Module 25: Hypochlorite
Drinking Water Plant Operator
Certification Training
Unit 1 –Background and Properties
Learning Objectives
• Outline the history of hypochlorite use
• List the uses of hypochlorite
• Explain how hypochlorite is produced
• List and explain 6 properties of hypochlorite
2
Basic Information
• History of Use
• Uses
– Disinfection
– Oxidation
– Taste and Odor Control
3
Basic Information Cont’d
• Hypochlorite Production - Manufactured
– Liquid: Sodium Hypo
– Solid (granular): Calcium Hypo
• Hypo Production – On-site
• ANSI Standard for hypochlorite
4
Chemistry of Hypo
Workbook Page 1-4:
• Chlorine forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in
water
• Hypochlorous acid dissociates
odomos to hydrogen
and hypochlorite
HOCl H+ + OCl-
Free Chlorine
5
Chemistry of Hypo
Distribution of HOCl and OCl- in Water
100 0
90 Hypochlorous 10Acid is
80 much better
20 at
70 disinfection
30than
60 hypochlorite. 40
pH should
50 kept below50 8.5 to
40 remain 60
has
30 hypochlorous70 acid
20 80
10 90
0 100
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
pH
6
Chlorine and pH
14
7
Chlorine and Temperature
8
Knowledge Check
• As pH increases, what happens to the
effectiveness of chlorine?
• As temperature increases what happens to
the effectiveness of chlorine?
9
Basic Properties
• Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl)
– Clear, light yellow-green liquid
– 12-15% strength (laundry bleach is 5%)
• On-site generated hypo
– Electrical charge applied to a salt brine
• Calcium Hypochlorite
– 65 to 70% available chlorine
– White granular powder or solid cake
10
Stability
Workbook page 1-8
• Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid) Stability:
– Concentration
– heat
– storage time (30 day limit)
– light
– heavy metals
11
Stability
Workbook page 1-9
• Calcium Hypochlorite (dry)
– Loses 3-5% chlorine a year
– Maximum 30-60 day stock
– Heat
– Organic material
• Vapor Pressure
– Vent
12
Key Points
• Turn to page 1-10 to summarize the unit key
points.
13
Unit 1 Exercise
1. List and explain two uses of hypochlorite.
a.
b.
ANS: Answers may include disinfection,
oxidation, and control of taste and odor.
14
Unit 1 Exercise
2. Matching: Please match the chemical with
the available chlorine by weight by drawing lines
between the matches:
Chemical Available Chlorine by
Weight
Sodium hypochlorite 0.1 %
Household bleach 5.25%
Calcium hypochlorite 12 to 15%
65 to 70%
15
Unit 1 Exercise
3. Which of the following affect the stability
of hypochlorite:
a. Temperature
b. Color
c. Exposure to light
d. How long it is stored
Answer: a, c, and d.
16
Unit 1 Exercise
4. Circle the choice that best fills in the blank:
The higher / lower the concentration of sodium
hypochlorite, the more stable it is.
Chlorine is less effective as the temperature
decreases / increases.
Chlorine is less effective as the pH decreases /
increases.
17
Unit 1 Exercise
5. Dry calcium hypochlorite will lose 3 to 5
percent available chlorine per year.
6. All hypochlorite solutions will release oxygen
gas as the solution decomposes.
Answer = True
18
Unit 2 - Chemical Handling, Storage and Safety
After this unit, you’ll be able to:
• Explain proper handling and storage of hypochlorite
• Use the hypo MSDS sheet (now SDS sheet)
• Identify hypochlorite health and environmental
hazards
• Identify personal protection equipment and first aid
19
Storage and Handling
Workbook Page 2-2
• Quantities
• Types of Storage Containers
• Storage Rooms
• Materials of Construction
20
Safety
Workbook Page 2-4
• MSDS
21
Safety
• Hypochlorite Hazards
– Skin/eyes irritant; rash
• Personnel Safety Protection
• First Aid
22
Key Points
• Turn to page 2-9 to summarize the unit key
points.
23
Unit 2 Exercise
1. Sodium hypochlorite should not be stored
longer than 45 days since its strength
decomposes in storage.
2. Calcium hypochlorite should be stored in
its original containers until it is used.
3. Hypochlorites decompose and release
chlorine gas into the air.
24
Unit 2 Exercise
4. Forced air ventilation should be turned on
whenever workers enter the hypochlorite
storage or work area. a. True
5. MSDS is an abbreviation for Material Safety
Data Sheet.
