摘要 |
A device for producing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution when placed in water. The device includes a membrane shell that defines a compartment which includes one or more dry chemicals (e.g., a metal chlorite and an acid) capable of producing chlorine dioxide gas when exposed to water. Wick means extend into the compartment for absorbing water and transporting water into the compartment such that the chemical(s) in the compartment dissolve in the water and produce chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment, the membrane is formed of a material that allows the passage of gas (e.g., chlorine dioxide) but is impervious to liquid (e.g., water). In another embodiment, the wick means is a wick member which divides the compartment into first and second compartment sections. One chemical (metal chlorite, for example) is contained within the first compartment section and another chemical (acid, for example) is contained within or can easily be placed in the second compartment section. When the device is placed in water, water enters the device by way of the wick means and possibly the membrane shell. The chemicals dissolve in the water and react to produce chlorine dioxide gas. The chlorine dioxide gas then passes through the membrane shell and possibly the wick member into the surrounding water transforming the water into an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution. The solution can then be used, for example, as a disinfectant solution.
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