A self-contained hypochlorite skid-mounted chlorination system injecting sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can solve (at least) 5 major problems afflicting many small commercial, industrial or community water systems.

Hypochlorite Skid-Mounted Chlorination Systems, or Hypo Skids, as the name implies, are skid-mounted automatic chlorination systems that monitor flow rate and chlorine residuals and inject hypochlorite (liquid chlorine bleach) at a precise dosage. These systems are designed to meet customers’ specific needs in various industries, ensuring efficient and non-hazardous chemical solutions for water disinfection.

These systems automatically maintain chlorine residuals in storage tanks, small distribution systems, and a multitude of commercial and industrial applications. They are adaptable to different industries, including municipal wastewater treatment, industrial processes, and specific operations such as oil and gas.

As more systems are installed across various industries, the recognition of a need for improved safety and efficiency has motivated advancements in equipment design and functionality.

Introduction to Water Disinfection

Water disinfection is a crucial process that removes contaminants and microorganisms from water to make it safe for human consumption. One of the most common methods is chlorination, which involves using chlorine or chlorine-based compounds to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Chlorination systems are widely used in industrial and commercial applications, including wastewater treatment, drinking water distribution systems, and potable water treatment. These systems typically use chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water and maintain a safe level of chlorine residuals. By effectively eliminating harmful pathogens, chlorination ensures that water is safe for various uses, from industrial processes to everyday drinking water.

Benefits of Chlorination Systems

Chlorination systems offer several benefits, including effectively removing microorganisms and contaminants from water, making it safe for human consumption. These systems are also cost-effective and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications.

Operators can use chlorination systems to produce sodium hypochlorite on-site, eliminating the need to store or handle liquid chlorine. This approach offers a safer alternative to traditional gas chlorination systems.

Engineers can design chlorination systems to operate automatically, reducing operator involvement and lowering the risk of accidents. Overall, the benefits of chlorination systems make them an essential component of water treatment and disinfection processes, ensuring clean and safe water with minimal effort and cost.

Problems the Hypochlorite Skid-Mounted Chlorination Systems Solve

Problem #1:

Lack of chlorine residual in storage tanks.

Water storage tanks that are not used regularly or sit for long periods with little water use can develop dangerously low chlorine residuals.

The Hypo-Skid measures chlorine residuals inside the storage tank, and the automatic circulation pump brings water through the tank.  If the chlorine residual drops below a preset low level, fresh chlorine solution is injected until the residual is restored.

Problem #2:

Varying flow rates in the pipeline or distribution system make maintaining an accurate chlorine residual difficult.

Some small community and industrial applications have several water sources feeding into a central storage tank or facility.  The flow rates from different sources can vary, with the water flowing more slowly or faster through the piping.

The Hypo Skid easily solves this problem by sensing flow and chlorine residual and injecting chlorine proportionally, based on varying flow rates.   The result is an even and consistent chlorine residual.

Problem #3:

Small community systems or remote sites lack on-site staff capable of operating and maintaining a chlorination system, resulting in poor data collection and maintenance records.

Small community systems or remote commercial sites often lack trained operators, or they have operators but are not available to check on the water system daily.

The Hypo-Skid solves this problem because it is fully automatic and collects, stores, and/or transmits data automatically. The onboard sensor and data logger track free chlorine residuals and allow operators easy access so they can see chlorine residual levels over time.

Internet and network access make it easy to monitor the system remotely using a web browser or to tie into an existing SCADA network.

Problem #4:

Gas chlorination can be dangerous and costly to operate.

Selecting a NaOCl liquid chlorine bleach system over a gas chlorine system eliminates the danger of large-scale gas leaks from the high-pressure tanks.  No special operators are required (in most states, a Grade I or II operator can run a NaOCl system).   Gaseous chlorine has a low pH, and it lowers the pH in drinking water.  Liquid bleach might increase the pH slightly or have no effect on pH, depending on dosages. Generally, there isn’t a significant change in pH using the NaOCl system.

Problem #5:

Chlorination systems often need to be deployed rapidly, with a minimum of installation and wiring done on-site if possible, but many chlorination systems require extensive wiring and setup.

More Features of the Chlorination System

Hypo-Skid chlorination systems install quickly and are up and running quickly compared to many commercial chlorination systems. Electricity plays a crucial role in the operation of these systems, converting saltwater into disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas.

Electrical connections are prewired. Connect piping to and from the storage tank and program unit, and it will begin to monitor and control chlorine residuals automatically. Proper maintenance of the electrodes within the electrolytic cells is essential to prevent scale formation and ensure efficient operation.

Additionally, a water softener is an important component of the system, aiding in sodium hypochlorite production.

Safety Concerns and Storage

The storage and handling of chlorine-based compounds, such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas, require careful attention to safety concerns. If not handled properly, these compounds can be hazardous, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Operators must follow proper safety protocols when storing and handling chlorine-based compounds, including wearing protective equipment and using ventilation systems.

