Antenna WATA-Plus User manual

WATA-Plus®
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WATER AND HYGIENE
WATA-Plus®
www.antenna.ch

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This guide explains how to use the WATA-Plus®electrolyser to produce a sodium hypochlorite
solution with a 0.6% concentration of active chlorine (6 g/L) that can be used for water
treatment or disinfection purposes. The WATA-Plus®produces a sodium hypochlorite solution
by electrolyzing salt water. All that is needed are clear water, salt and electricity to use the
WATA-Plus®. Water is chlorinated by adding a dose of sodium hypochlorite to potentially
contaminated water, thereby destroying at least 99%*of pathogenic microorganisms in
approximately 30 minutes.
1. PRESENTATION
The WATA-Plus®produces 15 litres of sodium hypochlorite
solution in 4 hours, which can treat up to 60 000 litres of
water, meeting the drinking water needs of 15 000 people
(4 L/person/day).
The WATA-Plus®works with direct current and consumes a
nominal power of 180 W.
AC/DC power supply provided to hook up to the grid:
`Input voltage: 90–264 VAC
`Input frequency: 47–63 Hz
`Input current: 2 A / 230 VAC
`Output voltage: 12 VDC
`Nominal output current: 29.2 A
For utilisation with solar power, a pair of DC cables with a connector is provided to allow
direct connection to a solar unit (see section 5).
WThe device should be used only by a responsible person familiar with this user guide.
WThe sodium hypochlorite solution can be corrosive and irritating when in contact
with skin, eyes, mucosa and airways, causing cough and other breathing difficulties.
In case of accidental contact, rinse with clear water.
Do not inhale or ingest.
WStore the sodium hypochlorite solution in an opaque, clean, labelled and well-sealed
flask, out of the reach of children. Keep the flask in a cool and shady place.
WUse the sodium hypochlorite solution within 24 hours following its production.
WNever use metal containers for the procedure or for storage.
WDo not use or store near fire, flames or sparks.
WDuring maintenance, do never rub the titanium plates.
WATA-Plus®
www.antenna.ch
*WHO, 2004, Water treatment and pathogen control, IWA publishing, p44-50
1. Presentation ............................................................................................................ 3
2. Necessary materials.................................................................................................. 4
3. Recommendations for the production of sodium hypochlorite...................................... 4
4. Water quality ........................................................................................................... 6
5. Sources of electricity/energy...................................................................................... 8
6. Procedure for producing sodium hypochlorite solution ................................................ 9
7. Storage and stabilisation ........................................................................................ 12
8. Measuring active chlorine concentration with WataTest®........................................... 13
9. Using sodium hypochlorite solution to chlorinate drinking water ............................... 13
10. Testing drinking water with WataBlue®
(determination of residual chlorine)....................................................................... 15
11. Using the sodium hypochlorite solution for disinfection/cleaning ............................. 16
INDEX

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WTarget output and concentration
The WATA-Plus®uses electrolysis of salt water at 25 g/L (375 grams of salt per 15 litres
of water) to produce a sodium hypochlorite solution with a 6 g/L concentration of active
chlorine. Failure to follow these parameters could lead to a poor quality production or
a damaged power supply.
WIn case of unstable current, use a voltage regulator
If the power grid is subject to intermittent outages or sudden voltage dips and surges
(fluctuations in the intensity of light emitted by the bulbs provide sufficient evidence
that this is occurring), the power supply could be destroyed. If this is the case, use a
voltage regulator. Likewise, if a generator has a large variation in operating regimes, it
is advisable to use a voltage regulator.
WUse with a generator
The generator should not run out of fuel while the WATA-Plus®is in use. Ensure that the
tank is full before starting production. Wait until the generator is stable before plugging
in the WATA-Plus
®
.When the procedure is complete, first unplug the WATA-Plus
®
’s power
supply and then turn off the generator.
WRespect the prescribed production volumes.
