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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a highly effective disinfectant used across industries for its efficacy in controlling microbial contamination and maintaining water quality. HOCl, a key component in Watter Disinfection Solution (WDS), plays a critical role in process water treatment by providing a safe, environmentally friendly, and highly effective means of ensuring water purity. 

What is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)?

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that is produced by electrolysis, a process that includes only water, salt, and electricity. HOCl is a potent oxidising agent that is widely used for disinfection due to its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts [1]. Watter Disinfection Solution contains HOCl as its active ingredient, which is responsible for microbial control and water treatment.

Technical Specifications of WDS 

Chemical Composition and effectiveness: 

Watter Disinfection Solution contains hypochlorous acid as its active component. It is a transparent liquid with a pH value between 6 and 7 [2], which aligns with the effective pH range of HOCl [3]. The WDS is not classified as hazardous under CLP regulations [4].

 

Stability and Safety: 

Watter Disinfection Solution is formulated to be stable under normal storage conditions, such as ambient temperatures and protection from UV light and extreme heat [5]. The product is classified as non-flammable and poses no significant chemical reactivity hazards, making it a safe option for regular use in industrial applications [2].

 

Environmental and Health Safety: 

Watter Disinfection Solution is produced to be environmentally friendly. It does not pose significant risks of persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic substances. It also has no classified toxicological risks, meaning it is non-irritating to skin and eyes under normal use. This makes it a preferred choice in industries where both safety and environmental impact are concerns.

Applications of HOCl in Process Water Treatment

Watter Disinfection Solution, with HOCl as its active substance, is highly effective for microbial control and disinfection across industries such as food and beverage manufacturing, chemical manufacturing. WDS is used in process water treatment for microbial control as it is effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts. Some of these pathogens can accumulate and cause biofilm build up on equipment surfaces and water systems leading to operational inefficiencies for example in cooling towers or water pipes. WDS disrupts and removes biofilm effectively and with regular use prevents its recurrence. This makes it valuable as well in pretreatment processes where high water purity is essential for downstream operations.

Conclusion

Watter Disinfection Solution therefore offers an effective and environmentally friendly solution for process water treatment. Its stability, safety, and versatility make it ideal for various applications, helping industries improve water quality while minimising environmental impact.

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References:

  1. Iram, A., Wang, X. & Demirci, A. Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water and Its Applications as Sanitation and Cleaning Agent. Food Eng Rev 13, 411–427 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12393-021-09278-9
  2. SDS. SDS Watter Disinfectant IE En 2024 
  3. Freese, S. D., & Nozaic, D. (n.d.). CHLORINE BASED DISINFECTANTS: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228512566_CHLORINE_BASED_DISINFECTANTS_HOW_DO_THEY_COMPARE
  4. Substance Information - ECHA. (n.d.). https://echa.europa.eu/nl/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.029.302
  5. Ishihara, M., Murakami, K., Fukuda, K., Nakamura, S., Kuwabara, M., Hattori, H., Fujita, M., Kiyosawa, T., & Yokoe, H. (2017, February 13). Stability of weakly acidic hypochlorous acid solution with microbicidal activity. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bio/22/4/22_223/_pdf/-char/en

Tim van den Toorn

About the author

Tim van den Toorn

Tim is a senior microbiologist at Watter, specialising in the application of the disinfection system for process water and surface disinfection across various industries. He works closely with businesses to implement the Watter system and develop new client-specific applications, ensuring optimal process water quality, germ-free surfaces and enhanced sustainability. Tim’s expertise and guidance contribute significantly to advancing industry standards and fostering safe disinfection practices, aligning perfectly with Watter’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions.