Hypochlorous acid water treatment device and space sterilization system using the same

Abstract

To provide a hypochlorous acid water treatment apparatus capable of producing hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components produced by electrolysis of salt water.SOLUTION: A hypochlorous acid water treatment apparatus 1 includes: an anode flow channel 13 in which a positive electrode 2 is exposed and extended along the flow channel; a diaphragm 4 provided in a space between the anode flow channel 13 and a cathode flow channel 14 and allowing cations contained in an anode-side solution (anode-side supply solution 9a) circulating in the flow channel to pass through; and an electrodialysis power supply 15 applying voltage between the positive electrode 2 and a negative electrode 3. The anode flow channel 13 and the cathode flow channel 14 are configured so that the anode-side solution (anode-side supply solution 9a) circulating in the anode flow channel 13 and a cathode-side solution (cathode-side supply solution 11a) circulating in the cathode flow channel 14 both circulate in the same direction, and at least the anode-side supply solution 9a is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolysis of salt water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hypochlorous acid water treatment device that produces hypochlorous acid water in which NaClO and NaOH, which are residual components of hypochlorous acid water, are suppressed, and to an air sterilization system using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, hypochlorous acid water containing NaClO as a main component and HClO and NaOH is produced by electrolyzing salt water. It is known that the disinfecting power of hypochlorous acid water is improved by making it weakly acidic, and a technique for controlling the pH of the hypochlorous acid water to the weakly acidic side using an ion-permeable diaphragm is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-164392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, simply adjusting the pH to a weak acidity does not sufficiently suppress the residual components NaClO and NaOH. NaClO and NaOH are components that remain on the surface as solids even after the hypochlorous acid water evaporates, and these residual components deliquesce and redissolve in water, which can promote metal corrosion. Therefore, when hypochlorous acid water containing a large amount of NaClO and NaOH is sprayed as a mist, minute residual components accumulate, raising concerns about corrosion during long-term use.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a hypochlorous acid water treatment device capable of producing hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the device includes a first flow path extending such that the positive electrode is exposed along the flow path, a second flow path arranged in parallel to and facing the first flow path and extending such that the negative electrode is exposed along the flow path, a diaphragm separating the first flow path and the second flow path and allowing cations contained in the solution flowing through the flow path to pass through, and a power source for applying a voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.The first flow path and the second flow path are configured so that the first solution flowing through the first flow path and the second solution flowing through the second flow path both flow in the same direction, and at least the first solution is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hypochlorous acid water treatment device capable of producing hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional image of a hypochlorous acid water treatment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional image of a hypochlorous acid water treatment device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of hypochlorous acid water that has flowed through a hypochlorous acid water treatment device and the electrodialysis time. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a space sterilization system using a hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the present invention includes a first flow path in which a positive electrode is exposed and extended along the flow path, a diaphragm separating the first flow path and the second flow path and allowing cations contained in a solution flowing through the flow path to pass therethrough, and a power source for applying a voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The first flow path and the second flow path are configured so that a first solution flowing through the first flow path and a second solution flowing through the second flow path both flow in the same direction, and at least the first solution is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water.

[0010] With this configuration, the first solution and the second solution are circulated through the diaphragm while a voltage is applied in the same direction, so that cations that cause residual components can be separated from the first solution, which is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water. This makes it possible to provide a hypochlorous acid water treatment device that can produce hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components produced by the electrolysis of salt water.

[0011] The hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the present invention further comprises a planar positive electrode, a planar diaphragm facing the positive electrode, and a first spacer member disposed between the positive electrode and the diaphragm and exposing the positive electrode and the diaphragm in a first flow path along the flow path, the first flow path being comprised of the exposed positive electrode and diaphragm along the flow path and the first spacer member. The device also comprises a planar negative electrode, a planar diaphragm facing the negative electrode, and a second spacer member disposed between the negative electrode and the diaphragm and exposing the negative electrode and the diaphragm in a second flow path along the flow path, the second flow path being comprised of the exposed negative electrode and diaphragm along the flow path and the second spacer member. This allows the ability to separate cations that cause residual components from the first solution to be varied by varying the flow path shape formed in the first spacer member and the flow path shape formed in the second spacer member, thereby enabling the area and time required for separating cations that cause residual components from the first solution to be freely designed.