Designers should construct storage tanks and containers to prevent leaks and spills, and teams must inspect and maintain them regularly to ensure structural integrity. These precautions help minimize risks and protect both operators and the environment.

Additional Features Include

• Hypo Skids inject chlorine directly into distribution systems for in-line chlorination.
• You can also connect them to a generator for rapid deployment during disinfection emergencies.
• Use with liquid chlorine bleach OR powdered calcium hypochlorite with water added.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of chlorination systems is a significant concern, as the release of chlorine-based compounds into the environment can negatively affect aquatic life and ecosystems.

Manufacturers design modern chlorination systems to minimize environmental impact and equip them with features like scrubbers and neutralization systems to reduce the release of chlorine-based compounds into the environment. Additionally, the use of on-site hypochlorite generation systems can reduce the need for transportation and storage of chlorine-based compounds, further minimizing their environmental impact.

Proper design, operation, and maintenance of chlorination systems help reduce their environmental impact while ensuring effective and environmentally responsible water disinfection.

Cost-Effectiveness

Chlorination systems are a cost-effective solution for water disinfection, as they can be designed to operate automatically and require minimal maintenance. Additionally, using on-site hypochlorite generation systems can reduce the need for storage and handling of liquid chlorine, which can result in significant cost savings.

Engineers can design chlorination systems to produce sodium hypochlorite at an optimal concentration for the specific application, reducing waste and minimizing chemical use.

Overall, the cost-effectiveness of chlorination systems makes them a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications. They can help reduce the overall cost of water treatment and disinfection processes, ensuring safe and clean water at a lower cost.

Specifications Include:

• Heavy-duty prewired skid-mounted package with carbon steel 2-coat epoxy paint.
• Heavy-duty NSF-certified electronic metering pump and sensors
• Stainless steel pump with Viton seals for recirculation systems
• A built-in timer controls pump cycles and can be wired to float switches or flow switches.
• Recirculation/Booster pump available in 20 – 200 GPM flow rates.
• The chlorine analyzer monitors the chlorine residual and automatically activates the chlorine pump to maintain accurate residuals.
• Based on the flow and chlorine reading, the 5” color touch screen controller sends a proportional 4-20mA signal to the metering pump.
• The dual-containment chlorine solution tank holds 35 – 50 gallons of solution, which can be pumped from chlorine carboys if desired.
• An optional data logger and network interface maintain residual logs and transmit data to the network.
• Injects sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment and other chemicals as required.
• Compact package ready to ship worldwide.
• Weather-tight enclosure options are available.

Check out the system here.

You can also download the PDF guide here.

Clean Water Systems & Stores Inc. designed and supplied an advanced automated chlorine disinfection skid for a potable water storage tank at the Opal Gas Processing Plant in Lincoln County, Wyoming. You can read the story here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are hypochlorite chlorination systems?

Hypochlorite chlorination systems use sodium or calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water by killing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. These systems are commonly used for treating well water and public water supplies.

2. How do hypochlorite chlorination systems work?

These systems inject a chlorine solution (made from hypochlorite) into the water supply. The chlorine reacts with contaminants to neutralize pathogens and improve water quality.

3. What types of hypochlorite are used in chlorination systems?

The two main types are sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach) and calcium hypochlorite (solid powder or pellets). Sodium hypochlorite is more commonly used in residential systems.

4. Are hypochlorite chlorination systems safe for drinking water?

Yes, when properly installed and maintained, these systems provide safe and effective disinfection. The chlorine levels are carefully controlled to meet EPA drinking water standards.

5. How often do I need to add chlorine to my hypochlorite system?

Frequency depends on water usage and system size. Typically, sodium hypochlorite solution tanks need to be refilled every few weeks. It’s important to monitor chlorine residuals regularly.

6. What maintenance is required for hypochlorite chlorination systems?

Maintenance includes checking the chlorine injection pump, cleaning lines, refilling the chlorine solution, and testing residual chlorine levels to ensure proper disinfection.

7. Can hypochlorite chlorination systems remove iron and sulfur smells?

Yes, chlorine can oxidize iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, making them easier to filter out. These systems are often paired with filtration units for complete treatment.

8. Is sodium hypochlorite better than calcium hypochlorite for chlorination?

Sodium hypochlorite is easier to dose and mix as a liquid, making it ideal for automatic systems. Calcium hypochlorite is more stable in storage but may require additional equipment to dissolve properly.

9. How do I know if my hypochlorite chlorination system is working properly?

You should test for free chlorine residual at the point of use. A reading between 0.2–0.6 ppm indicates effective disinfection. No residual may mean underdosing or equipment malfunction.

10. Where can I buy a hypochlorite chlorination system?

These systems are available from water treatment specialists, online retailers like Clean Water Store, or local well and pump service companies. Choose a system suited to your specific water quality needs.