Are brominating tablets good for anything?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

I've got a full 5 gal pail full of brominating tablets. The chemical composition off the label is:

1-bromo-3-chloro-5 5-dimenthyldantoin Its 92.5% active and 7.5% inert.

Is this chemical useful in any way for sanitizing, purifying water, or any other worthwhile use?

I guess its used for saunas or hot tubs? I got the stuff for nothing. Don't need it but the price on the bucket says $100 +. That gave me a reason to hold it for awhile but now its got to earn its keep.

Thanks for any advice.

Me

-- Floyd Baker (fbaker@wzrd.com), October 26, 1998

Answers

This is what I found on the subject:

BROMINE (BCDMH) Bromine, like chlorine is a member of the halogen family i.e it kills bacteria, viruses and algae and oxidises. Elemental bromine is a reddish brown colour and is liquid at room temperature. The form used in private and commercial pools is the tabletted version - BCDMH, or bromochlorodimethylhydantoin. (It becomes less daunting if you split it up into its component bits - bromo chloro di methyl hydantoin). BCDMH dissolves in water to release hypobromous acid and hypochlorous acid. The hypochlorous acid serves to regenerate the spent bromine. It is dosed into the pool by means of a circulatory feeder.

http://www.ftech.net/%7Ejshep/tech.htm

-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), October 26, 1998.


I think that means don't drink it. OK for purifying washing and bathing water though, if you don't like the thought of washing yourself with diseased water. Heck man, it's free, save it!

-- Uncle Deedah (oncebitten@twiceshy.com), October 26, 1998.

I would not even mess with those bromine tablets to purify drinking water . Those tablets are probably strickly for pools. Not to mention there are toxic(keep away from children) If your looking for something safe and non-toxic to purify your drinking water, check this website out www.primenet.com/~starlab .

-- david (pingpongdave@dreamsoft.com), October 30, 1998.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