Klorman Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What is the KLORMAN Sanitizing System?

A.  The  KLORMAN Sanitizing System is a non-mechanical, in-line dispensing system for calcium hypochlorite. It utilizes water as a vehicle to produce active chlorine sanitizer. It is practical for any situation where bacteria, fungal spores, viruses and protozoa need to be controlled. Applications range from food processing all the way through kennel sanitation. It is useful anywhere that easy access to consistent, effective, sanitizing is desired.

Q.  What is calcium hypochlorite?
A.  Calcium hypochlorite, used in the KLORMAN and BUCCANEER Systems and trademarked as HYPOCHLOR, is a mild calcium based chlorine in a very stable dry tablet form.

Q.  Isn't calcium hypochlorite really the same as liquid bleach?

A.  No, the two are very different. The biggest difference is that liquid bleach is sodium hypochlorite rather than calcium hypochlorite. 

Q.  What makes HYPOCHLOR different from other calcium hypochlorites?

A.  HYPOCHLOR has been specifically designed to dissolve slowly and consistently. It is dispensed from a replaceable patented cartridge that is both easy to use and cost effective. When the cartridge is empty, which can be told with a simple glance at the unit, you just replace it with a full one.

Q.  How does the KLORMAN "non-mechanical" dispenser work?

A.  The dispensing unit operates by contact of feed water with the HYPOCHLOR tablets. The HYPOCHLOR tablets, encased in the replaceable cartridge, are lowered into the water stream. As water flows across the cartridge it dissolves the tablets and carries the sanitizing solution out.

Q.  How is the chlorine concentration determined and controlled?

A.  The chlorine concentration is determined by:

    a) Water pressure, i.e. line pressure or back pressure.

    b) Water flow through the unit, i.e. gallons or liters per minute.

    c) Depth of the HYPOCHLOR cartridge into the stream of water.

The most consistent control of chlorine concentration, measured as parts per  million or ppm, has proven to be in installations where the water is at a constant flow rather than intermittent, i.e. spray bars that rum continuously vs. hose nozzle wash down. However, the KLORMAN System is still very effective for intermittent applications where rigid control of chlorine concentration is not as critical.

Q.  How can I measure the amount of chlorine being produced?

A.  There are several ways in which chlorine concentration, measured as parts per million, can be assessed. The two most frequently used are chlorine test strips and the DPD titration system. Chlorine test strips  have proven to be an adequate and acceptable measurement of chlorine levels for process water applications. DPD  titration, while being more accurate, is also more involved to perform. It  is considered to be  very accurate for low levels of chlorine such  as those associated with potable drinking  water.

Q.  Who installs the KLORMAN system?

A.  The KLORMAN system is usually installed by the purchaser. Drawings of typical  installations as well as brackets, filters and fittings are available.  Your  KLORMAN supplier can advise you  on a correct installation for your process.

Q.  How is the KLORMAN system  installed?

A.  Dispensing units can  be wall mounted  directly into a water line using a wall bracket and the fittings supplied  with each unit. From there a hose can be connected for wash down applications or another line can be attached to carry the chlorine to a further point. Wall brackets are available from your KLORMAN supplier as well as suggested installation drawings. In certain applications the unit can be mounted directly on a piece of equipment. This allows it to be close to the actual point of use for easy monitoring and adjustment.. This usually calls for a custom mounting bracket of some sort which ordinarily can be fabricated locally. We do however recommend that you use the plastic covered U-bolts that are available form your KLORMAN supplier. They will help protect your dispensing unit.

Q.  Does the KLORMAN system have to be permanently mounted?

A.  No. Portable units are also available. The framework of these units is fabricated of durable PVC and they come supplied with male and female hose fittings. This portability allows them to be moved easily from location to location, i.e. mushroom growing rooms, greenhouses, supermarkets, restaurants, etc. Portable units can also be supplied with or without a filter.

Q.  What comes with a dispenser unit?

A.  Each unit comes with two sets of glue in fittings. One set of fittings is for 11/4 inch waterlines and one set is for 3/4 inch waterlines. You simply glue in the set that matches your application.

Q.  Other than existing line size, what is the difference in using the 3/4 inch fittings instead of 11/4 inch fittings?

A.  The 3/4 inch fittings are ordinarily used where consistently high levels of chlorine (over 20 ppm) are desired. The reduced aperture creates a turbulence within the chamber which results in pressure build up. This pressure build up forces water up into the cartridge chamber dissolving several tablets at one time.

Q.  How much flow is required for the KLORMAN system to operate properly?

A.                Inlet Size                Minimum                Maximum

                        3/4"      --------      1 GPM      --------   18 GPM

                       11/4"     --------      5 GPM      --------   60 GPM

Since the KLORMAN is non-mechanical, it is dependent on water flow to dissolve the HYPOCHLOR tablets and carry it out. Generally speaking, there must be enough flow to at least cover the bottom tablets.

