Chlorine, also known as 70% chlorine, is a strong oxidizing compound and brings many practical benefits to humans, especially in water treatment.
Currently on the market, Chlorine has common forms such as sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) and calcium hypochlorite anhydrous form (Ca(OCl)2). Chlorine can dissolve well in water to form HCl and HOCl. HOCl will then continue to ionize and create OCl- ion.
Principle of disinfection action of Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical compound consisting of Ca(OCl)2, NaOCl and Cl2 gas. These substances are all strong oxidizers and after reacting with water, they will create a lot of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and Hypochlorite ions (OCl-). Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) will then ionize to produce Hypochlorite ions (OCl-). HOCl along with OCl- ions will directly impact the cell membrane, even penetrating deep inside to change the molecular structure of bacteria, causing them to be unable to function and die.
That’s why Chlorine is widely used in the field of water treatment to kill bacteria that are harmful to human health. Chlorine compounds are currently used in many fields, typically in industrial production.
What is the application of Chlorine chemicals?
Chlorine is very commonly used in our daily lives.
Specifically, Chlorine is applied in the following fields :
In daily life
In daily life, the chemical Chlorine is often used to disinfect, clean water sources, and sterilize swimming pool water. Chlorine 1% is used as a detergent to help disinfect bathroom areas, kitchens, toilets, etc. In powder or tablet form, Chlorine is used to replace chloramine B in antiseptic and disinfectant. Note that when using Chlorine you need to wear protective gear to ensure labor safety.
Besides, we can also dilute chlorine to disinfect fresh fruits to remove toxins such as pesticides, bacteria,… stuck on them.
In the field of water treatment
– Disinfect swimming pool water: Chlorine helps kill harmful bacteria in the water, while deodorizing the water, making the water cleaner.
– Disinfecting domestic water: The chlorine concentration used to disinfect domestic water is 1%. Chemicals will be continuously added to the tanks to maintain residual chlorine concentration at 0.1 – 0.2 ppm. Therefore, in the water tank, there will always be a small amount of chlorine that can disinfect, making clean water safer.
In industrial production
– Chlorine is used to bleach fabric, paper, etc. In addition, Chlorine is also used to prepare rubber, plastic, and javel water
– Chlorine 0.5% is used to disinfect milk and food processing factories.
– Wastewater treatment in packaging, bottle, and food processing factories.
– Chlorine is used to limit bacterial contamination and disinfect water.
In aquaculture
Chlorine is used in aquaculture to clean tools, machinery, and farming equipment. Besides, it is also used to kill bacteria and algae in lagoons, lakes, and ponds.
How to use is to dissolve Chlorine with water at a ratio of 5 – 6 g/l of water, then use with the following dosage :
Disinfect tanks, equipment, machinery, and tools: 100 – 200 ppm (in 30 minutes).
Treating diseases caused by parasites: 0.1 – 0.2 ppm.
Treatment of bacterial diseases: 1-3ppm (in 10-15 minutes).
Disinfect the pond bottom: Maintain residual chlorine concentration in the pond at 50 – 100 ppm.
Disinfect water in ponds and lakes: 20 – 30 ppm.
Instructions on how to properly use and preserve Chlorine
How to use and preserve Chlorine
Chlorine chemicals need to be stored in completely sealed containers and kept in a cool place, away from other chemicals. Avoid storing chlorine in places exposed to direct sunlight, near open flames, or high temperatures.
Chlorine can react violently and explosively with glycerin, acetic acid, Fe2CO3, phenol, alcohol, alkali metals, amines, metal oxides, organic compounds, ammonium compounds, reducing agents, and sulfur. Store away from these substances. In case of fire, do not use water, foam, or CO2, but use soil and dry sand to extinguish the fire.
Do not dispose of chemicals in ponds, lakes, streams, or public waterways. In case of impurities or decomposition, do not close the chlorine container but keep the container in a separate, well-ventilated area.
When mixing chemicals, you need to slowly add this chemical into the water, then use a separate plastic stirrer to stir until it dissolves. Do not reverse this process.
During work and contact with chemicals, workers need to wear masks, gloves, eyeglasses, and protective clothing to ensure safety.
