What is ChloroKlean Plus L20 Regenerative Chlorine Dioxide Technology?

    ChloroKlean Plus L20 is a regenerative chlorine dioxide biocide for the specific organisms and uses stated on its product documentation.

    Technology Type
    Regenerative Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂)
    Oxidizing Power
    Different oxidation chemistry from free 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 in specified stored-water product testing, not a universal duration
    Biofilm Removal
    Outcomes tested at 0.5-1.5 ppm under specified product-test conditions
    Disinfection By-Products
    No chloramines and generally very little THM or HAA; chlorite and chlorate require control
    Target Pathogens
    Legionella, Pseudomonas, E. coli, biofilms, viruses
    Equipment Required
    None - ready-to-use, no on-site generators needed

    What are the key advantages of chlorine dioxide over chlorine?

    Oxidation Chemistry
    Performance depends on target organism and test conditions
    Wide pH Effectiveness
    Active across a broad pH range; comparative efficacy remains condition-specific
    Biofilm Penetration
    Can act on biofilm under suitable concentration, contact time and system conditions
    By-product profile
    No chloramines and generally very little THM or HAA; chlorite and chlorate require control
    Resistant Organisms
    Retains activity against many chlorine-tolerant organisms (Cryptosporidium still requires UV or filtration)
    Stability
    Does not gas off in hot water or cooling tower systems
    Chemical Reduction
    A poultry-processing case study reported a 99% volume reduction under that site's programme
    Proven Cost Savings
    A paper-manufacturing case study reported 35% annual savings under that site's conditions
    Next Generation Technology
    Last reviewed: January 2026

    ChloroKlean® Plus L20

    Regenerative biocide technology for product-label uses, with performance verified under the conditions of each application.

    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 targets specific amino acids in proteins and disrupts cell membranes. Efficacy and material compatibility depend on concentration, contact time and conditions.

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

    By-product profile: ClO₂ forms no chloramines and generally very little THM or HAA. Chlorite, chlorate and other by-products require dosing control and measurement.

    Key Properties

    • Yellow-green gas at room temperature
    • Highly soluble in water
    • 2.5x oxidising power of chlorine
    • Effective across pH 4-10
    • Generally forms very little THM or HAA; control chlorite and chlorate
    • 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.

    Biofilm Control

    Chlorine dioxide can act within a biofilm matrix. Outcomes for embedded bacteria depend on matrix composition, concentration, contact time and disinfectant demand and must be validated for the target organism and system.

    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

    Biofilm Control

    Can act on biofilm matrices under validated product-label conditions

    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 mixed-oxidant system designed for controlled, measurable 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

    Compare chlorine dioxide properties using product-specific testing and documented site 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

    Chlorine-dioxide chemistry is active across a broad pH range, while hypochlorite speciation changes as pH rises. Efficacy remains product- and condition-specific.

    Free-chlorine speciation changes as pH rises, while chlorine-dioxide chemistry is less pH-dependent. Actual efficacy and any pH-correction requirement remain system-specific.

    Versatile across water conditions
    Assess pH adjustment by system
    Validate organism reduction
    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

    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

    Sources: business results (up to 99% chemical reduction, 35% cost savings, 12+ months sustained compliance) are drawn from ChloroKlean UK case studies in healthcare, paper manufacturing, poultry processing and biogas upgrading. Greater than log 6 microbial reduction is measured to EN 1276 and EN 13697 European standard tests at less than 0.5 ppm free chlorine.

    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

    Product testing in specified stored-water conditions measured activity beyond 24 hours; this is not a universal single-dose duration.

    0.5-1.5 ppm

    Biofilm Test Range

    Product testing evaluated biofilm outcomes in the stated 0.5-1.5 ppm range. Field performance requires site-specific validation.

    pH 4-9.5

    Wide pH Range

    Chlorine dioxide chemistry remains active across a broad pH range; efficacy still depends on product and test conditions.

    Sources: EN 1276 and EN 13697 European standard suspension and surface disinfection tests, supported by ChloroKlean laboratory and field data. Chlorine dioxide remains effective across pH 4-10, unlike chlorine which loses efficacy above pH 7.5 (WHO drinking water guidance).

    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 no chloramines and generally very little THM/HAA; control chlorite, chlorate and other by-products

    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

    Compare dosing format, activation, storage and product-specific performance

    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 and tablet products use different dosing and activation formats. Compare them using product documentation, efficacy tests, water demand, monitoring needs and total operating cost for the site.

    Key Benefits

    Regenerative Formulation

    The product is formulated to regenerate chlorine dioxide over time. Residual duration and efficacy depend on dose, demand and system conditions.

    Low-Dose Application

    Use the product-label concentration and validate it for the target organism and application. Chemical use and cost are site-specific.

    Controlled Use

    Follow the label and Safety Data Sheet for handling and environmental controls. Chlorite, chlorate and other by-products require control.

    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 site-specific Legionella sampling reported during ChloroKlean® Plus L20 treatment programmes.