초록 ▼

The present invention provides a new method for the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide from a solution of sodium chlorite and carbon dioxide. The present invention produces effective levels of chlorine dioxide without having to resort to the use of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen pero

The present invention provides a new method for the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide from a solution of sodium chlorite and carbon dioxide. The present invention produces effective levels of chlorine dioxide without having to resort to the use of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or methanol. By eliminating the use of toxic and/or hazardous compounds, the present invention provides a safer means for generating and using chlorine dioxide in a wider variety of applications than previously possible. For instance, the present invention can easily be adapted for the treatment of combustion exhaust gases, flue gases, cooling towers, chilled water systems, contaminated groundwater, and agricultural produce or products.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for treating agricultural produce to inhibit fungal or bacterial growth comprising the steps of:injecting carbon dioxide into an aqueous solution of sodium chlorite; forming carbonic acid in the aqueous solution, the volume of carbonic acid being sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous

1. A method for treating agricultural produce to inhibit fungal or bacterial growth comprising the steps of:injecting carbon dioxide into an aqueous solution of sodium chlorite; forming carbonic acid in the aqueous solution, the volume of carbonic acid being sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution below about 5.5; forming chlorine dioxide in the aqueous solution; passing a carrier gas through the aqueous solution, a portion of the chlorine dioxide from the aqueous solution becoming mixed with the carrier gas to form a gas mixture; passing the gas mixture through a solvent, a portion of the chlorine dioxide in the gas mixture dissolving in the solvent to form a treatment solution characterized by a concentration of chlorine dioxide; and applying the treatment solution to the agricultural produce, the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the treatment solution being sufficient to provide an microbicidal effect.