DIVISION 10: PIPELINE DISINFECTION AND FLUSHING
10.1 General
Work Included in this Section:
The work of this section includes requirements for disinfection of new and repaired water
mains, fittings, appurtenances and connections by chlorination.
10.2 Product Certificates
Chlorine products should be certified as suitable for contact with or treatment of potable
drinking water by an accredited certification organization in accordance with ANSI/NSF
Standard 60. The Contractor should obtain the Engineer approval before any order for
material.
10.3 Inspection
All containers, cylinders shall be carefully examined by the supplier including proper holding
of filled containers/ cylinders to check for leaks before filling. Any containers and cylinders,
valves, valve threads, shall be in good mechanical order and shall operate normally with
wrench that is not longer than 20cm. Routine inspection and cleaning of the chlorine cylinders
and containers shall be performed by the supplier to prevent the buildup of contaminants when
chlorine is removed as a gas.
The Contractor shall submit manufacturer certificate to ensure material suitability and validity
for the specified use.
10.4 Disinfection
The Contractor with a certified qualified staff or persons should carry out disinfection at his
own expense.
10.4.2.1 Liquid Chlorine Cl2 (Gas)
General:
Liquid chlorine shall contain 100 % available chlorine packaged in steel cylinders in net
weights of usually 68kg (150lb) or according to manufacturer compatible products. Liquid
chlorine shall be used with appropriate gas-flow chlorinators, heaters, and injectors to provide
a controlled high concentration solution feed to the water. The chlorinators and injectors shall
be vacuum operated type. The liquid chlorine supplied shall be 99.5% pure by volume.
10-1
10.4.2.2 Physical Characteristics
In it’s liquid state, chlorine is amber colored and about 1.5 times as dense as water. It exerts a
vapor pressure that varies with its temperature. At atmospheric pressure, liquid chlorine boils
at –35C0 and freezes at approximately –100C0. At normal room temperature, liquid chlorine
exerts a vapor pressure of about 600 KPa (gauge), but at 37.8C 0, the chlorine vapor pressure
increases to about 1 MPa (gauge). When the pressure is released, liquid chlorine vaporized
into a greenish-yellow gas about 2.5 times as dense as air. One volume of liquid chlorine
when vaporized will yield about 460 volumes of gas. At 15.6 C 0 under atmospheric pressure,
about 8kg of chlorine is soluble in 1000kg of water. The chlorine shall be free of moisture.
10.4.2.3 Reactivity
Neither gaseous nor liquid is explosive or flammable, but both react chemically with many
substances. Although dry chlorine does not react with corrode many metals, it is very reactive
(strongly corrosive) when moisture is present. It will react spontaneously with iron or steel at
251 C0, and similar reaction has been reported with copper at elevated temperature .Dry
chlorine will react spontaneously with titanium metal.
10.4.2.4 Impurities
The liquid chlorine should contain no soluble mineral or organic substances in quantities
capable of producing deleterious or injurious effects on the health of consumers:
Mercury shall not exceed 1ppm (0.0001 %).
Arsenic shall not exceed 3 ppm (0.0003 %).
Moisture shall not exceed 150 ppm by weight.
Heavy metals: The sum of heavy metals shall not exceed 30 ppm.
Lead shall not exceed 10 ppm.
Nonvolatile residue: The total residue shall not exceed 50 ppm by weight as loaded by
the manufacturer in tank cars and chlorine tank trucks, or 150 ppm by weight in liquid
chlorine as packaged in cylinders or ton containers.
Carbon tetrachloride: It shall not exceed 100 ppm. Testing for carbon tetrachloride is
not required until unless a carbon tetrachloride tail-gas scrubbing system is used in
chlorine production unit. Consult manufacturer, packager or supplier.
Trihalomethanes: It shall not exceed 300 ppm.
If the Engineer request testing, the samples shall be taken prior to shipment according to
ASTM E410, ASTM E412, ASTM E806.
10.4.3.1 Sodium Hypo Chlorite NaOCl (Liquid)
Sodium Hypo Chlorite is a powerful oxidizing agent (Ph=12, specific gravity = 1.10-1.12 at
200 C, soluble in cold water, decomposes in hot water) contained in glass, PVC, reinforced
fiberglass, polyethylene or any other anti-corrosion containers. This liquid solution contains
approximately 10%-15% chlorine. Other common names are bleach, liquor, chlorine water,
Javelle water. When available as liquid can lose one and half of its strength in 100 days, or 2%
10-2
to 4% available chlorine per month at room temperature. Therefore a limit of one week of
storage is advisable.
Sodium hypo-chlorite is miscible in any proportion with water. It should be stored in a dark
area where the temperature does not exceed 30 C0 . A 10%- 15% solution is still liquid at 17.8
C0 but is a slush at -28.9 C0.
Sodium Hypo Chlorite to be used for pipeline disinfection shall be tested for
consistently of strength.
