We have already talked on other occasions about the importance of access to drinking water sources worldwide. Not only is it essential for the life and health of people, but it also has a strong impact on the social and economic development of communities.
Traditionally, various chemical and physical methods have been used to remove contaminants and microorganisms from water. However, in recent years, electrolysis is positioning itself as the most efficient, economical and even sustainable alternative in certain aspects to obtain by-products used in the disinfection and potabilization of water for human consumption.
How is electrolysis applied to water purification? Brine electrolysis is an electrochemical process, i.e., through the electrochemical decomposition of a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) and water, chlorine (Cl2), hydrogen (H2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are obtained. Subsequently, the chlorine is absorbed with the caustic soda, reacting, and one of the products resulting from this process is sodium hypochlorite, which is used to make water potable for human consumption, among other uses, thanks to its fungicidal and bactericidal power.
Advantages of electrolysis applied to water purification
The main advantage of this system is that it can be generated locally. One of the main disadvantages of chemicals is their transport and handling. Although sodium hypochlorite is also considered a harmful chemical, the advantage is that thanks to modular electrolysis plants it can be generated locally, which allows supply to rural areas or towns that are difficult to access for transportation, and reduces travel and the associated carbon footprint.
These electrolysis plants can adapt their capacity according to current and expected production needs, from 2-4 tons of chlorine per day to 10-20 tons per day, depending on whether we are talking about chlorine production for drinking water for small rural communities, for example, or if more is required for urban and/or industrial areas.
Another advantage of chlorine production by electrolysis is that the process can be powered by electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind, which makes it an energy-efficient and sustainable process, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Electrolysis ensures a close, flexible and efficient supply of sodium hypochlorite. It is therefore not surprising that more and more countries are opting for local production of sodium hypochlorite by installing electrolysis plants in areas where there is a high need for drinking water sources for human consumption.
