Composition ratio specifying method and method for adjusting electrolysis conditions using same

Abstract

A composition ratio specifying method is provided with: a first step (S01) in which air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas flows through an alkaline aqueous solution to form a first aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid ions and chloride ions; a second step (S02) in which the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions contained in the first aqueous solution is specified by the first analysis means; a third step (S03) in which hypochlorous acid ions contained in the first aqueous solution are reduced as chloride ions by an aqueous solution containing a reducing agent, and the first aqueous solution is converted into a second aqueous solution containing chloride ions; a fourth step (S04) in which the concentration of chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution is specified by a second analysis means; and a fifth step (S05) for specifying the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air flowing through the aqueous alkaline solution on the basis of information relating to the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions specified in the second step and the concentration of chloride ions specified in the fourth step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition ratio specifying method and a method for adjusting electrolysis conditions using the same. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an air conditioning system in which a hypochlorous acid water supply device for supplying hypochlorous acid is linked to a purification system (for example, see Patent Document 1). This air conditioning system sterilizes the space by causing the air supplied to the room to contact with a gas-liquid contact component containing a purification component (active oxygen species such as hypochlorous acid) and discharge the air.

[0003] In addition, in a conventional hypochlorous acid water supply device, an electrolyte such as sodium chloride is added to tap water in an electrolytic cell and electrolysis is performed to generate hypochlorous acid water.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-133521 Summary of the invention

[0007] In the existing hypochlorous acid water supply device, if the pH of the sodium chloride aqueous solution is electrolyzed in a state where the pH is biased toward the acidic side, or even if the pH of the sodium chloride aqueous solution is electrolyzed in a state where the sodium chloride aqueous solution is biased toward the alkaline side, the air supplied to the room contains not only hypochlorous acid gas but also chlorine gas. If so, the generation efficiency of hypochlorous acid gas may be reduced in the purification operation of the air conditioning system. Therefore, in recent years, it has been required to accurately specify the composition ratio (proportion) of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the air conditioning system and efficiently adjust the setting conditions of the electrolysis of the hypochlorous acid water supply device.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its object is to provide a technology for specifying the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in air exhausted from an air conditioning system, and a technology for adjusting electrolysis conditions using the same.

[0009] Therefore, in order to achieve this object, the composition ratio specifying method of the present invention comprises the following steps: a first step of circulating air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas in an alkaline aqueous solution capable of dissolving hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas, so that the alkaline aqueous solution becomes a first aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid ions and chloride ions; a second step of specifying the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions contained in the first aqueous solution by a first analyzing means; a third step of reducing the hypochlorous acid ions contained in the first aqueous solution to chloride ions using an aqueous solution containing a reducing agent, so that the first aqueous solution becomes a second aqueous solution containing chloride ions; a fourth step of specifying the concentration of chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution by a second analyzing means; and a fifth step of specifying the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air circulating in the alkaline aqueous solution based on information related to the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions specified in the second step and the concentration of chloride ions specified in the fourth step.

[0010] In addition, the method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions of the present invention is a method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions of a space purification device, the space purification device comprising: a storage portion, which stores a sodium chloride aqueous solution or a potassium chloride aqueous solution inside a frame; an electrolysis portion, which is arranged in the storage portion, and electrolyzes the sodium chloride aqueous solution or the potassium chloride aqueous solution to generate a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution; an air introduction portion, which inhales air from the outside of the frame and introduces it into the storage portion; an air discharge portion, which discharges the air in the space above the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution in the storage portion to the outside of the frame, in which the method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions comprises the following steps: a discharge step, discharging air from the air discharge portion as air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine; an acquisition step, by the above-mentioned composition ratio specific method, for the air discharged in the discharge step, obtaining relevant information on the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas; an adjustment step, when the proportion of chlorine contained in the air discharged from the air discharge portion is higher than the standard value, based on the relevant information on the composition ratio, adjusting the set conditions for electrolysis of the electrolysis portion in a manner to reduce the proportion of chlorine contained in the air discharged from the air discharge portion.

[0011] According to the present invention, the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in air exhausted from an air conditioning system can be identified, and the electrolysis conditions can be adjusted using the composition ratio. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 1 is a flowchart showing a specific composition ratio method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a figure which shows each chemical reaction formula which occurs in each process of the composition ratio specifying method.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the state changes of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the target air.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of a space purification device according to a first example of exhaust target air.

[0016] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A top view of a space purification device.

[0017] Figure 6 : is a flowchart showing a method of adjusting electrolysis conditions using a composition ratio specifying method.

[0018] Figure 7 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of a space purification device according to a second example of exhaust target air.

[0019] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of the structure of a space purification device carried by a space purification device.

[0020] Explanation of symbols

[0021] 101 Space Purification Device

[0022] 110 electrolytic cell

[0023] 111 electrolytic cell side anode

[0024] 112 first supply tank side cathode

[0025] 113 Wiring

[0026] 114 Wiring

[0027] 115 Flow Inlet

[0028] 116 Mixed Space

[0029] 117 Outlet

[0030] 120a First supply tank

[0031] 120b Second supply tank

[0032] 121 Second supply tank side cathode

[0033] 122 Wiring

[0034] 123a First row exit

[0035] 123b Second row exit

[0036] 130a First anion exchange membrane

[0037] 130b Second anion exchange membrane

[0038] 140 Current control unit

[0039] 202 space purification equipment

[0040] 203 Inhale air

[0041] 204 ejection air

[0042] 205 Dust removal air

[0043] 206 Introducing air

[0044] 207 Exhaust air

[0045] 208 air intake

[0046] 209 dust filter

[0047] 210 Blower

[0048] 211 Space Purification Device

[0049] 212 air outlet

[0050] 213 Storage Department

[0051] 213a electrolyte

[0052] 213b Hypochlorous acid aqueous solution

[0053] 213c electrolyte

[0054] 214 Electrolysis Department

[0055] 215 air inlet

[0056] 216 air exhaust part

[0057] 217 Solute Area

[0058] 218 solution area

[0059] 219 Sediment Filter

[0060] 220 Mixing unit

[0061] 220a Aqueous solution suction port

[0062] 220b Aqueous solution spray port

[0063] 220c drive unit

[0064] 223 Space above

[0065] E1 first diaphragm electrolysis unit

[0066] E2 Second diaphragm electrolysis unit

[0067] L1 aqueous solution

[0068] L2 aqueous solution

[0069] L3 aqueous solution DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments are examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the figures described in the embodiments are schematic figures, and the size and thickness ratios of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual size ratios.

[0071] (Implementation Method)

[0072] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a method for specifying the composition ratio according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 It is a flowchart which shows the composition ratio specifying method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 It is a figure which shows each chemical reaction formula which occurs in each process of the composition ratio specifying method.

[0073] The composition ratio specifying method of this embodiment specifies hypochlorous acid gas (HClO gas) and chlorine gas (Cl 2 Specifically, the composition ratio determination method has Figure 1 The steps S00 to S05 shown in the figure (including the first to fifth steps).

[0074] The first step is to prepare a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution of a specified concentration by storing it in a container such as an impactor as an alkaline aqueous solution capable of dissolving hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air (target air) circulating in the liquid (step S00).

