Use of Chlorine Dioxide Generation Spreads to Grower Market

Historically, the most widespread use of chlorine dioxide has been in the pulp and paper industry. But it also has proven to be an excellent disinfectant product for washing fruits and vegetables. In this application, the ability to kill spores, viruses and fungi at low concentrations is essential, and chlorine dioxide successfully meets those challenges. In addition, it does not affect the taste, odor or appearance of the food it is disinfecting. It is safe to use and complies with all food regulations.

A variety of research studies conducted by universities and private consultants have highlighted the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide used as a sanitizing agent in ornamental horticulture. Among this research are studies by experts including Dr. Walker Miller of Clemson University and Dr. C.C. Powell of Plant Health Advisory Services, Inc.

Now, Severn Trent Services, a long-time manufacturer of chlorine dioxide generation systems, is bringing this environmentally friendly disinfection technology to the grower market, including its use for greenhouse flowering plants and vegetables. The Capital Controls™ Model T70G4000 chlorine dioxide generator produces the disinfectant chemical using reagents in either commercially available or diluted concentrations. The system produces chlorine dioxide and consistently maintains a product yield greater than 95 percent, while minimizing free chlorine or other residual oxidant formation. This makes chlorine dioxide ideal for treating irrigation waters used in the grower industry.

The Model T70G4000 is housed in a 2 feet wide by 2 feet long by 5 feet high cabinet inside the greenhouse. The generator produces chlorine dioxide, which is then injected into the irrigation water recycle stream. These units produce quantities of chlorine dioxide ranging from 50 pounds per day to 200 pounds per day.

Chlorine dioxide is just as effective as chlorine gas at treating pathogens found in irrigation water drawn from a pond or recycled source, but its use is much safer on plant life. As with all-liquid systems, the Capital Controls generator assures efficient chlorine dioxide production, precise solution feeding, low maintenance and dependable operation for the life of the equipment. Concentrations of commercially available hydrochloric acid (32 percent) and sodium chlorite (25 percent) are used to generate chlorine dioxide. Chlorine gas is not required when using the T70G4000. The system is available with either manual or automatic controls, all-vacuum features and system shutdown and alarm options.

For more information about the use of chlorine dioxide in the grower market, contact Greg Kriebel, product manager, Severn Trent Services, gkriebel@severntrentservices.com, 215-997-4048.

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