Salt, water and electricity. Nothing else required.
Two engineering disciplines combine at the heart of our systems: on-site disinfectant generation through electrochemical activation, and physical treatment through membrane technologies.
Electrochemical activation
Electrochemical activation (ECA) works by passing an alkaline aqueous solution of sodium chloride (salt) through a diaphragm electrolysis cell. Inside the cell, water molecules and chloride ions rearrange, yielding not a single substance but an activated oxidant mixture: predominantly hypochlorous acid, alongside chlorine dioxide, hydroperoxide and superoxide components.
The cell yields two separate streams at its poles: at the anode (positive pole) the disinfecting oxidant solution is produced, while at the cathode (negative pole) sodium hydroxide (caustic) is formed as a by-product.
The main reason for its efficacy is its high redox potential (1200 mV). It destroys microorganisms not only chemically but also by the electrical current breaking down the cell wall. Because the active components are meta-stable, no bacterium or virus can develop lasting resistance to this effect.
In chlorination the chlorine atom binds to organic compounds and forms harmful chlorinated organics. In the oxidant solution it is the oxygen atom that takes the electron; the reaction with organic compounds yields harmless carboxylic acids instead of toxic phenols. This is the fundamental reason for the low trihalomethane (THM) formation.
The active agent is not a single compound but a meta-stable oxidant mixture. Total active concentration 0.5 ± 0.05 g/L; dissolved inorganic components stay below 0.09%. Colourless, transparent, tasteless and free of hazardous components.
| Formula | Component | Share |
|---|---|---|
| HOCl | Hypochlorous acid | 80 – 95 % |
| H₂O₂ · | Hydroperoxide compounds | 3 – 8 % |
| ClO₂ | Chlorine dioxide | 1 – 7 % |
| O₂⁻ · O₃ | Superoxide and other peroxides | 1 – 5 % |
The main reason for its efficacy. Breaks the cell wall with current.
80–85% of disinfection completes in this time; the effect lasts 30–40 min.
Near-neutral. Does not upset the water’s pH balance or corrode equipment.
Total active-agent density (0.5 ± 0.05 g/L).
| Criterion | Oxidant solution (on-site) | Sodium hypochlorite (ready-made) | Chlorine gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biocidal efficacy | Very high — 1200 mV; chemical action plus current breaking the cell wall | Moderate — efficacy strongly pH-dependent | High |
| Transport & storage | Not required, produced on site | Hazardous goods; limited shelf life | Pressurised gas; special permits and safety measures |
| By-products | Low THM/AOX formation | Chlorate build-up, higher THM risk | High THM risk |
| Personnel safety | Non-irritating at working concentration | Corrosive, contact risk | Acutely toxic |
| Operating input | Salt + electricity | Continuous chemical supply | Continuous supply + safety infrastructure |
Membrane filtration
Disinfection secures the microbiological safety of water; filtration determines its physical and chemical quality. In our STRATUS-series systems, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and UV disinfection stages are configured modularly according to the raw-water analysis.
Ultrafiltration physically retains suspended solids, turbidity, bacteria and viruses at the 0.01–0.1 micron level. Reverse osmosis separates dissolved salts and ionic contaminants, bringing conductivity to the target value. The UV stage acts as a final barrier without leaving any chemical residue.
The right combination of stages differs at every facility. That is why every project begins with a raw-water analysis, and membrane selection and recovery rate are engineered accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What is electrochemical activation (ECA)?
ECA is the process of passing a brine solution through a specialised electrolysis cell to convert it into a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution — a powerful yet safe disinfectant. The only inputs are salt, water and electricity.
Is hypochlorous acid different from chlorine?
Hypochlorous acid is the most effective disinfecting form of chlorine in water. At the same free-chlorine level it shows markedly higher biocidal efficacy than sodium hypochlorite, and it is non-irritating to skin and mucous membranes at working concentrations.
Why is on-site generation safer than buying ready-made chemicals?
Hazardous-goods transport and storage are eliminated, the solution is always freshly produced so there is no loss of efficacy from shelf life, and dosing is matched to the facility’s real-time need.
What is the difference between reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration?
Ultrafiltration, with a pore size of 0.01–0.1 micron, retains suspended solids, bacteria and viruses while passing dissolved salts. Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to also separate dissolved ions, producing demineralised water. The right technology is chosen from the raw-water analysis and the target quality.
What are the operating costs of the systems?
The main inputs of on-site generation are salt and electricity. The appropriate technology combination and its operating economics are engineered per project — contact our technical team for facility-specific figures.
Evaluate the technology at your facility.
Send us your water-analysis report; our technical team will advise which technology combination fits.