Usually, what is the best disinfectant to use in large-diameter pipes or very long pipelines?

Chlorine gas is recognized as the best disinfectant for large-diameter pipes or extensive pipeline systems due to its efficiency and effectiveness in treating water over long distances. One of the key advantages of chlorine gas is its powerful disinfection capabilities, providing high residual levels that can remain active even in larger volumes of water.

Chlorine gas is particularly suitable for long pipelines because its injection can be managed effectively to ensure uniform distribution, making it easier to achieve the desired concentration throughout extensive systems. Its efficacy against a wide range of pathogens also contributes to its preference in scenarios where the microbial quality of the water must be maintained over significant lengths.

Additionally, when considering how disinfectants perform over time and distance, chlorine gas shows a greater ability to penetrate and disinfect biofilms, which can be a major concern in long pipelines. This helps in maintaining water quality throughout the distribution system.

In contrast, other options like calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite may not be as effective in larger systems due to their handling and stability issues over long distances. Chloramines, while beneficial for maintaining residuals in some systems, typically do not provide the same level of immediate disinfection as chlorine gas, making them less ideal for extensive pipelines.