Electrolytic ion water generation device

Abstract

To provide an electrolyzed ion water generation device that alone can selectively generate electrolyzed ion water with different pH values.SOLUTION: An electrolyzed ion water generation device according to the present invention comprises: an electrolyte tank that stores an electrolyte; an electrolytic cell that includes a negative electrode chamber and a positive electrode chamber which are partitioned by an ion exchange film; and a DC power supply that applies a voltage between a negative electrode plate provided in the negative electrode chamber and a positive electrode plate provided in the positive electrode chamber. The voltage is applied between the two electrode plates by the DC power supply to cause a reduction reaction to generate electrolyzed ion water. The electrolyzed ion water generation device also comprises: a generated liquid tank that stores electrolyzed ion water which has been generated in the electrolytic cell; a raw water supply system that supplies raw water to the negative electrode chamber in the electrolytic cell; a generated liquid supply system that supplies the electrolyzed ion water from the generated liquid tank to the negative electrode chamber in the electrolytic cell; and an operation unit that switches between the raw water supply system and the generated liquid supply system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing electrolytic ionized water (also called alkaline ionized water or alkaline electrolytic water). [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an electrolytic ion water generating device is known that includes a generation tank for storing raw water, an electrolyte tank for storing electrolyte, an electrolytic cell in which ion exchange is performed, and a DC power supply for applying a voltage between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] The electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange membrane and a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by the ion exchange membrane. A cathode plate having a cathode terminal is provided in the cathode chamber, and an anode plate having an anode terminal is provided in the anode chamber. The negative side of a DC power supply is connected to the cathode terminal, and the positive side of the DC power supply is connected to the anode terminal, so that a DC voltage can be applied between the two electrodes.

[0004] In the electrolytic ionized water generating device, electrolysis occurs when a DC voltage is applied between both terminals by a DC power supply, and the cations generated in the anode chamber by the electrolysis permeate the ion exchange membrane and are reduced to the raw water in the cathode chamber, generating electrolytic ionized water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-40489 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 016954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic ionized water generating device that can selectively generate electrolytic ionized water with different pH values ​​using a single device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electrolytic ionized water generating apparatus of the present invention comprises an electrolyte tank for storing an electrolyte, an electrolytic cell having a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane, and a DC power supply for applying a voltage between both electrode plates, i.e., a cathode plate provided in the cathode chamber and an anode plate provided in the anode chamber, and generates electrolytic ionized water by applying a voltage between the both electrode plates from the DC power supply to cause a reduction reaction. The electrolytic ionized water generating apparatus comprises a product liquid tank for storing the electrolytic ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell, a raw water supply system for supplying raw water to the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell, a product liquid supply system for supplying electrolytic ionized water in the product liquid tank to the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell, and an operation unit for switching between the raw water supply system and the product liquid supply system.

[0008] The electrolytic ionized water generating device of the present invention may be provided with a first liquid storage tank for storing electrolytic ionized water of a first pH value, and a first generated liquid delivery system may be provided between the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell and the first liquid storage tank for delivering the electrolytic ionized water that has passed through the cathode chamber to the first liquid storage tank.

[0009] In the electrolytic ionized water generating apparatus of the present invention, a second product liquid delivery system for delivering the electrolytic ionized water that has passed through the cathode chamber to the product liquid tank can be provided between the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell and the product liquid tank.

[0010] The electrolytic ionized water generating device of the present invention is provided with a second liquid storage tank for storing electrolytic ionized water of a second pH value, and a second liquid delivery system can be provided between the generated liquid tank and the second liquid storage tank for delivering the electrolytic ionized water of the second pH value stored in the generated liquid tank to the second liquid storage tank. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the electrolytic ionized water generating device of the present invention, electrolytic ionized water with different pH values ​​can be selectively generated with a single device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrolytic ion water generating device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electrolytic cell. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when electrolytic ion water having a first pH value is generated. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when generating electrolytic ionized water having a second pH value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] (Embodiment) An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A schematic diagram of an electrolytic ionized water generating device is shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the electrolytic ionized water generating device of this embodiment includes an electrolytic cell 10, an electrolyte tank 20, a first liquid storage tank 30, a product liquid tank 40, a second liquid storage tank 50, and an operation unit 60.