[0075] When the hypochlorous acid generated in step S01 described later is decomposed, hydrochloric acid is generated (see Figure 2 Therefore, the prescribed concentration of the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution can be adjusted according to the flow rate of the mixed gas to be absorbed so that the pH of the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution after absorbing the mixed gas is in the range of 10 to 12, and more preferably adjusted so that the pH is around 11. In this way, the reduction in the effective chlorine concentration in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution after absorption after 24 hours can be suppressed to less than 1%.

[0076] Here, the term "available chlorine" refers to chlorine with oxidizing ability, which is dissolved in aqueous solution as chlorine gas (Cl 2 ), dissolved hypochlorous acid gas (HClO), hypochlorite ions (ClO －) exists. Chlorine and hypochlorous acid gas dissolved in aqueous solution are in Figure 2 The equilibrium state is shown in reaction formula (e) and reaction formula (f). The acid dissociation constant of hypochlorous acid is pKa=7.5. In an alkaline aqueous solution with a pH of 10 or more, more than 99% of the available chlorine exists as hypochlorous acid ions.

[0077] In addition, the material of the container for storing the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is not particularly limited as long as it does not react with hypochlorous acid gas, chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide and their reaction products.

[0078] return Figure 1 The first step of the composition ratio specific method is to circulate air (target air) containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution stored in the container by bubbling from the outside, so that the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution becomes a first aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid ions and chloride ions (step S01). Specifically, Figure 2 As shown in reaction formula (a), chlorine gas (Cl 2 ) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form water (H 2 O), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

[0079] Then, sodium chloride (NaCl) is separated into sodium ions (Na + ) and chloride ions (Cl － In addition, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is separated into sodium ions (Na + ) and hypochlorite ion (ClO － ). In other words, if the molar amount of the reaction chlorine gas is assumed to be "1", then in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, there are "1" chloride ions and "1" hypochlorite ions.

[0080] On the other hand, Figure 2 As shown in reaction formula (b), hypochlorous acid gas (HClO) introduced into a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form water (H 2 O) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Then, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is separated into sodium ions (Na + ) and hypochlorite ion (ClO － ). In other words, if the molar amount of the hypochlorous acid gas to react is assumed to be "1", then there is "1" hypochlorous acid ion in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution.

[0081] Here, in order to maintain Figure 2The effect of decomposition of hypochlorous acid shown in reaction formula (a) is small, and the flow rate of the mixed gas absorbed by the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is preferably adjusted so that the hypochlorous acid ion concentration after the mixed gas is absorbed by the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is not too high (for example, below 1000 ppm).

[0082] return Figure 1 The second step of the composition ratio specific method is to use a chlorine concentration measuring instrument as an example of the first analysis means to identify the hypochlorite ions (ClO － ) concentration (step S02). The chlorine concentration measuring instrument may be a common measuring instrument such as a chlorine meter using an iodine titration method or a residual chlorine meter using a DPD (N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) reagent, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0083] When the concentration unit of a component measured by a chlorine concentration measuring instrument is output in "mg / L", it is preferably converted to "mol / L".

[0084] The third step of the composition ratio specific method is to use a sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution as an aqueous solution containing a reducing agent to reduce the hypochlorite ions (ClO － ) is reduced to chloride ions (Cl － ), a process of converting the first aqueous solution into a second aqueous solution containing chloride ions (step S03). Specifically, Figure 2 As shown in reaction formula (c), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and sodium thiosulfate (Na 2 S 2 O 3 ) and water (H 2 O) undergoes a reduction reaction to become sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ), sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ), sodium chloride (NaCl). Then, sodium chloride (NaCl) is separated into sodium ions (Na + ) and chloride ions (Cl － ). In other words, if the molar amount of sodium hypochlorite to react is assumed to be "4", then chloride ions "4" will re-exist in the second aqueous solution.

[0085] As a result, the first aqueous solution does not contain sodium hypochlorite, but becomes the second aqueous solution containing chloride ions originally present in the first aqueous solution and chloride ions reduced from sodium hypochlorite.

[0086] Here, the sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined reducing agent concentration based on the information related to the concentration of hypochlorite ions specified in the second step. Specifically, the reducing agent concentration of the sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution is, for example, Figure 2 As shown in reaction formula (c), if 1 mole of sodium thiosulfate is used relative to 4 moles of sodium hypochlorite, all of them can be reduced. However, in this embodiment, in order to reliably reduce the hypochlorite ions contained in the first aqueous solution to chloride ions, the concentration of the sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution is adjusted in such a manner that the molar amount of excess sodium thiosulfate is contained in the first aqueous solution by about 4 to 5 times.

[0087] The 4- to 5-fold excess is just a guideline and can be adjusted based on the following three points: A) the chloride ion concentration of the sample solution is in the high-precision range of 1 mg / L to 100 mg / L as measured by the ion chromatograph in step S04 described later; B) the concentration of sodium thiosulfate is such that the peak value of the ion chromatograph does not overlap with the peak values ​​of other substances; and C) sodium thiosulfate is mixed to sufficiently ionize the chloride ions according to the variation in the hypochlorite ion concentration.

[0088] return Figure 1 The fourth step of the composition ratio specific method is to use an ion chromatograph as an example of the second analysis mechanism to determine the concentration of chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution (step S04). The ion chromatograph can be a common measuring instrument, so the description is omitted.

[0089] When the concentration unit of a component measured by an ion chromatograph is output in "mg / L", it is preferably converted to "mol / L".

[0090] Alternatively, the concentration of chloride ions may be determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instead of an ion chromatograph, or by using a combined analysis method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

[0091] The fifth step of the composition ratio specifying method is a step of specifying the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air circulating in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution based on the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions specified in the second step and the related information of the concentration of chloride ions specified in the fourth step (step S05).

[0092] Reference Figure 3 , the process of the specific composition ratio in step S05 is described. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the state changes of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the target air.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the chlorine gas (Cl 2 Gas), which is dissolved in a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in step S01, thereby forming chloride ions (Cl － ) and hypochlorite ion (ClO － ). At this time, if the chlorine gas is X [mol / L], it will become X [mol / L] of chloride ions and X [mol / L] of hypochlorite ions.

[0094] On the other hand, hypochlorous acid gas (HClO gas) is dissolved in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in step S01, thereby forming hypochlorous acid ions (ClO － ). At this time, if the hypochlorous acid gas is Y [mol / L], it becomes Y [mol / L] of hypochlorous acid ions.

[0095] Next, hypochlorite ions (ClO － ), which is reduced in step S03 to become chloride ions (Cl － ). At this time, because of X[mol / L] hypochlorite ions (ClO － ) is reduced to X [mol / L] of chloride ions, so the chloride ions caused by chlorine gas in the second aqueous solution become 2X [mol / L].

[0096] On the other hand, hypochlorous acid ions (ClO － ), which is reduced in step S03 to become chloride ions (Cl － ). At this time, Y[mol / L] of hypochlorite ions (ClO － ) is reduced to Y [mol / L] of chloride ions. As a result, the second aqueous solution contains 2X + Y [mol / L] of chloride ions.