Sodium hypo chlorite solution a clear light-yellow liquid containing up to 160 g/L available
chlorine (16 trade percent). Passing chlorine into a caustic soda solution or into a caustic soda-
soda ash mix is one method of manufacturing.
Sodium Hypochlorite solution shall be a clear liquid containing not more than 0.15%
insoluble matter by weight.
10.4.3.2 Calcium Hypo Chlorite Ca(OCl)2
Calcium Hypo chlorite is a white or yellowish-white granular powder, granule, or tablet of
sizes not larger than 6.35mm (1/4”) that contains 65% to 70% chlorine by weight, dissolves
easily in water.
The bulk density of the granular powder is about 0.51 g/cc to 0.80 g/cc and the bulk density of
the granules is approximately 1.1 g/cc to 1.3 g/cc. It is manufactured by adding chlorine to a
milk of lime slurry, which may be prepared by mixing hydrated lime with water or by slaking
quicklime with water.
Calcium Hypo Chlorite granular powder or granules shall be substantially free of lumps, not
more than 10% of the powder shall pass a 100-mesh screen. It shall not contain any dirt or
other foreign material, and shall be of uniformed shape. The weight of the tablets shall not
vary by more than 5% from the average value stated on the label. Not than more 2% of the
tablets shall be broken.
Calcium Hypo Chlorite may be dissolved in a mixing/ holding containers and injected in the
same manner as Sodium Hypo Chlorite. Alternatively, where the pressure can be lowered to
atmospheric such as at storage tanks, tablets of Calcium Hypo Chlorite can be directly
dissolved in the free flowing water.
10.4.3.3 Hypo Chlorites Available Chlorine
Available chlorine is a term used to express the oxidizing power of the chlorine and can be
expressed in one of the following three ways:
Volume of trade percent = grams available chlorine per liter/ 10.
Percent available chlorine by weight = trade percent/ specific gravity of solution.
Percent available of chlorine by weight = grams per liter/ 10* specific gravity of
solution.
10-3
10.4.3.4 Hypo Chlorites I purities
The Hypo Chlorites supplied according to these specifications shall contain no soluble
material or organic substances in quantities capable of producing deleterious or injurious
effects on the health of consumers.
10.4.3.5 Hypo Chlorites Sampling
Samples shall be taken at the point of destination. Not less than 5% of the packages or
containers shall be sampled. No sample shall be taken from a broken container. The powdered
and granule forms of hypo chlorite shall be sampled by means of a sampling tube that at least
20mm in diameter. Tablets shall be selected at random from each container sampled.
10.4.4.1 General
All water mains, fittings, appurtenances, and connections if any shall be disinfected in
accordance with ANSI/AWWA C651 except as modified herein.
All new, repaired water mains and temporary high lines shall be disinfected, flushed, sampled
and pass bacteriological testing before they are connected to the existing system.
All water mains and appurtenances taken out of service for inspection, repairs or other
activities that might lead to contamination shall be disinfected, flushed, sampled and pass
bacteriological testing before they are returned to service.
The Contractor shall be responsible for documenting all disinfection practices performed in
making pipeline connections, repairs or for other reasons that the Engineer may require.
Water mains and appurtenances shall be maintained clean and dry during the installation
process to ensure effective disinfections process.
Pipe, valve and fitting materials which, in the opinion of the Engineer, becomes overly
contaminated shall be cleaned by mechanical means and then swabbed with a 1-5 % Hypo
Chlorite disinfecting solution prior to installation or replaced if directed by the Engineer.
Water mains under construction flooded by storm water, run off, sewage or ground water,
shall be cleaned of the floodwater by draining and flushing with potable water. The section
exposed to the floodwater shall be filled with chlorinated potable water that, at the end of a
24-hour holding period, will have a minimum free chlorine residual of 25mg/l. After
construction is completed, the entire main shall be disinfected using the liquid chlorine (gas)
method.
Disinfection of pipelines shall not proceed until authorized by PWA.
Disinfection of pipelines shall not proceed until all appurtenances have been installed.
Disinfection shall result in an initial minimum total chlorine concentration of 50mg/l. This
concentration shall be evenly distributed throughout the system to be disinfected from a
certain injection point. The chlorinated water shall be retained in the system for a minimum of
10-4
24 hours. The system shall contain a free chlorine residual of not less than 25mg/l at the end
of the 24-hour retention period.
Before the disinfection process, all valves shall be operated. Appurtenances shall be flushed
with the treated water a sufficient length of time to insure a chlorine concentration of 50mg/l
in each appurtenance.
10.4.4.2 Methods
Liquid Chlorine:
Liquid Chlorine (gas) shall be used to disinfect all potable water pipelines and temporary high
lines, regardless of size or material composition unless the Engineer approves the use of
hypochlorite solution upon Contractor request.