[0014] These components are connected by a plurality of circulation systems, such as a raw water supply system 71, a product liquid delivery system 72, a product liquid supply system 73, an electrolyte supply system 74, an electrolyte delivery system 75, a second liquid delivery system 76, a first liquid removal system 77, and a second liquid removal system 78, which will be described later, so as to function as a single electrolytic ion water generating apparatus. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0015] The electrolytic cell 10 is a cell in which ion exchange is carried out by electrolysis, in other words, a reduction reaction takes place. As shown in Fig. 2, the electrolytic cell 10 of this embodiment includes a cathode chamber 12 and an anode chamber 13 separated by an ion exchange membrane 11. The ion exchange membrane 11 is an exchange membrane (cation exchange membrane) that does not allow raw water and electrolyte to pass through, but allows only cations to pass through.

[0016] The ion exchange membrane 11 may be, for example, an existing one such as "Selemion" (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. or an exchange membrane manufactured by DuPont Co., Ltd., or a new ion exchange membrane having similar functions.

[0017] Mesh-like spacers 14 made of an insulating material are disposed on both outer sides of the ion exchange membrane 11, and a cathode plate 15 and an anode plate 16 are provided on the outer sides of the mesh-like spacers 14. The spacers 14 may be, for example, a nylon net having a size of 5 mm square.

[0018] A cathode terminal 15a is provided on the cathode plate 15, and an anode terminal 16a is provided on the anode plate 16. The negative side of a direct current power supply DC is connected to the cathode terminal 15a, and the positive side of the direct current power supply DC is connected to the anode terminal 16a, so that a direct current voltage can be applied from the direct current power supply DC.

[0019] The electrolyte tank 20 is a container for storing electrolyte used to generate electrolytic ion water. A strainer (first strainer) 21 for removing solid matter from the electrolyte is provided inside the electrolyte tank 20. A float switch FS1 for detecting the upper limit of the electrolyte amount is provided inside the electrolyte tank 20.

[0020] The electrolyte tank 20 is provided with two stirring devices 22, 23 for stirring the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 20. Each stirring device 22, 23 is provided with a circulation path 22a, 23a and a pump (a first pump P1 and a second pump P2). Various electrolytes can be used, but in this embodiment, an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate dissolved in raw water is used as the electrolyte.

[0021] In addition, the electrolyte tank 20 is provided with a drain (first drain) 24 for discharging the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank.

[0022] The first liquid storage tank 30 is a container for storing the generated electrolytic ionized water having a first pH value. In this embodiment, the first liquid storage tank 30 stores electrolytic ionized water having a pH of 12.5.

[0023] A float switch FS2 for detecting the upper limit of the storage amount and a float switch FS3 for detecting the lower limit are provided in the first liquid storage tank 30. When it is detected that the storage amount of electrolytic ionized water has reached the upper limit or fallen below the reference value, the fact is notified to the outside by a lamp or a sound.

[0024] A first liquid extraction system 77 for extracting the stored electrolytic ion water is connected to the first liquid storage tank 30. The first liquid extraction system 77 includes a first extraction path 77a, and an eighth valve SV8 and a sixth pump P6 are provided in the first extraction path 77a.

[0025] A first switch SW1 is connected to the eighth valve SV8, and a predetermined amount of electrolytic ion water can be extracted by operating the first switch SW1. The first switch SW1 can be an illuminated push button switch or the like.

[0026] In addition, the first liquid storage tank 30 is provided with a drain (second drain) 31 for discharging the electrolytic ion water in the first liquid storage tank 30.

[0027] The product liquid tank 40 is a container for storing the electrolytic ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell 10. A strainer (second strainer) 41 for removing solid matter from the product liquid is provided inside the product liquid tank 40. A float switch FS4 for detecting the upper limit of the storage amount is provided inside the product liquid tank 40.

[0028] In addition, the product liquid tank 40 is provided with a drain (third drain) 42 for discharging the product liquid in the product liquid tank.

[0029] The second liquid storage tank 50 is a container for storing the generated electrolytic ionized water having the second pH value. In this embodiment, the second liquid storage tank 50 stores electrolytic ionized water having a pH of 13.1.

[0030] A float switch FS5 for detecting the upper limit of the storage amount and a float switch FS6 for detecting the lower limit are provided in the second liquid storage tank 50. When it is detected that the storage amount of electrolytic ionized water has reached the upper limit or fallen below the reference value, this is notified to the outside by a lamp or a sound.

[0031] A second liquid extraction system 78 for extracting the stored electrolytic ion water is connected to the second liquid storage tank 50. The second liquid extraction system 78 includes a second extraction path 78a, and a seventh valve SV7 is provided midway along the second extraction path 78a.

[0032] A second switch SW2 is connected to the seventh valve SV7, and a predetermined amount of electrolytic ion water can be taken out by operating the second switch SW2. The second switch SW2 can be an illuminated push button switch or the like.

