2903 W. Whitton Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017
P.O. Box 27296, Phoenix, AZ 85061-7296
602 650-1557 / 800 443-6936
Chlorination Cost Comparison
The four methods of chlorination: gas, liquid, on-site generation, and granulated or tablet, have characteristics which should be considered when choosing a disinfection method. Suitability should be consistent with all the needs of the system. Although disinfection is the primary consideration; safety, handling, storage, rate of usage, availability of product and costs, are all factors which must be considered. Since no two systems are exactly alike, an objective analysis is necessary to insure the best possible method for any given facility.
- Safety, handling, storage, availability
- Chemical costs
- Equipment costs
By addressing some of the characteristics of the four methods, it will be easier to assess the one that most suits your specific needs.
| CHLORINE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
CATEGORY |
GAS |
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE |
CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE |
MIOX ON-SITE GENERATION |
Chlorine Content |
100% |
12.5% |
60-70% |
<1% |
Container |
150# Cylinder., Ton cont. |
Tanks of various capacitys, drums |
Std. capacity drums (steel, fiber, plastic) |
Owner's day tank |
Aging |
None (100%) |
Degrades with time and conditions |
Degrades with time and conditions |
None - generated as needed |
Relative Cost |
Unit cost (base) |
3 - 5 time cost of gas |
3 - 7 times cost of gas |
Equivalent to gas |
Reactivity |
Oxidizer |
Reactive with chemicals, heat, organics, releases Cl2 |
Reactive with chemicals, moisture, impact, heat, releases Cl2 |
Minimial - considered non-hazardous by EPA |
Effect on pH |
Lowers |
Raises |
Raises |
None |
Container Disposal |
No |
Yes (consider local codes & restrictions) |
Yes (consider local codes & restrictions) |
Empty salt bags to trash |
Added Chemicals |
No |
Yes (sodium) |
Yes (calcium) |
No |
Increases Volumes |
No |
Yes |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Safety |
Partial Cylinder - No change |
Partial container - Cl2 release |
Partial container - Cl2 release |
Safest of all methods |
The preceeding chart was developed as a guideline to help you determine the most efficient, cost effective means of chlorination for your particular treatment system.
AVAILABLE CHLORINE
- Chlorine gas contains100% available chlorine.
- Calcium hypochlorite (dry granular) contains 60-70% available chlorine.
- Sodium hypochlorite (liquid) contains 12.5% available chlorine (average)
- On site generation (MIOX) solution contains <1% hypochlorus acid.
Based on the chlorine content, it is necessary to feed different amounts of each to achieve the same disinfection level.