Odours and ClO2
Most odours require either an ionic carrier or a water carrier in order to be perceived by the olfactory system. These carriers can be hydrophobic in nature but may be enveloped with a common molecular (complex) that is hydrophilic. Some odours are ionic in nature and require no water carrier or ionic carrier. The perception of these odours may not be a characteristic odour but a burning or suffocation sensation.
Odours arise from various sources; probably the two major sources are bacteriological and chemical. The mode of action of chlorine dioxide in odour reduction is that of oxidation. The form of oxidation varies with the origin and scope of the odour source. Atmospheric odours that are contained in a restricted area can be oxidised by atomisation of the chlorine dioxide so that molecular oxidation can take place more efficiently.
Atmospheric odours generally are carried by water vapour forming a common media for chlorine dioxide oxidation to take place. In the event that the atmospheric odour is not carried by water vapour, the water content of the chlorine dioxide solution will act as the media for oxidation. Dilution of the chlorine dioxide solution before use will provide a greater amount of media for oxidation.
Odours arising from bodies of fluid can generally be eliminated by adding the chlorine dioxide solution directly to the odoriferous fluid. The first action of chlorine dioxide is to rapidly oxidise the vapour gases dissolved in the fluid to their oxide form. As the dissolved gases are oxidised and the amount of chlorine dioxide is increased, the next action of chlorine dioxide is the oxidation of small molecular material (micro organisms); and, as the amount of chlorine dioxide is further increased, the larger molecules and compounds are oxidised. The addition of chlorine dioxide to fluid systems can be varied in intensity to provide the amount of oxidation that is required to service a particular problem.