Case Studies

CHEMGEN 250k ClO2 Generator

Sabre CHEMGEN 250k
Model "D"

The Sabre CHEMGEN family of ClO2 generators utilizes a generation process that produces high-purity ClO2 from liquid precursors. The CHEMGEN 250K is the highest capacity and most versatile of the units, with an effective treatment range of 1000 to 1.5 million ft². The system is self-contained with redundant pumps and power systems, fluid loop process monitoring, and process monitoring stations. The Sabre CHEMGEN 250k is capable of producing 250,000 lbs of ClO2 gas in solution per day.

High Purity, High Capacity Chlorine Dioxide Generators

The Sabre CHEMGEN family of ClO2 generators employ a generation process that produces high purity ClO2 through the controlled reaction of sodium hypochlorite (i.e., bleach) (12.5%), hydrochloric acid (15%), and sodium chlorite (25%). The three precursors are reacted in a "column" under a strong vacuum created by water flowing through an eductor. The ClO2 formed within the column is subsequently educted into the flowing water stream, where it becomes a dissolved gas in the water at a safe working concentration level of approximately 0.3% (i.e., 3,000 ppm).

At this low concentration level, ClO2 is an extremely effective biocide yet safe to handle and apply as either a liquid treatment agent or gas. For example, a 3,000 ppm solution of ClO2 is a non-flammable liquid with a vapor pressure and boiling point essentially the same as water (i.e., 20 mm Hg at 68^oF (20^oC) and 212^oF (100^oC)). In addition, a 3,000 ppm solution of ClO2 is minimally irritating to the eyes and non-irritating to the skin, so long as the pH of the solution is maintained in the neutral range.

Not all ClO2 is created equally. A number of different methods can be used to generate ClO2. Because of their pH dependency, however, many of these alternative methods produce ClO2 solutions that are heavily contaminated with chlorine and other undesirable chlorine species. These impurities are undesirable because they can cause the formation of trihalomethanes and other potentially carcinogenic compounds during their use. The low pH exhibited by these impure ClO2 solutions also makes them unacceptably corrosive for many industrial applications.

Sabre's CHEMGEN ClO2 generators have solved this impurity problem by employing a unique process that produces high purity ClO2 in a pH neutral solution through the controlled reaction of sodium hypochlorite (i.e., bleach), hydrochloric acid, and sodium chlorite according to the following reaction:

2NaClO2 + Cl2 -> 2ClO2 + 2NaCl

The entire family of Sabre CHEMGEN Platform technologies employs the same underlying process to create ClO2.