[0097] Here, if the concentration of hypochlorite ions in the first aqueous solution specified in the second step is A [mol / L], and the concentration of chloride ions in the second aqueous solution specified in the fourth step is B [mol / L], then Figure 3As shown in equations (1) and (2), the relationship of "A = X + Y" and "B = 2X + Y" holds. Therefore, X [mol / L] of chlorine gas is calculated from B - A [mol / L], and Y [mol / L] of hypochlorous acid gas is calculated from 2A - B [mol / L].

[0098] As a result, the ratio of chlorine gas contained in the air flowing through the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is specified as (B-A) / A, and the ratio of hypochlorous acid gas is specified as (2A-B) / A. In other words, the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air flowing through the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution can be specified as hypochlorous acid gas: chlorine gas = 2A-B: B-A.

[0099] As described above, according to the composition ratio specifying method of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0100] (1) The method comprises the following steps: a first step of circulating air (target air) containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas in an alkaline aqueous solution (aqueous sodium hydroxide solution) in which hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas can be dissolved, so that the alkaline aqueous solution becomes a first aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid ions and chloride ions; a second step of specifying the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions contained in the first aqueous solution by a first analyzing means (a chlorine concentration measuring device); a third step of reducing hypochlorous acid ions contained in the first aqueous solution to chloride ions using an aqueous solution containing a reducing agent (aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution), so that the first aqueous solution becomes a second aqueous solution containing chloride ions; a fourth step of specifying the concentration of chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution by a second analyzing means (an ion chromatograph); and a fifth step of specifying the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the air circulating in the alkaline aqueous solution (hypochlorous acid gas:chlorine gas=2A-B:B-A) based on information related to the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions (A [mol / L]) specified in the second step and the concentration of chloride ions (B [mol / L]) specified in the fourth step.

[0101] This makes it possible to accurately identify the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the target air.

[0102] (2) In the composition ratio specific method, the aqueous solution containing the reducing agent (sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution) is adjusted so as to achieve a predetermined reducing agent concentration (a 4- to 5-fold excess concentration in terms of molar concentration) based on the information related to the concentration of hypochlorite ions (A [mol / L]) specified in the second step. Thus, the hypochlorite ions contained in the first aqueous solution can be reliably reduced to chloride ions.

[0103] As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment at all, It can be easily guessed that various improvements and modifications can be made within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

[0104] In the composition ratio specific method of the embodiment, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution without additives is used as the alkaline aqueous solution, but it is not limited to this. For example, the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution may also be an aqueous solution containing chloride ions at a predetermined concentration before air circulation. Specifically, sodium chloride (NaCl) containing a predetermined concentration (15 mg / L to 25 mg / L) may also be added to the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. In this way, in the initial stage of dissolving the hypochlorous acid gas (the state with few hypochlorous acid ions), the presence of chloride ions (Cl － ), resulting in Figure 2 The decomposition reaction of hypochlorite ions (reduction of available chlorine) shown in reaction formula (d) is suppressed, so that the analysis sample for step S02 can be prepared in a relatively stable state. In other words, the analysis accuracy of step S02 can be improved.

[0105] (first example)

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a space purification device 101 of the first example is described, and further, a method of adjusting electrolysis conditions using the above-mentioned composition ratio specific method is described. Figure 4 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of a space purification device 101 according to a first example of exhaust target air. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A top view of a space purification device 101.

[0107] First, the structure of a space purification device 101 according to a first example will be described.

[0108] The space purifying device 101 electrolyzes an aqueous solution L1 containing chloride ions in an electrolytic cell 110 described later to generate hypochlorous acid and volatilize it. The space purifying device 101 removes bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. contained in the air of the space purifying device 101 by causing the volatilized hypochlorous acid gas to flow into the external space of a frame (not shown) constituting the space purifying device 101.

[0109] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the space purification device 101 includes an electrolytic cell 110, a first supply tank 120a, a second supply tank 120b, a first anion exchange membrane 130a, a second anion exchange membrane 130b, and a current control unit 140 (see Figure 5 ). In addition, the electrolytic cell 110, the first supply tank 120a, the second supply tank 120b, the first anion exchange membrane 130a, the second anion exchange membrane 130b, and the current control unit 140 are accommodated in a frame (not shown).

[0110] The electrolytic cell 110 is a cell for storing an aqueous solution L1 containing chloride ions. The aqueous solution L1 is, for example, a dilute sodium chloride aqueous solution or a dilute potassium chloride aqueous solution having a predetermined chloride ion concentration. The electrolytic cell 110 corresponds to the "storage unit" in the claims.

[0111] The first supply tank 120a is a tank for storing the second aqueous solution L2 containing hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions contained in the aqueous solution L2 in the first supply tank 120a are supplied to the aqueous solution L1 in the electrolytic tank 110 through the first anion exchange membrane 130a.

[0112] The first supply tank 120a is a tank for storing an aqueous solution L2 containing hydroxide ions and supplying hydroxide ions to the aqueous solution L1. The aqueous solution L2 is, for example, a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution.

[0113] The second supply tank 120b is a tank for storing an aqueous solution L3 containing chloride ions. The chloride ions contained in the aqueous solution L3 of the second supply tank 120b pass through the second anion exchange membrane 130b and are supplied to the aqueous solution L1 of the electrolytic cell 110. The chloride ion concentration of the aqueous solution L3 is higher than the chloride ion concentration of the aqueous solution L1. The aqueous solution L3 is, for example, a high-concentration hydrochloric acid aqueous solution.

[0114] The first anion exchange membrane 130a is a membrane member that connects the electrolytic cell 110 and the first supply tank 120a in a manner that allows anions to pass therethrough based on a voltage applied between the electrolytic cell 110 and the first supply tank 120a. More specifically, if a voltage is applied between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112 described later, a first diaphragm electrolysis via the first anion exchange membrane 130a can be performed. By using the first diaphragm electrolysis using the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112, hydroxide ions contained in the aqueous solution L2 pass through the first anion exchange membrane 130a and are supplied to the aqueous solution L1.

[0115] The second anion exchange membrane 130b is a membrane member that connects the electrolytic cell 110 and the second supply tank 120b in a manner that allows anions to pass through, based on a voltage applied between the electrolytic cell 110 and the second supply tank 120b. More specifically, if a voltage is applied between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121 described later, a second diaphragm electrolysis via the second anion exchange membrane 130b can be performed. By using the second diaphragm electrolysis using the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121, chloride ions contained in the aqueous solution L3 pass through the second anion exchange membrane 130b and are supplied to the aqueous solution L1.

[0116] The current control unit 140 (see Figure 5), controlling the current used for the first diaphragm electrolysis and the second diaphragm electrolysis. More specifically, the current control unit 140 controls the current used for the first diaphragm electrolysis throughout the electrolytic cell 110 and the first supply tank 120a, and the first diaphragm electrolysis is performed using the electrolytic cell side anode 111 configured in the electrolytic cell 110 and the first supply tank side cathode 112 configured in the first supply tank 120a via the first anion exchange membrane 130a.

[0117] In addition, the current control unit 140 controls the current used for the second diaphragm electrolysis throughout the electrolytic cell 110 and the second supply tank 120b, and the second diaphragm electrolysis is performed using the electrolytic cell side anode 111 configured in the electrolytic cell 110 and the second supply tank side cathode 121 configured in the second supply tank 120b via the second anion exchange membrane 130b. The electrolytic cell side anode 111 is used for both the first diaphragm electrolysis and the second diaphragm electrolysis.

