What is ChloroKlean Plus L20 Regenerative Chlorine Dioxide Technology?

ChloroKlean Plus L20 is a regenerative chlorine dioxide biocide that continuously regenerates ClO2 in water systems for superior disinfection.

Technology Type
Regenerative Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂)
Oxidizing Power
2.6x more powerful than chlorine
Effective pH Range
pH 4-10 (chlorine loses efficacy above pH 7.5)
Microbial Reduction
Greater than log 6 reduction at less than 0.5ppm free chlorine
Protection Duration
24+ hours from single dose
Biofilm Removal
Complete eradication at 0.5-1.5 ppm
Disinfection By-Products
No harmful THMs, HAAs, or chloramines produced
Target Pathogens
Legionella, Pseudomonas, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, biofilms, viruses
Equipment Required
None - ready-to-use, no on-site generators needed

What are the key advantages of chlorine dioxide over chlorine?

Superior Oxidizing Power
2.6x greater than chlorine
Wide pH Effectiveness
Works across pH 4-10; chlorine ineffective above pH 7.5
Biofilm Penetration
Penetrates and destroys biofilms; chlorine cannot
No Harmful By-Products
No THMs, HAAs, or chloramines
Resistant Organisms
Effective against Cryptosporidium which is chlorine-resistant
Stability
Does not gas off in hot water or cooling tower systems
Chemical Reduction
Up to 99% reduction in chemical volume compared to sodium hypochlorite
Proven Cost Savings
35%+ annual cost savings demonstrated in industrial case studies
Next Generation Technology
Last reviewed: January 2026

ChloroKlean® Plus L20

The next generation of water disinfection. Our regenerative biocide technology delivers superior, long-lasting protection that traditional methods simply cannot match.

What Is Chlorine Dioxide (chlorine dioxide)?

Understanding the powerful oxidising biocide at the heart of ChloroKlean® technology, also known in the industry as chlorine dioxide

The ClO₂ Molecule (chlorine dioxide)

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), also referred to as chlorine dioxide in water treatment applications, is a powerful oxidising agent composed of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. Despite its name, it behaves very differently from elemental chlorine - it's a true oxide, not a chlorinating agent.

Selective Oxidiser: ClO₂ selectively targets specific amino acids in proteins and disrupts cell membranes, making it highly effective against microorganisms while being gentler on materials.

Size Advantage: As a dissolved gas, ClO₂ molecules are significantly smaller than hypochlorous acid, allowing deeper penetration into biofilms and contaminated surfaces.

No Chlorination: Unlike chlorine, ClO₂ does not chlorinate organic matter, meaning it produces far fewer harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs).

Key Properties

  • Yellow-green gas at room temperature
  • Highly soluble in water
  • 2.5x oxidising power of chlorine
  • Effective across pH 4-10
  • Does not form THMs or HAAs
  • Used in drinking water treatment

How Does ClO₂ Kill Bacteria?

The mechanism of action that makes chlorine dioxide so effective against pathogens

1. Cell Membrane Attack

ClO₂ oxidises lipids in cell membranes, disrupting the protective barrier and increasing permeability.

2. Protein Denaturation

Targets specific amino acids (cysteine, tyrosine, tryptophan), destroying enzymes essential for cell function.

3. Nucleic Acid Damage

Reacts with RNA and DNA bases, preventing replication and protein synthesis within the cell.

4. Rapid Cell Death

Multiple simultaneous attacks cause rapid, irreversible cell death - bacteria cannot develop resistance.

Superior Biofilm Penetration

Unlike chlorine which is rapidly consumed by the outer layers of biofilm, ClO₂ penetrates deep into the biofilm matrix. Its smaller molecular size and selective oxidation chemistry allow it to reach and eliminate embedded bacteria that other disinfectants cannot touch - including Legionella, Pseudomonas, and other pathogens hiding within protective slime layers.

Why Is ClO₂ Different To Chlorine?

Despite sharing a name, chlorine dioxide and chlorine work in fundamentally different ways

Different Chemistry

Chlorine (Cl₂/HOCl)

Chlorinates organic compounds by substitution reactions, adding chlorine atoms to molecules. This creates harmful disinfection by-products like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).

Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂)

Oxidises organic compounds through electron transfer without adding chlorine atoms. This selective oxidation means minimal formation of chlorinated by-products.

Different Performance

pH Independent

ClO₂ maintains efficacy from pH 4-10, while chlorine loses 90% effectiveness above pH 8

Not Consumed by Organics

Chlorine is rapidly consumed by organic matter; ClO₂ remains active longer

No Ammonia Reaction

Chlorine forms chloramines with ammonia; ClO₂ does not react with ammonia

Superior Biofilm Control

Penetrates biofilm matrices where chlorine cannot reach

Chemical Reactivity Of ClO₂

Understanding the selective oxidation chemistry that makes chlorine dioxide so effective

Electron Transfer Mechanism

Chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms through a one-electron transfer oxidation process. When ClO₂ encounters electron-rich organic molecules (like those found in bacterial cell walls), it accepts an electron and is reduced to chlorite (ClO₂⁻).

This selective reactivity means ClO₂ preferentially targets:

  • Phenolic compounds - found in biofilm matrices
  • Sulfur-containing amino acids - cysteine, methionine
  • Aromatic amino acids - tyrosine, tryptophan
  • Iron-sulfur clusters - in bacterial enzymes

Why Selectivity Matters

Less Material Damage

ClO₂ doesn't react indiscriminately with all organic matter, causing less corrosion and damage to pipes, seals, and equipment.

Fewer By-Products

Selective oxidation means far fewer harmful disinfection by-products compared to non-selective oxidisers like chlorine.

Extended Residual

Because ClO₂ isn't consumed by non-target reactions, it maintains biocidal activity for longer periods.

How It Works

The Regenerative Disinfection Cycle - a continuous process that provides lasting protection

1

Activation in Water

Stabilized precursors react, creating active chlorine when added to water.

2

In-Situ Generation

Active chlorine oxidizes chlorite, creating powerful chlorine dioxide on-site.

3

Disinfection & Reduction

Chlorine dioxide kills microbes effectively, then reduces back to chlorite.

4

Regeneration for Lasting Power

Excess active chlorine re-oxidizes chlorite, creating fresh chlorine dioxide continuously.

This regenerative cycle continues automatically, providing persistent protection without constant reapplication.

The Chemistry Behind ChloroKlean®

A unique mixed-oxidant system that delivers superior, long-lasting disinfection

Controlled Equilibrium Reaction

When ChloroKlean® is added to water (pH < 10), it initiates a controlled equilibrium reaction:

  • 1

    Active chlorine (HOCl/OCl⁻) is created from sodium hypochlorite

  • 2

    Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is produced by oxidation of sodium chlorite by active chlorine

  • 3

    Together they form a complex oxidant system with an extended biocide release mechanism

Why This Matters

Conventional chlorine dioxide generation has several disadvantages that ChloroKlean® overcomes:

  • Requires sophisticated on-site generators with hazardous multi-component mixes

  • Quickly consumed by reactions, losing residual strength and protection

  • Dissolved gas degrades rapidly above 25°C and is lost to atmosphere

ChloroKlean® delivers a single, stable, ready-to-use product with no hazardous chemical mixing required.

Chlorine Dioxide Advantages

Chlorine dioxide offers measurable performance advantages over traditional biocides — backed by independent testing and real-world results

High-Temperature Stability

Maintains biocidal efficacy at temperatures from 25°C to 50°C without degradation. Unlike sodium hypochlorite which rapidly loses active strength and forms harmful chlorate at elevated temperatures.

Shelf life testing confirms over 19 months of stability at 40°C storage — sodium hypochlorite typically degrades within weeks under the same conditions.

Safe long-term storage
Consistent performance in hot climates
Minimal chlorate accumulation
Reduced product wastage

Broad pH Effectiveness

Effective across a wide pH range from 4 to 9.5, maintaining disinfection performance where traditional chlorine products fail. Hypochlorite loses efficacy rapidly above pH 7.5.

At pH 8.5 (common in cooling towers), chlorine retains only 10-15% of its killing power. ClO₂ maintains near-full efficacy, eliminating the need for costly pH correction chemicals.

Versatile across water conditions
No pH adjustment required
Consistent kill rates
Reduced chemical complexity

Reduced Corrosivity

Independent testing on 316 stainless steel demonstrates significantly lower metal attack compared to other oxidising biocides, supporting longer asset life and reduced maintenance costs.

In paper manufacturing trials, switching to chlorine dioxide reduced corrosion-related maintenance while simultaneously achieving 67-74% lower chemical consumption.

Extended equipment lifespan
Lower maintenance costs
No headspace corrosion
Safe for sensitive systems

No Gassing Off

ChloroKlean® exists chemically as part of the water phase rather than dissolved gas. This means it is not lost through evaporation in cooling towers, spray systems, or warm/hot water systems.

In cooling tower applications, chlorine can lose 40-60% of its residual through evaporation. ChloroKlean retains its full dose in the water, delivering longer-lasting protection per application.

Retained in cooling towers
Effective in spray systems
Stable in hot water systems
Maximised biocidal contact time
"The advantages of chlorine dioxide over traditional chlorine are clear when you look at real-world data. Our customers consistently report dramatic reductions in chemical consumption, lower maintenance costs, and — most importantly — sustained microbiological compliance that chlorine alone could never achieve. Whether it's a hospital fighting Legionella or a food processor eliminating coliforms, chlorine dioxide delivers results that speak for themselves."

— Gavin Owen, Managing Director, ChloroKlean

Chlorine Dioxide Advantages in Practice

Real-world case studies demonstrating the measurable advantages of chlorine dioxide across industries

Healthcare

99.99%

Bacterial Reduction

Hospital Legionella Elimination

A major UK hospital eliminated persistent Legionella Pneumophila SG1 contamination across 4 buildings within 12 months using ChloroKlean Plus L20, after traditional sodium hypochlorite treatments had repeatedly failed.

Manufacturing

35%

Annual Cost Reduction

Paper Mill Cost Savings

A leading paper manufacturer reduced chemical consumption by 67-74% and achieved 35% annual cost savings by switching to ChloroKlean Plus, while completely eliminating odour complaints.

Food Processing

99%

Chemical Volume Reduction

Poultry Plant Transformation

A poultry processing plant reduced chemical volume from 1,000 litres to just 10 litres per cycle while achieving 0 CFU bacterial counts — a result sodium hypochlorite could not deliver.

Energy

£401k

Annual Saving

Biogas Plant Savings

A biogas upgrading facility extended cleaning intervals from 6 weeks to 4 months, eliminating costly production shutdowns and delivering over £400,000 in annual operational savings.

> Log 6

Microbial Reduction

Up to 99%

Chemical Volume Reduction

35%+

Annual Cost Savings

12+ Months

Sustained Compliance

Proven Performance

Independent testing demonstrates exceptional efficacy across key performance metrics

> Log 6

Microbial Reduction

Achieves greater than log 6 reduction in EU standard bacterial and viral tests at less than 0.5ppm free chlorine.

24+ Hours

Extended Protection

Effective bacterial kill beyond 24 hours on a single dose in stored water applications.

0.5-1.5 ppm

Biofilm Eradication

Complete biofilm removal at low dosage levels, penetrating deep to eliminate embedded microorganisms.

pH 4-9.5

Wide pH Range

Maintains full efficacy across a broad pH spectrum where other biocides become ineffective.

ChloroKlean® vs. Traditional Biocides

See how our regenerative technology compares to traditional chlorine and bromine products

Disinfection Power

ChloroKlean®

More Potent & Persistent

Achieves greater and longer-lasting bacterial kill than standard chlorine dioxide

Traditional

Less Effective

Standard chlorine and bromine provide shorter-lasting protection

Efficacy vs. Viruses

ChloroKlean®

Very High

Targets RNA viruses like COVID-19 & Norovirus effectively

Traditional

Low to Moderate

Less effective, no direct reaction with RNA

Biofilm Removal

ChloroKlean®

Excellent

Penetrates deep, kills embedded microbes within biofilm structures

Traditional

Less Effective

Limited penetration capability, quickly exhausted in high-organic layers

Toxic Byproducts

ChloroKlean®

Low Risk

Forms minimal carcinogenic byproducts (THMs/HAAs)