[0033] In addition, the second liquid storage tank 50 is provided with a drain (fourth drain) 51 for discharging the electrolytic ion water in the second liquid storage tank 50.

[0034] The raw water supply system 71 is a flow path for supplying raw water from a water source such as tap water to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10 and the electrolyte tank 20. The raw water supply system 71 in this embodiment includes a raw water main flow path 71a, and a first raw water supply path 71b and a second raw water supply path 71c are provided downstream of the raw water main flow path 71a.

[0035] The raw water main line 71a is connected to a waterworks and is a line for sending the water downstream. The raw water main line 71a is provided with a pressure reducing valve 71d, a first valve SV1, and a filter group 71e. The filter group 71e can be composed of one or more filters.

[0036] In this embodiment, the filter group is made up of an activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter, and a 1 μm mesh filter, but the number, order, type, etc. of the filters constituting the filter group may be other than those described above.

[0037] The first raw water supply passage 71b is a flow path for supplying raw water to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10. The first raw water supply passage 71b is provided with a second valve SV2, a flow sensor 71f, a flow regulator 71g, and a check valve 71h. An electromagnetic valve (solenoid valve) or the like can be used as the second valve SV2. The downstream side of the first raw water supply passage 71b is connected to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10.

[0038] The second raw water supply passage 71c is a flow path for supplying raw water to the electrolyte tank 20. A third valve SV3 is provided in the second raw water supply passage 71c. An electromagnetic valve or the like can be used as the third valve SV3. The downstream side of the second raw water supply passage 71c is connected to the electrolyte tank 20.

[0039] The product liquid delivery system 72 is a flow path for delivering electrolytic ion water produced in the electrolytic cell 10 to the downstream side. The product liquid delivery system 72 includes a product liquid main flow path 72a, and a first product liquid delivery path 72b and a second product liquid delivery path 72c are provided downstream of the product liquid main flow path 72a.

[0040] The first product liquid delivery path 72b is a flow path for delivering the produced electrolytic ion water having a first pH value to the first liquid storage tank 30. A fourth valve SV4 is provided in the first product liquid delivery path 72b. An electromagnetic valve or the like can be used as the fourth valve SV4. The downstream side of the first product liquid delivery path 72b is connected to the first liquid storage tank 30. The system between the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10 and the first liquid storage tank 30 (specifically, the system including the product liquid main flow path 72a and the first product liquid delivery path 72b) functions as a first product liquid delivery system.

[0041] The second product liquid delivery path 72c is a flow path for delivering the produced electrolytic ion water having the first pH value to the product liquid tank 40. A fifth valve SV5 is provided in the second product liquid delivery path 72c. An electromagnetic valve or the like can be used as the fifth valve SV5. The downstream side of the second product liquid delivery path 72c is connected to the product liquid tank 40. The system between the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10 and the product liquid tank 40 (specifically, the system including the product liquid main flow path 72a and the product liquid second delivery path 72c) functions as a product liquid second delivery system.

[0042] The product liquid supply system 73 is a flow path for supplying electrolytic ion water in the product liquid tank 40 to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10. The product liquid supply system 73 of this embodiment includes a product liquid supply main flow path 73a, and a fourth pump P4 and a sixth valve SV6 are provided in the middle of the product liquid supply main flow path 73a. An electromagnetic valve or the like can be used for the sixth valve SV6. The downstream side of the product liquid supply main flow path 73a is connected to the most downstream side of the first raw water supply path 71b (downstream of the check valve 71h).

[0043] The electrolyte supply system 74 is a flow path for supplying electrolyte to the anode chamber 13 of the electrolytic cell 10. The electrolyte supply system 74 includes a main electrolyte supply flow path 74a, and a third pump P3 is provided in the middle of the main electrolyte supply flow path 74a. The downstream side of the main electrolyte supply flow path 74a is connected to the anode chamber 13 of the electrolytic cell 10.

[0044] The electrolyte delivery system 75 is a flow path for delivering the electrolyte that has passed through the anode chamber 13 of the electrolytic cell 10 to the electrolyte tank 20. The electrolyte delivery system 75 includes a main electrolyte delivery path 75a. The downstream side of the main electrolyte delivery path 75a is connected to the electrolyte tank 20.

[0045] The second liquid delivery system 76 is a flow path for delivering the electrolytic ion water having the second pH value stored in the product liquid tank 40 to the second liquid storage tank 50. The second liquid delivery system 76 includes a second liquid delivery path 76a, in which a fifth pump P5 is provided. The downstream side of the second liquid delivery path 76a is connected to the second liquid storage tank 50.

