Process for manufacturing and using a more stable formulation of sodium chlorite

Abstract

Method for producing stable sodium chlorite by pelletization of granular sodium chlorite with metal salt or salts forming hydrates with water of hydration in the pellets being more than 5% of the anhydrous weight of the sodium chlorite. Pelletized sodium chlorite can be used to produce chlorine dioxide gas by passing a dilute mixture of chlorine gas and an inert gas through a bed of the pellets.

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         7 . A method of producing chlorine dioxide gas by passing a dilute mixture of chlorine gas with an inert gas being one of air or nitrogen through a bed of sodium chlorite pellets containing water of hydration greater than about 5% of the anhydrous weight of sodium chlorite.  
     
     
         8 . A process according to  claim 7  including the step of using a chlorine gas concentration less than 10% chlorine.  
     
     
         9 . A process according to  claim 7  including the step of maintaining the chlorine dioxide partial pressure in the product at less than 150 mm Hg.  
     
     
         10 . A process according to  claim 7  including the step of sizing the solid sodium chlorite pellets to pass through a 3 mesh screen, and be retained in a 30 mesh screen.  
     
     
         11 . A process according to  claim 7  including the step of maintaining a relative humidity less than 50% in the dilute chorine gas.