The recommended volume of each production run is 15L.
WOverheating of the power supply
If overheating occurs, the power supply will automatically shut off and then restart when
its internal temperature falls below 70°C. However, it is advisable to stop the procedure
and allow the power supply to cool down for 15 minutes.
WRespect the 6 g/L concentration
The WATA-Plus®is designed to produce a sodium hypochlorite solution with a 1 to 6
g/L concentration of active chlorine.The concentration must not exceed 7 g/L. Prolonged
use or excessive salt will result in raising the temperature of the bath, not in increasing
concentration. If this occurs, there is a risk of damaging the power supply and/or not
achieving 6 g/L concentration. Use WataTest®to measure concentration once the
procedure is complete.
WWater temperature for production
To begin the procedure, use water with a temperature between 20 and 27°C. Check the
temperature using a clean thermometer.
WUse a log book
To facilitate the monitoring of chlorine production and to trace the origin of any problems
that might arise, use a log book to record, each time the WATA-Plus®is used, the name
of the person responsible for production, the starting and finishing times of production
and a short description of the procedure. You’ll find examples in the «tool kit» on our
website, www.antenna.ch.
2. NECESSARY MATERIALS
`WATA-Plus®kit
`Ordinary salt
`Clear water
`Funnel
`Plastic container holding approximately 25L
`Wooden/plastic table
3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE
PRODUCTION OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
WChoose one or several people to be responsible for production
These persons should be trained and possess a general knowledge of chemistry.
Production with the WATA-Plus®involves more than just adding salt to water. Failure to
follow indicated procedures will lead to excessive energy consumption that will adversely
affect the proper functioning and life span of the power supply.
WSome precautions at the electrical level
The box containing the power supply should be put in a dry area away from splashing
water and should always remain closed, especially when the WATA-Plus®is in use. It
should be placed as far as possible from the chlorine vapours and never placed
at ground level. It should be opened only by qualified persons with electrical training
after the power supply has been unplugged. The electrical voltage in the electrolysis
bath involves no risk of electrocution for the user. However, precautions should be
taken regarding access to the device only by authorized persons. Furthermore, salt and
chlorine are not good for electrical devices, so rinse your hands/gloves before handling
the power supply.
WChoose an appropriate area and time for production
Only those persons specially trained in using the WATA-Plus®should use it. Owing to
significant emissions of hydrogen (a highly flammable gas) produced during electrolysis,
when the WATA-Plus®is in use, the device should be kept far from fire, flame and
sparks. In addition, it is advisable not to inhale the chlorine emissions, which are also
produced during electrolysis, and to work in a well-ventilated room. Production should
be carried out in a ventilated area with a temperature between 25 and 30°C,
protected from dust and the sun’s rays. In countries with a hot climate, it is best to work
early in the morning or in the evening, when temperatures are lower.

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For more than 5 units of turbidity, when the water is mildly turbid (<30 units of turbidity),
a double dose of sodium hypochlorite can be used, and when the water is even more turbid
(>30 units of turbidity), it must be filtered and/or decanted and then disinfected with a
double dose of sodium hypochlorite. However, it is absolutely necessary to verify that
residual chlorine remains in the water 30 minutes after disinfection (see chapter 10).
If it is not possible to use a turbidity meter, we suggest an alternative, though imprecise,
method to measure turbidity.
To determine whether the water can be used to
produce sodium hypochlorite or to chlorinate
drinking water, fill a water bottle to the height
of this manual when it is open and in a vertical
position 1. Then place the bottle over the
WATA®logo and look at it from above through
the bottle 2. If you can read the WATA®
logo through the water, this means the water
measures less than 5 units of turbidity.
WThere should be ample illumination but the light should not be blinding. The bottle
should be transparent, colourless, clear and without scratches or dirt. A flat-
bottomed bottle is preferable. Since it is not always possible to meet all of these
conditions, catching a slight glimpse of the WATA®logo is acceptable.
