Method for producing hypochlorous acid

Abstract

The present disclosure provides compositions, products, kits and methods for the on-demand production of hypochlorous acid solutions. The present disclosure provides a stable dry mix product, kit or package that can be used by an end user to readily prepare hypochlorous acid compositions having desired characteristics and functions.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 341,214, filed May 12, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the production of hypochlorous acid and its compositions, and to products and kits designed for the production and use of hypochlorous acid solutions by end users. Background Art

[0004] Hypochlorous acid is a non-toxic disinfectant, germicide and detergent. It is produced naturally by the human immune system to fight infection. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that produce hypochlorous acid to kill bacteria, bacterial spores, viruses and fungi.

[0005] Although the human immune system efficiently and effectively produces hypochlorous acid, attempts to produce commercially available hypochlorous acid have been disappointing, primarily due to the instability of hypochlorous acid, which results in a short shelf life. Because of the short shelf life, attempts have been made to produce stable hypochlorous acid. Most attempts to produce stable hypochlorous acid have employed (1) electrolysis of metal (e.g., sodium, calcium, lithium, potassium) chloride solutions, or (2) acidified metal hypochlorite solutions (see, e.g., U.S. Published Application No. 2015 / 0119245). For example, attempts have been made to produce hypochlorous acid by electrolysis of saline (NaCl) solutions. However, this is problematic due to the need for specialized equipment and the costs associated with the manufacturing process.

[0006] Because of the many benefits of using hypochlorous acid solutions for disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination, and because of the failure of other methods, there has long been a need for a hypochlorous acid product that can be used by consumers, a kit or package for preparing hypochlorous acid solutions on site, and a method of using the same. In addition, there has been a need to date to create a product that allows for a sterilizing solution (HOCl) that can be made from dry mix components. The present disclosure provides a stable dry mix product, kit, or package that can be used by end users to easily prepare hypochlorous acid compositions having desired characteristics and functions. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides products, kits and methods for producing disinfecting solutions (HOCl) made from dry mixed components. The present disclosure provides products, kits and methods with the following features: large quantities of hypochlorous acid solutions can be quickly generated on demand; the delivery method (e.g., fogger, sprayer, spray bottle) can be selected according to the operational needs; the products and kits are safe to use at the recommended concentrations without the need for protective equipment such as goggles, gloves or aprons; the dry mixed chemicals have a long shelf life and can be stored until needed; the production cost is very low; the dry mixed packaging size and configuration can be easily changed to suit the production needs of the end user; and because on-site water sources (e.g., tap water) can be used, transportation and logistics costs are low.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a kit comprises a) a pre-measured amount of a hypochlorite, such as calcium hypochlorite, b) a pre-measured mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin, and c) instructions for preparing hypochlorous acid, wherein components a) and b) are packaged separately.

[0009] In some aspects, after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 7000 and about 700 pm. In some aspects, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 7000 and about 4000 pm. Solutions with free available chlorine concentration levels between about 7000 and about 4000 ppm can be used to kill microorganisms that are difficult to kill, and / or the solution can be applied to surfaces that can only be in contact for a short time. Suitable applications include treating surfaces that may be contaminated with Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) or Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). In some aspects,

[0010] In some aspects, after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 1000 and about 700 ppm. The hypochlorous acid solution with a free available chlorine concentration between about 1000 and about 700 ppm is suitable for general surface decontamination or disinfection.

[0011] In some aspects, after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 700 ppm and about 50 pm. In one aspect, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 200 and about 50 pm. Solutions with free available chlorine concentration levels between about 200 and about 50 ppm are particularly suitable for treating mammalian skin or mammalian wounds, including human wounds.

[0012] In some aspects, the pH of the hypochlorous acid solution is from about 4 to about 7.

[0013] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount that provides about 1.7 g / L to about 1.8 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

[0014] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in amounts that provide from 6 g / L to about 20 g / L of weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water, and from about 6 g / L to about 12 g / L of strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

[0015] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided, the amount of which is equal to about 10 g weak acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 8 g strong acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water.

[0016] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount of about 0.1 g / L to about 0.2 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

[0017] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in an amount that provides 0.3 g / L to about 2.3 g / L of weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water; and provides about 0.3 g / L to about 1.4 g / L of strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

[0018] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided, the amount of which is equal to about 1.1 g weak acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 0.9 g strong acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water.

[0019] In some aspects, the weak acid cation exchange resin is the hydrogen form of a weak acid cation exchange resin and comprises carboxylic acid functional groups, and the strong acid cation exchange resin is the hydrogen form of a strong acid cation exchange resin and comprises sulfonic acid functional groups.

[0020] In some aspects, the kit further comprises d) a pre-measured amount of a surfactant.

[0021] In some aspects, each of component a) and component b) and optional component d) is packaged in a separate, air-tight and water-tight container.

[0022] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of surfactant is an amount required to constitute 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

[0023] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of surfactant is an amount required to constitute 0.5 wt % to 1 wt % of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

[0024] In some aspects, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate, polysorbate, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymer, alcohol ethoxylate, sodium polyacrylate polymer, sodium lauryl iminodipropionate, sodium octyliminodipropionate, and combinations thereof.

[0025] In some aspects, components a) and b), and optionally d), are packaged separately in a three-layer bag comprising oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, and linear low density polyethylene.

