One-to-one Bleach Replacement with an Electrochemical Bleach Generator

Deployed U.S. forces use bleach, a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite, for water purification, surface sanitization, general cleaning as well as fresh fruit and vegetable processing. However, bleach is difficult to transport and has a short shelf life, making it is highly desirable to produce the disinfectant bleach on-site. The bleach production device needs to be capable of generating solutions with concentrations of bleach identical to those now used, enabling the continued use of military dilution tables and manuals concerning the use of bleach. Unfortunately there is currently no available equipment of a suitable size and cost that will produce a 5% bleach solution. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) therefore proposes to develop a device that is capable of converting common table salt (NaCl) to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solution using only electricity. TDA’s device will not require additional chemicals that pose a safety, shelf life or shipping issue. This system will be simple to operate, requiring a minimum of training and operator involvement.