[0012] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the present invention, it is preferable that both the first flow path and the second flow path are formed in a serpentine shape. This lengthens the path through which the first solution contacts the anode and the diaphragm, and the path through which the second solution contacts the cathode and the diaphragm, thereby lengthening the distance and time required for separating cations that cause residual components from the first solution. In other words, relative to the size of the anode and the cathode, cations that cause residual components can be efficiently separated from the first solution.

[0013] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the present invention, both the first solution and the second solution may be hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water. As a result, the first solution flowing through the first flow path becomes hypochlorous acid water in which the cations that cause residual components have been separated and diluted, and the second solution flowing through the second flow path becomes hypochlorous acid water in which the cations that cause residual components have been concentrated. In other words, hypochlorous acid water in which the cations that cause residual components have been separated and diluted can be obtained from the first solution flowing through the first flow path, and highly detergency hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which the cations that cause residual components have been concentrated can be obtained from the second solution flowing through the second flow path.

[0014] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the present invention preferably includes a supply pump that supplies the first solution to the first flow path and the second solution to the second flow path, and the supply pump preferably supplies the first solution and the second solution at a constant flow rate. This allows the time during which a voltage is applied to the first solution in the first flow path to be constant, and the time during which a voltage is applied to the second solution in the second flow path to be constant. Therefore, the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the first solution in the first flow path are separated and diluted, and the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the second solution in the second flow path are concentrated can be stabilized.

[0015] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to the present invention, it is preferable that both the positive electrode and the negative electrode are made of an electrode material containing platinum. As a result, the platinum-containing electrode material can electrolyze salt water to produce hypochlorous acid water, so that the salt water components remaining in the first solution can be electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, by electrolyzing the salt water components remaining in the first solution, it is possible to obtain a more highly concentrated hypochlorous acid water.

[0016] The space sterilization system according to the present invention is configured to include the above-described hypochlorous acid water treatment device and a sterilization device connected to the first flow path and configured to release a hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space using a first solution. With this configuration, even if the hypochlorous acid water mist is released into a predetermined space using the first solution, residual components remaining in the predetermined space are suppressed. In other words, since the first solution is hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water, when sterilizing a predetermined space, metal corrosion caused by residual components can be suppressed while maintaining sterilization performance.

[0017] In addition, in the space sterilization system according to the present invention, a drain pipe is provided in the specified space to discharge water generated within the specified space, and the second flow path is connected in communication with the drain pipe so that the second solution can be introduced into the drain pipe. In this way, highly detergency hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which cations that cause residual components are concentrated is circulated from the second solution circulating in the second flow path into the drain pipe, so that the drain pipe can be cleaned with the alkaline solution.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) A hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1.

[0019] The hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 is a device for treating residual components (Na) contained in hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis of salt water (sodium chloride aqueous solution). + This device separates and reduces components containing cations such as ions (e.g., NaClO, NaOH) from the hypochlorous acid water flowing inside.

[0020] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 includes an anode 2, a cathode 3, a diaphragm 4, an anode side spacer 5, a cathode side spacer 6, an anode side electrode gasket 7a, a cathode side electrode gasket 7b, an anode side cell casing side surface 8a, a cathode side cell casing side surface 8b, an anode side solution supply port 9, an anode side solution extraction port 10, a cathode side solution supply port 11, a cathode side solution extraction port 12, an anode flow path 13, a cathode flow path 14, and an electrodialysis power supply 15.

[0021] The anode 2 is a flat electrode plate. The surface of the anode 2 is exposed along the anode flow path 13 by the anode-side spacer 5. The anode 2 functions as an anode when current is passed through it by the electrodialysis power supply 15. The anode 2 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the cathode 3. The anode 2 is made of a titanium substrate having a platinum-containing catalyst formed on its surface, and is made of a material that is highly efficient at generating hypochlorous acid through electrolysis. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the anode 2 that is exposed along the anode flow path 13. The main purpose of electrodialysis is to move cations and produce hypochlorous acid water that suppresses the residual components NaClO and NaOH. However, NaCl produced by decomposition of NaClO and NaCl remaining in brine that was not completely electrolyzed can also be converted to hypochlorous acid by the platinum electrode.