[0026] In some aspects, the instructions for preparing the hypochlorous acid solution specify mixing component a), component b), optionally component d), and a predetermined amount of water.

[0027] In some aspects, after the hypochlorous acid solution is prepared according to the instructions included in the kit, the prepared hypochlorous acid solution is further diluted with water.

[0028] In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin exist in the amount of effective generation of hypochlorous acid, and the amount of described hypochlorous acid is enough to reduce the concentration of measured microorganisms by 99%, such as 99.9% when keeping contact with the surface for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. In some aspects, the amount of calcium hypochlorite and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin exist in the amount of effective generation of hypochlorous acid, and the amount of described hypochlorous acid is enough to kill 99.99% of bacteria on the surface. The calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin of the product of the present disclosure, kit and method exist in the amount of effective generation of hypochlorous acid, and when keeping contact with the specified surface area of ​​inanimate objects, plants or animals for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, the amount of described hypochlorous acid is enough to kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and fungi of the original bacteria, viruses or fungi count on the surface. The ingredients may be provided in amounts sufficient to provide a hypochlorous acid solution capable of sterilizing a surface area of ​​about 10 square feet to about 20,000 square feet.

[0029] In another aspect of the present disclosure, hypochlorous acid is prepared by dissolving a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite in water, adding a pre-weighed amount of a mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin, and stirring, wherein the pre-weighed amounts of the calcium hypochlorite and the mixture and water are amounts effective to produce a hypochlorous acid solution having a pH of about 4 to about 7 when stirring is stopped.

[0030] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 7000 ppm and about 50 ppm.

[0031] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 7000 ppm and about 4000 ppm.

[0032] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 4000 ppm and about 700 ppm.

[0033] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 1000 ppm and about 700 ppm.

[0034] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 1000 ppm and about 200 ppm.

[0035] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 200 ppm and about 50 ppm.

[0036] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution maintains a free available chlorine concentration of between about 1000 and 700 ppm when stored at room temperature for up to 48 hours.

[0037] In some aspects, the free available chlorine concentration of the hypochlorous acid solution is maintained between about 200 and 50 ppm when stored at room temperature for up to 48 hours.

[0038] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount of about 1.7 g / L to about 1.8 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

[0039] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in an amount that provides 6 g / L to about 20 g / L of weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water; and provides about 6 g / L to about 12 g / L of strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

[0040] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided, the amount of which is equal to 10 g weak acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 8 g strong acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water.

[0041] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount of about 0.1 g / L to about 0.2 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

[0042] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in an amount that provides 0.3 g / L to about 2.3 g / L of weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water; and provides about 0.3 g / L to about 1.4 g / L of strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

[0043] In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is provided, the amount of which is equal to about 1.1 g weak acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 0.9 g strong acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water.

[0044] In some aspects, the method further comprises adding a pre-measured amount of a surfactant while stirring.

[0045] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of surfactant is an amount required to constitute 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

[0046] In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of surfactant is an amount required to constitute 0.5 wt % to 1 wt % of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

[0047] In some aspects, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonates, polysorbates, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymers, alcohol ethoxylates, sodium polyacrylate polymers, sodium lauryl iminodipropionate, sodium octyliminodipropionate, and combinations thereof.

[0048] In some aspects, the solution is stirred for about 3 minutes to about 5 minutes.

[0049] In some aspects, the solution is stirred for about 4 minutes.

[0050] In some aspects, the weak acid cation exchange resin is the hydrogen form of a weak acid cation exchange resin and comprises carboxylic acid functional groups, and the strong acid cation exchange resin is the hydrogen form of a strong acid cation exchange resin and comprises sulfonic acid functional groups.

[0051] In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite and the mixture of weak and strong acid cation exchange resins and optional surfactant are mixed by pouring from separate packages of a) calcium hypochlorite and b) the mixture of weak and strong acid cation exchange resins.

[0052] In some aspects, calcium hypochlorite is packaged in a first triple-layer bag, a mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is packaged in a second triple-layer bag, and an optional surfactant is packaged in a third triple-layer bag, and the calcium hypochlorite and resin mixture and the optional surfactant are mixed with a predetermined amount of water.

[0053] In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid solution is further diluted with water.

[0054] In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin exist in the amount of effective generation of hypochlorous acid, and the amount of described hypochlorous acid is enough to reduce the concentration of measured microorganisms by 99%, such as 99.9% when keeping contact with the surface for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. In some aspects, the amount of calcium hypochlorite and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin exist in the amount of effective generation of hypochlorous acid, and the amount of described hypochlorous acid is enough to kill 99.99% of bacteria on the surface. The calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin of the product of the present disclosure, kit and method exist in the amount of effective generation of hypochlorous acid, and when keeping contact with the specified surface area of ​​inanimate objects, plants or animals for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, the amount of described hypochlorous acid is enough to kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and fungi of the original bacteria, viruses or fungi count on the surface. The ingredients may be provided in amounts sufficient to provide a hypochlorous acid solution capable of sterilizing a surface area of ​​about 10 square feet to about 20,000 square feet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 Shown is the change in concentration over time of a hypochlorous acid composition prepared according to the present disclosure and stored at room temperature for 48 hours. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for producing hypochlorous acid solutions on demand.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In the event of a conflict, the present application (including definitions) shall prevail. In addition, unless the context otherwise requires, singular terms shall include plural terms and plural terms shall include singular terms. All publications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes, as if each individual publication or patent application was explicitly and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0058] Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those disclosed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are disclosed below. The materials, methods and embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the specific embodiments and claims.

