Predicting liquid bleach decomposition

Studies have led to an understanding of how chlorate ion (ClO₃⁻) formation in the pH 6-13 region from decomposing bleach is affected by pH, temperature, NaOCl concentration, chloride ion concentration (by means of an ionic strength effect), and transition metal ion impurities · The hypochloiite ion degradation model developed by Gordon and Adam predicts free available chlorine decomposition, ClO₃⁻ formation, and oxygen generation. Thus, a utility applying liquid bleach can use this newly developed model to predict the time-dependent changes that occur in stored liquid bleach and to develop chemical specifications and control strategies to minimize the formation of ClO₃⁻during the storage of sodium hypochloiite. The field studies reported here provide verification of the model showing a strong correlation between the model predictions and the measured data taken in the field.