[0022] The negative electrode 3 is a flat electrode plate. The surface of the negative electrode 3 is exposed along the cathode flow path 14 by a cathode-side spacer 6. The negative electrode 3 functions as a cathode when a current is passed through it by the electrodialysis power supply 15. The negative electrode 3 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the positive electrode 2. Like the positive electrode 2, the negative electrode 3 has a platinum-containing catalyst formed on its surface. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the negative electrode 3 exposed along the cathode flow path 14. The positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 in the exposed regions along the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 where electrodialysis is performed have the same shape, and a shorter facing distance facilitates ion migration. A shorter facing distance reduces the flow rate through the flow path and reduces the amount of hypochlorous acid water that can be produced. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the facing distance to approximately 10 mm or less while ensuring the required amount of hypochlorous acid water produced.

[0023] The diaphragm 4 is a flat thin film. The diaphragm 4 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the anode 2 and the cathode 3. The diaphragm 4 is provided to separate the anode flow path 13 from the cathode flow path 14. The diaphragm 4 is formed of NaClO and NaOH, which are residual components of the hypochlorous acid water. + The diaphragm 4 is an ion exchange membrane (cation exchange membrane) capable of transferring cations such as ions. By applying a voltage between the anode 2 and the cathode 3, the diaphragm 4 can transfer cations to the cathode 3. Examples of this cation exchange membrane include Nafion manufactured by DuPont. Because the cathode 3 concentrates cations, scale components contained in tap water and the like may precipitate over extended use. To reduce scale buildup, for example, the potentials of the anode 2 and the cathode 3 are reversed and polarity is reversed each time hypochlorous acid water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, dissolving the deposited scale. When polarity reversal is anticipated, the anode 2 and the cathode 3 are preferably treated with a similar platinum-containing catalyst.

[0024] The anode side spacer 5 is an insulating member. The anode side spacer 5 controls the distance between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 to a predetermined distance. The anode side spacer 5 has an anode flow path hole 13a therein that forms the anode flow path 13 (described later). The anode flow path hole 13a is a hole formed in the anode side spacer 5 that forms the anode flow path 13. The anode flow path hole 13a penetrates the anode side spacer 5 from front to back and is formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. A packing member (not shown) of the same serpentine shape as the anode side spacer 5 is attached to the surface of the anode side spacer 5 to improve adhesion between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4. The anode side spacer 5 corresponds to the "first spacer member" in the claims.

[0025] The cathode side spacer 6 is an insulating member. The cathode side spacer 6 controls the distance between the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4. The cathode side spacer 6 has therein a cathode flow path hole 14a that forms a cathode flow path 14 (described later). The cathode flow path hole 14a is a hole formed in the cathode side spacer 6 that forms the cathode flow path 14. The cathode flow path hole 14a penetrates the cathode side spacer 6 from front to back and is formed in a serpentine shape such that it moves back and forth horizontally and rises step by step. The cathode flow path hole 14a and the anode flow path hole 13a are arranged opposite each other. A packing member (not shown) with the same serpentine shape as the cathode side spacer 6 is attached to the surface of the cathode side spacer 6 to improve adhesion between the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4. The cathode side spacer 6 corresponds to a "second spacer member" in the claims.

[0026] The anode-side electrode packing 7a has a shape in which the size of the electrode is hollowed out on the outer periphery of the anode 2, and is attached by applying a tightening pressure in close contact with the anode-side spacer 5 so as to prevent leakage of the solution (anode-side supply solution 9a described below) in the anode flow path 13 in the circumferential direction. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the anode-side electrode packing 7a. The anode-side electrode packing 7a is thicker than the anode 2, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the anode 2 while being crushed by the tightening pressure to tightly contact the anode-side spacer 5 and the anode-side cell casing side surface 8a.

