A mathematical model for variable chlorine decay rates in water distribution systems

Abstract

A model for relating the time-dependent variable rate of reaction to the decay of chlorine residual in water is developed based on the initial chlorine dose, molar concentrations of reactants, and the rate constant itself. The mathematical model, while retaining its second order nature, simplifies the solution as the residual chlorine and aggregate parameters such as molar concentration of reactants can be estimated. The model is based on molar-averaged reaction rates involving arithmetic and harmonic means of reactants that eliminate the individual reaction rates that are difficult to determine. Part of the mathematical assumption used in the derivation of the equations using molar averaging is tested for its validity through theoretical as well as Monte Carlo simulation of the error term over wide ranges of assumed reaction rates and molar concentration of reactants. The second-order variation of the rate of reaction with respect to the initial chlorine concentration has been verified through experimental tests of bulk chlorine decay carried out at different chlorine doses.