Chlorine (Cl₂) is one of the most extensively used disinfectants for water treatment. It deactivates most microorganisms. Chlorine for water treatment is extremely popular because this chemical is relatively cheap compared to other disinfectants. It is found inside different compounds in various locations across the world.

It’s highly reactive and is typically found dissolved in salty lakes and seas. The most common source of this element is the compound sodium chloride (Na-Cl). The most common use of this element is water treatment. Liquid chlorine is the most widely used pool disinfectant in the world.

Chemical Properties of Chlorine 

• Chemical Formula – Cl₂ (or Cl)
• Boiling Point: -34.04°C (-29.272°F)
• Melting Point: -101.5°C (-150.7°F)
• Category: Halogen element
• Atomic Number: 17
• Atomic Weight: 35.45 g
• Appearance: Greenish yellow
• Density: 2030 kg/m3
• Density: 0.003214 g/cm3 (at 20°C)

Chlorine for Water Purification

It’s very common to see chlorine cylinders near swimming pools, sewage and wastewater centers, aquariums, and other forms of water reservoirs. These cylinders contain chlorine gas which also serves as a vital disinfectant in the food processing industry, pulp, and paper manufacturing companies, and industrial water cooling systems.

The process of using liquid or gas chlorine for water treatment is called chlorination. Unlike other water treatment processes like sedimentation, filtration, or coagulation – chlorination is fast, cost-effective, and creates water that is instantly safe for human consumption. This water treatment method has been used for over 100 years.

Chlorine manufacturers have clients in various industries as the chlorination process is the easiest water treatment method in terms of implementation. It can instantly eliminate large numbers of pathogens inside water bodies. That’s why chlorine manufacturers are often called to address emergency water situations such as filter breakdowns in manufacturing plants.

How Does Chlorine Purify Water?

There are billions of microorganisms in rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. The ones that are bad for human health are called pathogens. They cause several waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, etc., in those who consume non-treated water.

• Liquid chlorine is by far the most potent combatant for these pathogens. That’s why you’ll find a chlorine cylinder in pretty much any water treatment plant that is creating water that’s safe for human consumption.
• Chlorine for water treatment is extremely popular because this disinfectant is effective against waterborne bacteria and viruses.
• Chlorine damages the cell membranes of microorganisms, making them inactive. After damaging the cell membranes, liquid chlorine enters the cells and disrupts all DNA activities inside.
• Almost all microbes, except for some protozoan cysts, are incapable of resistance to the effects of liquid chlorine.

How Should I Chlorinate My Water System?

Partnering with chlorine manufacturers is very beneficial because this chemical is inexpensive yet the most effective in disinfecting all types of contaminants inside water systems. Chlorination can be your only water treatment process or a part of your broader water treatment plans.

• Pre-chlorination is the process when liquid chlorine is added to water almost instantly after it enters the water treatment facility. The chemical is directly added to raw water to eradicate algae and other forms of microbial life so that they don’t stir any problems in the latter stages of the water treatment process.
• You can also use chlorine for water treatment after it has gone through other treatment processes (sedimentation, filtration, etc.). This is standard procedure in most water treatment plants. By taking this step, you can ensure that adequate amounts of liquid chlorine are present in the water as it travels across the water distribution system.

Anyone who wants to control harmful biological growths in their pools or water distribution systems should partner with reliable chlorine manufacturers!