[0027] The cathode-side electrode packing 7b has a shape obtained by hollowing out the outer periphery of the cathode 3 to the size of the electrode, and is attached by applying a tightening pressure so as to be in close contact with the cathode-side spacer 6 and prevent leakage of the solution (cathode-side supply solution 11a described below) in the cathode flow path 14 in the circumferential direction. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the cathode-side electrode packing 7b. The cathode-side electrode packing 7b is thicker than the cathode 3, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the cathode 3 while being crushed by the tightening pressure and in close contact with the cathode-side spacer 6 and the cathode-side cell casing side surface 8b.

[0028] The anode-side tank housing side surface 8a is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the anode 2. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the anode 2, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the anode-side tank housing side surface 8a to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply tightening pressure to prevent the solution from leaking outside the electrode. Even if the solution does get around to the outside of the electrode, no leakage will occur. Because a platinum-containing catalyst is formed only on the inner surface of the anode 2, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrodialysis.

[0029] The cathode-side cell casing side surface 8b is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the cathode 3. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the cathode 3, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the cathode-side cell casing side surface 8b to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply tightening pressure to prevent the solution from leaking outside the electrode. Even if the solution does get around to the outside of the electrode, it will not leak to the outside. Because a platinum-containing catalyst is formed only on the inner surface of the cathode 3, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrode dialysis.

[0030] The anode-side solution supply port 9 is a connection port for flowing the anode-side supply solution 9a to be electrodialyzed into the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to supply the anode-side supply solution 9a from outside the anode 2, the anode-side solution supply port 9 is processed at a position on the outer periphery of the anode 2.

[0031] The anode side feed solution 9a is hypochlorous acid water obtained by electrolyzing salt water. The anode side feed solution 9a is introduced into the anode flow path 13 from the anode side solution supply port 9. The anode side feed solution 9a corresponds to the "first solution" in the claims.

[0032] More specifically, the anode side supply solution 9a contains NaClO and HClO, which are components of hypochlorous acid water, produced by electrolyzing saltwater. Other components include NaOH produced by electrolysis, NaCl produced by decomposition of NaClO, and NaCl remaining in saltwater after incomplete electrolysis. As the electrolysis of saltwater progresses, the concentration of NaCl decreases, while the concentrations of NaClO, HClO, and NaOH increase. Since HClO reacts with NaOH to produce NaClO, when saltwater is sufficiently electrolyzed, hypochlorous acid water containing NaClO as the main component is produced, and the pH is alkaline. The cation Na + Components containing ions are those that remain after evaporation, and examples of the remaining components that are produced by electrolysis of salt water include NaClO, NaOH, and NaCl.

[0033] The anode-side solution extraction port 10 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed anode-side extraction solution 10a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the anode-side extraction solution 10a outside the anode 2, the anode-side solution extraction port 10 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the anode 2.

[0034] The anode side extraction solution 10a is a hypochlorous acid solution containing HClO as a main component. The anode side extraction solution 10a is introduced from the anode flow path 13 to the anode side solution extraction port 10. The anode side extraction solution 10a also corresponds to the "first solution" in the claims.

[0035] More specifically, the anode side extraction solution 10a is a solution obtained by separating and diluting the cations that cause the residual components from the anode side feed solution 9a by passing the anode side feed solution 9a through the anode flow path 13. When hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water is used as the anode side feed solution 9a, the anode side extraction solution 10a contains the cation Na + The ions are separated and diluted, and the HClO component becomes the main component of hypochlorous acid water. The pH indicates acidity.

[0036] The cathode-side solution supply port 11 is a connection port for flowing the cathode-side supply solution 11a to be electrodialyzed into the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to supply the cathode-side supply solution 11a from outside the cathode 3, the cathode-side solution supply port 11 is processed at a position on the outer periphery of the cathode 3.

[0037] The cathode side feed solution 11a is hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed from salt water, pure water, or tap water. The cathode side feed solution 11a is introduced into the cathode flow path 14 from the cathode side solution supply port 11. The cathode side feed solution 11a corresponds to the "second solution" in the claims.

