Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is onsite chlorine generation, and how does it work?

Onsite chlorine generation involves producing chlorine directly at the point of use rather than relying on bulk deliveries of commercial chlorine or bleach. This process can use an electrochemical generator to convert a salt solution (brine) into chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite, which is then immediately used for water disinfection.

2. What are the main advantages of generating chlorine onsite?

The key benefits of onsite chlorine generation involve increased safety, reduced chemical handling, reduced hauling risk, lower operational costs, and the ability to produce chlorine as needed, which eliminates the risks associated with storing large quantities of hazardous chemicals.

3. How does onsite chlorine generation improve safety?

Onsite chlorine generation significantly enhances safety by eliminating the need to transport and store dangerous chemicals like liquified chlorine gas or concentrated commercial bleach in canisters. Chlorine is produced only when needed and is used immediately, reducing the risk of accidental exposure or leaks.

4. Does onsite chlorine generation reduce operational costs?

Yes, generating chlorine onsite can lead to significant cost savings. It eliminates the expenses associated with purchasing and transporting bulk chemicals, reduces the need for topic-specific, extensive safety measures, and minimizes chemical waste due to degradation.

5. Is onsite chlorine generation environmentally friendly?

Onsite chlorine generation is more environmentally friendly than traditional chlorine delivery methods. By producing chlorine as needed, it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage. Additionally, it minimizes the production of harmful by-products that can result from the degradation of stored chlorine.

6. What types of facilities can benefit from onsite chlorine generation?

A wide range of facilities can benefit from onsite chlorine generation, including municipal water treatment plants, industrial water systems, food and beverage processing plants, healthcare facilities, and even swimming pools. Essentially, any facility that requires reliable and safe water disinfection can benefit from this technology.

7. How does onsite chlorine generation enhance operational flexibility?

Onsite chlorine generation provides greater operational flexibility by allowing facilities to produce chlorine on demand. This means that chlorine production can be adjusted based on real-time needs, reducing the risk of over- or under-dosing and ensuring consistent water quality.

8. Does onsite chlorine generation improve the quality of chlorine used?

Yes, chlorine produced onsite is typically of higher purity compared to commercially delivered chlorine, which can degrade over time. Onsite generation produces fresh chlorine, which is more effective in disinfection and less likely to contain impurities such as chlorates.

9. How does onsite chlorine generation reduce chemical waste?

Because chlorine is generated as needed, there is no risk of chemical degradation over time, which can lead to waste in traditional chlorine delivery systems. This efficiency reduces both chemical waste and the associated disposal costs.

10. Is onsite chlorine generation suitable for remote locations?

Onsite chlorine generation is particularly advantageous for remote or hard-to-reach locations where the delivery of bulk chlorine or bleach may be unreliable or expensive. The ability to generate chlorine onsite ensures a continuous supply of disinfectant without the need for frequent deliveries.

11. What are the initial setup costs for onsite chlorine generation systems?

While the initial setup cost for onsite chlorine generation systems may be higher than traditional chlorine delivery methods, the long-term savings in operational and maintenance costs often offset the upfront investment. Over time, facilities can achieve a positive return on investment.

12. How does onsite chlorine generation affect water taste and odor?

Onsite chlorine generation produces high-quality chlorine that generally has less impact on water taste and odor compared to commercially delivered chlorine, which may degrade and develop impurities over time. This is particularly beneficial in applications where water quality is paramount.

13. Can onsite chlorine generation systems be customized for different needs?

Yes, onsite chlorine generation systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different facilities. Whether you need chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite, the system can be configured to produce the desired form and concentration, ensuring optimal performance for your application.

14. How does onsite chlorine generation contribute to regulatory compliance?

Onsite chlorine generation helps facilities comply with regulatory standards by providing a consistent and reliable source of chlorine, reducing the risk of non-compliance due to chemical shortages or quality issues. Additionally, it supports safer handling practices, which are often required by regulatory bodies.

15. What maintenance is required for onsite chlorine generation systems?

Onsite chlorine generation systems are designed to be low-maintenance, with regular tasks including monitoring system performance, replenishing the salt or brine supply, and conducting routine inspections. Many systems offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing for proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.

16. Can onsite chlorine generation systems be integrated with existing water treatment infrastructure?

Yes, onsite chlorine generation systems can be integrated into existing water treatment setups with minimal disruption and multiple dosing points. They are designed to work alongside other treatment technologies, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the water treatment process.

17. How does onsite chlorine generation improve inventory management?

With onsite chlorine generation, there is no need to maintain large inventories of hazardous chemicals, simplifying inventory management. Facilities only need to store the precursor chemical (salt), which is non-hazardous and easy to handle, reducing the complexities of chemical inventory control.

18. Is onsite chlorine generation reliable for large-scale water treatment?

Absolutely. Onsite chlorine generation systems are scalable and can be designed to meet the demands of large-scale water treatment operations – systems can range in size from 0.5 to 500 lb per day of chlorine generated. They provide a consistent and reliable source of chlorine, ensuring that even high-volume water treatment facilities can maintain continuous disinfection.

19. What are the safety protocols for operating onsite chlorine generation systems?

Operating onsite chlorine generation systems involves following standard safety protocols, such as ensuring proper ventilation, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhering to manufacturer guidelines for system operation. However, because the system minimizes the handling of hazardous chemicals, overall safety risks are significantly reduced.

20. How quickly can onsite chlorine generation systems be deployed?

Onsite chlorine generation systems can typically be deployed within a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the installation and the specific requirements of the facility. EAI Water offers turnkey solutions that include design, installation, and commissioning, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup process. If you have more questions about chlorine generation systems, contact us today.