A process for efficient, low-pressure production of sodium or potassium hypochlorite. A liquid containing hypochlorite is introduced into a mixing chamber to create a dispersed liquid phase moving generally downward through the mixing chamber. Cl.sub.2 is introduced into the mixing chamber to create a continuous gas phase containing Cl.sub.2 moving in concurrent flow, while reacting, with the dispersed liquid phase to produce hypochlorite. The reactants are constrained to pass through a static mixer that aids the reaction without causing any substantial foaming in aqueous hypochlorite that collects at the bottom of the mixing.