[0118] Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , details of each tank (electrolytic tank 110, first supply tank 120a, second supply tank 120b) constituting the space purification device 101 will be specifically described.

[0119] (Electrolyzer)

[0120] The electrolytic cell 110 includes an electrolytic cell-side anode 111 , wiring 113 , an inlet 115 , a mixing space 116 , and an outlet 117 .

[0121] The electrolytic cell side anode 111 is an electrode that is arranged in the first supply tank 120a and is paired with the first supply tank side cathode 112 and is used for electrolysis of the aqueous solution L1. A first anion exchange membrane 130a is arranged between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112. That is, the electrolysis of the aqueous solution L1 and the aqueous solution L2 using a pair of electrolytic cell side anodes 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112 is diaphragm electrolysis (first diaphragm electrolysis). By using a pair of electrolytic cell side anodes 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112, hypochlorous acid for space purification is generated. In addition, the electrolytic cell side anode 111 is equivalent to the "electrolysis unit" of the claims.

[0122] The inlet 115 is an opening for air in the external space constituting the housing of the space purification device 101 to flow into the electrolytic cell 110. The inlet 115 corresponds to the "air introduction portion" in the claims.

[0123] Mixed space 116 (refer to Figure 4) is a space formed on the upper side of the electrolytic cell 110 when the aqueous solution L1 is stored in the electrolytic cell 110. The mixing space 116 is a space where hypochlorous acid generated by the first diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L1 using a pair of electrolytic cell-side anodes 111 and first supply tank-side cathodes 112 is mixed with air from the external space flowing in from the inlet 115. The hypochlorous acid generated by the first diaphragm electrolysis contains hypochlorous acid gas that is volatilized and gasified, and hypochlorous acid in a state of being dissolved in the aqueous solution L1. The hypochlorous acid gas is mixed with the air flowing in from the inlet 115, and flows out to the external space from the outlet 117 described later. The hypochlorous acid in a state of being dissolved in the aqueous solution L1 is in gas-liquid contact with the air flowing in from the inlet 115, and flows out to the external space from the outlet 117 described later.

[0124] The outflow port 117 is an opening for the mixed air mixed with hypochlorous acid generated by the first membrane electrolysis of the air flowing in from the inflow port 115 and the aqueous solution L1 to flow out to the external space of the frame. That is, the outflow port 117 is an opening for the mixed air to flow out to the external space of the space purification device 101. In addition, the outflow port 117 is equivalent to the "air discharge portion" of claim 1.

[0125] The air containing hypochlorous acid that flows out from the outlet 117 to the external space of the space purification device 101 is used to purify the external space. That is, the air containing hypochlorous acid is used to remove bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. contained in the air of the external space of the frame. In addition, when the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas is specified, the air flowing out from the outlet 117 of the space purification device 101 of the first example is regarded as the target air containing the mixed gas containing chlorine gas in the hypochlorous acid gas, and it is circulated in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in the above-mentioned step S01.

[0126] (First supply tank)

[0127] The first supply tank 120 a includes a first supply tank-side cathode 112 , a wiring 114 , and a first discharge port 123 a .

[0128] The first supply tank side cathode 112 is an electrode that forms a pair with the electrolytic tank side anode 111 and is used for electrolysis of the aqueous solution L2. As described above, the first anion exchange membrane 130a is arranged between the first supply tank side cathode 112 and the electrolytic tank side anode 111. That is, the electrolysis of the aqueous solution L2 performed by a pair of the first supply tank side cathode 112 and the electrolytic tank side anode 111 is a diaphragm electrolysis (first diaphragm electrolysis). By the first diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L2 performed by using a pair of the first supply tank side cathode 112 and the electrolytic tank side anode 111, hydroxide ions are generated, and the hydroxide ions are supplied from the aqueous solution L2 to the aqueous solution L1. In addition, by the first diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L2 performed by using a pair of the first supply tank side cathode 112 and the electrolytic tank side anode 111, hydrogen is generated.

[0129] The first discharge port 123a is an opening for discharging hydrogen generated by the first diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L2 to the external space of the frame. The first discharge port 123a may also be a check valve, for example. When a check valve is used as the first discharge port 123a, the hydrogen inside the first supply tank 120a is discharged to the external space, but it is possible to suppress the flow of gases such as air from the external space into the first supply tank 120a. If the first diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L2 is repeated, hydrogen accumulates inside the first supply tank 120a, and the internal pressure of the first supply tank 120a rises. The increase in pressure causes the check valve to open, and the hydrogen is discharged to the external space of the first supply tank 120a.

[0130] (Second supply tank)

[0131] The second supply tank 120 b includes a second supply tank-side cathode 121 , a wiring 122 , and a second discharge port 123 b .

[0132] The second supply tank side cathode 121 is an electrode that forms a pair with the electrolytic tank side anode 111 and is used for electrolysis of the aqueous solution L3. A second anion exchange membrane 130b is arranged between the electrolytic tank side anode 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121. That is, the electrolysis of the aqueous solution L3 using a pair of electrolytic tank side anodes 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121 is diaphragm electrolysis (second diaphragm electrolysis). In other words, the electrolytic tank side anode 111 is used for both the first diaphragm electrolysis and the second diaphragm electrolysis. By the second diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L3 using a pair of electrolytic tank side anodes 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121, chloride ions are supplied from the aqueous solution L3 to the aqueous solution L1. In addition, by the second diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution L3 using a pair of electrolytic tank side anodes 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121, hydrogen is generated.

[0133] The second outlet 123b is an opening for discharging hydrogen generated by electrolysis of the aqueous solution L3 through the second diaphragm to the external space of the housing. The second outlet 123b may be the same as the first outlet 123a, and thus its description is omitted.

[0134] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the space purification device 101 of the first example includes a first diaphragm electrolysis unit E1 and a second diaphragm electrolysis unit E2. The current control unit 140 can control the chemical reaction occurring in the first diaphragm electrolysis unit E1 and the chemical reaction occurring in the second diaphragm electrolysis unit E2 by controlling the first current flowing through the first diaphragm electrolysis unit E1 and the second current flowing through the second diaphragm electrolysis unit E2.

[0135] The first diaphragm electrolysis section E1 is provided over the electrolytic cell 110 and the first supply tank 120a. The first diaphragm electrolysis section E1 performs first diaphragm electrolysis via the first anion exchange membrane 130a by passing a first current between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112. More specifically, the first diaphragm electrolysis section E1 performs diaphragm electrolysis on the aqueous solution L1 to generate hypochlorous acid by passing a first current between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the first supply tank side cathode 112, and performs diaphragm electrolysis on the aqueous solution L2 to generate hydroxide ions and hydrogen.

[0136] The second diaphragm electrolysis section E2 is provided throughout the electrolytic cell 110 and the second supply tank 120b. The second diaphragm electrolysis section E2 performs diaphragm electrolysis via the second anion exchange membrane 130b by passing a second current between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121. More specifically, the second diaphragm electrolysis section E2 performs diaphragm electrolysis on the aqueous solution L3 to generate hydrogen by passing a second current between the electrolytic cell side anode 111 and the second supply tank side cathode 121.

[0137] Then, the current control unit 140 causes the first current and the second current to flow at a predetermined ratio, thereby maintaining the chloride ion concentration of the aqueous solution L1 at a predetermined concentration.

