Methods and compositions for reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems

Abstract

Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.

1 . A method for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems, the method comprising: 
 (a) determining the concentration of supplemental oxidants needed to improve water quality; and    (b) producing the needed concentration in drinking water distribution systems by adding the supplemental oxidants at a point after disinfectants are added to the system.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the supplemental oxidants comprise activated sodium hypochlorite.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  where a source of activated sodium hypochlorite is RE-Ox®.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the RE-Ox® is prepared by the method of  claim 7 .  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the supplemental oxidants (product) are added as 1 gallons product/10,000 (50 ppb) to 50,000 (250 ppb) gallons of water.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the water is chloraminated water.  
     
     
         7 . A method for producing activated sodium hypochlorite, the method comprising a cycle of 
 (a) diluting brine;    (b) activating the diluted brine;    (c) reducing flow rate of the activated brine to reduce pH; and    (d) monitoring the chlorine count to above 600 ppm; and wherein cleaning is performed frequently between cycles.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising 
 (e) packaging the activated sodium chloride in suitable thermal containers; and    (f) transporting the containers to a site for use in water treatment.    
     
     
         9 . An apparatus to produce activated sodium hypochlorite, the system comprising: 
 (a) a brine creation stage;    (b) a brine supply stage;    (c) a waste removal stage;    (d) an acid supply stage; and    (e) an output stage.