Continuous chlorine dioxide generation

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for continuously and efficiently producing low concentrations of aqueous chlorine dioxide from a dilute continuous feed stream of aqueous chlorite.

1 . A continuous aqueous chlorine dioxide product stream produced by the process comprising the steps of:
 a. obtaining an aqueous alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite solution having up to about 35 wt % of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite,   b. with water, diluting the aqueous alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite to form a continuous feed stream having a chlorite concentration of between about 0.001 wt % and about 0.25 wt %,   c. irradiating the continuous feed stream in a reacting vessel with ultraviolet light radiation, and   d. producing a continuous aqueous product stream containing between about 0.0005 wt % and about 0.05 wt % chlorine dioxide.   
     
     
         2 . The product of  claim 1 , wherein the diluting step is accomplished with the use of an eductor motivated by the water. 
     
     
         3 . The product of  claim 1 , wherein the diluting step is accomplished by use of a pump. 
     
     
         4 . The product of  claim 1 , wherein the flow rate of the feed stream is controlled by use of a valve. 
     
     
         5 . The product of  claim 1 , wherein the feed stream is distributed uniformly through a distributor plate. 
     
     
         6 . The product of  claim 5 , wherein the uniformly distributed feed stream is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. 
     
     
         7 . The product of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous chlorine dioxide is produced on a continuous basis at a rate of up to 5 pounds per day.