[0138] According to such a configuration, chloride ions consumed by the aqueous solution L1 can be appropriately supplied from the aqueous solution L3, thereby forming a space purification device 101 that can stably generate a desired amount of hypochlorous acid gas. Therefore, the desired amount of hypochlorous acid gas can be stably generated without supplying an aqueous solution containing chloride ions from the outside for a long period of time (e.g., 1 year, etc.).

[0139] Next, refer to Figure 6 , a method for adjusting electrolysis conditions using a composition ratio specifying method in the space purification device 10 of the first example will be described. Figure 6 : is a flowchart showing a method of adjusting electrolysis conditions using a composition ratio specifying method.

[0140] The method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions is a method for confirming whether the space purification device 101 is operating under the purification performance (gas composition ratio) set at the beginning. The method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions is performed, for example, during the initial setting (trial operation) or maintenance of the space purification device 101. In this way, the purification performance set at the beginning of the space purification device 101 can be reliably guaranteed. Specifically, the method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions has Figure 6 The steps S11 to S13 are shown in FIG.

[0141] The initial discharge process is a process of operating the space purification device 101 and discharging air from the outlet 117 of the space purification device 101 as the target air (step S11). At this time, the air flowing out of the outlet 117 is regarded as air containing a mixed gas containing chlorine gas in the hypochlorous acid gas, and is made to flow out of the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution prepared in the above-mentioned step S00 for a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time is a time adjusted based on the purification performance (concentration of hypochlorous acid gas) and the discharge amount of the mixed gas set at the beginning to avoid the concentration of hypochlorous acid dissolved in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (equivalent to the effective chlorine concentration) being too high (for example, less than 1000ppm).

[0142] The following acquisition process is a process of obtaining relevant information of the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the specified target air by the composition ratio specific method of the above-mentioned steps S00 to S05 (step S12). Specifically, if the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions specified in the second step (step S02) is A [mol / L], and the concentration of chloride ions specified in the fourth step (step S04) is B [mol / L], then the ratio of chlorine gas contained in the air circulating in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is specified as (B-A) / A, and the ratio of hypochlorous acid gas is specified as (2A-B) / A, and relevant information of the specified composition ratio (ratio) is obtained.

[0143] The following adjustment process is based on the relevant information of the composition ratio (proportion) obtained in the acquisition process. When the proportion of chlorine contained in the air discharged from the outlet 117 of the space purification device 101 is higher than the standard value, the setting conditions of the electrolysis of the first membrane electrolysis section E1 and the second membrane electrolysis section E2 are adjusted in a manner to reduce the proportion of chlorine contained in the air discharged from the outlet 117 (step S13).

[0144] Specifically, when the ratio of chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the outlet 117 is higher than the standard value, the pH of the aqueous solution L1 in the electrolytic cell 110 may be on the acidic side, or the chloride ions (Cl － ) may be higher than the initially set condition. Therefore, based on the database of the chlorine ratio and the electrolysis ratio of the electrolysis unit, the current control unit 140 makes adjustments in such a way as to increase the electrolysis ratio of the first diaphragm electrolysis unit E1, that is, to reduce the electrolysis ratio of the second diaphragm electrolysis unit E2.

[0145] Thus, hydroxide ions (OH) are supplied from the first supply tank 120a to the electrolytic cell 110. － ) is increased, and the chloride ions (Cl － ) is reduced, so the proportion of chlorine can be brought close to the conditions originally set.

[0146] On the other hand, when the ratio of chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the outlet 117 is below the standard value, that is, when the ratio of chlorine gas is within the allowable range, the current control unit 140 does not adjust the electrolysis conditions but continues the purification operation as is.

[0147] As described above, according to the method of adjusting the electrolysis conditions using the above-mentioned composition ratio specifying method in the space purification device 101 of the first example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0148] (1a) A method for adjusting electrolysis conditions is a method for adjusting electrolysis conditions of a space purification device 101, wherein the space purification device 101 comprises: an electrolytic cell 110, which stores an aqueous solution L1 inside a frame; a first diaphragm electrolysis section E1 (electrolytic cell side anode 111), which is arranged in the electrolytic cell 110 and electrolyzes the aqueous solution L1 to generate a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution; an inlet 115, which inhales air from the outside of the frame and introduces it into the electrolytic cell 110; and an outlet 117, which discharges the air in the space above the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution in the electrolytic cell 110 (mixing space 116) to the outside of the frame. The method for adjusting electrolysis conditions comprises the following steps: a discharge step (step S11), in which air is discharged from an outflow port 117 as air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas; an acquisition step (step S12), in which information related to the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas specified by the above-mentioned composition ratio specifying method is obtained for the air discharged in the discharge step; and an adjustment step (step S13), in which, when the proportion of chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the outflow port 117 is higher than a standard value, the setting conditions for electrolysis of the first diaphragm electrolysis section E1 (anode 111 on the electrolytic cell side) are adjusted based on the relevant information on the composition ratio so as to reduce the proportion of chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the outflow port 117.

[0149] At this time, the discharge process (step S11), the acquisition process (step S12) and the adjustment process (step S13) can also be performed during the initial installation or maintenance of the space purification device 101. In this way, the purification performance of the space purification device 101 initially set can be reliably guaranteed.

[0150] The present invention has been described above based on the method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions of the space purification device 101 of the first example, but the present invention is not limited thereto in any way, and various modifications and variations can be easily conceived without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0151] In the method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions of the space purification device 101 of the first example, in the adjustment step (step S13), the setting conditions of the electrolysis are adjusted according to the ratio of the chlorine gas, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0152] For example, the electrolysis setting conditions may be adjusted based on the chlorine concentration B-A [mol / L] that can be obtained in the acquisition process (step S12). Specifically, when the concentration (content) of the chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the outlet 117 is higher than the concentration standard value, the electrolysis setting conditions of the first diaphragm electrolysis section E1 (electrolytic cell side anode 111) may be adjusted in such a way as to reduce the chlorine gas concentration (content) contained in the air discharged from the outlet 117 based on information about the concentration.

[0153] (Second example)

[0154] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the space purification equipment 202 (space purification device 211) of the second example is described, and further, the method of adjusting the electrolysis conditions using the above-mentioned composition ratio specific method is described.

[0155] Figure 7 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of a space purification device 202 according to a second example of exhaust target air. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of the structure of a space purification device 211 carried by a space purification equipment 202.

[0156] First, the structure of the space purification equipment 202 of the second example will be described.

[0157] The space purification device 202 has a space purification device 211 inside. In more detail, Figure 7 As shown, the space purification device 202 includes an air inlet 208 , a dust collection filter 209 , a blower 210 , a space purification device 211 and an air outlet 212 .

[0158] The space purification device 202 removes dust by sucking in the intake air 203 from the air inlet 208, and ejects the ejected air 204 containing hypochlorous acid gas from the air outlet 212 to the outside (for example, indoors). When the space purification device 202 ejects the ejected air 204 from the air outlet 212, the ejected air 204 is made to contain hypochlorous acid gas by the space purification device 211.

[0159] The air inlet 208 is disposed on the right side of the lower front portion of the space purification device 202 , and collects and sucks air 203 from the room into the space purification device 202 .