[0059] I. Definitions

[0060] To further understand the present disclosure, the following terms and definitions are provided.

[0061] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" include plural referents. The terms "a / an" and the terms "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. In certain aspects, the terms "a / an" refer to "single". In other aspects, the terms "a / an" include "two or more" or "multiple".

[0062] The term "about" is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, about, or around. When the term "about" is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies the range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values. Generally, the term "about" is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variation of 10% up or down (increase or decrease).

[0063] Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in the form of ranges. Numerical ranges include numerical values ​​that limit the range. In the case of the range of enumerated values, it should be understood that each intermediate integer value and each fraction thereof between the upper and lower limits of the enumeration of the range, and each sub-range between such values ​​are also specifically disclosed. The upper and lower limits of any range can be independently included in the range or excluded from the range, and each range including any one limit, both limits do not include or include both limits is also included in the disclosure. Therefore, the ranges enumerated herein are understood to be abbreviations of all values ​​(including the enumerated endpoints) within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 10 is understood to include any numerical value, numerical combination or sub-range from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

[0064] Where values ​​are explicitly enumerated, it is understood that values ​​of quantities or amounts that are approximately the same as the enumerated values ​​are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Where combinations are disclosed, each subcombination of the elements of the combination is also specifically disclosed and is within the scope of the present disclosure. Conversely, where different elements or groups of elements are disclosed separately, combinations thereof are also disclosed. Where any element of the present disclosure is disclosed as having multiple alternatives, embodiments of the present disclosure in which each alternative is excluded, either individually or in combination with other alternatives, are also hereby disclosed; more than one element of the present disclosure may have such exclusions, and all combinations of elements having such exclusions are hereby disclosed.

[0065] When used herein, the term "and / or" should be considered to specifically disclose each of the two specified features or components, with or without the other. Thus, the term "and / or" used herein in phrases such as "A and / or B" is meant to include: "A and B"; "A or B"; "A" (alone); and "B" (alone). Similarly, the term "and / or" used in phrases such as "A, B, and / or C" is intended to cover each of the following: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0066] It should be understood that whenever an aspect is disclosed herein with the phrase "comprising," additional similar aspects disclosed with "consisting of" and / or "consisting essentially of" are also provided.

[0067] II. Hypochlorite

[0068] In some aspects of the present disclosure, hypochlorite can be used as a starting material to produce a stable hypochlorous acid composition. In some aspects, the hypochlorite is sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite or potassium hypochlorite. In some aspects, the hypochlorite is calcium hypochlorite.

[0069] The molecular formula of calcium hypochlorite is Ca(ClO)2, and its molecular weight is 142.974 g / mol. Its CAS number is 7778-54-3. Its specific gravity is 1.21 g / cm 3 .

[0070] Calcium hypochlorite is commercially available. Methods for producing calcium hypochlorite are well known in the art. For example, calcium hypochlorite can be produced by reacting calcium hydroxide with chlorine in the following reaction:

[0071] 2Cl2+2Ca(OH)2→Ca(OCl)2+CaCl2+2H2O.

[0072] III. Strongly Acidic and Weakly Acidic Cation Exchange Resins

[0073] Ion exchange resins consist of a polymer matrix to which ionic "functional groups" of either positively charged ions (cations) or negatively charged ions (anions) are permanently bonded. Some specialty resins have both functional groups. These functional groups have a net negative or positive charge that allows them to easily attract counterions, or ions of the opposite charge. When a fluid flows through an ion exchange resin, the counterions can be replaced by ions of similar charge.

[0074] Broadly speaking, resins are named based on the type of ions they exchange, meaning that cation resins exchange positively charged ions, while anion resins exchange negatively charged ions. Types of ion exchange resins include strong acid cation resins, weak acid cation resins, strong base anion resins, weak base anion resins, and specialty resins.

[0075] Strong acid cation exchange resins (SAC) consist of a polymer matrix with anionic functional groups (such as sulfonate (SO 3– )) is combined with the polymer matrix. The exchange activity of the resin is generally derived from the sulfonic acid functional group. Strong acid cationic resins are commercially available from a variety of sources. Mitsubishi offers the DIAION series of SAC resins. Millipore offers the AMBERLITE, DOWEX 50 and AMERLYST series of SAC resins. Purolite and ResinTech also offer SAC resins. In some aspects, the SAC exchange resin is ResinTech CG10-H.

[0076] Weakly acidic cation (WAC) exchange resins consist of a polymer matrix to which carboxylic acid functional groups, such as carboxylic acid (COOH), are bound. Weakly acidic cation resins are commercially available from a variety of sources. Mitsubishi offers the DIAION series of SAC resins. DuPont offers AmberLite MAC-3. Purolite and ResinTech also offer WAC resins. In some aspects, the WAC exchange resin is ResinTech WACG-HP. In some aspects, the WAC exchange resin is ResinTech WACMP. In some aspects, the WAC exchange resin is AmberLite MAC-3.