Q.  What are the pressure limits for a KLORMAN system?

A.                 Minimum pressure        5 psi

                     Maximum pressure       60 psi

The ability of the KLORMAN system to operate on existing water pressure is one of the major benefits of the KLORMAN non-mechanical operation. On the other hand, pressure that exceeds 60 psi can create problems. The housing of the KLORMAN dispenser is acrylic. If it is exposed to pressures higher than 60 psi, the housing could fracture. The cap on the dispenser has intentionally been designed so that it is weaker than the housing. That way, if something should break from exceeding the pressure limit, it should be the cap instead of the unit, but that is not always the case. Exceeding 60 psi could cause the system to fail and a pressure reducer must always be used in these situations. If there is a question about incoming pressure you should have it checked before installation.

Q.  What are the temperature limitations for the KLORMAN system?

A.  The KLORMAN should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 125°F or damage to unit could occur. Higher temperatures will also cause the HYPOCHLOR tablets to dissolve very quickly making concentrations harder to control and resulting in a waste of product. High temperatures could soften and distort the acrylic dispenser which would cause it to malfunction. Likewise, the KLORMAN should not be exposed to freezing temperatures. It will break as the water contained within expands.

Q.  What type of management procedure is required with the KLORMAN system?

A.  Although the KLORMAN system is non-mechanical, it still has some distinct management procedures  that should be followed if it is to work effectively and efficiently.

a) The dispenser unit must always have a cartridge with HYPOCHLOR tablets in it. This may sound simplistic, but since everything is visual, someone has to keep an eye out for an empty cartridge. Over time this becomes easier as the user becomes more familiar with the  system.

b) the water must be drained out of the unit when it is not in use. This ordinarily applies to when your system will be shut down for a prolonged period of time, i.e. beaks, overnight, etc. The unit must be drained because if water sits on the tablets for a prolonged period of time they will dissolve prematurely. Consequently, you will not only get a surge of high concentration chlorine, but you will also be wasting product unnecessarily. There are numerous ways to insure that the water is easily drained out of the cartridge. Your KLORMAN supplier will be glad to advise you on the best drainage system for your application.

Q.  Will the KLORMAN system chlorinate my entire water system?

A.  No. The KLORMAN is designed as a point of use applicator. It is not designed to efficiently chlorinate large quantities of water. Experience has proven that trying to disinfect large quantities of water, such as flumes and whole systems, is a very ineffective practice. Best results are obtained by spraying product after if has been removed from the water. You are then sanitizing the product and not the water that it was immersed in.

Q.  At what point in my process should I install the KLORMAN system?

A.  This varies of course from installation to installation but generally speaking, you will get the best sanitizing results by placing the KLORMAN as close to the end of your process as possible. This will help prevent cross contamination from other factors after you have sanitized. Intermediate units in a process also help tremendously to reduce bacterial loading, but if the product is recontaminated further down the line, you have basically wasted your time and money. Your KLORMAN supplier, working with our technical staff, will advise you on proper installation points.

Q.  How long does a HYPOCHLOR cartridge last?

A.  Due to the fact that so many variables occur in water treatment, a definite answer to this question is impossible. It depends on several variables, each having an effect on consumption of the tablets:

                a) Water pressure

                b) Water flow

                c) Water temperature

                d) Depth of cartridge into the water flow

                e) Management of the system

Each system is different but as a general rule:

One HYPOCHLOR cartridge will chlorinate 120,000 gallons of water at 1 ppm. To figure a  higher ppm you simply divide 120,000 by the ppm desired, i.e. 50 ppm = 120,000 divided by 50 = 2400 gallons of treated water.

This will vary somewhat from application to application but generally works well enough for estimating purposes. Actual experience in your facility will tell you more.

Q.  Can the KLORMAN system be used for livestock drinking water?

A.  Yes. There are units available for livestock drinking water that have been very successful. The system utilizes a storage tank and solenoid valves to control the chlorine concentration. We can supply the entire system, or we will gladly work with you to incorporate a KLORMAN into your existing system if possible.

Q.  Will HYPOCHLOR harm my equipment?

A.  The unique ability of the KLORMAN system to dispense dry calcium hypochlorite (a solid dispensed into a liquid) insures controlled pH. Most of the corrosion associated with hypochlorites occurs from the use of sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach) and its excessive alkalinity. The self-buffering nature of HYPOCHLOR tablets prevents this high degree of alkaline corrosion.

Q.  What kind of maintenance is required with the KLORMAN system?

A.  Since the KLORMAN system is non-mechanical, it requires very little maintenance. However, it is a good idea to occasionally add some food grade lubricant to the inside of the unit. This will help the cartridge slide up and down. If this same food grade lubricant is periodically added to the threads on the inside of the cap, it will help keep the adjustment mechanism, which is simply turning the cap, working smoothly. Replacement caps and springs are readily available from your KLORMAN supplier.

CAUTION: Do not use petroleum based lubricants with any chlorine product.

Q.  What is the delivery time on a KLORMAN system.?

A.  All standard products can be shipped from inventory, therefore most orders placed before noon are shipped the next day. If for some reason an item is not in stock or is a special order, such as a custom manifold, you will be advised of a ship date when your order is placed or confirmed.