Published: April 5, 2015
Clean water is essential for health and safety, whether for drinking, swimming pools, or industrial applications. Among the many disinfectants used today, Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC) has gained widespread recognition due to its effectiveness, stability, and cost-efficiency. But what exactly is SDIC, and how does it compare to other water treatment chemicals?
What is Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC)?
SDIC is an organic chlorine compound with the chemical formula C₃Cl₂N₃NaO₃. It is a chlorinated isocyanurate that releases available chlorine when dissolved in water, making it a highly effective disinfectant against bacteria, viruses, and algae.
SDIC is available in granular or tablet form, and its chlorine concentration typically ranges from 56% to 60%, offering a strong sanitizing effect while being easy to handle and store.
Why is SDIC Used for Water Purification?
SDIC is widely used due to its multiple benefits:
- Fast Dissolution:Unlike some chlorine compounds, SDIC dissolves quickly in water, making it ideal for emergency water treatment and fast-acting sanitation.
- High Stability:It has a long shelf life and remains effective for extended periods without losing potency.
- Cost-Effectiveness:Compared to liquid chlorine and calcium hypochlorite, SDIC provides a higher chlorine yield per unit, reducing the overall cost of disinfection.
- Less Corrosive:SDIC is less corrosive to equipment and surfaces than traditional chlorine compounds, making it suitable for industrial water systems.
- Versatile Applications:It is used in swimming pools, drinking water treatment, wastewater management, and even in disinfecting public spaces and hospitals.
Comparing SDIC to Other Water Treatment Chemicals
| Chemical | Available Chlorine Content | Dissolution Speed | Stability | Cost Efficiency | Common Applications |
| SDIC | 56-60% | Fast | High | Cost-effective | Pools, drinking water, industrial systems |
| TCCA (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid) | ~90% | Slow | Very high | Cost-effective (long-term) | Pools, large water bodies, industrial applications |
| Calcium Hypochlorite | 65-70% | Moderate | Moderate | Higher cost | Pools, emergency water treatment |
| Liquid Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite) | ~10-15% | Very fast | Low (decomposes quickly) | High cost (frequent dosing needed) | Drinking water, industrial sanitation |
How SDIC is Used in Water Treatment
- Swimming Pools:SDIC is added directly to pool water for rapid disinfection and algae control.
- Drinking Water:In emergency settings, SDIC tablets can purify contaminated water for safe drinking.
- Wastewater Treatment:Used in industrial plants to disinfect effluent before release.
- Public Sanitation:SDIC solutions are sprayed in hospitals, public restrooms, and transportation systems for microbial control.
Conclusion
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC) is a powerful, cost-effective, and efficient disinfectant widely used across industries. Its ability to dissolve quickly, remain stable over time, and provide a high chlorine yield makes it an ideal choice for water purification and sanitation. As global water safety concerns grow, SDIC remains a trusted solution for clean and healthy water.