WRegularly check production
Production should be checked at least every hour or more frequently.Watch for bubbles in
the solution; this is proof that electrolysis is working properly. Make sure that the power
supply does not overheat. Check the temperature of the solution. A high temperature
causes a loss of efficiency during the production of active chlorine. If there is a possibility
that dust or other substances could fall into the solution, cover it with a mosquito net
type lid. This will allow the gas to escape and, if the area is well ventilated, to dissipate.
WPrecautions
Do not bend the power cables.
WMaintenance and repair
Do not attempt to perform electrical repairs if you are not competent to do so. Contact
Antenna or a specialist who will help you or refer you to appropriate services. If the
power supply or device is defective, we recommend to dispose them in proper treatment
plants, for appropriate recycling.
WFailure to comply with the operating instructions described in this manual will void
the warranty.
4. WATER QUALITY
The initial quality of the water used affects the efficiency of the sodium hypochlorite
production and the efficacy of the water disinfection. The main parameters characterizing
the initial quality required for the water are pH and turbidity.
PH
The pH is a measure of a solution’s acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14, with a
pH of 7 indicating a neutral solution (such as pure water), <7 indicating an acid solution
(such as lemon juice) and >7 indicating an alkaline solution (such as soap). The pH affects
chlorine’s ability to destroy microbes and viruses. Based on World Health Organization
recommendations*, to effectively disinfect water with sodium hypochlorite, the water used
should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. It is therefore recommended to measure pH.
TURBIDITY
Turbidity measures the opacity of a liquid.Turbidity of water is caused by the presence of solid
particles in suspension (clay, sand, bacteria, chemical or metallic residues, etc.) that make
the water cloudy.Water with an elevated turbidity could lead to the formation of undesirable
products during the production of sodium hypochlorite. During the chlorination process,
elevated turbidity could diminish the treatment’s efficacy. Following recommendations in
the Sphère Handbook**, to guarantee optimal efficiency in producing sodium hypochlorite
and chlorinating drinking water, the water used should measure less than 5 units of
turbidity (NTU).
1 2
*WHO, 2011, Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality - Fourth edition, p227
**Sphère Handbook, 2011, p100

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5. SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY/ENERGY
The WATA-Plus®can operate with a number of different power supply options.
USING THE POWER GRID
To use the device with a power grid or an alternating current generator, simply plug in the
power supply provided.
USING A SOLAR MODULE
For use with a solar module: Since the energy generated by a solar electric panel varies
depending on the amount of sunshine, it is strongly recommended to use a solar module
(see diagram) whose regulator will supply constant energy to the WATA-Plus®and protect
your battery, ensuring that the sodium hypochlorite solution is produced in the necessary
conditions. The size of the solar panel always depends on the amount of solar radiation at
the point of use. The battery should function with 12 VDC.
To determine the size of your solar module (solar electric panel, battery and regulator), we
recommend that you consult a specialist.To give an idea of what is required, the tables below
show approximately the capacity of the battery and peak power of the solar panel that are
necessary depending on your needs and on the amount of solar radiation.
WATA-Plus
www.antenna.ch
Photovoltaic module
Regulator
(STECA solarix PRS3030)
WATA-Plus®
Sealed battery
SOLAR MODULE: CHOOSING THE BATTERY, CAPACITY NEEDED [AH]
Minimum capacity needed for a lead-acid battery (12 V) with a depth
of discharge of 50%
1 production run of 15L per day 120 Ah
2 production runs of 15L per day 240 Ah
SOLAR MODULE: CHOOSING THE SOLAR ELECTRIC
PANEL, PEAK POWER NEEDED [WC]
Daily solar radiation at the place of use* 7 kWh/m2/d 5 kWh/m2/d 3 kWh/m2/d
1 production run of 15L per day 157 Wc 222 Wc 369 Wc
2 production runs of 15L per day 314 Wc 444 Wc 738 Wc
* For an example, refer to the following website site: https://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/
6. PROCEDURE FOR
PRODUCING SODIUM
HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION
The production of sodium hypochlorite solution differs according to the quality of the
salt used. If the salt is pure or refined, follow procedure 6.1. If it is coarse or dirty, follow
procedure 6.2.