[0160] The dust filter 209 purifies the passing air. The dust filter 209 is provided so as to allow the suction air 203 sucked from the air inlet 208 to pass therethrough. The suction air 203 passing through the dust filter 209 has fine particles removed by the dust filter 209 and is dust-free. For example, a HEPA filter can be used for the dust filter 209.

[0161] The blower 210 sucks in the intake air 203 from the air inlet 208 and generates a pressure for ejecting the intake air 203 as the ejection air 204 from the air outlet 212 to the room. The blower 210 is arranged on the downstream side of the dust filter 209 in the internal air duct connecting the air inlet 208 and the air outlet 212. With the operation of the blower 210, the intake air 203 sucked into the blower 210 through the dust filter 209 becomes the dust-removed air 205 through the blower 210. Then, the dust-removed air 205 is mixed with the exhaust air 207 (air containing hypochlorous acid gas) released from the space purification device 211 in the process of flowing through the internal air duct and ejected as the ejection air 204. The blower 210 is composed of: a motor part; a fan part rotated by the motor part; and a spiral-shaped outer shell part including them, but a common blower fan can be used, so detailed description is omitted.

[0162] The space purifying device 211 introduces a part of the dust-removed air 205 as the introduction air 206, and after the introduction air 206 contains hypochlorous acid gas in the interior of the space purifying device 211 (the upper space 223 in the storage section 213 described later), it is made to merge with the dust-removed air 205 as the exhaust air 207. Thus, the dust-removed air 205 becomes air containing hypochlorous acid gas.

[0163] In addition, the wind pressure of the blower 210 can be used as a driving force for sucking in the introduced air 206 and exhausting the air 207. For example, the introduction port of the introduced air 206 is set in a manner opposite to the flow direction of the dust-removed air 205 generated by the blower 210, and the exhaust port of the exhaust air 207 is set in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the dust-removed air 205 generated by the blower 210. The introduced air 206 is introduced into the space purification device 211 by the wind pressure of the blower 210, and the exhaust air 207 can be released from the space purification device 211. The details of the space purification device 211 will be described later.

[0164] The air outlet 212 is provided on the upper surface of the space purification device 202 , and sprays the dust-removed air 205 containing hypochlorous acid gas that passes through the internal air duct into the room as the spray air 204 .

[0165] According to the above configuration, the space purification device 202 can suck in the indoor air as the intake air 203 to remove dust, and spray it into the room as the discharge air 204 containing hypochlorous acid gas.

[0166] Next, refer to Figure 8 , the structure of the space purification device 211 assembled in the space purification equipment 202 is described.

[0167] The space purification device 211 is a unit that is detachably assembled inside the space purification equipment 202. In addition, the space purification device 211 introduces the dust-removed air 205 of the space purification equipment 202 from the air introduction part 215 as the introduction air 206, and discharges the exhaust air 207 containing hypochlorous acid gas from the air exhaust part 216 to the internal air duct of the space purification equipment 202.

[0168] In more detail, Figure 8 As shown, the space purification device 211 includes an air introduction unit 215 , an air discharge unit 216 , a storage unit 213 , an electrolysis unit 214 , a stirring unit 220 , and a sediment filter 219 .

[0169] The air inlet 215 is a tubular member that connects the internal air duct of the space purification device 202 and the upper closed space 223 at the top of the storage unit 213, and collects the introduced air 206 inside the space purification device 211. Specifically, the air inlet 215 has an inlet located on the side of the internal air duct and an outlet located on the side of the upper space 223. The inlet on the side of the internal air duct of the air inlet 215 is a pipe opening for introducing dust-removed air 205 as the introduced air 206, and is arranged in a manner that the direction of the inlet is opposite to the flow direction of the dust-removed air 205 generated by the blower 210 (refer to Figure 7The outlet on the upper space 223 side of the air inlet 215 is a pipe port for introducing the introduced air 206 into the upper space 223, and is provided on the upper surface of the space purification device 211. Thus, in the air inlet 215, the introduced air 206 introduced from the inlet is supplied to the upper space 223 from the outlet.

[0170] The air discharge section 216 is a tubular component that connects the upper enclosed space 223 above the storage section 213 and the internal air duct of the space purification device 202, and discharges exhaust air 207 from the interior of the space purification device 211. Specifically, the air discharge section 216 has an inlet located on the upper space 223 side, and an exhaust port located on the internal air duct side. The inlet on the upper space 223 side of the air discharge section 216 is provided on the upper surface of the space purification device 211. The exhaust port on the internal air duct side of the air discharge section 216 is a pipe port for discharging exhaust air 207 containing hypochlorous acid gas, and is provided in a manner such that the direction of the exhaust port is orthogonal to the flow direction of the dust removal air 205 generated by the blower 210 (refer to Figure 7 ). In other words, the air discharge unit 216 collects the introduced air 206 from the air inlet unit 215 to the interior of the space purification device 211 and sprays it into the internal air duct of the space purification device 202 as the exhaust air 207 containing hypochlorous acid gas. In addition, the exhaust port of the air discharge unit 216 is arranged on the downstream side of the internal air duct compared with the inlet of the air inlet unit 215. The process of introducing hypochlorous acid gas into the introduced air 206 will be described later.

[0171] The storage part 213, when the air introduction part 215 and the air discharge part 216 are installed, forms a closed internal space, and stores the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b therein. In addition, the storage part 213 has an upper space 223 above the liquid levels of the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b.

[0172] Here, the storage unit 213 stores a mixed solution of an electrolyte 213a and a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b, but the two are distinguished in the following description. When the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution is generated by electrolysis, it is called the electrolyte 213a, and when the hypochlorous acid gas is discharged and the purification operation is performed, it is called the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b.

[0173] The electrolyte 213a is an aqueous solution for generating the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b by electrolysis, and is an aqueous solution in which sodium chloride or potassium chloride is dissolved. In the space purification device 211 carried by the space purification device 202 of the second example, the electrolyte 213a is not in a state in which the electrolyte 213c composed of sodium chloride or potassium chloride is completely dissolved, but is stored in the storage part 213 in a state in which the electrolyte 213c is precipitated.

[0174] The precipitated electrolyte 213c is a precipitate of sodium chloride or potassium chloride, and is used to supply chloride ions consumed from the electrolytic solution 213a by electrolysis to the electrolytic solution 213a again.

[0175] In addition, the space purification device 211 carried by the space purification equipment 202 of the second example uses sodium chloride or potassium chloride as the electrolyte 213c, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described later, chloride ions are sufficient to generate the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b, so chlorides such as calcium chloride or lithium chloride can also be considered.

[0176] The hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b is a solution generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte 213a in a state where the electrolyte 213c is precipitated in the electrolyte 213a, and is a so-called aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b can be 5 to 13, and 5 to 7 is particularly preferred. This is because if the pH of the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b is lower than 5, there is a risk of gasification into chlorine gas. In addition, if the pH is above 5, the lower the pH, the easier it is to gasify as hypochlorous acid gas.

[0177] The storage section 213 stores the electrolyte 213a in a state where the electrolyte 213c is precipitated in the electrolyte 213a, as described above, and has an upper space 223 above the liquid surface of the electrolyte 213a. The storage section 213 is divided into a solute region 217 where the electrolyte 213c is precipitated, and a solution region 218 where the electrolysis section 214 and the stirring section 220 described later are provided.

