Methods and systems for producing hypobromite by adding acid to reactants

Abstract

The reaction of sodium hypochlorite with sodium bromide is slow, and commonly only part of the bromide is converted to hypobromite. Methods to accelerate the reaction by adding a regulated amount of acid to a solution comprising bleach and bromide are provided, whereby the yield of hypobromite can be increased. The amount of acid added can be predetermined based on the content of a base in the bleach, and acid can be added to neutralize the base. The amount of acid added can be based on a measured parameter of the reaction that is indicative of reaction kinetics. For example, the amount of acid can be actively controlled by measuring pH, absorbance of visible or near Ultraviolet light, or temperature of the reacting solution and adjusting acid.

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