6.1 PREPARING THE SOLUTION FOR ELECTROLYSIS
WITH PURE OR REFINED SALT (15L BASE)
1 Pour 15 litres of clear water into a clean plastic container.
2 Add 375 grams of refined salt.
3 Mix thoroughly until the salt is completely dissolved.
4 Immerse the body of the WATA-Plus®in the salt water.
The device should be completely submerged.
15 L
WATA-Plus
www.antenna.ch

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1 Fill the fuel tank full and turn on your diesel generator (if you are using the mains
electricity network, go directly to point 2).
2 Connect a current stabiliser to the 120/230 V (alternating current) electrical power
socket, and switch it on.
3 Connect the WATA-Plus®device to the 12 V/29.2 A power supply.
4 Connect the 12 V/29.2 A power source to the stabiliser and turn the power source’s
green switch to on.
5 Wait 4 hours to generate 15 litres of sodium hypochlorite solution (6 g/L).
6 At the end of the process, turn the power source green switch to off. Disconnect the
12 V/29.2 A power supply from the stabiliser.
7 Remove the WATA-Plus®device from the bath, and then disconnect the 2 WATA-Plus®
cables. Turn the stabiliser’s switch to off.
8 Unplug the stabiliser from the wall socket. Rinse the WATA-Plus®device in clean water,
then store it out of harm’s way in a dry place. Protect it by covering with a clean cloth.
6.2 PREPARING THE SOLUTION FOR ELECTROLYSIS
WITH COARSE OR DIRTY SALT (15L BASE)
1 Pour 3 litres of clean water into a clean plastic container.
2 Add 375 grams of salt.
3 Regularly shake/mix for 15 minutes so that the maximum amount of salt dissolves.
4 Allow the salt’s impurities to settle at the bottom of the container. At this point, the
salt is dissolved in the water.
5 Pour 12 litres of water into a plastic container (never use metal).
6 Place a filter (e.g. a coffee filter or a clean, very finely-woven cloth) over the container
and add the 3 litres of water containing the pre-dissolved salt. Mix well.
7 Immerse the body of the WATA-Plus®in the salt water: the handle should remain out of
the water, but the body of the device should be completely submerged.
6.3 INSTALLING AND CONNECTING
THE WATA-PLUS®DEVICE
WYou are advised to install a stabiliser between the power source and the 12 V/29.2 A
power source. Have the electrical system’s stability inspected by a specialist.
WUsing a diesel generator (or generator unit), the recommended minimum power is
3 kW/kVA.
WThe power source must be located as far as possible away from the water-
production container, so as to protect it from the highly-corrosive chlorine vapour.
The power source must not be laid on the ground. Ideally, it should be placed in a
room other than the chlorine production room.
3 L
12 3 4
12 L
3 L
15 L
WATA-Plus
www.antenna.ch
567
WATA-Plus
www.antenna.ch
6 m
Power
supply
2
1 3 4
15 L = 4h
WATA-Plus
www.antenna.ch
5 6 7 8
Generator (unit)
min. 3 kW
Stabiliser WATA-Plus®

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8. MEASURING ACTIVE CHLORINE
CONCENTRATION WITH WATATEST®
It is essential to test the quality of the sodium hypochlorite solution produced
in order to determine the dosage to apply depending on its use.
The WataTest®reagent allows to perform this control easily and quickly.
Please refer to the WataTest® user’s manual.
9. USING A SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
SOLUTION TO CHLORINATE
DRINKING WATER
WIt is important to chlorinate only water of sufficient quality, i.e. with a turbidity
of less than 5 units, and a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 (see section 4). If the water is
muddy, cloudy or coloured, it is crucial to filter or clarify it beforehand.
