Anti-Terrorism Technology Produces Chlorine, Sodium Hypochlorite
Electrolytic Technologies Corporation (ETC) of North Miami Beach, Fla., recently exhibited its Klorigen™ technology at the American Water Works Association annual meeting, emphasizing that the modular chemical process system that generates chlorine and sodium hypochlorite has been designated a Qualified Anti-terrorism Technology by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) and complementary regulations have been encouraging companies to develop such technologies since 2002.
Klorigen technology makes disinfectants onsite.
Klorigen provides continuous, on-site production of common disinfectants at water treatment plant and chemical facilities. The technology comes with a system operating and maintenance manual, site assessments (with computer-aided-design layout of the installation site), supervision of installation, field and acceptance testing (including standard system start-up and diagnostics procedures), training, and customizable service and warranty plans. This DHS designation will expire Feb. 28, 2015.
The Office of SAFETY Act Implementation reviewed and evaluated the technology and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of DHS determined that the electrochemical on-site chlorine and sodium hypochlorite generating technology meets the criteria in Section 441(b) of the SAFETY Act and the corresponding criteria in Section 25.4(b) of the regulations.
The technology eliminates the risks associated with the transportation, handling and storage of pressurized chlorine gas. Following the events in Iraq, where chlorine was used by terrorists to kill and injure numerous residents, ETC recognized the potential of this toxic chemical as a weapon of mass destruction and applied to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for designation as an Anti-Terrorism Technology. After more than three years of analysis and review, ETC received its certificate on Feb. 16.
“As the exclusive supplier of this inherently safe technology, we see this as an important and significant certification that will provide confidence to our customers and make a contribution to making our communities safer by removing the danger of a major toxic gas release and reducing their risk of exposure,” said Derek Lubie, ETC president.
Klorigen™ on-site chlor-alkali generating systems produce elemental chlorine gas and very pure sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) through the conversion of water and salt with a patented process specifically designed for point-of use applications by minimally trained operators. A unique feature of the technology allows the conversion of the chlorine and sodium hydroxide generated by this equipment to also produce sodium hypochlorite at concentrations up to 15 percent. The system's produced chemicals have been certified as NSF/ANSI 60 for drinking water applications.