[0046] The operation unit 60 is a functional unit for setting the type of electrolytic ionized water to be generated, the amount to be generated, etc. The operation unit 60 can be composed of various input devices such as a touch panel or a physical switch. Note that an operation signal generated by operating the operation unit 60 is transmitted to the control unit, and the generation of electrolytic ionized water, etc. is executed under the control of the control unit.

[0047] The embodiment described here is merely an example, and the configuration of the electrolytic ionized water generating device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The electrolytic ionized water generating device of the present invention can be appropriately modified, such as by adding, omitting, or replacing components, within the scope of achieving the intended purpose.

[0048] Next, the operation of the electrolytic ionized water generating device of the embodiment will be described. The electrolytic ionized water generating device of this embodiment can selectively generate electrolytic ionized water with different pH values. As an example, electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 12.5 and electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 13.1 can be generated. Below, the operation of generating the former electrolytic ionized water and the operation of generating the latter electrolytic ionized water will be described separately.

[0049] [When generating electrolytic ionized water of pH 12.5 (electrolytic ionized water of the first pH value)] First, an example of generating electrolytic ionized water of pH 12.5 (electrolytic ionized water of a first pH value) will be described with reference to FIG. (1) When generating electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 12.5, first, raw water is supplied to the electrolyte tank 20 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3). At this time, the first valve SV1 and the third valve SV3 are "open," and the second valve SV2 is "closed." (2) When the electrolyte tank 20 is full, raw water is supplied to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10 and electrolyte is supplied to the anode chamber 13 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3), and then a DC voltage is applied between both terminals (the cathode terminal 15a and the anode terminal 16a) by the DC power source DC, starting the production of electrolytic ion water with a pH of 12.5. At this time, the first valve SV1, the second valve SV2 and the fourth valve SV4 are "open", the third valve SV3, the fifth valve SV5 and the eighth valve SV8 are "closed", and the first pump P1, the second pump P2 and the third pump P3 are "ON". (3) The electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 12.5 produced through the above process is stored in the first liquid storage tank 30. The electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 12.5 stored in the first liquid storage tank 30 can be taken out by turning on the first switch SW1. At this time, the eighth valve SV8 is "open" and the sixth pump P6 is "ON".

[0050] [When generating electrolytic ionized water of pH 13.1 (electrolytic ionized water of the second pH value)] Next, an example of generating electrolytic ionized water of pH 13.1 (electrolytic ionized water of a second pH value) will be described with reference to FIG. (1) When generating electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 13.1, first, raw water is supplied to the electrolyte tank 20 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4). At this time, the first valve SV1 and the third valve SV3 are "open" and the second valve SV2 is "closed." (2) When the electrolyte tank 20 is full, raw water is supplied to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10 and electrolyte is supplied to the anode chamber 13 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4), and then a DC voltage is applied between both terminals (the cathode terminal 15a and the anode terminal 16a) by the DC power source DC, starting the production of electrolyzed ion water with a pH of 12.5. At this time, the first valve SV1, the second valve SV2 and the fifth valve SV5 are "open", the third valve SV3, the fourth valve SV4 and the seventh valve SV7 are "closed", and the first pump P1, the second pump P2 and the third pump P3 are "ON". (3) The electrolytic ionized water with pH 12.5 produced through the above process is stored in the produced liquid tank 40, and when the produced liquid tank 40 is filled with water, the electrolytic ionized water with pH 12.5 in the produced liquid tank 40 is used to start producing electrolytic ionized water with pH 13.1. Specifically, electrolytic ionized water with pH 12.5 is supplied to the cathode chamber 12 of the electrolytic cell 10, and an electrolyte is supplied to the anode chamber 13. Then, a DC voltage is applied between both terminals (cathode terminal 15a and anode terminal 16a) by the DC power source DC, thereby starting the production of electrolytic ionized water with pH 13.1. At this time, the fifth valve SV5 and the sixth valve SV6 are "open", the second valve SV2, the third valve SV3, the fourth valve SV4 and the seventh valve SV7 are "closed", the first pump P1, the second pump P2, the third pump P3 and the fourth pump are "ON", and the fifth pump P5 is "OFF". (4) The electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 13.1 generated through the above process is stored in the second liquid storage tank 50. At this time, the seventh valve SV7 is "open", the fifth valve SV5, the sixth valve SV6, and the eighth valve SV8 are "closed", the fifth pump P5 is "ON", and the first pump P1, the second pump P2, the third pump P3, and the fourth pump P4 are "OFF". The electrolytic ionized water with a pH of 13.1 stored in the second liquid storage tank 50 can be taken out by turning on the second switch SW2. At this time, the seventh valve SV7 is "open" and the eighth valve SV8 is "closed".