The dose of active chlorine to add to the water so as to make it drinkable depends on
how contaminated the water is initially. To ensure that 99% of pathogenic organisms are
destroyed 30 minutes after chlorination, it is sufficient to check whether any residual chlorine
remains in the water. For this purpose, we propose a pragmatic method that is ideal for visual
checking using the WataBlue®reagent to determine whether a sufficient quantity of residual
chlorine remains in the water.
To guide you for the first dosage, we recommend a dose of 1.5 mg/L of sodium hypochlorite.
At this dose, 1 litre of sodium hypochlorite at a 6 g/L concentration produced by the WATA®
device can be used to treat approximately 4,000 litres of water, if the initial water quality is
compliant with the above-mentioned turbidity and pH criteria.
WDrinking water must contain between 0.5 et 1 mg/L of free residual chlorine.
WThe treated water must be stored in a clean, opaque, closed tank.
WChlorination must be performed under the supervision of a qualified person.
WataTest®
50ml
Expireon/l e: XX.YY.ZZ
Serial/Lot no:XX.XX.Y Y-X
CONTROL REAGENT
FOR AVAILABLE CHLORINE
RÉACTIF DE CONTRÔLE
DU CHLORE ACTIF DE
SOLUTION DE CHLORE
ANTENNA.CH
6.4 WATA-PLUS®MAINTENANCE
After each use, rinse the WATA-Plus®with clean water. With time, white deposits (limestone)
might appear on the electrodes. To clean them, prepare a solution of 50% vinegar and 50%
clean water. Use a bucket of about 10 litres and prepare approximately 6 litres of a solution
composed of 3 litres of vinegar and 3 litres of water. The titanium plates must be completely
immersed in the solution. Let the device soak in the vinegar solution for at least 24 hours and
then visually inspect the condition of the device (the limestone deposits have disappeared).
Rinse with clean water. Never rub the titanium plates.
7. STORAGE AND STABILISATION
7.1 STORAGE
Store the sodium hypochlorite solution in a clean,
tightly-closed, opaque, non-metallic container, and
label it with the production date. Place the container
in a cool place, out of the reach of children. Do not
expose to sunlight.
WSodium hypochlorite can keep for 24 hours
without any need for testing. After that time
has elapsed, measure the concentration
with the WataTest®and adapt the dilutions
accordingly.
7.2 STABILISING THE CHLORINE SOLUTION
WTo use a sodium hypochlorite solution produced by the Maxi-WATA®electrical
chlorinator device after more than 24 hours, we propose a stabilisation method
using caustic soda (NaOH).
This new process requires the use of a pH meter or pH testing strips. Laboratory skills and
equipment are also required, but the process ensures a six-month minimum storage life.
Information about this procedure is available at www.antenna.ch
WIf you would like to produce sodium hypochlorite for the purposes of distributing it
in vials, stabilisation will be required.You must comply with legislation effective in
the country where you operate. A quality control procedure validated by the local
authorities must be implemented.

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10. TESTING DRINKING WATER
WITH WATABLUE®(DETERMINATION
OF RESIDUAL CHLORINE)
It is important to test the concentration of residual chlorine to protect
the treated water against a possible recontamination and to avoid a
strong taste of chlorine.
The WataBlue®reagent test determines the concentration of residual
chlorine in the treated water. Please refer to the WataBlue®user’s
manual.