[0077] IV. Method for producing hypochlorous acid

[0078] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for producing hypochlorous acid.

[0079] The production principle of making hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution by dry mixed components of the present disclosure is simple-lowering the pH of calcium hypochlorite bleach solution from 11.0 to 7.0 to produce HOCl via ion exchange. Weak acid cation (WAC) exchange resins and strong acid cation (SAC) exchange resins are polymer resins in which hydrogen ions are bound to the polymer network. When cations with greater affinity of the resin reach the ion exchange site, the hydrogen ions are released from the polymer network. In the case of the dry mixed disinfection system of the present disclosure, calcium hypochlorite (chemical formula Ca (OCl) 2) is mixed with water to produce a calcium hypochlorite bleach solution with a pH value of about 11. The concentration is controlled by the ratio of calcium hypochlorite to water used. In order to make HOCl, WAC and SAC exchange resins are mixed into the calcium hypochlorite solution in a carefully specified mixing ratio. At this time, ion exchange occurs, in which calcium ions are exchanged for hydrogen ions bound to the resin. This causes the solution to be converted from calcium hypochlorite bleach to hypochlorous acid. This conversion occurs quickly because the weak acid cation exchange resin has a much higher affinity for calcium ions than for hydrogen ions. Using a combination of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin provides a controllable reaction system that reliably produces a reaction solution and hypochlorous acid solution that is within the appropriate pH range and is sufficiently stable and safe for production and use by the end user. The ion exchange process is used to produce a solution with a pH between 4 and 7.5.

[0080] The production method is inherently scalable; the technology can be used to generate HOCl in quantities ranging from a few quarts to hundreds of gallons. This HOCl manufacturing technology allows for the safe production of large quantities of HOCl at low cost.

[0081] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in a predetermined amount of water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.05g to about 10g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.1g to about 2.3g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.05g to about 0.5g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.1g to about 0.2g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 1.5g to about 2g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 1.7g to about 1.8g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.25g to about 0.75g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.4g to about 0.5g. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 6g to about 8g. In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is from about 6.8 g to about 7.2 g.

[0082] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of 0.05 g / L to about 10 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of about 0.1 g / L to about 2.3 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of about 0.05 g / L to about 0.5 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of about 0.1 g / L to about 0.2 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of about 1.5 g / L to about 2 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is dissolved in water to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of about 1.7 g / L to about 1.8 g / L.

[0083] The calcium hypochlorite solution is then acidified to produce hypochlorous acid. The calcium hypochlorite solution is acidified by adding one or more cation exchange resins in a pre-weighed amount to the calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite solution is acidified by adding a mixture of a strongly acidic cation exchange resin (SAC exchange resin) and a weakly acidic cation exchange resin (WAC exchange resin). In some aspects, the SAC exchange resin is a hydrogen-type SAC exchange resin. In some aspects, the WAC exchange resin is a hydrogen-type WAC exchange resin. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that hydrogen SAC exchange resins are manufactured in a hydrated state and may dehydrate over time. As further explained below, the weight of the resin to be added to the calcium hypochlorite solution is calculated before adding the resin. If hydrogen SAC resins and / or WAC resins are allowed to dehydrate excessively over time, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the risk of adding excess resin to the calcium hypochlorite solution increases, which may result in the generation of excess chlorine. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, the hydrogen SAC resin used in the disclosed method is in a substantially fully hydrated state.

[0084] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-weighed mixture of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is added to a calcium hypochlorite solution to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3 g / L to about 20 g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3 g / L to about 12 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is added to a calcium hypochlorite solution to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3 g / L to about 2.3 g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3 g / L to about 1.4 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is added to a calcium hypochlorite solution to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 6 g / L to about 20 g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 6 g / L to about 12 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is added to the calcium hypochlorite solution to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 8 g / L to about 12 g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 8 g / L to about 10 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is added to the calcium hypochlorite solution to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 10 g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 8 g / L. In some aspects, a pre-weighed mixture of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is added to the calcium hypochlorite solution to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 1.1 g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.9 g / L.

[0085] The method for preparing a hypochlorous acid solution of predetermined strength and volume can be implemented by adopting the product and kit of the present disclosure.Open the individual packaging of (a) calcium hypochlorite, (b) WAC exchange resin, SAC exchange resin mixture and (c) optional surfactant, and pour them into a container.Add water to the container.The aqueous mixture of the obtained WAC exchange resin, SAC exchange resin, optional surfactant and calcium hypochlorite solution mixture is stirred for about 2 minutes to 10 minutes.In some aspects, the WAC exchange resin, SAC exchange resin, optional surfactant and calcium hypochlorite solution mixture are stirred for about 3 minutes to 5 minutes.In some aspects, the WAC exchange resin, SAC exchange resin, optional surfactant and calcium hypochlorite solution mixture are stirred for about 4 minutes.

[0086] In some aspects of the present disclosure, WAC and SAC exchange resins and optional surfactants are added to calcium hypochlorite solution and stirred in a non-reactive container. In some aspects, the mixture is stirred with a non-reactive stirring tool (such as a wooden paddle or a glass stirring rod). In some aspects of the present disclosure, after acidification, the resin is allowed to settle to the bottom of the container, and the hypochlorous acid solution is poured out, preferably within about 2 minutes to about 3 minutes after the formation of hypochlorous acid. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the hypochlorous acid solution is passed through a filter to ensure that the hypochlorous acid solution does not contain resin. In some aspects, hypochlorous acid is filtered through a 350 micron filter (45 mesh size) or a 250 micron (60 mesh size) filter. It should be understood that the filter should have an appropriate size to prevent the ion exchange resin from passing through.

