ClO₂ Technology

Ecochlor^® Ballast Water Treatment Systems use Chlorine Dioxide Technology, which has been used in water treatment and industrial applications in over 50 countries world-wide for over 60 years.

Proven technology - safe, reliable, and cost effective
Effective on all invasive species
Generated on board ship – safely and economically, as needed
Non-corrosive to ship metal or coatings
Environmentally safe and does not generate chlorine, chlorine gas or other unwanted decomposition products

Model ClO₂ molecule

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a highly effective oxidant and biocide used around the world in a wide range of water purification applications. Eka Chemicals is the world’s largest manufacturer of chlorine dioxide chemicals, and Ecochlor is the exclusive worldwide licensee of Eka’s Purate chlorine dioxide technology for the disinfection of ship ballast water.

The Ecochlor proprietary ballast water treatment system, utilizing Eka’s patented Purate ClO₂ technology, has been specifically designed to safely and economically eliminate the transfer of aquatic invasive species.

Why ClO₂?

ClO₂ offers a number of advantages over other disinfection chemicals and techniques. First, it's a proven technology used in a wide range of water purification and industrial applications. It is effective on all aquatic organisms, as well as bacteria and other pathogens. It is also effective in high turbidity waters because ClO₂ does not combine with organics. Because of its unique properties, it can be generated, safely and reliably, on demand, and is non-corrosive to ship metal or coatings. It also is environmentally safe in terms of its decomposition products.

Why Purate?

Purate simplifies the production of ClO₂. Purate, acid and water mixed in a Generator produces an aqueous ClO₂ solution. Purate is a unique, stabilized compound of sodium chlorate and hydrogen peroxide produced at many locations around the world.

ClO₂ Chemistry

The basic chemistry is straightforward. A key point: no chlorine gas is used or produced in this process.

Wide range of applications

ClO₂ is effective in a wide variety of applications, including drinking water, municipal waste, food and pulp and paper. In drinking water plants it offers cost and performance advantages over other disinfectant options, and has fewer regulatory and safety concerns compared to chlorine gas. To read more about other applications, go to the Eka website.

On-board generation of ClO₂

The process generates ClO₂ as needed to treat the incoming ballast water. A small amount of supply water flowing through a venturi creates a vacuum that draws the Purate and acid into the mixing chamber. When the chemicals mix they form a dilute aqueous ClO₂ solution which is then injected into the ballast water line. Learn more.