Technology
Electrolysis technology for effective disinfection
Our electrolysis technology produces Neuthox® from just salt, water and electricity. The water-based disinfectant contains hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is highly effective against harmful microorganisms and helps remove and prevent biofilm in water systems.
Salt
Water
Electricity
Neuthox
How our electrolysis technology works
The production of Neuthox is based on electrochemical activation (ECA), an electrolysis process in which a saltwater solution passes through a membrane electrolysis cell. Electrochemical reactions in the cell convert the saltwater solution into Neuthox, which contains HOCl.
Neuthox can be produced directly on site in our DCW units and automatically dosed into water systems.
Did you know?
HOCl is also naturally produced by our immune system to help fight bacteria and other microorganisms.
Why hypochlorous acid is highly effective
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a form of free chlorine that is highly effective for disinfection. HOCl has a neutral charge, while bacterial cell surfaces typically carry a negative charge. Because HOCl is neutral, it can easily pass through bacterial cell walls and membranes. In comparison, the hypochlorite ion (OCl⁻), commonly found in conventional bleach solutions, is negatively charged and therefore less able to penetrate the bacterial cell surface.
HOCl rapidly reacts with essential proteins and other cell components, disrupting vital functions and killing bacteria. Its broad antimicrobial activity also makes it effective against viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. This high efficiency enables effective disinfection at low concentrations.
Studies have reported HOCl to be 70–80 times as effective at killing bacteria as the hypochlorite ion (OCl⁻) under comparable conditions.
Biofilm removal and prevention
Neuthox also removes and prevents biofilm – the slimy layer that can build up on surfaces inside water systems. Biofilm creates a protective environment where bacteria multiply, making it a major source of recurring bacterial growth. As long as biofilm remains in the system, bacteria can return to the water after disinfection.
Neuthox is highly effective against biofilm, breaking it down and removing the bacteria within it. Where heavy biofilm is present, a higher initial concentration can be used to accelerate the cleaning process. Once the biofilm has been reduced, continuous dosing at the normal operating concentration helps prevent new build-up and supports clean systems and stable water hygiene.
Biofilm build-up
Biofilm removed
Example: How fast can Legionella multiply?
Under favourable temperature conditions, Legionella can grow exponentially. Research-based growth curves indicate a doubling time of around 12 hours at temperatures near 40 °C. At that rate, a population of 500 could increase to around 8,000 in just two days.
FAQ about our electrolysis technology
How is the effectiveness of Neuthox documented?
Neuthox has been tested according to relevant European standards (EN) for effectiveness against microorganisms. The tests typically demonstrate a 99.999% reduction in bacteria under the specified test conditions.
For example, Neuthox achieves a 99.999% reduction of E. coli on surfaces within 15 seconds at a HOCl concentration of 50 ppm. It also achieves a 99.999% reduction of Legionella bacteria in water within 60 minutes at a concentration of just 3 ppm.
The effectiveness is further supported by field tests and documented results from real water systems, including bacterial control and biofilm removal.
How safe is Neuthox to handle?
Because HOCl is highly effective, Neuthox provides disinfection at low HOCl concentrations, helping keep the disinfectant mild and gentle in use.
Neuthox is classified as non-hazardous according to EU regulation, unlike many conventional disinfection chemicals. This means that no personal protective equipment is required, no hazard pictograms are needed, and the disinfectant is not flammable.
Neuthox is therefore safe and simple to handle in everyday operation.
How does the technology compare with conventional disinfection methods?
Our electrolysis technology combines highly effective disinfection at low HOCl concentrations with on-site production of a non-hazardous disinfectant. Compared with many conventional chemical treatments, this reduces the need to transport, store and handle hazardous disinfection chemicals.
In water systems, Neuthox also provides an advantage over point-of-treatment methods such as UV. While UV disinfects water as it passes through the treatment unit and leaves no disinfectant residual, Neuthox is dosed into the water and can provide continuous disinfection throughout the system, helping control both bacteria and biofilm.
Can DCW units be integrated into existing water systems?
Yes. DCW units can easily be integrated into existing water systems and connected to central control systems.
The units are connected directly to the water system, where they produce and automatically dose Neuthox for continuous water disinfection. Once installed, operation is simple: you only need to refill salt and schedule two annual service visits.
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