Slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production apparatus and slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production method

Abstract

To provide a slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production apparatus and a slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production method which keeps stable water quality, and can reduce initial cost.SOLUTION: A slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production apparatus stops operation on the basis of a signal of a flow meter. The slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production apparatus adjusts at least any one of a liquid feeding amount of a diluted hydrochloric acid and electrolytic current on the basis of the signal of the flow meter. The slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production apparatus has: an electrolytic tank for electrolyzing the diluted hydrochloric acid and generating chlorine gas; a mixing tank for mixing clean water and the chlorine gas; a flow meter for measuring a supply flow amount of the clean water; and a control circuit part for adjusting at least any one of a liquid feeding amount of a diluted hydrochloric acid raw mater supplied to the electrolytic tank and electrolytic current to the electrolytic tank on the basis of the signal of the flow meter. A slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water production method measures the flow rate of the clean water, adjusts a generation amount of the chlorine gas generated by electrolysis of the diluted hydrochloric acid on the basis of the flow rate of the clean water, mixes the chlorine gas and the clean water and thereby produces slightly-acid hypochlorous acid water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production apparatus and a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production method.

Background Art

[0002] In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza and novel coronavirus, disinfection of objects touched by unspecified persons is important, and alcohol has been widely used for this purpose. However, alcohol may cause rough skin when it touches human skin, and it also has strong irritation and flammability, so there is a problem that it is difficult to diffuse it into the air.

[0003] On the other hand, apart from alcohol, hypochlorous acid water can also be used for disinfection. Among them, slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5 has the advantages of less risk of rough skin, low irritation, and no flammability, so it is less harmful even when diffused into the air by a sprayer or a humidifier. Regarding the disinfection and sterilization by the above-mentioned hypochlorous acid water, for example, as described in the following Non-Patent Document 1, it is disclosed on the homepage of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Meanwhile, water facilities are installed not only in ordinary houses, but also in facilities such as nurseries, nursing homes, restaurants, food factories, and other business establishments. Specifically, water is supplied by connecting indoor piping to an outdoor water supply, branching it according to the places where the water is used, and providing use points (faucets, etc.) at each point. However, turning the water supply into slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is very useful from the viewpoint of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, as described above.

[0006] For example, by installing a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production device on the piping route within the above-mentioned building, it is possible to convert the water supplied from each use point into slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water.

[0007] In addition, hypochlorous acid water can generally be produced by electrolyzing dilute hydrochloric acid and mixing the generated chlorine gas with water, but there is a problem with the production amount.Specifically, the amount of water used at the use point is not always constant, and the amount of water used varies greatly depending on the time.Unless this is taken into consideration, hypochlorous acid water with a low concentration or that is more concentrated than necessary will be produced, and there is a problem with the stability of its quality.

[0008] In addition, currently, when there are multiple use points, a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production device must be installed at each use point, which poses the issue of high initial purchase costs.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing apparatus and a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing method that can maintain stable water quality and reduce initial costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems stops operation based on a signal from a flow meter.

[0011] In this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to adjust at least one of the amount of dilute hydrochloric acid delivered and the electrolytic current based on a signal from a flow meter.

[0012] In this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide a check valve between the mixing tank and the electrolytic tank.

[0013] In addition, a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes dilute hydrochloric acid to generate chlorine gas, a mixing cell that mixes clean water with chlorine gas, a flowmeter that measures the supply flow rate of the clean water, and a control circuit unit that adjusts at least one of the amount of dilute hydrochloric acid raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell based on a signal from the flowmeter and the amount of electrolysis electricity supplied to the electrolytic cell.

[0014] In this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the system includes a first pipe for receiving a supply of clean water and supplying the clean water to the mixing tank, a second pipe connected to the mixing tank for supplying slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water to the outside, and a third pipe connecting the electrolytic cell and the mixing tank for supplying chlorine gas to the mixing tank, and the flow meter is provided in the first pipe.

[0015] In this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide a check valve provided in the third pipe.

[0016] In this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide a pressure reducing valve provided in the first pipe upstream of the flow meter.

[0017] In this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide a flow rate adjusting member in the first pipe.

[0018] In addition, a method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water according to another aspect of the present invention measures the flow rate of clean water, adjusts the amount of chlorine gas generated by electrolysis of dilute hydrochloric acid based on the flow rate of clean water, and mixes the chlorine gas with the clean water to produce slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing apparatus and a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing method that can maintain stable water quality and reduce initial costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing apparatus according to an embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and the specific examples described in the following embodiments and examples can be appropriately modified and adjusted, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0022] (Slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production equipment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "the apparatus") 1 according to this embodiment.

[0023] As shown in this figure, the device 1 has an electrolytic cell 2 that electrolyzes dilute hydrochloric acid to generate chlorine gas, a mixing cell 3 that mixes clean water with chlorine gas, a flowmeter 4 that measures the supply flow rate of the clean water, and a control circuit unit 5 that adjusts at least one of the amount of dilute hydrochloric acid raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 2 and the amount of electrolysis electricity supplied to the electrolytic cell 2 based on a signal from the flowmeter 4.

