High-Rate Disinfection: Chlorine Versus Chlorine Dioxide

High-rate disinfection of combined sewer overflows with chlorine and chlorine dioxide is evaluated. Mathematical methods of both systems are developed and a performance comparison of the two disinfectants is presented. The performance models indicate that disinfection by chlorine is more sensitive to mixing intensity and detention time than is chlorine dioxide. Cost equations and the performance models are used to develop optimum cost effective systems for conditions typical for Rochester, N.Y. The optimizations indicate that, although chlorine dioxide permits the use of lower detention time facilities, chlorine results in lower overall system costs.