25
Unit 2 Exercise
6. Typical information in a Safety Data Sheets
includes:
a. The product name and its synonyms.
b. Fire and explosion hazard data.
c. Toxicity data.
d. First aid procedures.
e. All of the above.
26
Unit 2 Exercise
7. Hypochlorite spills should be washed with
large amounts of water to dilute it.
8. Hypochlorite will react spontaneously with
organic material and should be kept separate
from all organic compounds such as: fats, sugar,
oils, turpentine, paper, and other oxidizable
materials. a. True
27
Unit 2 Exercise
9. First aid procedures for skin contact with
hypochlorite include showering with large
quantities of water and calling for medical
assistance.
10. Hypochlorite should be stored so that it
does not get direct exposure to: water, heat,
direct sunlight, and organic matter.
28
Unit 3 – Math Principles and Process
Control Calculations
Learning Objectives
• Describe math terms, principles and rules for
solving equations.
• Review unit cancellation steps.
29
Unit 3 – Math Principles and Process
Control Calculations
Learning Objectives
Perform calculations for the following types of
situations:
Calculating changing % concentrations of a chemical
Dosage/Feed Rate/Flow
Chlorine Demand or Dose
CT
30
Solution:
Unknown Data: ? Hours Known Data: 55 gal and 30 mL
1 1 min
Positions the
numerator Known Known
? Hours = 1 hr x 1 min x 3785 mL x 55 gal = 208175 = 115.6 hrs.
1 60 mins 30 mL gal 1 1800
Conversion Conversion
Note: The pump rate is rearranged to place the time unit in the numerator.
31
Davidson Pie
Feed Rate
lbs
Day
Flow
MGD 8.34
Dosage
mg
L
32
Davidson Pie
Feed Rate
lbs
Day
Flow
MGD 8.34
Dosage
mg
L
33
Davidson Pie
Feed Rate
lbs
Day
Flow
MGD 8.34
Dosage
mg
L
34
Chlorine Demand or Dose
• Cl2 Demand (mg/L) = Cl2 Dose – Cl2 Residual
• Cl2 Dose (mg/L) = Cl2 Demand + Cl2 Residual
35
CT
CT = disinfectant concentration x contact time
= C (mg/L) x T (minutes)
36
Key Points
• Turn to page 3-40 to summarize the unit key
points.
37
Unit 3 Exercise
1. In order to use the Feed Rate formula which is
lbs/day = Flow or Volume x Dosage x 8.34, name the
units of measurement for the flow or volume:
a) MGD or MG
b) gpm or gallons
c) gpd or gallons
d) All of the above units can be used
38
Unit 3 Exercise
2. If you have calculated the feed rate for a solution
as if it’s 100% pure; but, your solution is a 65% calcium
hypochlorite, what value do you use to represent the
percent purity (as a decimal)? In other words, what
value are you dividing by?
a) 65
b) 6.5
c) 0.65
d) 0.0065
39
Unit 3 Exercise
3. You have determined that you need to feed 100
lbs/day of chlorine. You are using 15% sodium
hypochlorite which provides 1.2 lbs/gal available
chlorine. In order to convert the “lbs/day” feed rate
into “gallons/day,” what math step do you use?
a) 100 lbs/day X 1.2 lbs/gal
b) 100 lbs/day X 0.15
c) 100 lbs/day ÷ 1.2 lbs/gal
d) 100 lbs/day ÷ 0.15
40
Unit 3 Exercise
4. When calculating a CT value, what units
are used in the detention time calculation?
a) Volume (MG) ÷ Flow (gpm)
b) Volume (Gal) ÷ Flow (gpm)
c) Volume (MG)÷ Flow (MGD)
d) Volume (Gal) ÷ Flow (MGD)
41
Unit 4 –Chemical Feed: Objectives
After this lesson, you’ll be able to:
• Explain the disinfection regulatory requirements.
• Explain breakpoint chlorination.
