Abstract: A method and device for producing thermodynamically free iodine in which a source material containing thermodynamically free iodine is introduced to one side of an iodine solving solid barrier through which the thermodynamically free iodine passes by dispersion to the other side of the solid barrier until an equilibrium of thermodynamically free iodine vapor pressure is reached across the barrier. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the degree to which the thermodynamically free iodine disperses to the other side of the iodine solving barrier may be controlled by means which reduce the vapor pressure of thermodynamically free iodine such as the variation of temperature of the iodine source material or of the other side of the barrier as well as the use of an iodine complexing compound or in combination with the source material.

Abstract: A process of producing a disinfecting BZ reaction comprising continuously adding, at a point in a system of continuously flowing water in which a reductant consisting of microbial life forms is present, halogens or halogen containing compounds which hydrolize to create two bistable systems at equilibrium. The first bistable system consists of Cl.sub.2, HOCL, OCl and chloramines in the water, and the second bistable system consists of IO.sub.3.sup.-, I.sub.2 and HIO in the water. The bistable systems when perturbed by the reductant will initiate an oscillating reaction certain of whose intermediate products are microbicidal.