Comportamiento cinético del cloro libre y optimización de la dosificación de cloro en el sistema de agua potable de Tutupali Chico

Abstract

This study addressed the behavior of residual chlorine in a drinking water distribution network. Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant globally, since its free residual ensures the continuous disinfection of water in the network. In rural areas, the deficiency in the treatment of raw water and its disinfection requires knowing the kinetics of chlorine to optimize disinfection and comply with national regulations on residual chlorine concentration. The objectives included determining the order of reaction and the kinetic constants of chlorine: constant of reaction with water (kb) and with the pipe wall (kw). It was sought to improve the dosage in the drinking water treatment plant (PTAP) obtaining the optimal dose of calcium hypochlorite according to the characteristics of the filtered water. At 15 strategic sampling points, the concentration of residual chlorine was measured in summer (August, September, October) and winter (February, March, April). Using the integral method, the order of reaction was determined, and by exponential adjustment, the kinetic constants (kb=0.406 h-1 and kw=0.079 h-1 ). To optimize the chlorine dosage, point-of-break chlorination was carried out in three trials, obtaining an optimal dose of 2.97 mg/L with a residual chlorine of 0.92 mg/L. The study concluded that the kinetic constants are specific to each distribution network, depending on the water and the environment. The results obtained on the optimal dose are consistent with the literature, validating the method applied.