[0038] More specifically, when hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed from saltwater is used as the cathode side feed solution 11a, the cathode side feed solution 11a contains NaClO and HClO, which are components of hypochlorous acid water. Other components include NaOH produced by electrolysis, NaCl produced by decomposition of NaClO, and NaCl remaining in saltwater due to incomplete electrolysis. As the saltwater electrolysis progresses, the concentration of NaCl decreases, while the concentrations of NaClO, HClO, and NaOH increase. Since HClO reacts with NaOH to produce NaClO, sufficient electrolysis of saltwater produces hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of NaClO, which exhibits an alkaline pH. When pure water is used as the cathode side feed solution 11a, the resulting solution contains no ionic components and exhibits a neutral pH. When tap water is used as the cathode side feed solution 11a, the resulting solution contains the ionic components of the tap water in the area where the solution is used.

[0039] If pure water containing no ionic components is used as the cathode side feed solution 11a, no current flows between the anode 2 and the cathode 3, and a high voltage must be applied to maintain a constant current. If hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water is used as the cathode side feed solution 11a, the solution contains ions, making it possible to reduce the voltage required to maintain a constant current. If tap water is used as the cathode side feed solution 11a, the solution contains ions, making it possible to reduce the voltage required to maintain a constant current; however, the ion content varies depending on the region, and so conditions must be set individually for each region.

[0040] The cathode-side solution extraction port 12 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed cathode-side extraction solution 12a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the cathode-side extraction solution 12a outside the cathode 3, the cathode-side solution extraction port 12 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the cathode 3.

[0041] The cathode side extraction solution 12a is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH when the cathode side supply solution 11a is hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed from salt water, and is an alkaline solution mainly composed of NaOH when the cathode side supply solution 11a is pure water or tap water. The cathode side extraction solution 12a is introduced into the cathode side solution extraction port 12 from the cathode flow path 14. The cathode side extraction solution 12a also corresponds to the "second solution" in the claims.

[0042] More specifically, the cathode side extraction solution 12a is a solution in which cations that cause residual components are concentrated. When hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water is used as the cathode side supply solution 11a, the cathode side extraction solution 12a contains cations such as Na + The ions are separated and concentrated to produce NaOH, resulting in hypochlorous acid water with NaOH and NaClO as the main components. The pH indicates alkalinity. When pure water or tap water is used as the cathode side supply solution 11a, the cathode side extraction solution 12a contains cations such as Na + The ions are separated and concentrated, resulting in a solution with an alkaline pH and containing NaOH as the main component.

[0043] The anode-side solution supply port 9 and the cathode-side solution supply port 11 are preferably disposed on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the anode-side solution extraction port 10 and the cathode-side solution extraction port 12 are preferably disposed on the upper side in the vertical direction. When oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, etc. are generated by the electrodialysis reaction and the electrolysis reaction in the flow path, the gas can be more efficiently discharged together with the solution if the extraction ports are disposed on the upper side.

[0044] The anode flow path 13 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the anode 2, the anode side spacer 5, and the diaphragm 4. The anode flow path 13 is configured to meander due to the anode flow path holes 13a in the anode side spacer 5. More specifically, the anode flow path 13 moves back and forth horizontally, and the number of horizontal reciprocations increases the distance over which electrodialysis is performed until the anode side solution reaches the top. Furthermore, narrowing the flow path width of the anode flow path 13 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the anode flow path 13, it is desirable for the anode flow path 13 to have a structure that moves from bottom to top in one direction except for horizontal reciprocation. The anode flow path 13 has an anode side solution supply port 9 on one side and an anode side solution extraction port 10 on the other side, through which the anode side solution, i.e., the anode side supply solution 9a, flows. The anode flow path 13 corresponds to the "first flow path" in the claims.

