Disinfection is central to many applications and is designed to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms. This process is particularly important in the treatment of potable water due to the health-related risks of consuming unsafe drinking water.
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ABB’s article provides a useful background on the use of chlorine in water disinfection, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to disinfection, looking at common chlorination methods, and outlining the measurement techniques used for monitoring residual chlorine in water.
The paper also discusses the many challenges faced when measuring chlorine concentrations and how ABB’s product offering can help address these challenges.
History of Disinfection
John Snow established the link between cholera and contaminated water supplies in London in the mid-19th century. Since then, the treatment and disinfection of water have underpinned the provision of safe drinking water and the quality control of water discharged into the environment.
Chlorination was first used as a continuous process for water treatment in 1902 in the small town of Middelkerke, Belgium.
It became increasingly popular for the disinfection of potable water throughout the early 20th century, with other notable advantages including improvements in other water treatment processes, the maintenance of cleanliness, and the elimination of taste and odor from drinking water.
For this reason, chlorination is now practiced worldwide on water supplies to ensure safety in potable water consumption.
Chlorination is also a key wastewater treatment method, and it includes managing odor, preventing septicity, and controlling activated sludge bulking and foaming.
Chlorination remains the world’s most popular method of disinfection due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Due to the protection afforded to the water supply after treatment, it is expected to see continued use in potable and wastewater treatment. A chlorination step is likely to be necessary, even when other methods are used.
Measuring Chlorine
Monitoring chlorine levels in water is a key means of ensuring the safety of potable water supplies.
Many challenges must be addressed, and considerations must be made when selecting a chlorine measurement method. For example, both amperometric and colorimetric methods are used across the industry, with each featuring its own specific advantages and disadvantages.
Each application is different, but the details presented throughout ABB’s new whitepaper provide a comprehensive understanding of these issues, allowing users to select the best method for their specific application.
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Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by ABB Measurement & Analytics.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by ABB.
For more information on this source, please visit ABB.