[0087] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, hypochlorous acid can be contained in a non-reactive container and covered with a non-reactive lid and liner, or covered with a non-reactive sprayer and liner, or covered with any other application mechanism that does not react with hypochlorous acid. In some aspects, hypochlorous acid can be stored in a non-reactive trigger spray bottle. In one embodiment, the spray bottle is opaque.

[0088] V. Surfactants

[0089] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-measured amount of surfactant is added to the mixture of the calcium hypochlorite solution and the SAC and WAC exchange resins. In some aspects, the surfactant is dioctyl sulfonated succinate (e.g., Polywet TM ], alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates (e.g., Dowfax TM ), polysorbates (e.g., polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80), ethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymers (e.g., ], alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., manufactured by Solvay ), sodium polyacrylate polymers (e.g., Flexisperse TM ), sodium lauryl iminodipropionate (e.g., Flexisurf manufactured by Innovative Chemical Technologies, Inc. TM LDP), sodium octyliminodipropionate (e.g., Flexisurf manufactured by Innovative Chemical Technologies, Inc. TM EHDP) and combinations thereof.

[0090] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-measured amount of surfactant is added to a mixture of a calcium hypochlorite solution and a SAC and WAC exchange resin, the amount of surfactant accounting for about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution. In some aspects, the amount of surfactant added accounts for about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution. In some aspects, the amount of surfactant added accounts for about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution. In some aspects, the amount of surfactant added accounts for about 0.5% to about 1% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution.

[0091] VI. Kits and Products of the Disclosure

[0092] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the mixture of pre-weighed calcium hypochlorite, pre-weighed WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin and optional pre-weighed surfactant are packaged separately in a test kit. In some aspects, the pre-weighed calcium hypochlorite and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin exist with the amount of effectively producing hypochlorous acid, and the amount of the hypochlorous acid is enough to reduce the concentration of the measured microorganism by 99%, such as 99.9% when keeping contact with the surface for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. In some aspects, the amount of the mixture of calcium hypochlorite and weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin exists with the amount of effectively producing hypochlorous acid, and the amount of the hypochlorous acid is enough to kill 99.99% of the bacteria on the surface. The products, kits and methods of the present disclosure are provided with a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite and a mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin in an amount effective to produce hypochlorous acid, which is sufficient to kill 99.9% of the original bacteria, viruses and fungi counted on the surface when the specified surface area of ​​an inanimate object, plant or animal is kept in contact for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. The amount of the components provided can be sufficient to provide a hypochlorous acid solution capable of sterilizing a surface area of ​​about 10 square feet to about 20,000 square feet. In some aspects, the pre-weighed calcium hypochlorite, the pre-weighed WAC exchange resin and the pre-weighed SAC exchange resin and the optional pre-weighed surfactant are packaged separately to prevent degradation due to moisture, heat and / or light. WAC and SAC can be pre-packaged together in the form of a mixture. In some aspects, pre-weighed calcium hypochlorite, pre-weighed WAC exchange resin, pre-weighed SAC exchange resin (or pre-weighed mixture of WAC and SAC exchange resins), and optionally pre-weighed surfactant are individually packaged in a three-layer bag (e.g., a barrier bag manufactured by Uline) comprising oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, and linear low density polyethylene.

[0093] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the kit contains instructions for preparing hypochlorous acid from the kit components. In some aspects, the instructions are printed on a separate sheet of paper in the kit, the instructions are printed on the packaging of each component in the kit, or the instructions are printed on the kit.

[0094] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is packaged separately to prevent degradation due to moisture, heat and / or light. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 0.05g to about 10g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 0.1g to about 2.3g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 0.05g to about 0.5g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 0.1g to about 0.2g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 1.5g to about 2g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 1.7g to about 1.8g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the calcium hypochlorite of pre-weighed amount is about 0.25g to about 0.75g, and is packaged separately. In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 0.4 g to about 0.5 g and is packaged individually. In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 6 g to about 8 g and is packaged individually. In some aspects, the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is about 6.8 g to about 7.2 g and is packaged individually.

[0095] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is packaged separately in an amount sufficient to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution with a concentration of 0.05 g / L to about 10 g / L when dissolved in water. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is packaged separately in an amount sufficient to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution with a concentration of about 0.1 g / L to about 2.3 g / L when dissolved in water. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is packaged separately in an amount sufficient to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution with a concentration of about 0.05 g / L to about 0.5 g / L when dissolved in water. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is packaged separately in an amount sufficient to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution with a concentration of about 0.1 g / L to about 0.2 g / L when dissolved in water. In some aspects, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite is packaged separately in an amount sufficient to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution with a concentration of about 1.5 g / L to about 2 g / L when dissolved in water. In some aspects, pre-measured amounts of calcium hypochlorite are individually packaged in an amount sufficient to produce a calcium hypochlorite solution having a concentration of about 1.7 g / L to about 1.8 g / L when dissolved in water.