[0045] The cathode flow path 14 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the cathode 3, the cathode side spacer 6, and the diaphragm 4. The cathode flow path 14 is configured to meander due to the cathode flow path holes 14a in the cathode side spacer 6. More specifically, the cathode flow path 14 moves back and forth horizontally, and the number of horizontal reciprocations until the cathode side solution reaches the top determines the distance over which electrodialysis is performed. Furthermore, narrowing the flow path width of the cathode flow path 14 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the cathode flow path 14, it is desirable to design the cathode flow path 14 so that the flow is unidirectional, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. The cathode flow path 14 is provided with a cathode side solution supply port 11 on one side and a cathode side solution extraction port 12 on the other side, through which the cathode side solution, i.e., cathode side supply solution 11a, flows. The cathode flow path 14 corresponds to the "second flow path" in the claims.

[0046] The anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 are symmetrically opposed to each other with the diaphragm 4 in between. That is, the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 are configured in a serpentine shape opposed to each other with the diaphragm 4 in between. The Na +Ions move to the cathode flow channel 14. The amount of ion movement is controlled by the applied voltage / current and the flow rate within the flow channel. The flow rate can be controlled by installing a pump (not shown) either upstream of the anode-side solution supply port 9 and the cathode-side solution supply port 11, or downstream of the anode-side solution extraction port 10 and the cathode-side solution extraction port 12. The pump is preferably one that can be controlled at a constant flow rate, and a tube pump, for example, can be used. By flowing the solution at a constant flow rate, the time for electrodialysis and electrolysis within the flow channel can be controlled to a constant value, allowing for stable control of the concentration of the extracted hypochlorous acid water.

[0047] The electrodialysis power supply 15 is connected to the anode 2 and the cathode 3 and is a DC power supply capable of applying current to the anode 2 and the cathode 3. The electrodialysis power supply 15 may be used as a constant current controlled power supply to provide a constant current, or may be used as a constant voltage controlled power supply to provide a constant voltage. In order to reduce scale accumulation, the electrodialysis power supply 15 may be controlled, for example, so as to reverse the potentials of the anode 2 and the cathode 3 and dissolve the deposited scale each time hypochlorous acid water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1.

[0048] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 is made up of each member.

[0049] Next, the treatment operation of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, an anode-side feed solution 9a is supplied to an anode flow path 13 through an anode-side solution supply port 9, and a cathode-side feed solution 11a is supplied to a cathode flow path 14 through a cathode-side solution supply port 11. The anode-side feed solution 9a supplied from the anode-side solution supply port 9 flows through the anode flow path 13, which is formed in a serpentine shape, and the cathode-side feed solution 11a supplied from the cathode-side solution supply port 11 flows through the cathode flow path 14, which is also formed in a serpentine shape. At this time, the anode-side feed solution 9a and the cathode-side feed solution 11a face each other across the diaphragm 4, flow in the same direction through the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14, respectively, and simultaneously a voltage is applied to the anode 2 and the cathode 3 at both ends. When a voltage is applied, anions are supplied to the anode 2 side, and cations (Na + Since the diaphragm 4 is made of a membrane that is permeable only to cations, the cations (Na ions) contained in the anode side feed solution 9a flowing through the anode flow path 13 are attracted. + ions) permeate the diaphragm 4 and pass through the cathode side feed solution 11a in the cathode flow path 14 to the cathode 3 side. + ions) are attracted to the cathode flow channel 14. Conversely, since anions flowing through the cathode flow channel 14 cannot pass through the diaphragm 4, only anions contained in the anode flow channel 13 are attracted to the anode 2. By repeating this process, cations (Na + ions) move to the cathode side feed solution 11a flowing through the cathode flow path 14, and electrodialysis proceeds, and the anode side feed solution 9a flowing through the anode flow path 13 moves to the cathode side feed solution 11a flowing through the anode flow path 13. + ions) are separated and diluted, and the cathode side feed solution 11a flowing through the cathode flow path 14 contains cations (Na + As a result, hypochlorous acid water containing HClO as the main component is extracted from the anode side solution extraction port 10 as an anode side solution extraction solution 10a, in which the residual components NaClO and NaOH are separated and diluted. Conversely, Na ions constituting the residual components are extracted from the cathode side solution extraction port 12 as a cathode side solution extraction solution 12a. + The ions are concentrated and a solution (hypochlorous acid water or water) containing the components produced as NaOH is extracted.

