Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorine are potent oxidizing agents used extensively across a myriad of industrial applications, including water treatment, disinfection processes, and bleaching in pulp and paper industries. Traditionally, these oxidizers are manufactured off-site and delivered to the user’s location. This traditional supply chain poses several challenges, including high transportation costs, storage difficulties, and potential safety risks. Recent advancements in technology, however, have made it feasible to produce these oxidizing agents on-site, leading to reduced costs and increased safety. Of these two options, on-site hydrogen peroxide generation, particularly by companies using no chemical inputs like HPNow, has shown promise in offering numerous advantages over on-site chlorine .
On-site Generation: An Overview
On-site generation of oxidizing agents eliminates the need for transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals. For chlorine, on-site production usually employs the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride) solution to produce sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid.
In contrast, on-site generation of hydrogen peroxide can be accomplished using only water and electricity, without the need for additional chemicals. HPNow’s proprietary technology, for instance, utilizes a process based on advanced electrochemical cell design and catalytic reactions. This technology harnesses the power of electricity to split water molecules and recombine them into hydrogen peroxide, a process often referred to as the electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
One of the key benefits of on-site H2O2 production is the superior safety profile and reduced environmental impact compared to on-site chlorine generation. Chlorine is highly toxic and poses a significant risk in case of leaks. In addition, a byproduct of chlorine electrolysis is hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable and requires specialized ventilation and dedicated safety measures. Upon use, chlorine and its by-products have been implicated in numerous environmental issues. Chlorine can react with organic compounds to produce trihalomethanes (THMs) and other disinfection by-products (DBPs), which have potential health risks.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide is a more environmentally friendly oxidizing agent. It decomposes naturally into water and oxygen, posing minimal environmental hazard. No disinfection by-products (DBPs) are produced. The on-site generation of hydrogen peroxide also reduces the risk of leaks associated with transportation, storage and handling, thereby enhancing safety.
No Chemical Inputs
On-site peroxide generation eliminates the need for any chemical inputs, as opposed to chlorine, which relies on salt or potassium chloride. This is a consumable that needs to be managed.
As on-site peroxide generation does not introduce salts into the water, users avoid any salt accumulation associated with the use of chlorine. This is key in applications involving living beings (either plants, animals or humans), as the increased salinity can be harmful. Chlorine and its increased salinity can also have negative effects on materials, such as stainless steel, brass or plastics. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide has greater material compatibility, and does not cause corrosion on plastics or stainless steel, contributing to a lower maintenance cost.
Efficiency and Efficacy
On-site generation of H2O2 also offers benefits in terms of efficiency and efficacy. The ability to produce H2O2 on-demand ensures a fresh supply of the oxidizing agent, eliminating concerns about degradation over time, which can be a challenge with stored chlorine.
In terms of efficacy, studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide has strong oxidizing properties, allowing it to readily react with a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Furthermore, unlike chlorine, hydrogen peroxide does not form harmful disinfection by-products, making it a safer choice for many .
Scientists have also found hydrogen peroxide to be a superior bacteriostatic agent than chlorine, especially when it comes to preventing the growth of biofilm. Biofilm can lead to various issues such as reduced water flow, increased pathogen growth, and even equipment deterioration. In this regard, hydrogen peroxide’s exceptional efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formation makes it an excellent choice for applications where maintaining a clean and uncontaminated environment is crucial.
Technological Advances
In the past, on-site production of hydrogen peroxide faced challenges related to efficiency and product purity. However, companies like HPNow have made significant strides in addressing these challenges. HPNow’s technology employs a direct electrochemical process that uses only electricity and water to efficiently generate H2O2, without the need for any additional chemicals.
This technology is not only safe and environmentally friendly but also highly efficient, providing a reliable and consistent source of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, HPNow’s system is designed to be easily integrated into existing infrastructure, further enhancing its economic feasibility.
Conclusion
On-site generation of oxidizing agents provides significant benefits over traditional supply chains, particularly in terms of safety, environmental impact, and cost. Among the on-site generation options, hydrogen peroxide holds clear advantages over chlorine, particularly when it is generated from only electricity and water.
On-site H2O2 production offers superior safety, lower environmental impact, and a broad range of applications. Furthermore, advancements in technology, as exemplified by companies like HPNow, have made it possible to produce H2O2 on-site in a safe, efficient, and economically viable manner.
As industries continue to seek safer, more environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solutions, on-site hydrogen peroxide generation will undoubtedly play an increasingly significant role in various applications.