• Identify chemical feed equipment and explain
important operation and maintenance
considerations
42
Regulatory Requirements
• All CWSs must provide continuous disinfection
• All CWSs must meet the disinfection
byproducts MCLs
43
Regulatory Requirements
Surface Water:
• Must achieve 99.9 % inactivation (3-log) of
Giardia
• Must achieve 99.99% inactivation (4-log) of
viruses
Groundwater
• Must achieve 99.99% treatment (4-log) of
viruses
44
MCLs and MRDLs
• Disinfection byproducts have MCLs
• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Levels
(MRDLs)
• Workbook Page 4-4: Secondary MCLs
45
Minimizing TTHM Formation
• Reduce organic material before chlorination
• Optimize chlorine usage
• Change chlorine addition point
• Alternative disinfection methods
46
Chlorination
Workbook Page 4-5
• Chlorine Demand
• Chlorine Residual
Chlorine Residual = Combined Chlorine + Free Chlorine
47
Breakpoint Chlorination
Chlorine
Chloroganics Free Available
Destroyed Formation of
and Chloramines Residual Formed
by Chlororganics
Partly (Some Chlororganics
Reducing and Chloramines Destroyed Remain)
BREAKPOINT
Compounds
CHLORINE RESIDUAL
Free Available
Residual
CHLORINE ADDED
48
Chlorine Contact Tank
• Maximize detention time
49
Typical Bulk Sodium Hypochlorite Feed System Schematic
50
Typical Sodium Hypochlorite Drum Feed System
51
Hypochlorite Feed Equipment
Workbook Page 4-11
• Storage/Solution Preparation Tanks
• Scales
• Transfer Pumps
• Day Tank
• Chemical Feeder
• Chemical Feed Piping
52
Typical Calcium Hypo Drum Feed System Schematic
53
On-Site Hypochlorite Generation
Process
54
Pump Calibration Curve
Pump Alum Feed Rate Feed Rate
Time (sec)
Setting (%) Pumped (ml) (ml/min) (gal/min)
0 0.0 30 0.00 0.000
20 65.6 55 71.56 0.019
141.9 59 144.31 0.038
60 249.1 61 245.02 0.065
80 195.2 32 366.00 0.097
100 267.4 35 458.40 0.121
55
Pump Curve
56
Key Points
• Turn to page 4-19 to summarize the unit key
points.
57
Unit 4 Exercise
1. The disinfection process for surface water
supplies must achieve 99.9 percent (3 log)
inactivation of Giardia cysts and 99.99 percent
(4 log) inactivation of enteric viruses.
2. Chlorine residual samples are taken at
representative points within the distribution
system. These samples are taken at the same
time and at the same location as the coliform
samples are taken. True
58
Unit 4 Exercise
3. The maximum residual disinfectant level
(MRDL) is the maximum permissible level of a
disinfectant added for water treatment that may
not be exceeded at the consumer’s tap without
an unacceptable possibility of adverse health
effects.
59
Unit 4 Exercise
4. List one way a water supplier can reduce
THM formation:
• Reduce the organic material before chlorinating the
water.
• Optimize chlorine usage.
• Change the point of chlorine addition in the
treatment series.
• Use alternative disinfection methods.
60
Unit 4 Exercise
5. Explain what breakpoint chlorination is.
Breakpoint chlorination is the addition of
chlorine until all chlorine demand has been
satisfied. At this point, further additions of
chlorine will result in a free chlorine residual
that is directly proportional to the amount of
chlorine added beyond the breakpoint.
61
Unit 4 Exercise
6. The breakpoint chlorination curve can be
used to determine how much chlorine is
required for disinfection.
7. Chlorine dose = chlorine demand (mg/L) +
chlorine residual (mg/L).
62
Unit 4 Exercise
8. A day tank stores daily amounts of
chemical required for delivery by feeders.
9. Calcium hypochlorite solutions are
typically prepared with a 1 to 3% strength.
63
Unit 4 Exercise
10. A pump calibration curve plots feed rate
delivery versus the pump setting.
11. In the event of an abnormal operation, be
sure to inform your Supervisor about the
problem.
64
Module 25 Review Questions
• The following questions review the entire
module 25.
• Be sure to review the entire student workbook
and do the extra practice math questions in
preparation for the certification exam.
65
1. The effectiveness of chlorine______
as the pH increases.
A. Decreases
B. Increases
66
2. Calcium Hypochlorite available
chlorine content:
A. Is 5-6%
B. Is 12-25%
C. Is 35-45%
D. Is 65-70%
3. Chlorine existing in water as
hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions:
A. Free Available Chlorine
B. Advance Chlorine Residual
C. Total Chlorine
D. Chlorine Demand
68
4. In 24 hours, 4.2 gallons of 12% hypochlorite
solution is fed. How much (in gallons) would you
have to use if the concentration was 7%?
A. 2.4 gallons
B. 5 gallons
C. 7.2 gallons
D. 10.1 gallons
69
5. Uses of hypochlorite’s include:
A. Disinfection
B. Oxidation
C. Taste and Odor Control
D. All of the above
70
6. Hypochlorite should be kept separate from:
A. Nothing
B. Organic material
C. Water
D. All other chemicals
71
7. A tank holds 575,000 gallons of water. If the
tank is ¾ full, how much water is in the tank?