[0178] The solute region 217 is located on the bottom side of the reservoir 213 and is a region that holds the electrolytic solution 213 a containing the precipitate of the electrolyte 213 c .

[0179] The solution region 218 is located above the solute region 217 and is a region for holding the electrolyte 213a that does not contain the precipitate of the electrolyte 213c. The electrolysis section 214 and the stirring section 220 are respectively disposed in the solution region 218 in an immersed state. In addition, a precipitate filter 219 is disposed between the solute region 217 and the solution region 218. Specifically, a precipitate filter 219 is disposed on the bottom side (solute region 217 side) of the solution region 218 to block the opening that connects the solute region 217 and the solution region 218 that are separated from each other. The precipitate filter 219 will be described later.

[0180] In addition, the electrolyte 213a in the solute region 217 and the solution region 218 may be renamed as the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b, or may be renamed as a mixed solution of the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b.

[0181] The upper space 223 is an air region generated above the liquid levels of the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b inside the storage section 213. The upper space 223 is connected to the internal air duct of the space purification device 202 via the air inlet 215 and the air outlet 216. Then, when the blower 210 is working, the introduced air 206 is introduced into the upper space 223 from the internal air duct of the space purification device 202 through the air inlet 215. Then, since the introduced air 206 is introduced into the upper space 223, the air (air containing hypochlorous acid gas) in the upper space 223 is squeezed into the internal air duct from the air outlet 216 as the exhaust air 207.

[0182] The electrolysis section 214 electrolyzes the electrolyte 213a stored in the storage section 213 to generate a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b. The electrolysis section 214 is provided at the bottom side of the solution region 218 and immersed in the electrolyte 213a in the solution region 218. The electrolysis section 214 is, for example, an electrode pair of an anode and a cathode having a catalyst coating film on the surface of a conductive substrate. The electrolysis section 214 electrolyzes the electrolyte 213a by passing electricity through the electrode pair. As a result, chloride ions contained in the electrolyte 213a are electrolyzed in the electrolysis section 214 to generate hypochlorous acid.

[0183] At this time, the higher the concentration of chloride ions is, the higher the hypochlorous acid generation efficiency is. Therefore, in order to generate hypochlorous acid while maintaining the hypochlorous acid generation efficiency, it is important to maintain the concentration of chloride ions contained in the electrolyte 213a at a constant level.

[0184] In the space purification device 211 carried by the space purification device 202 of the second example, the precipitated electrolyte 213c supplies chloride ions consumed from the electrolyte 213a to the electrolyte 213a. Specifically, the precipitated electrolyte 213c has the effect of keeping the chloride ions of the electrolyte 213a in a saturated state (about 4.4 mol / L in the case of sodium chloride and about 3.4 mol / L in the case of potassium chloride). Thus, even if the electrolyte 213a is miniaturized and can be stored in the storage unit 213, the concentration of chloride ions contained in the electrolyte 213a can be maintained at a certain level, and the efficiency of hypochlorous acid generation can be maintained.

[0185] The stirring section 220 stirs the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b stored in the storage section 213 in the storage section 213. The main body of the stirring section 220 is disposed vertically above the electrolysis section 214 and immersed in the electrolyte 213a in the solution region 218. The stirring section 220 includes an aqueous solution suction port 220a, an aqueous solution discharge port 220b, and a driving section 220c. When the driving section 220c is operated, the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b are sucked from the aqueous solution suction port 220a, and the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b are discharged from the aqueous solution discharge port 220b.

[0186] The aqueous solution suction port 220a is a cylindrical liquid inlet for sucking the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b of the storage part 213. The aqueous solution suction port 220a is substantially horizontal to the bottom of the storage part 213 and is disposed toward the side of the storage part 213.

[0187] The aqueous solution spray port 220b is a liquid outlet for discharging the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b sucked from the aqueous solution suction port 220a into the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b in the storage portion 213. The aqueous solution spray port 220b is arranged to face the liquid surface of the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b in the vertical direction. Then, the aqueous solution spray port 220b sprays the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b toward the upper space 223 between the air inlet 215 and the air outlet 216 to generate a water flow (not shown).

[0188] The driving unit 220c is a motor that generates a water flow for stirring the solution. More specifically, the driving unit 220c generates a flow that sucks the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b from the aqueous solution suction port 220a and sprays the electrolyte 213a and the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b from the aqueous solution spray port 220b by rotational driving. The driving unit 220c is different from the main body (the aqueous solution suction port 220a and the aqueous solution spray port 220b) of the stirring unit 220 and is disposed outside the storage unit 213.

[0189] The stirring section 220 has the functions of accelerating the electrolysis of the electrolyte 213a and the generation of hypochlorous acid gas. As a function of increasing the amount of hypochlorous acid generated by electrolysis, the stirring water flow described later is generated by the operation of the stirring section 220, and bubbles generated in the electrolysis section 214 can be suppressed from adhering to the electrolysis section 214. In addition, as a function of increasing the supply of hypochlorous acid gas, the amount of hypochlorous acid gas contained in the introduced air 206 introduced through the air introduction section 215 can be increased by spraying the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b to the upper space 223 through the stirring section 220.

[0190] The sediment filter 219 is a filter for floating the electrolyte 213c precipitated in the solute region 217 by using the water flow generated by the stirring section 220, and preventing it from reaching the electrolysis section 214. The sediment filter 219 is provided between the solute region 217 and the solution region 218. Thus, the sediment filter 219 prevents the precipitate of the electrolyte 213c from floating up from the solute region 217 where the electrolyte 213c is precipitated, and flowing into the solution region 218 where the electrolysis section 214 is provided.

[0191] According to the above configuration, the space purification device 211 carried by the space purification equipment 202 of the second example can introduce dust-removed air 205 from the internal air duct of the space purification equipment 202 as introduction air 206 and discharge it into the internal air duct as exhaust air 207 containing hypochlorous acid gas.

[0192] The method of adjusting the electrolysis conditions using the composition ratio specific method in the space purification device 211 mounted in the space purification equipment 202 of the second example is similar to the space purification device 101 of the first example, and includes and executes Figure 6 The steps S11 to S13 are shown in FIG.

[0193] Specifically, in the discharge process (step S11), the space purification device 202 is operated, and air (exhaust air 207) is discharged from the air discharge unit 216 of the space purification device 211 as the target air. At this time, the exhaust air 207 is regarded as air containing a mixed gas containing chlorine gas in the hypochlorous acid gas, and flows into the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution prepared in step S00 for a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time is a time adjusted in a manner such that the concentration (equivalent to the effective chlorine concentration) of hypochlorous acid when dissolved in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is not too high (for example, below 1000 ppm) based on the purification performance (concentration of hypochlorous acid gas) set at the beginning and the discharge amount of the mixed gas.

[0194] In the acquisition process (step S12), the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in the target air is determined by the composition ratio determination method of the above-mentioned steps S00 to S05, and the relevant information of the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas determined is obtained. Specifically, if the concentration of hypochlorous acid ions determined in the second process (step S02) is A [mol / L], and the concentration of chloride ions determined in the fourth process (step S04) is B [mol / L], then the ratio of chlorine gas contained in the air circulating in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is determined as (B-A) / A, and the ratio of hypochlorous acid gas is determined as (2A-B) / A, and the relevant information of the determined composition ratio (ratio) is obtained.