WataBlue®
RÉACTIF DE CONTRÔLE
DU CHLORE ACTIF RESIDUEL
1 goutte / 5ml eau
CONTROL REAGENT
FOR FREE CHLORINE
1 drop / 5ml water
ANTENNA.CH
OK
14ml
INDICATIVE DOSAGES FOR CHLORINATING DRINKING WATER
DEPENDING ON THE CONCENTRATION PRODUCED BY WATA®:
Volume of water to be disinfected
10L 20L 100L
Active
chlorine
concentration
using the
WataTest®
3 g/L 5.0 mL 10.0 mL 50.0 mL
4 g/L 3.8 mL 7.5 mL 37.5 mL
5 g/L 3.0 mL 6.0 mL 30.0 mL
6 g/L 2.5 mL 5.0 mL 25.0 mL
7 g/L 2.1 mL 4.3 mL 21.4 mL
WIt is absolutely necessary to test for residual chlorine using the WataBlue®test 30
minutes after chlorinating your drinking water. Only this test result will guarantee
protection against waterborne diseases.
EXAMPLE OF CHLORINATION FOR 20L OF DRINKING WATER
5 mL
30 min.
12 3 4
1 Using a small syringe, collect 5 mL of your sodium hypochlorite solution.
2 Add 5 mL of sodium hypochlorite per 20L of plain water.
3 Shake vigorously (for chlorinating a water tank, add the sodium hypochlorite to the
half-full tank, then add the rest of the water).
4 Wait 30 minutes for the sodium hypochlorite to act to inactivate the microbes.
5 Test for the presence of residual chlorine using the WataBlue®reagent.

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PREPARING DISINFECTANT SOLUTIONS AT HEALTH CENTRES
WSurgery and sterilisation : disinfection by sodium hypochlorite is not sterilisation.
Surgical instruments must be sterilised in an autoclave or a Poupinel sterilising oven.
Use
Advised
concentration
of chlorinated
solution
Vol. of sodium
hypochlorite
equivalent to a
concentration
of 6 g/L
Vol. of
water Procedure
Washing hands 0,5 g/L 110
Clean and dry the hands, then rub with
the chlorinated solution for 30 seconds;
allow to dry.
Disinfecting wounds
(Dakin’s solution)
only with chlorine
at 6 g/L
6 g/L 1 - Use the solution pure, on a clean
compress applied directly to the wound.
Floors (including
floors and walls of
latrines)
2 g/L 1 2
First sweep the floors and wash them
with soap and water. Next apply the
chlorinated solution for 10 min., then
rinse and allow to dry.
Clothes, gowns and
bed linen 2 g/L 1 2
Soak the clothes in the chlorinated
solution for 10 min., rinse then wash as
usual. Hang out to dry.
Containers and
objects 2 g/L 1 2 Soak in the chlorinated solution for 10 min., then rinse and dry.
WThe sodium hypochlorite must be diluted in cold water.
WNever mix the sodium hypochlorite solutions with soap, detergents or other
household cleaning products, since mixing with strong acids generates chlorine gas
fumes.
All the scientific references used in compiling this manual are available on request.
Kindly translated by Translators Without Borders.
11. USING THE SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
SOLUTION FOR DISINFECTION/CLEANING
Disinfection is a process that eliminates pathogenic organisms, designed to halt or prevent
infection by microorganisms.
PREPARING DISINFECTANT SOLUTIONS AT HOME
Use
Advised
concentration
of chlorinated
solution
Vol. of sodium
hypochlorite
equivalent
to a
concentration
of 6 g/L
Vol. of
water Procedure
Washing hands 0,5 g/L 110 Rub hands with the chlorinated
solution for 30 seconds; allow to dry.
Floors (including floors
and walls of latrines) 0,8 g/L 1 6 Wash with chlorinated solution; leave in contact for 5 min., then rinse.
Washing food and
fresh vegetables 0,05 g/L 1100 Soak food items in the chlorinated
solution for 5 min., rub, and then rinse.
Dishwashing 0,5 g/L 110 Rinse the dishes in the chlorinated
solution and then wash as usual.
Clothing / laundry 0.2 g/L 130
Soak garments in the chlorinated
solution for 5 min then rinse carefully.
Do not use chlorine to disinfect wool,
silk or nylon.

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