[0051] In the treatment operation of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, the time for which electrodialysis is performed in the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 is extended, thereby increasing the amount of cations (Na + This increases the amount of migration of ions (ions) and further reduces the residual components consisting of NaClO and NaOH in the anode-side extraction solution 10a. To extend the electrodialysis time, it is necessary to increase the distance between the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14. To achieve this, the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 are formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The number of horizontal reciprocations required for the solution to reach the top increases the distance over which electrodialysis is performed. Furthermore, by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14, the distance can be increased, thereby extending the electrodialysis time.

[0052] The flow rates of the solutions passing through the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path may be the same or different. Different flow rates affect the concentrations of the extracted solutions. For example, if the flow rate of the anode flow path 13 is relatively fast and the flow rate of the cathode flow path 14 is relatively slow, the amount of the cathode-side extracted solution 12a extracted from the cathode flow path 14 will be smaller and more concentrated than if the flow rates of the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 were the same. Therefore, when discharging the cathode-side extracted solution 12a, it is desirable to slow down the flow rate of the cathode flow path 14.

[0053] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the characteristics (conductivity, pH, and effective chlorine concentration) of the hypochlorous acid water of the anode-side extraction solution 10a and the cathode-side extraction solution 12a actually flowing through the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 and extracted from the anode-side solution extraction port 10 and the cathode-side solution extraction port 12 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 and the electrodialysis time. More specifically, FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrodialysis time and the conductivity in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrodialysis time and the pH in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. FIG. 5(c) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrodialysis time and the effective chlorine concentration in the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1.

[0054] In the experimental evaluation shown in Figure 5, the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 was equipped with a flow path with a cross-sectional area of ​​8 mm 2 The electrodialysis device used had an anode flow path 13 and a cathode flow path 14 with a flow path length of 675 mm. The electrodialysis time was adjusted by passing each solution (all hypochlorous acid water) through the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 at four flow rates of 51 mL / h, 153 mL / h, 250 mL / h, and 360 mL / h, and the conductivity, pH, and available chlorine concentration of the anode side extraction solution 10a and the cathode side extraction solution 12a were measured.

[0055] The hypochlorous acid water (electrolyzed from saltwater) used as the anode-side feed solution 9a and the cathode-side feed solution 11a supplied to the anode-side solution supply port 9 and the cathode-side solution supply port 11 had a conductivity of 264 μS / cm, a pH of 8.5, an available chlorine concentration of 142 ppm, and a chloride ion concentration of 10 ppm or less. The electrodialysis and electrolysis were performed using an electrodialysis power supply 15 capable of applying a constant current of 0.2 A. The electrodialysis time here refers to the time the solution is in direct contact with the anode 2 and the cathode 3 within the flow path; the longer the electrodialysis time, the slower the flow rate. In this experiment, the flow rates on the anode and cathode sides were set to be the same, and electrodialysis and electrolysis were performed.

[0056] 5(a), the longer the electrodialysis time, in other words, the slower the flow rate, the lower the conductivity of the anode-side extraction solution 10a extracted from the anode-side solution extraction port 10 (the anode-side conductivity), and the higher the conductivity of the cathode-side extraction solution 12a extracted from the cathode-side solution extraction port 12 (the cathode-side conductivity). This is because the cation Na + It is thought that ions move to the cathode side through the diaphragm 4, and the anode side changes from NaClO to HClO, causing the conductivity to decrease. + ions and ClO - Although it dissociates into ions, HClO mainly exists as a molecule, so the conductivity decreases when NaClO changes to HClO.

[0057] Looking at the transition of pH shown in Figure 5(b), the pH of the anode side extraction solution 10a (pH on the anode side) changes to the weakly acidic side, while the pH of the cathode side extraction solution 12a (pH on the cathode side) changes to the more alkaline side. This indicates the influence of the change from NaClO to HClO on the anode side. The reason why the pH approaches neutral as the electrodialysis time on the anode side increases is thought to be because the small amount of chloride ions remaining in the solution are converted to hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. On the other hand, on the cathode side, the pH of Na + This is because the movement of ions forms NaOH, making the solution more alkaline.

