Sodium hypochlorite is widely used as an effective disinfectant in municipal water treatment, industrial water systems, and various disinfection applications. With increasing safety and environmental requirements, on-site sodium hypochlorite generators are becoming a preferred alternative to traditional chlorine gas systems.
This article explains how a sodium hypochlorite generator works, its core components, and why on-site generation is considered a safer and more efficient solution for water disinfection.
What Is a Sodium Hypochlorite Generator?
A sodium hypochlorite generator is an on-site chlorine generation system that produces sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution through the electrolysis of brine solution (salt and water). Instead of transporting and storing hazardous chemicals, the system generates disinfectant directly at the point of use.
This technology is widely applied in:
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Municipal water treatment plants
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Industrial water disinfection systems
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Power plants and cooling water systems
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Seawater and marine applications
How Does a Sodium Hypochlorite Generator Work?
The working principle of a sodium hypochlorite generator is based on electrolysis.
Step 1: Brine Preparation
Common salt (NaCl) is dissolved in softened water to create a brine solution. The brine concentration is carefully controlled to ensure stable electrolysis performance.
Step 2: Electrolysis Process
The brine solution flows through an electrolytic cell equipped with titanium electrodes coated with MMO (mixed metal oxide). When direct current is applied:
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Chloride ions are oxidized at the anode to form chlorine
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Water is reduced at the cathode to form hydrogen and hydroxide ions
These reactions combine to form sodium hypochlorite solution.
Step 3: Product Collection and Dosing
The generated sodium hypochlorite solution is collected in a storage tank and automatically dosed into the water system according to disinfection demand.
Key Components of a Sodium Hypochlorite Generator
A typical on-site sodium hypochlorite generation system includes:
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Brine preparation and dosing unit
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Electrolysis cell with MMO-coated electrodes
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Power supply and rectifier
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Cooling and ventilation system
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Storage tank and dosing pumps
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PLC-based automatic control system
Each component is designed to ensure stable output, safe operation, and long service life.
Advantages of On-Site Sodium Hypochlorite Generation
Compared with traditional chlorine gas or commercial bleach, sodium hypochlorite generators offer several important advantages:
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Improved safety by eliminating chlorine gas storage and handling
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Lower operating cost through on-site production
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Stable disinfectant quality with controlled concentration
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Reduced transportation and storage requirements
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Environmentally friendly operation
These benefits make on-site sodium hypochlorite generation especially suitable for continuous industrial and municipal applications.
Applications of Sodium Hypochlorite Generators
On-site sodium hypochlorite generators are widely used in:
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Municipal drinking water disinfection
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Industrial wastewater treatment
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Cooling water and process water systems
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Power plants and petrochemical facilities
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Seawater electrochlorination and marine systems
For projects requiring higher available chlorine concentration, high concentration sodium hypochlorite generators can be configured to meet demanding disinfection requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concentration can a sodium hypochlorite generator achieve?
The achievable concentration depends on system design and operating conditions. Standard systems typically produce low to medium concentration solutions, while specialized systems can generate higher concentrations for industrial use.
Is on-site sodium hypochlorite generation safer than chlorine gas?
Yes. On-site generation significantly reduces safety risks by avoiding the storage and transportation of toxic chlorine gas.
What maintenance is required?
Routine maintenance includes brine system inspection, electrode performance monitoring, and periodic cleaning. MMO-coated electrodes offer long service life under proper operating conditions.
Conclusion
A sodium hypochlorite generator provides a safe, efficient, and reliable method for on-site chlorine generation. By using electrolysis technology, the system enables continuous production of disinfectant without the hazards associated with chlorine gas handling.
For water treatment facilities and industrial users seeking safer and more sustainable disinfection solutions, sodium hypochlorite generation systems offer clear technical and operational advantages.
Call to Action
If you are considering an on-site chlorine generation solution for your project, contact Qingyau for technical consultation and customized sodium hypochlorite generation systems tailored to your application requirements.