Water disinfection is a key element of every water supply and wastewater treatment system. The goal is always the same: to ensure reliable, safe and stable disinfection performance – while complying with the continuously tightening European environmental and health regulations.
In recent years, more and more water utilities have faced the fact that the classic sodium hypochlorite-based disinfection (bleach) has become increasingly difficult to maintain from an economic, safety and regulatory point of view. The solution: on-site chlorine generation, or on-site hypochlorite generation technology – the most advanced representative of which is the ClearGenX system.
The principle of the technology: fresh chlorine, exactly when and where it is needed
The operating principle of the ClearGenX system is simple yet highly efficient:
the unit produces sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) from ordinary salt tablets (NaCl) and drinking water by means of electrolysis.
During the process:
- the brine is decomposed by the electrolytic cell using electric current,
- active chlorine is generated at the anode,
- hydrogen and sodium hydroxide are formed at the cathode,
- the final product is a fresh, dilute (0.6–0.8%) disinfectant solution ready for immediate use.
The only by-products are oxygen and a minimal amount of hydrogen — there is no hazardous waste, no degradation. Chlorine is always generated on-site, exactly where and when it is needed – safely, in a closed system.
Technical design and safety
The heart of the ClearGenX systems is the titanium-based electrolytic cell with MMO (Mixed Metal Oxide) coating. This industrial-grade technology provides the following advantages:
- Long service life: several thousand hours of stable operation
- Automatikus savazó funkció: a cella rendszeres öntisztítása biztosítja az állandó hatásfokot
- Corrosion-resistant materials: 316L stainless steel, HDPE, PVDF
- Closed, pressure-resistant design: no gas formation, no leakage
- Automated control and data logging: the system can be monitored via intelligent HMI, even remotely
The entire process does not require a certified chemical operator, does not fall under ADR regulation, and complies with EU Directive 2020/2184 on drinking water quality.
Why is traditional hypochlorite problematic?
Sodium hypochlorite solution has been the basis of drinking water disinfection for decades, but it has more and more technical and economic disadvantages:
- Rapid degradation – loses 30–40% of its effectiveness within weeks.
- ADR transport required – classified as a hazardous substance.
- Risky storage – must be stored in closed tanks, protected from light and heat.
- Chlorate ion formation – a decomposition by-product that remains in the water.
- ew EU limit – from July 1, 2024, the permitted chlorate ion limit is 0.25 mg/l, which most water utilities can only meet using fresh hypochlorite (or not at all).
In contrast, ClearGenX produces chlorine fresh every day, with no degradation, no over-chlorination, and stable, predictable disinfection.
Case study: water utility with tangible savings
In 2025, a ClearGenX CGXB-500 system was installed at a water treatment plant for pilot operation.
The goal: to replace previous hypochlorite use and reduce chlorate ion levels.
| Indicator | Hipochlorite disinfection | ClearGenX technology |
|---|---|---|
| Active chlorine demand | 296 kg/month | 296 kg/month |
| Cost | 429 525 Ft/month | 201 356 Ft/month |
| ROI | no return | within 2 years (1.84) |
| Chlorate-ion | near limit value | < 0,25 mg/l |
| Operational risk | ADR, degradation | no ADR, nincs degradation |
Result:
– 53% monthly cost savings
– stable, safe operation
– chlorate-free, fresh disinfectant solution
Sustainability in practice
The ClearGenX technology offers not only economic but also environmental advantages:
- No hazardous transport – ADR logistics are eliminated.
- No chemical waste – the system produces only as much as is consumed.
- Reduced CO₂ footprint – no hypochlorite transported from factories.
- Uses only natural materials – salt, water, electricity.
- Green procurement compatibility – complies with EU sustainability criteria.
On-site chlorine generation effectively reduces environmental impact while increasing supply security.
System integration and digitalization
ClearGenX systems are fully industrial-grade automated units:
- Siemens PLC
- Compatible with SCADA, PLC and DCS systems (4–20 mA, RS485, Modbus RTU)
- Intelligent HMI (touchscreen, multilingual, data logging)
- Optional cloud-based remote monitoring
- Predictive maintenance and error alerts
- Easily integrated into existing disinfection technologies (e.g. TrojanUV + ClearGenX combination)
This allows water utilities to operate disinfection processes transparently and data-driven.
Summary: a new era in disinfection
ClearGenX represents a new generation of water disinfection – safe, automated, cost-efficient and environmentally conscious technology that already meets tomorrow’s standards today.
The case study of the Hungarian water utility clearly demonstrates that on-site chlorine generation is not just an alternative – it is the new standard.
Fresh chlorine on-site. Safely Economically. Sustainably.
This is the ClearGenX philosophy.
