly, it can be used as an oxidizer and disinfectant in cooling towers. It effectively kills pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and prevents biofilm. Chlorine dioxide can also be effective against anthrax and legionella because it is effective against spore-forming bacteria.
Because of these many benefits, we are now developing many applications for chlorine dioxide as a cooling tower biocide. It has many benefits such as lower usage aliquots and fewer applications when compared with other biocides. Plus, since it has a kill efficacy five times higher than chlorine or bromine with less tendencies to form chloramines and other undesired decay components, it is an ideal biocide for most cooling tower applications.
Be sure to ask your Walter Louis Fluid Technologies representative for more information. Chlorine dioxide can be a great tool in your water treatment arsenal.