A. 431,250 gallons
B. 287,500 gallons
C. 143,750 gallons
D. 600,000 gallons
72
8. The stability of hypochlorite solutions is
greatly affected by:
A. Nothing
B. Concentration, heat, light, time, heavy metals
C. Heavy metals and light
D. Concentration and heat
73
9. The material safety data sheet for calcium
hypochlorite might indicate:
A. It can irritate skin and eyes
B. It is a safe chemical
C. It can irritate skin, eyes, lungs and/or cause a rash
D. It is only hazardous once mixed with water
74
10. Minimum free, combined or chlorine dioxide residual at the
entry point of a surface water system may not be less than
___________ for more than 4 hours and be maintained as a
minimum detectable residual throughout the distribution
system.
A. 0.02 mg/L
B. 0.2 mg/L
C. 4 mg/L
D. 2.0 mg/L
75
11. Minimum free chlorine residual at the entry point
of a ground water system may not be less than
___________or its equivalent to provide 4-log
treatment of viruses:
A. 0.02 mg/L
B. 0.04 mg/L
C. 0.20 mg/L
D. 0.40 mg/L
76
12. Appropriate protective clothing when
working with hypochlorite’s includes:
A. Eye protection
B. Gloves
C. Rubber Apron
D. All of the above
77
13. The addition of chlorine until all chlorine
demand has been satisfied:
A. Chlorination Curve
B. Breakpoint Chlorination
C. Disinfecting Tendencies
D. Proportional Chlorination
78
14. A material safety data sheet contains
detailed assessment of:
A. Chemical Characteristics
B. Chemical Hazards
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
79
15. When calculating a CT value, what units are
used in the detention time calculation?
A. Volume (MG) ÷ Flow (gpm)
B. Volume (Gal) ÷ Flow (gpm)
C. Volume (MG) ÷ Flow (MGD)
D. Volume (Gal) ÷ Flow (MGD)
80
16. A system is switching from gas chlorine to
sodium hypochlorite. They typically use about
37 pounds of gas chlorine. How many pounds of
12.5% sodium hypochlorite can the system
expect to use each day?
A. 296 pounds
B. 37 pounds
C. 0.3 pounds
D. 30 pounds
81
17. The effectiveness of chlorine _____as the
temperature increases.
A. Increases
B. Decreases
82
18. The Maximum Residual disinfectant level
(MRDL) for chlorine is set at:
A. 1.0 mg/L
B. 2.0 mg/L
C. 3.0 mg/L
D. 4.0 mg/L
83
19. A change in water temperature impacts
chlorine residual by:
A. Decreasing the residual
B. Increasing the residual
C. No effect on the residual
D. Decreasing the residual if the temperature
increases.
84
20. Which residual has the highest disinfecting
ability:
A. Total Available Chlorine Residual
B. Free Available Residual Chlorine
C. Combined Available Residual Chlorine
D. Combined Total Residual Chlorine
85
21. 375 gpm is how many MGD?
A. 540,000 MGD
B. 540 MGD
C. 0.54 MGD
D. 0.375 MGD
86
22. At breakpoint, further addition of chlorine
will result in a:
A. Free chlorine residual that is indirectly proportional
to the amount of chlorine added beyond the
breakpoint.
B. Free chlorine residual that is directly proportional to
the amount of chlorine added beyond the
breakpoint.
C. Free chlorine residual that is disproportional to the
amount of chlorine added beyond the breakpoint.
D. Total chlorine residual that is indirectly proportional
to the amount of chlorine added beyond the
breakpoint.
87
23. A free chlorine residual of 1.7 mg/L is
measured at the end of the clearwell after 4
hours of detention time, what is the CT value in
mg-min/L?
A. 6.8 mg-min/L
B. 80 mg-min/L
C. 240 mg-min/L
D. 408 mg-min/L
88
24. To determine chlorine feed rates:
A. Need lbs used per day and Plant Flow in MGD
B. Need the Cl2 dose and Plant Flow in MGD
C. Need the Cl2 dose and Plant Flow in gpd
D. Need lbs used per day and Plant Flow in gpd
89
25. The chlorine demand of a water is 1.4 mg/L.
If the desired chlorine residual is 0.5 mg/L, what
is the desired chlorine dose, in mg/L?
A. 0.9 mg/L
B. 1.3 mg/L
C. 1.5 mg/L
D. 1.9 mg/L
90
26. The most stable solutions of sodium
hypochlorite are:
A. Purchased solution of about 12% strength.
B. Solutions of about 10% strength stored at 77○F.
C. On-site generated solution of about 1% strength.
D. Sodium Hypochlorite has no stability issues and
never deteriorates.