[0024] The details of each element of the present device 1 and the effects thereof will be described in detail below, but the present device 1 has the effect of maintaining stable water quality and reducing initial costs.

[0025] First, the present device 1 includes an electrolytic cell 2 that electrolyzes dilute hydrochloric acid to generate chlorine gas. A pair of electrodes 21 is disposed in the electrolytic cell 2, and dilute hydrochloric acid is electrolyzed to generate chlorine gas and hydrogen gas by passing an electric current between the pair of electrodes 21. Then, the chlorine gas is mixed with clean water to produce slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water.

[0026] In the present apparatus 1, as described above, dilute hydrochloric acid is supplied to the electrolytic cell 2. Dilute hydrochloric acid is hydrochloric acid with a relatively low concentration, and the hydrogen chloride concentration in the water can be appropriately adjusted as long as the generated chlorine gas can be within a desired range, and is preferably within the range of, for example, 10 g to 100 g per liter.

[0027] The device 1 is also connected to a dilute hydrochloric acid tank 10, and receives a supply of dilute hydrochloric acid from the dilute hydrochloric acid tank 10. The dilute hydrochloric acid tank 10 and the electrolytic cell 2 are connected by a fourth pipe H4, and a liquid delivery pump 101 is disposed on the path. The dilute hydrochloric acid is delivered to the electrolytic cell 2 by the liquid delivery pump 101. This will be described in detail later.

[0028] The shape of the pair of electrodes 21 arranged in the electrolytic cell 2 can be adjusted as appropriate and is not limited, but it is preferable that the electrodes are configured as a pair of flat plates arranged facing each other at a predetermined distance.

[0029] The material of the pair of electrodes 21 placed in the electrolytic cell 2 can be adjusted as appropriate and is not limited, but for example, at least one of platinum, gold, iridium, and carbon can be used, but is not limited to these.

[0030] The present device 1 also includes a mixing tank 3 for mixing clean water with chlorine gas. The mixing tank 3 makes it possible to mix the chlorine gas generated by the electrolytic tank 2 with clean water.

[0031] The structure of the mixing tank 3 of the present device 1 is not limited as long as it can efficiently mix clean water and chlorine gas to produce slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. For example, it is preferable that the mixing tank 3 has a configuration in which a nozzle, a rotating fin, etc. are arranged.

[0032] In the present apparatus 1, pipes for supplying clean water and chlorine gas are connected to the mixing tank 3. Specifically, the mixing tank 3 is connected to a first pipe H1 for receiving clean water and supplying the clean water to the mixing tank 3.

[0033] Here, "clean water" refers to water used in the facility where the present device 1 is installed, that is, tap water, but it may also be well water. One of the advantages of the present device 1 is that it is possible to supply slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water using normal water used in the facility as a raw material. That is, in the present device 1, one side (downstream side) of the first pipe H1 is connected to the mixing tank 3, while the other side (upstream side) is connected to a water faucet extending from a water network stretched outside the facility.

[0034] In addition, the present device 1 is connected to a second pipe H2 for distributing the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water generated by the mixing tank 3 to a plurality of use points. A water faucet such as a tap is provided at the end of each use point, and the amount is appropriately adjusted according to the user's wishes. The second pipe H2 may be provided with an inspection device for inspecting the state of the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. Examples of this inspection device are not limited to, but may include, for example, a pH meter, an available chlorine meter, and a conductivity meter.

[0035] In addition, in this device 1, the electrolytic cell 2 and the mixing cell 3 are connected by a third pipe H3, and the chlorine gas generated by the electrolytic cell 2 can be supplied to the mixing cell 3.

[0036] In addition, in the present device 1, it is preferable that the third pipe H3 is provided with a check valve 6. By providing the check valve 6, it is possible to prevent the backflow of the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water from the mixing tank 3, thereby preventing the dilute hydrochloric acid from being diluted, thereby preventing the amount of chlorine gas generated by electrolysis from decreasing.

[0037] In addition, in this device 1, a flowmeter 4 that measures the supply flow rate of clean water is provided in the first pipe H1. By measuring the supply flow rate of clean water, it is possible to stabilize the quality of the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. To be more specific, the amount of chlorine gas required to make the concentration of the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water the same is different between a place where a large amount of clean water is used throughout the facility and a place where a small amount of clean water is used. Therefore, by providing a flowmeter in the first pipe H1, it is possible to grasp the amount of clean water used and adjust the amount of chlorine gas generated in the electrolytic cell 2.

[0038] In addition, it is preferable that the first pipe H1 of the present device 1 is provided with a pressure reducing valve 7 upstream of the flowmeter 4. By providing the pressure reducing valve 7, it is possible to maintain the pressure on the secondary side (point of use side) constant even if the water pressure on the clean water side (primary side) fluctuates.

[0039] In addition, in the present device 1, it is preferable to provide a flow rate adjustment member 9 in the first pipe H1. Providing the flow rate adjustment member 9 has the effect of stabilizing the concentration. This flow rate adjustment member 9 is preferably provided in the rear stage of the flow meter 4, although it is not limited thereto.