[0096] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin are packaged separately (or packaged together in the form of a mixture) to prevent degradation due to moisture, heat and / or light. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is sufficient to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3g / L to about 20g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3g / L to about 12g / L when added to a calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects, the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is sufficient to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3g / L to about 2.3g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.3g / L to about 1.4g / L when added to a calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects, the amount of the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is sufficient to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 6g / L to about 20g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 6g / L to about 12g / L when added to a calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects, the amount of the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is sufficient to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 8g / L to about 12g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 8g / L to about 10g / L when added to a calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects, the amount of the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is sufficient to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 10g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 8g / L when added to a calcium hypochlorite solution. In some aspects, the amount of the pre-weighed amount of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin is sufficient to provide a WAC exchange resin concentration of about 1.1g / L and a SAC exchange resin concentration of about 0.9g / L when added to a calcium hypochlorite solution.

[0097] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-measured amount of surfactant is packaged separately and added to a mixture of a calcium hypochlorite solution and a SAC and WAC exchange resin, the amount of surfactant accounting for about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution. In some aspects, the amount of surfactant added accounts for about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution. In some aspects, the amount of surfactant added accounts for about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution. In some aspects, the amount of surfactant added accounts for about 0.5% to about 1% by weight of the final hypochlorous acid solution.

[0098] VII. Hypochlorous acid

[0099] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite and a mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin are present in an amount effective to produce hypochlorous acid, and the amount of the hypochlorous acid is sufficient to reduce the concentration of the measured microorganisms by 99%, such as 99.9%, when the surface is kept in contact for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. In certain aspects, the amount of calcium hypochlorite and a mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin is present in an amount effective to produce hypochlorous acid, and the amount of the hypochlorous acid is sufficient to kill 99.99% of the bacteria on the surface. The products, kits and methods of the present disclosure are pre-weighed amounts of calcium hypochlorite and a mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin are present in an amount effective to produce hypochlorous acid, and when the specified surface area of ​​an inanimate object, plant or animal is kept in contact for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, the amount of the hypochlorous acid is sufficient to kill 99.9% of the bacteria, viruses and fungi of the original bacteria, viruses or fungi counts on the surface. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a free available chlorine (FAC) concentration of about 50 to about 7000ppm. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a FAC concentration of about 50 to 200ppm. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a FAC concentration of about 50 to about 100ppm. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a FAC concentration of about 50 to about 1500ppm or about 500 to about 1200ppm. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a FAC concentration of about 200 to about 1100ppm or about 700 to about 1100ppm. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a FAC concentration of about 700 to about 1000ppm.

[0100] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure has a pH of about 3 to about 8. In some aspects, the hypochlorous acid has a pH of about 4 to 7.

[0101] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the hypochlorous acid produced according to the present disclosure can be further diluted to a preferred FAC concentration. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to determine the necessary amount of water to be added to the hypochlorous acid solution to dilute it to a predetermined FAC concentration.

[0102] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the FAC concentration of the hypochlorous acid solution prepared according to the present disclosure decreases by no more than 50%, no more than 40%, no more than 30%, no more than 20%, or no more than 10% when stored at room temperature for 48 hours. In some aspects, the FAC concentration of hypochlorous acid decreases by no more than 30%, no more than 20%, no more than 10%, or no more than 5% when stored at room temperature for 24 hours.

[0103] VIII. Uses of Hypochlorous Acid

[0104] Hypochlorous acid solutions are widely used, including disinfection, sterilization and decontamination. Examples of such uses include disinfection and sterilization in the following places: hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, emergency care facilities, ambulances, medical laboratories, doctors' offices, clinics, dental institutions and other medical environments; day care institutions and schools; hospitality industry environments, such as restaurants, hotels and cruise ships; retail food places, such as grocery stores and convenience stores; agricultural environments, including livestock barns, veterinary facilities, and plant and seed treatment sites; gyms and exercise facilities; building offices; general home use; and toilets. In addition, hypochlorous acid solutions can be directly applied or sprayed on plants (leaves, stems, flowers and fruits) (for example, in the flower industry) to extend the shelf life of flowers. Hypochlorous acid solutions can also be directly applied or sprayed on animals, for example, for skin disinfection; wound care; and burn treatment.

[0105] It is known that hypochlorous acid is effective in killing a variety of microorganisms at different contact times (i.e., the amount of time that hypochlorous acid is in contact with the microorganism). Hypochlorous acid solutions produced according to the present disclosure were tested and found to be effective against the following microorganisms:

[0106] Table 1

[0107] Bacteria: Broad Spectrum and Hospital Contact time Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) 1 minute Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) 1 minute Virus: Rhinovirus 37 (ATCC VR-1147, strain 151-1) 30 seconds Human coronavirus (ATCC VR-VR740, strain 229E) 30 seconds

[0108] Example

[0109] Example 1

[0110] A process for producing hypochlorous acid.

[0111] Hypochlorous acid is produced according to the following method:

[0112] 1. Pour 1L of water into a non-reactive mixing container.

[0113] 2. Add 1.7 g of calcium hypochlorite to the mixing container and stir with a wooden paddle for approximately 30 seconds.