91
27. Normal operation of a hypochlorite feed
system requires:
A. Regular observation of the facilities
B. Regular observation of the equipment
C. Regular preventative maintenance program as
per the manufacturer’s specifications
D. All of the above
92
28. How many gallons of water are in a 700,000
gallon tank that is 2/3 full?
A. 466,666 gallons
B. 233,333 gallons
C. 175,000 gallons
D. 116,666 gallons
93
29. To develop a feed pump calibration curve,
you need:
A. Pump feed rate
B. Pump Speed Setting
C. Only A
D. Both A and B
94
30. If you have calculated the feed rate for a
solution as if it’s 100% pure; but, your solution is
15% sodium hypochlorite, what value are you
dividing by:
A. 15
B. 1.5
C. 0.15
D. 0.0015
95
31. Name the units of measurement for the flow
or volume when using:
lbs/day = flow or volume X dosage X 8.34
A. gpm or gallons
B. gpd or gallons
C. MGD or MG
D. All of the above units can be used
96
32. Uses of hypochlorite include:
A. Oxidation
B. Taste and Odor Control
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
97
33. The ___________the concentration of
sodium hypochlorite, the faster the rate of
deterioration:
A. Lower
B. Higher
98
34. Hypochlorite solutions which release oxygen
gas as the solution decomposes:
A. Sodium Hypochlorite
B. Calcium Hypochlorite
C. Both a and b
D. Neither a or b
99
35. The quantity or weight of chemical delivered
from a feeder over a given period of time:
A. Pump Setting
B. Feed Rate
C. Calibration Curve
D. Feed Setting
100
36. You should not store sodium hypochlorite
longer than_______ days since its strength
decomposes in storage.
A. 15 days
B. 30 days
C. 45 days
D. 60 days
101
37. In CT, the C refers to _________and the T
refers to the______________
A. Concentration in mg/L, Contact Time in minutes
B. Concentration in mg/L, Contact Time in hours
C. Chlorine Demand in mg/L, Contact Time in
minutes
D. Chlorine Demand in mg/L, Contact Time in hours
102
38. If a plant feeds 36 pounds of gas chlorine
each day, how many pounds does it feed during
an 8 hour shift?
A. 3 pounds
B. 6 pounds
C. 12 pounds
D. 18 pounds
103
39. The best reason to calibrate a chemical feed
pump is to:
A. Make a new pump calibration curve
B. Comply with all regulatory agencies
C. Compete all necessary maintenance as per the
manufacture directions
D. Assure that the selected dosage is delivered
104
40. In a ground water system, a minimum of
________ of contact time must be provided.
A. 2 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 20 minutes
105
41. General operation procedures for
hypochlorite feed systems include:
A. Verifying operation of the chemical transfer
pumps
B. Verifying the chemical supplies on-hand
C. Cleaning and lubricating equipment in
accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations
D. All of the above
106
42. Drinking water systems can reduce THM
formation by:
A. Reducing the organic material before chlorinating
the water.
B. Optimizing the chlorine dosage.
C. Changing the point of chlorine addition in the
treatment series.
D. All of the above
107
43. A condition that occurs in a tank or basin
when some of the water travels faster than the
rest of the flowing water:
A. Overflowing
B. Short-Circuiting
C. Simulate-Flow
D. None of the above
108
44. The ______________ _______________
determines how a chemical will be added to the
water and could be expressed in mL/min.
A. Feed Rate
B. Pump Flow
C. Calibration Rate
D. Flow Zone
109
45. 3 hours is how many minutes?
A. 30 minutes
B. 60 minutes
C. 120 minutes
D. 180 minutes
110
46. The amount of chlorine needed to satisfy the
chlorine demand plus the amount of chlorine
needed as a residual for disinfection:
A. Chlorine Dose
B. Chlorine Residual
C. Chlorine Demand
D. None of the above
111
47. A regular preventative maintenance program
for equipment is:
A. In the manufacturer’s specifications
B. Not needed
C. Developed when equipment shows signs it needs
repaired
D. Regularly modified by system staff
112
48. Calcium hypochlorite will lose
_____________of available chlorine per year.
A. 1-2%
B. 3-5%
C. 7-8%
D. 10-12%
113
49. A residual in the form of _______________
_______________ residual chlorine has the
highest disinfecting ability.
A. Combined available
B. Total available
C. Minimum available
D. Free available
114
50. ______________ assures safe and healthful
working conditions for men and women.
A. EPA
B. RSPS
C. OSHA
D. NIOSH
115
Summary
Review a little each day.
Study, study, study!
116