[0040] Specifically, the flow rate adjusting member 9 of the present device 1 preferably includes a bypass pipe H5 that branches off from the first pipe H1 at a branch point P1 and merges back into the first pipe H1 at a merging point P2. Providing the bypass pipe H5 has the advantage that multiple flow paths can be formed, making it easier to adjust the flow rate.

[0041] In the above, it is preferable to provide a three-way valve 93 at the branch point P1 so that the flow rates of the first pipe H1 and the bypass pipe H5 can be adjusted. It is also preferable to provide a first adjustment valve 91 between the branch point P1 and the junction point P2 of the first pipe H1, and it is also preferable to provide a second adjustment valve 92 on the route of the bypass pipe H5. By providing these valves, the flow rate of the clean water can be adjusted, and accordingly, the amount of chlorine gas to be introduced into the mixed layer 3 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0042] In addition, the present device 1 includes a control circuit unit 5 for adjusting at least one of the amount of dilute hydrochloric acid raw water fed to the electrolytic cell 2 based on a signal from the flowmeter 4 and the amount of electrolytic current fed to the electrolytic cell 2. Specifically, the control circuit unit 5 is connected to at least the electrolytic cell 2, the flowmeter 4, and the liquid feed pump 101. Specifically, the control circuit unit 5 is connected to the flowmeter 4, and grasps the flow rate of the clean water based on the flow rate data received from the flowmeter 4, and adjusts the amount of electrolytic current supplied to the dilute hydrochloric acid in the electrolytic cell 2 and the amount of dilute hydrochloric acid fed to the electrolytic cell 2 by the liquid feed pump 101 according to the flow rate of the clean water, so that the concentration of the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water generated by the mixing cell 3 can be stably maintained within a desired range. Note that it is preferable to adjust both the amount of electrolytic current and the amount of dilute hydrochloric acid fed to the electrolytic cell 2, but in some cases, either one may be adjusted.

[0043] As is clear from the above description, in the present device 1, when the flow rate is zero in the flow meter 4, that is, when the amount of clean water used is zero, it is preferable to stop operation based on the signal from the flow meter 4. The supply of clean water can be stopped by closing the pressure reducing valve 7 or the solenoid valve 8 provided upstream of the flow meter 4.

[0044] (Method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water) Although it is clear from the above description, here, just to be sure, the method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water (hereinafter referred to as "this method") will be described. This device 1 is used to realize this method, and this method specifically includes a step of (S1) measuring the flow rate of clean water and adjusting the amount of chlorine gas generated by electrolysis of dilute hydrochloric acid based on the flow rate of clean water, and a step of (S2) mixing chlorine gas with clean water, thereby producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water.

[0045] As described above, the present embodiment provides a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing device and a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing method that can maintain stable water quality and reduce initial costs. Specifically, a flow meter is provided in the flow path piping, and the amount of chlorine gas generated in the electrolytic cell is adjusted based on the output of the flow meter, thereby making it possible to always obtain a desired and uniform slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The present invention has industrial applicability as a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing apparatus and a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water producing method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1. Slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production equipment 2...Electrolytic cell 3…Mixed layer 4…Flow meter 5...Control circuit section 6...Check valve 7...Reducing valve 8...Solenoid valve 9...Flow rate adjusting member 10...Dilute hydrochloric acid tank H1…First piping H2…Second piping H3…Third piping H4…Fourth pipe H5: Bypass piping P1...branch point P2…confluence point

Claims

1. A hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus for stopping operation based on a signal from a flow meter.

2. A hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus for adjusting at least one of the liquid feed rate of dilute hydrochloric acid and the electrolysis current based on a signal from a flow meter.

3. The hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a check valve between a mixing tank and an electrolytic cell.

4. An electrolytic cell for electrolyzing dilute hydrochloric acid to generate chlorine gas, A mixing tank for mixing raw water and the chlorine gas, A flow meter for measuring the supply flow rate of the raw water, A control circuit unit for adjusting at least one of the liquid feed rate of the dilute hydrochloric acid raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell and the electrolysis charge amount to the electrolytic cell based on a signal from the flow meter. A hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus having the same.

5. A first pipe for supplying the raw water to the mixing tank upon receiving the supply of the raw water, A second pipe connected to the mixing tank for supplying hypochlorous acid water to the outside, A third pipe connecting the electrolytic cell and the mixing tank for supplying the chlorine gas to the mixing tank. The hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, comprising: The flow meter is provided in the first pipe.

6. The hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a check valve provided in the third pipe.

7. The hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a pressure reducing valve provided upstream of the flow meter in the first pipe.

8. The hypochlorous acid water manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a flow rate adjusting member in the first pipe.

9. Measure the flow rate of the raw water, Adjust the generation amount of chlorine gas generated by electrolyzing dilute hydrochloric acid based on the flow rate of the raw water, A method for manufacturing hypochlorous acid water by mixing the chlorine gas and the raw water to manufacture hypochlorous acid water.

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