Traditional

High Risk

Readily forms toxic byproducts (THMs, Bromate)

Handling Safety

ChloroKlean®

Low to Moderate Risk

Stable liquid, minimal vapour, no dust/explosion risk

Traditional

High Risk

Solids create hazardous dust; risk of fire/explosion if mishandled

Product Stability

ChloroKlean®

Very High

Stable over 19 months, even at 40°C storage conditions

Traditional

Low

Unstable, sensitive to temperature, shorter shelf life and can degrade in storage

ChloroKlean® Plus vs ClO₂ Tablets

Why our stabilised liquid formulation outperforms standard chlorine dioxide tablets

ChloroKlean® Plus L20

  • Consistent Dosing

    Pre-measured liquid formulation ensures accurate, repeatable dosing every time with standard dosing pumps.

  • Regenerative Action

    Continuous ClO₂ generation through equilibrium chemistry provides extended protection, not just a single burst.

  • Ready to Use

    No activation, mixing, or waiting required. Simply dose directly into your water system.

  • Precise Control

    Metered dosing allows fine-tuned control of residual levels for optimal disinfection efficiency.

  • Extended Shelf Life

    Stable liquid formulation with predictable shelf life, unaffected by humidity or storage conditions.

Standard ClO₂ Tablets

  • Variable Dissolution

    Tablet dissolution rates vary with water temperature, pH, and agitation, leading to inconsistent dosing.

  • Single-Use Release

    One-shot ClO₂ release that depletes quickly, requiring frequent re-dosing for sustained protection.

  • Activation Required

    Many tablets require two-part mixing or activation steps, adding complexity and potential for error.

  • Unpredictable Levels

    Difficult to maintain consistent residual levels, leading to periods of under or over-dosing.

  • Moisture Sensitive

    Tablets can degrade if exposed to humidity, reducing potency before use.

The Bottom Line

While chlorine dioxide tablets offer convenience for small-scale or emergency applications, ChloroKlean® Plus L20's stabilised liquid formulation delivers the consistent, controlled, and long-lasting disinfection that professional water treatment demands. The regenerative chemistry means you get more effective pathogen control with less product and fewer interventions.

Key Benefits

Superior Protection

Regenerative technology provides continuous, long-lasting disinfection that traditional biocides cannot match.

Low-Dose Application

Effective at significantly lower concentrations, reducing chemical usage and costs.

Safer for People & Environment

Minimal toxic byproducts and safer handling compared to traditional chlorine and bromine products.

Extended Shelf Life

Stable for over 19 months even in challenging storage conditions, reducing waste and ensuring reliability.

How ChloroKlean® is Applied

Designed for easy, safe integration into modern water systems - no specialist equipment required

Simple Dosing

Dosed directly from container using standard diaphragm pumps. No specialist equipment or hazardous chemical mixing required.

Automated Control

Easily integrated with flow meters, level switches, or ORP/free chlorine sensors for precise automated dosing.

Easy Monitoring

Residuals can be monitored using standard DPD or photometric test kits, simplifying compliance verification.

Ready to Use, Straight from the Container

Unlike traditional systems requiring complex generators or dangerous chemical mixing, ChloroKlean® is a single, stable solution that can be deployed immediately using standard dosing equipment.

Environmental Considerations

All products undergo environmental risk assessments as required by UK GB and EU BPR regulations

BPR Environmental Assessment

All products have undergone environmental risk assessments as required by UK GB and EU BPR regulations.

Concentrated Formula

Concentrated products may reduce transport requirements compared to dilute alternatives (actual savings depend on application).

By-Product Profile

Chlorine dioxide chemistry produces different by-products than chlorine-based alternatives. See Safety Data Sheets for details.

Ready-to-Use Format

Pre-formulated products eliminate the need for on-site chlorine dioxide generators and associated equipment.

See the Results for Yourself

Discover how ChloroKlean® Plus L20 has helped facilities eliminate Legionella and maintain water safety.