[0195] In the adjustment process (step S13), based on the relevant information of the specific composition ratio (proportion), when the proportion of chlorine contained in the exhaust air 207 is higher than the standard value, the setting conditions of the electrolysis of the electrolysis section 214 are adjusted in a manner to reduce the proportion of chlorine contained in the exhaust air 207.

[0196] On the other hand, when the proportion of chlorine gas in the exhaust air 207 is below the standard value, in other words, if the proportion of chlorine gas is within the allowable range, the electrolysis conditions do not need to be adjusted and the purification operation is continued as is.

[0197] As described above, according to the method of adjusting the electrolysis conditions using the composition ratio specifying method in the space purification device 211 mounted on the space purification equipment 202 of the second example, the following effects can be achieved.

[0198] (1b) A method for adjusting electrolysis conditions is a method for adjusting electrolysis conditions in a space purification device 211, wherein the space purification device 211 comprises: a storage section 213, which stores a sodium chloride aqueous solution or a potassium chloride aqueous solution (electrolyte 213a) inside a frame; an electrolysis section 214, which is arranged in the storage section 213 and electrolyzes the electrolyte 213a to generate a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b; an air inlet section 215, which inhales air from outside the frame and introduces it into the storage section; and an air exhaust section 216, which discharges the air in a space 223 above the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b in the storage section 213 to the outside of the frame. The method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions includes the following steps: a discharge step (step S11) of discharging air (discharged air 207) from the air discharge section 216 as air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas; an acquisition step (step S12) of acquiring information related to the composition ratio of specific hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas for the discharged air by the above-mentioned composition ratio specific method; and an adjustment step (step S13) of adjusting the electrolysis setting conditions of the electrolysis section 214 in a manner of reducing the proportion of chlorine gas contained in the air (discharged air 207) discharged from the air discharge section 216 based on the relevant information of the composition ratio when the proportion of chlorine gas contained in the air (discharged air 207) discharged from the air discharge section 216 is higher than the standard value. At this time, the discharge step (step S11), the acquisition step (step S12) and the adjustment step (step S13) are performed at the time of initial setting or maintenance of the space purification equipment 202 (space purification device 211). Thereby, the purification performance originally set for the space purification equipment 202 (space purification device 211) can be reliably guaranteed.

[0199] (2b) In the space purification device 211, the electrolysis unit 214 electrolyzes the electrolyte 213a in a state where sodium chloride or potassium chloride (hereinafter referred to as electrolyte 213c) is precipitated in the electrolyte 213a to generate the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution 213b.

[0200] According to this structure, even if the electrolyte 213c contained in the electrolyte 213a is consumed by the electrolysis of the electrolyte 213a, the precipitated electrolyte 213c is dissolved in the electrolyte 213a and replenished, so when the electrolyte 213a is electrolyzed, the decrease in the concentration of the electrolyte 213c in the electrolyte 213a can be suppressed. Thus, the decrease in the generation efficiency of hypochlorous acid (the ratio of hypochlorous acid generated relative to the current value flowing in the electrolyte 213a) as the concentration of the electrolyte 213c decreases can be suppressed, and the amount of hypochlorous acid generated by the electrolysis of the electrolyte 213a can be stabilized. In other words, it is possible to realize a space purification device 211, which can stably maintain the amount of hypochlorous acid gas contained in the discharged air even when the space purification device 211 is miniaturized and the amount of electrolyte 213a that can be stored in the storage unit 213 is small.

[0201] The above describes the second example of the method for adjusting electrolysis conditions based on the space purification equipment 202 (space purification device 211) of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications can be made within the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

[0202] Industrial Applicability

[0203] The composition ratio specifying method of the present invention and the method for adjusting electrolysis conditions using the same are useful as a technique for specifying the composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas contained in air exhausted from an air conditioning system and a technique for adjusting electrolysis conditions using the same.

Claims

1. A composition ratio specific method, wherein: The following processes are available: In the first step, air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas is passed through an alkaline aqueous solution capable of dissolving hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas, so that the alkaline aqueous solution becomes a first aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid ions and chloride ions; In a second step, a first analysis unit is used to determine the concentration of hypochlorite ions contained in the first aqueous solution; A third step is to reduce the hypochlorite ions contained in the first aqueous solution to chloride ions using an aqueous solution containing a reducing agent, so that the first aqueous solution becomes a second aqueous solution containing chloride ions; In a fourth step, a second analyzing means is used to determine the concentration of chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution; A fifth step is to specify a composition ratio of the hypochlorous acid gas and the chlorine gas contained in the air circulating in the alkaline aqueous solution based on information related to the concentration of the hypochlorous acid ions specified in the second step and the concentration of the chloride ions specified in the fourth step.

2. The composition ratio specifying method according to claim 1, wherein: The first analysis mechanism is a chlorine concentration measuring instrument, The second analysis mechanism is an ion chromatography analysis device.

3. The composition ratio specifying method according to claim 1, wherein: The aqueous solution containing the reducing agent is adjusted so as to achieve a predetermined reducing agent concentration based on the information related to the concentration of the hypochlorite ions specified in the second step.

4. The composition ratio specifying method according to claim 3, wherein: The aqueous solution containing the reducing agent is a sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution.

5. The composition ratio specifying method according to claim 1, wherein: The alkaline aqueous solution is an aqueous solution in a state of containing chloride ions at a predetermined concentration before the air is circulated.

6. The composition ratio specifying method according to claim 5, wherein: The alkaline aqueous solution is a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution.

7. The composition ratio specifying method according to claim 1, wherein: The air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas is air in gas-liquid contact with a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution produced by electrolyzing a sodium chloride aqueous solution or a potassium chloride aqueous solution in a saturated aqueous solution state in which a solute is precipitated.

8. A method for adjusting electrolysis conditions, which is a method for adjusting electrolysis conditions in a space purification device, wherein the space purification device comprises: A storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores a sodium chloride aqueous solution or a potassium chloride aqueous solution inside the frame; an electrolysis unit, the electrolysis unit being disposed in the storage unit and electrolyzing the sodium chloride aqueous solution or the potassium chloride aqueous solution to generate a hypochlorous acid aqueous solution; an air introduction portion, the air introduction portion sucking air from the outside of the frame and introducing the air into the storage portion; an air discharge portion for discharging the air in the space above the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution in the storage portion to the outside of the frame, Wherein, the method for adjusting the electrolysis conditions comprises the following steps: a discharging step of discharging the air from the air discharging portion as the air containing hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas; an acquisition step, wherein the composition ratio specifying method according to claim 1 or 7 is used to obtain information related to the specified composition ratio of hypochlorous acid gas and chlorine gas for the air discharged in the discharge step; An adjustment process, when the proportion of chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the air discharge section is higher than a standard value, based on information related to the composition ratio, adjusts the setting conditions of electrolysis in the electrolysis section in a manner to reduce the proportion of chlorine gas contained in the air discharged from the air discharge section.

9. The method for adjusting electrolysis conditions according to claim 8, wherein: The discharging step, the acquiring step, and the adjusting step are performed during initial installation or maintenance of the space purification device.

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