Only vacuum type equipment shall be used. Direct-feed chlorinators which operate solely
from gas pressure in the chlorine cylinder shall not be permitted.
The chlorinating agent shall be applied at the beginning of the system a certified qualified
staff to be chlorinated and shall be injected through a corporation stop, a hydrant or other
approved connection to ensure treatment of the entire system being disinfected.
All regulations, local laws, ordinances, orders, etc., shall be strictly adhered to.
Sodium/Calcium Hypo Chlorite Solutions:
Sodium/Calcium Hypo Chlorite solutions shall be used for cleaning and swabbing materials
immediately prior to installation.
Sodium/Calcium Hypo Chlorite solutions shall be used, only as directed by the Engineer.
Disinfection shall result in an initial minimum total chlorine concentration of 50mg/l. This
concentration shall be evenly distributed throughout the system to be disinfected from a
certain injection point. The chlorinated water shall be retained in the system for a minimum of
24 hours. The system shall contain a free chlorine residual of not less than 25mg/l at the end
of the 24-hour retention period.
Sodium/Calcium Hypo Chlorite shall be added to the system in the amount and in the places
as directed by the Engineer.
The pump equipment to be used for the injection of Sodium/Calcium Hypo Chlorite solutions
shall be approved by the Engineer according to the Specifications
Concurrent Testing:
Disinfection the mains and appurtenances, hydrostatic testing, and the retention time may run
concurrently for the required 24-hour period. In the event repairs are necessary, additional
disinfection may be required by the Engineer. This disinfection shall be made by either the
liquid chlorine (gas) method, or the sodium/calcium hypochlorite method, as directly by the
Engineer.
10-5
10.5 Flushing
Flushing of pipeline systems shall be according to the requirements of ANSI/AWWA C651.
In order to obtain sufficient scouring and cleaning of the pipeline system, proper water
velocity during the flushing operation is necessary. The minimum water velocity during
flushing shall be 0.75m/s, but 1.0m/s is recommended.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the installation of appropriate temporary piping and
connections necessary to attain the prescribed flushing velocity.
After the 24-hour retention period, and upon approval from the Engineer, the chlorinated
water shall be flushed from the system, at its extremities and at each appurtenance. Flushing
shall continue until the replacement water in the new and repaired systems is equal chemically
and bacteriologically to the permanent source of water supply (obtain free chlorine residual =
0.2-0.8mg/l at consumer taps). This shall be accomplished by completely draining the pipeline
and refilling it with potable water, or by a combination of additional holding time and
blending with potable water.
The environment to which the chlorinated water is to be distributed shall be inspected. If there
is any likelihood that the discharged water would cause damage, a reducing agent shall be
added to the chlorinated water. Local environmental regulations may require special
provisions or permits for the discharge of highly chlorinated water. The Contractor shall
contact the proper authorities and get a written permission prior to the disposal of highly
chlorinated water. The Contractor shall drain the pipeline at a rate, which does not overload
the downstream drainage system. The drainage rate shall be controlled to prevent erosion of
natural ditches downstream from the point of discharge. Chlorinated water shall not be
discharged to any watercourse or drainage way until it has been reduced or diluted to a level,
which will result in no damage to aquatic life and only after obtaining the Engineer’s approval
the written permission.
When required by the local authority, the Contractor shall be responsible for recovering
flushed water containing free chlorine residual according to local authorities regulations.
Under no circumstances shall the client be responsible for loss or damage resulting from such
disposal.
10.6 Bacteriological Testing
PWA shall approve bacteriological sampling and testing of all new and repaired systems
which should be performed directly after disinfection and flushing processes.
Testing requirements are as set forth in PWA Quality and Monitoring Regulations.
Analyze the samples for the presence of coliform bacteria and heterotrophic type bacteria
(heterotrophic plate count). The evaluation criteria employed by the PWA for a passing test
sample is currently as follows:
Total and fecal coliform bacteria: no positive sample, and
10-6
Heterotrophic plate count (HPC): less than 1000 colony forming units/ml.
Failure to pass said examination shall require the Contractor to take remedial steps as
deemed necessary by the PWA, and as detailed herein.
10.7 Redisinfection
If the initial disinfection fails to produce satisfactory bacteriological results, the pipeline
system shall be reflushed and shall be resampled.
If the second set of samples does not produce satisfactory results, the pipeline system shall be
re-chlorinated by the liquid chlorine (or gas) methods, flushed, and resampled. This
chlorination, flushing, and sampling, procedure shall continue until satisfactory results are
obtained.
Re-disinfection and re-testing shall be at the Contractor’s own expense.
10.8 Measurements and Payments
Pipelines disinfection, flushing and bacteriological testing shall not be measured for direct
payments. But shall be considered as subsidiary works, the cost of which will be deemed to
have been included in the contract prices for concrete. Unless otherwise indicated in the Bill
of Quantities.
10-7
