Frequently Asked Questions

As with all chemicals, we encourage you to read the Accu-Tab® tablet material safety data sheet and product label for proper safe use, handling and storage information.

Q: What certifications does the Accu-Tab System have
     for Fresh Cut facilities?

A: Tablets Certified by NSF (Std 60), USDA (FCN 1023), meet AWWA B-300 standards, CFIA, Health Canada and meet WSDA and OMRI requirements for use in organic processing. Most chlorinators and Chlorination Systems meet NSF (Std 61). The tablets also a registered product of the EPA.

Q: How is chlorine dosage controlled?

A: Regulating water flow through the chlorinator controls the chlorine delivery rate. The more water through the unit, the faster available chlorine is delivered. This can be controlled either manually or automatically and is as simple as adjusting a valve.

Q: Do all the tablets get soaked in water at once?

A: No. The chlorinator does not fill with water. Only the bottom of the layer of tablets in the feeder contacts the water. The rest of the tablets remain dry and drop down automatically to replace the wetted tablets that are eroded.

Q: What is the composition of 3-inch Accu-Tab tablets?

A: Accu-Tab tablets contain about 68% available chlorine. Typically, they contain approximately 2% insolubles. All industrial tablets also contain a scale inhibitor.

Q: In what size pails are Accu-Tab tablets sold?

A: Accu-Tab tablets are packaged in a 55-pound bucket. The buckets are easy to stack and store.

Q: How often does the chlorinator need to be filled
     with tablets?

A: This depends of two things—how much cal hypo is being used per day and what size chlorinator is being used. Your Accu-Tab Specialist can give you a better idea once you select a chlorinator for your facility.

Q: Can I use other calcium hypochlorite tablets in an
     Accu-Tab chlorinator?

A: No! Not using Accu-Tab tablets will violate the system's NSF certification and void the warranty of the system. More importantly, the mixing of chemicals can cause a fire, explosion or both.

Q: What is the shelf life of calcium hypochlorite?

A: Accu-Tab calcium hypochlorite tablets maintain their strength for up to a year when stored under the proper conditions. (Store in original container with the lid sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat.)

Q: What safety measures are recommended for the
     storage of calcium hypochlorite?

A: Calcium hypochlorite should be stored in its original container with the lid sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. It should be kept away from heat, sparks, flames, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat, including lighted tobacco products. It is important to remember that calcium hypochlorite is a Class 3 oxidizer, and local fire officials should be contacted and made aware of your current storage conditions and the quantities you intend to store. Refer to container labeling for full storage and warning information and details.

Q: What safety equipment is needed for the handling
     of Accu-Tab tablets?

A: Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used. Also, an authorized Industrial Hygienist should be consulted for recommendations regarding the use of PPE.

Q: What routine maintenance is required?

A: Axiall recommends cleaning the chlorinator once a year with diluted acid to remove any deposits. However, system water quality will ultimately determine how often cleaning is needed. For specific cleaning instructions, refer to the cleaning instructions section of your chlorinator manual.

Q: Will the Accu-Tab system cause corrosion of pipes,
     pumps and other equipment?

A: No. The calcium hypochlorite solution that is discharged from the chlorinator is a mildly alkaline solution. However, the presence of calcium and alkalinity mitigate the corrosive impact of the hypochlorite.

Q: Does the unit come with a warranty?

A: Yes. Accu-Tab chlorinators are made from PVC for durability, and they rarely break. However, Axiall will supply replacement parts (or, in rare cases, an entire chlorinator for the life of a particular application) provided that the chlorinator has been installed correctly and has been using only Accu-Tab tablets.