[0051] In addition, methods for producing electrolytic ionized water of pH 13.1 include a method in which electrolytic ionized water of a first pH value and electrolytic ionized water of a second pH value are produced consecutively as in the above-mentioned example, or a method in which electrolytic ionized water of a first pH value is produced in advance and stored in the produced liquid tank 40, and then, at a different time, electrolytic ionized water of a second pH value is produced using the electrolytic ionized water of the first pH value stored in the produced liquid tank 40.

[0052] In this case, the time required for generating electrolytic ionized water of the first pH value can be omitted, and electrolytic ionized water of the second pH value can be generated efficiently in a short time by using electrolytic ionized water of the first pH value, which has a high pH value, as the raw water.

[0053] Here, as an example, electrolytic ionized water having a pH of 12.5 is generated as the first pH value, and electrolytic ionized water having a pH of 13.1 is generated as the second pH value, but the pH values ​​of the generated electrolytic ionized water are not limited to these. [Industrial Applicability]

[0054] The electrolytic ionized water generating device of the present invention can be suitably used to generate two types of electrolytic ionized water with different pH values, in particular, to generate strong alkaline ionized water with a pH of 12.5 or higher. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Electrolytic cell 11 Ion exchange membrane 12 Cathode chamber 13 Anode chamber 14 Spacer 15 Cathode plate 15a Cathode terminal 16 Anode plate 16a Anode terminal 20 Electrolyte Tank 21 Strainer (first strainer) 22, 23 Stirring device 22a, 23a circulation path 24 Drain (First Drain) 30 First liquid storage tank 31 Drain (Second Drain) 40 Product liquid tank 41 Strainer (Second strainer) 42 Drain (Third Drain) 50 Second liquid storage tank 51 Drain (4th Drain) 60 Control section 71 Raw water supply system 71a Raw water main flow path 71b Raw water first supply route 71c Raw water second supply route 71d Pressure reducing valve 71e Filter Group 71f Flow Sensor 71g flow regulator 71h Check valve 72 Product liquid delivery system 72a Product liquid main flow path 72b Product liquid first delivery path 72c Product liquid second delivery path 73 Product liquid supply system 73a Product liquid supply main channel 74 Electrolyte supply system 74a Main electrolyte supply channel 75 Electrolyte delivery system 75a Electrolyte main delivery path 76 Second liquid delivery system 76a Second liquid delivery path 77 First liquid extraction system 77a First exit 78 Second liquid extraction system 78a Second outlet DC DC power supply FS1~FS6 Float Switches P1~P6 First pump~Sixth pump SV1~SV8 1st valve~8th valve SW1~SW2 First switch~Second switch

Claims

1. An electrolytic ionized water generating device includes an electrolyte tank for storing an electrolyte, an electrolytic cell having a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane, and a DC power source for applying a voltage between both electrodes, a cathode plate provided in the cathode chamber and an anode plate provided in the anode chamber, and generates electrolytic ionized water by applying a voltage between the both electrodes from the DC power source to cause a reduction reaction, a generated liquid tank for storing the electrolytic ion water generated in the electrolytic cell; a raw water supply system for supplying raw water to the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell; a product solution supply system for supplying electrolytic ion water in the product solution tank to the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell; An operation unit for switching between the raw water supply system and the produced liquid supply system is provided. An electrolytic ionized water generating device.

2. 2. The electrolytic ion water generating apparatus according to claim 1, a first liquid storage tank for storing electrolytic ionized water having a first pH value; A first product liquid delivery system is provided between the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell and the first liquid storage tank, which delivers the electrolytic ion water that has passed through the cathode chamber to the first liquid storage tank. An electrolytic ionized water generating device.

3. 3. The electrolytic ion water generating device according to claim 1, A second product liquid delivery system is provided between the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell and the product liquid tank, which delivers the electrolytic ion water that has passed through the cathode chamber to the product liquid tank. An electrolytic ionized water generating device.

4. 3. The electrolytic ion water generating device according to claim 1, a second liquid storage tank for storing electrolytic ionized water having a second pH value; a second liquid delivery system is provided between the product liquid tank and the second liquid storage tank, for delivering the electrolytic ion water having the second pH value stored in the product liquid tank to the second liquid storage tank; An electrolytic ionized water generating device.

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