Appendix B
Page 11
Formulation/Instructions
The primary chemistry reaction that produces Chlorine Dioxide (ClO
2
) in MP-1
tablets is the acid - chlorite reaction using sodium acid sulfate as the acid, a well-known
reaction for ClO
2
.
5NaClO
2
+ 4NaHSO
4
---> 4ClO
2
+ NaCl + 2H2O + 4Na
2
SO
4
A small amount of chlorine in the tablet also catalyzes the otherwise sluggish reaction.
These tablets generate chlorine dioxide only when coming into contact with
water. Shortly after a tablet is immersed into water, a saturated solution of the soluble
solid constituents forms within the matrix of the tablet. ClO2 is rapidly formed within
the pores and then carried into the bulk solution by CO2 effervescence, which insures
that the resultant solution is well mixed without the user having to agitate the container.
After the chlorine dioxide gas is released, the material reduces into common salts.
Company testing shows killing of bacteria and viruses within 15 minutes in any
water conditions, and inactivation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium within 30 minutes in
clear warm water and 4 hours in cold and dirty water. 1 tablet is used for treating 1 quart
of water. Instructions are to insert rapidly into water after removing from package and
avoid exposure to sunlight during disinfection contact time.
Comments
This is a major advance in portable and point-of-use water disinfection. The
product is EPA registered as an antimicrobial water purifier. The extended contact time
in cold, dirty water is reassuring that sufficient chlorine dioxide is generated and adequate
residual remains for sufficient time to treat water in all conditions. It is more reasonable
to clarify the water to improve taste and esthetics and warm the water to reduce contact