[0114] 3. Add the pre-weighed mixture of 10 g WAC exchange resin and 8 g SAC exchange resin to the mixing vessel. Immediately begin stirring with a wooden paddle and stir for 4 minutes.

[0115] 4. Allow the resin to settle to the bottom of the mixing container and then pour the hypochlorous acid solution into a second non-reactive container for use. The hypochlorous acid solution can also be filtered through a suitable filter to remove the resin.

[0116] Hypochlorous acid was stored in a non-reactive container at room temperature, and the FAC concentration was monitored over time. Figure 1 As shown in Table 2 below, when stored at room temperature for 48 hours, the FAC concentration decreased by approximately 12%, from 900 ppm to 791 ppm.

[0117] Table 2

[0118] Stabilization time (hours) FAC concentration (ppm) 0 900 6 885 12 872 18 859 24 845 30 832 36 818 42 805 48 791

[0119] Example 2

[0120] Preparation of hypochlorous acid solution from the kit

[0121] The hypochlorous acid solution was prepared using a method comprising the following steps similar to Example 1, except that the solid ingredients (1. calcium hypochlorite, 2. ion exchange resin, and 3. surfactant) were pre-packaged in separate triple barrier bags manufactured by Uline. Step 1 involves mixing the pre-packaged ingredients and adding all ingredients to a container along with a predetermined volume of water. The main purpose of this step is to prepare the hypochlorous acid solution via the reaction of WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin with calcium hypochlorite, which is achieved by adequate stirring to properly dissolve all ingredients. A surfactant may optionally be added during this step. The surfactant helps wet the hydrophobic surface. Step 2 involves decanting or otherwise removing the WAC exchange resin and SAC exchange resin that were not dissolved during the formation of the hypochlorous acid solution.

[0122] Example 3

[0123] Testing the hypochlorous acid solution from the kit

[0124] The bacterial cell membrane or viral membrane dried on the glass carrier surface is exposed to the test material for a specified exposure time or thirty seconds or one minute. The test material is the solution of Example 1, which is sprayed via a trigger spray bottle and sprayed four times at a distance of 6 to 8 inches from the carrier surface. After exposure, the carrier is transferred to a vessel containing a neutralization subculture medium. The subculture is incubated and determined to have survivors. Appropriate culture purity, vigor, organic soil load sterility, neutralization subculture medium sterility, carrier sterility, carrier colony and neutralization confirmation control have been performed. The test results are reported in Table 1 above.

[0125] Other aspects

[0126] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. When it is found that a term in this application has a different definition in a document incorporated herein by reference, the definition provided herein will serve as the definition of the term.

[0127] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific aspects of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is capable of further modifications, and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses or changes in the essential features described above and in accordance with the scope of the invention that are generally consistent with the principles of the present invention, including those that are not within the scope of the present disclosure but are known technologies or commonly used means in the field to which the present invention belongs and that can be applied to the essential features of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A kit comprising a) a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite, b) a pre-weighed amount of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a pre-weighed amount of a strong acid cation exchange resin, and c) instructions for preparing hypochlorous acid, wherein component a) is packaged separately from component b); and the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin can be packaged together in the form of a mixture, or can be packaged separately from each other.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 7000 ppm and about 50 pm.

3. The kit of claim 1, wherein after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 1000 ppm and 700 pm.

4. The kit of claim 1, wherein after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 1000 ppm and 200 pm.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 7000 ppm and 4000 pm.

6. The kit of claim 5, wherein after preparing the hypochlorous acid solution according to the instructions, the free available chlorine concentration of the resulting solution is between about 200 ppm and 50 pm.

7. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pH of the hypochlorous acid solution is from about 4 to about 7.

8. The kit of claim 3, wherein the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is provided in an amount to provide about 1.7 g / L to about 1.8 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

9. A kit according to claim 8, wherein the mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in pre-weighed amounts, in amounts of about 6 g / L to about 20 g / L of the weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water; and about 6 g / L to about 12 g / L of the strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

10. A kit according to any one of claims 9, wherein a pre-weighed mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in an amount equal to about 10 g of weak acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 8 g of strong acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water.

11. The kit of claim 6, wherein the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount of about 0.1 g / L to about 0.2 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

12. A kit according to claim 11, wherein a pre-weighed mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in an amount of 0.3 g / L to about 2.3 g / L of the weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water; and about 0.3 g / L to about 1.4 g / L of the strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein a pre-weighed mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin is provided in an amount equal to about 1.1 g of weak acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 0.9 g of the strong acid cation exchange resin / L water based on a predetermined amount of water.

14. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the weak acid cation exchange resin is a hydrogen form of a weak acid cation exchange resin and comprises a carboxylic acid functional group, and the strong acid cation exchange resin is a hydrogen form of a strong acid cation exchange resin and comprises a sulfonic acid functional group.

15. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the kit further comprises d) a pre-measured amount of a surfactant.

16. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein component a), the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin component b) and optionally component d) are each packaged in a separate, airtight and watertight container.

17. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein component a), the weak acid cation exchange resin of component b), the strong acid cation exchange resin of component b) and optional component d) are each packaged in a separate, airtight and watertight container.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the pre-measured amount of the surfactant is present and is present in an amount required to constitute 0.1% to 5% by weight of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

19. The kit according to claim 18, wherein the pre-measured amount of the surfactant is an amount required to account for 0.5 wt% to 1 wt% of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

20. The kit according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonates, polysorbates, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymers, alcohol ethoxylates, sodium polyacrylate polymers, sodium lauryl iminodipropionate, sodium octyliminodipropionate, and combinations thereof.

21. The kit according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the single, airtight and watertight container is a three-layer bag comprising oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate and linear low density polyethylene.

22. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the instructions for preparing the hypochlorous acid solution provide for mixing component a), component b), optionally component d), and a predetermined amount of water.

23. A method for producing hypochlorous acid, said method comprising dissolving a pre-weighed amount of calcium hypochlorite in water, adding a pre-weighed amount of a mixture of a weak acid cation exchange resin and a strong acid cation exchange resin, and stirring, wherein said pre-weighed amounts of said calcium hypochlorite and said mixture and water are amounts effective to produce a hypochlorous acid solution having a pH of about 4 to about 7 when stirring is stopped.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 7000 ppm and about 50 ppm.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 1000 ppm and about 200 ppm.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 1000 ppm and about 700 ppm.

27. The method of any one of claims 23, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution has a free available chlorine concentration of between about 200 ppm and about 50 ppm.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution maintains a free available chlorine concentration of between about 1000 ppm and 700 ppm when stored at room temperature for up to 48 hours.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution maintains a free available chlorine concentration of between about 200 ppm and 50 ppm when stored at room temperature for up to 48 hours.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount of about 1.7 g / L to about 1.8 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein pre-weighed amounts of the mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin are provided in amounts to provide from 6 g / L to about 20 g / L of the weak acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water; and from about 6 g / L to about 12 g / L of the strong acid cation exchange resin for a predetermined amount of water.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein pre-weighed amounts of the mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin are provided in an amount equal to 10 g of the weak acid cation exchange resin / L of water based on a predetermined amount of water; and approximately 8 g of the strong acid cation exchange resin / L of water based on a predetermined amount of water.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite is in an amount of about 0.1 g / L to about 0.2 g / L for a predetermined amount of water.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein pre-weighed amounts of the mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin are provided in amounts such that, for a predetermined amount of water, 0.3 g / L to about 2.3 g / L of the weak acid cation exchange resin is provided; and, for a predetermined amount of water, about 0.3 g / L to about 1.4 g / L of the strong acid cation exchange resin is provided.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein pre-weighed amounts of the mixture of the weak acid cation exchange resin and the strong acid cation exchange resin are provided in an amount equal to about 1.1 g of the weak acid cation exchange resin / L of water based on a predetermined amount of water; and about 0.9 g of the strong acid cation exchange resin / L of water based on a predetermined amount of water.

36. The method of any one of claims 23 to 35, further comprising adding a pre-measured amount of surfactant while stirring.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the pre-measured amount of the surfactant is an amount required to account for 0.5 wt% to 1 wt% of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the pre-measured amount of the surfactant is an amount required to account for 0.5 wt% to 1 wt% of the prepared hypochlorous acid solution.

39. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonates, polysorbates, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymers, alcohol ethoxylates, sodium polyacrylate polymers, sodium lauryl iminodipropionate, sodium octyliminodipropionate, and combinations thereof.

40. The method of any one of claims 23 to 39, wherein the solution is stirred for about 3 minutes to about 5 minutes.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the solution is stirred for about 4 minutes.

42. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 41, wherein the weak acid cation exchange resin is the hydrogen form of a weak acid cation exchange resin and comprises carboxylic acid functional groups, and the strong acid cation exchange resin is the hydrogen form of a strong acid cation exchange resin and comprises sulfonic acid functional groups.

43. The method of any one of claims 23 to 42, wherein the calcium hypochlorite, the weak acid cation exchange resin, the strong acid cation exchange resin, and the optional surfactant are mixed by pouring from separate packages of a) calcium hypochlorite and b) the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin; or by pouring from separate packages of a) calcium hypochlorite and b1) the weak acid cation exchange resin and b2) the strong acid cation exchange resin.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the calcium hypochlorite is packaged in a first triple-layer bag, the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin is packaged in a second triple-layer bag, and optionally a surfactant is packaged in a third triple-layer bag, and the calcium hypochlorite and resin mixture and optionally the surfactant are mixed with a predetermined amount of water.

45. The method according to claim 43, wherein the calcium hypochlorite is packaged in a first triple-layer bag, the weak acid cation exchange resin is packaged in a second triple-layer bag, the strong acid cation exchange resin is packaged in a third triple-layer bag, and optionally a surfactant is packaged in a fourth triple-layer bag, and the calcium hypochlorite and the cation exchange resin and optionally the surfactant are mixed with a predetermined amount of water.

46. ​​The method of claim 23, wherein the hypochlorous acid solution is further diluted with water.

47. The kit of claim 1, wherein the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin are present in an amount effective to produce hypochlorous acid in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of a measured microorganism by 99% or more when maintained in contact with a surface for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes.

48. The method of claim 23, wherein the pre-measured amount of calcium hypochlorite and the mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin and strong acid cation exchange resin are present in an amount effective to produce hypochlorous acid in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of measured microorganisms by 99% or more when maintained in contact with a surface for about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes.

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