HOCL is easily degradable. How can we ensure the disinfection effect during the food disinfection process?

Hypochlorous acid is indeed a very unstable disinfectant, a characteristic that requires special attention in its practical application. If it degrades too quickly during use, its disinfecting effectiveness can be compromised, or even rendered ineffective.

Why is hypochlorous acid easily degradable?

The active ingredient of hypochlorous acid is the hypochlorous acid molecule (HOCl). In solution, it undergoes several decomposition reactions, resulting in a decrease in its effective chlorine concentration. The main factors affecting hypochlorous acid's stability include:

1） Light: Strong light (especially ultraviolet light) significantly accelerates the decomposition of hypochlorous acid.

2）Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the rate of chemical reactions and, consequently, the decomposition rate of hypochlorous acid. It is said that the decomposition rate doubles with every 10°C increase in temperature.

3）pH: Hypochlorous acid is most stable and effective in a weakly acidic environment (pH 5.0-6.5). Excessively high or low pH values accelerate its decomposition.

4）Organic matter: Hypochlorous acid is a strong oxidant and reacts with organic matter (such as food residue, blood, and dead microorganisms) and is consumed. In the presence of large amounts of organic matter, the active ingredient in hypochlorous acid is rapidly consumed, significantly reducing its disinfection effectiveness. 

5）Exposure to Air: Hypochlorous acid molecules are somewhat volatile. If the container is not properly sealed, they will slowly escape into the air. This is especially true in open containers, where the concentration of hypochlorous acid will continue to decrease.

6）Solution Concentration: Theoretically, higher hypochlorous acid concentrations are likely to result in faster decomposition reactions.

How to ensure disinfection effectiveness during use?

To prevent hypochlorous acid from degrading over a short period of time and losing its disinfectant effectiveness, a series of measures must be taken:

1.  Storage Conditions:

1）Light-Proof Storage: Hypochlorous acid must be stored in a light-proof container (such as a brown bottle) in a cool, dark place.

2）Low-Temperature Storage: Store at low temperatures to effectively slow its decomposition.

3）Sealed Storage: Close the lid tightly after use to minimize exposure to air.

2.  Immediate Preparation or Short-Term Storage:

1）Immediate Generation: If conditions permit, using a hypochlorous acid generator for immediate preparation is the best method, ensuring highly active, high-concentration hypochlorous acid.

2）Use Within a Short Time: Even with good storage conditions, the effective chlorine concentration of commercially available hypochlorous acid products decreases over time. It is generally recommended to use the product as soon as possible after opening, or according to the recommended use time in the product package insert. (For example, some products may maintain their antibacterial properties for 2-3 months if kept sealed and in a cool, dark place. However, once opened, it is recommended to use the diluted solution within 24 hours.)

3.  Pre-use cleaning:

This is the most crucial point. Before using hypochlorous acid to disinfect food, tableware, or environmental surfaces, they must be thoroughly cleaned to remove organic matter (such as food residue, grease, etc.). If disinfected directly on surfaces with large amounts of organic matter, the active ingredients of hypochlorous acid will be rapidly consumed by these substances, making it ineffective in killing microorganisms.

4.  Adjust the concentration and exposure time according to the intended use:

Select an appropriate hypochlorous acid concentration and exposure time based on the target being disinfected. For example, for food disinfection, the concentration is generally lower and the exposure time is relatively short; for environmental surface disinfection, the concentration can be higher and the exposure time may be longer.

Even if the hypochlorous acid degrades, as long as a sufficient available chlorine concentration is maintained within the effective exposure time, the disinfection effect will be achieved.

5.  Avoid mixing:

Do not mix hypochlorous acid with acidic cleaners or other disinfectants. This may result in the production of toxic fumes or reduce disinfection effectiveness.

In summary, the easy degradation of hypochlorous acid does affect its disinfection effect, but through correct storage, reasonable use (especially cleaning before disinfection) and timely updating, its safe and efficient disinfection effect can still be fully exerted.

CHLORY hypochlorous acid generators achieve a balance between sterilization effectiveness and safety through technological innovation. They are particularly suitable for applications with stringent environmental and health requirements, making them an ideal alternative to traditional chemical disinfectants. Specific model parameters should be tailored to actual needs (e.g., output and concentration).

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