[0058] The transition of the effective chlorine concentration shown in Figure 5(c) shows that the effective chlorine concentration of the anode-side extraction solution 10a (effective chlorine concentration on the anode side) does not change significantly due to the change from NaClO to HClO. However, an increase in the effective chlorine concentration is observed due to the electrolysis of the small amount of chloride ions remaining in the solution to hypochlorous acid. It is believed that the effective chlorine concentration of the cathode-side extraction solution 12a (effective chlorine concentration on the cathode side) decreases as the electrodialysis time increases due to the decomposition of NaClO. Therefore, by setting the electrodialysis time to a condition where the conductivity on the anode side is sufficiently reduced as shown in Figure 5(a) and the effective chlorine concentration on the cathode side is not completely reduced as shown in Figure 5(c), it is possible to simultaneously extract hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO, which has a high disinfecting power, from the anode side, and hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH, which has a high detergency, from the cathode side. Hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of HClO is a solution with reduced residual components, which maintains its disinfecting power while suppressing metal corrosion caused by residual components even when sprayed into the air. On the other hand, hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of NaClO and NaOH cannot be sprayed into the air because it leaves behind residual components, but it is a highly detergency solution and can provide a cleaning effect when poured into areas with acidic dirt, such as drains. In the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, the hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of HClO generated on the anode side can be used for air disinfection, while the hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of NaClO and NaOH generated on the opposite cathode side can also be used for cleaning.

[0059] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0060] (1) The hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 includes an anode flow path 13 in which an anode 2 is exposed and extended along the flow path, a diaphragm 4 that is disposed separating the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 and that allows permeation of cations contained in the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) flowing through the flow path, and an electrodialysis power supply 15 that applies a voltage between the anode 2 and the cathode 3. The anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 are configured so that the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) flowing through the anode flow path 13 and the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) flowing through the cathode flow path 14 both flow in the same direction, and at least the anode side feed solution 9a is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water. With this configuration, the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) and the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) are circulated across the diaphragm 4 while a voltage is applied in the same direction, so that cations that cause residual components can be separated from the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a), which is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water. Therefore, it is possible to provide a hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 that can produce hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components produced by the electrolysis of salt water.

[0061] (2) The hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 includes a planar anode 2, a planar diaphragm 4 facing the anode 2, and an anode side spacer 5 that is provided between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 and exposes the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 in an anode flow path 13 along the flow path, and the anode flow path 13 is composed of the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 that are exposed along the flow path, and the anode side spacer 5. The device also includes a planar cathode 3, a planar diaphragm 4 facing the cathode 3, and a cathode side spacer 6 that is provided between the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 and exposes the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 in a cathode flow path 14 along the flow path, and the cathode flow path 14 is composed of the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 that are exposed along the flow path, and the cathode side spacer 6. As a result, the ability to separate cations that cause residual components from the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the anode side spacer 5 and the flow path shape formed in the cathode side spacer 6, so the area and time for separating cations that cause residual components from the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) can be freely designed.

[0062] (3) In the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, the anode flow path 13 and the cathode flow path 14 are both formed in a serpentine shape. This lengthens the path through which the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) contacts the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4, and the path through which the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) contacts the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4, thereby lengthening the process time for separating cations that cause residual components from the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a). In other words, relative to the size of the anode 2 and the cathode 3, cations that cause residual components can be efficiently separated from the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a).

[0063] (4) In the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, both the anode-side feed solution 9a and the cathode-side feed solution 11a may be hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water. In this case, the anode-side solution (anode-side feed solution 9a) flowing through the anode flow path 13 becomes diluted hypochlorous acid water after cations that cause residual components have been separated and passed through, and the cathode-side solution (cathode-side feed solution 11a) flowing through the cathode flow path 14 becomes hypochlorous acid water after cations that cause residual components have been concentrated. In other words, diluted hypochlorous acid water after cations that cause residual components have been separated and passed through the anode-side solution (anode-side feed solution 9a) flowing through the anode flow path 13 can be obtained, and highly detergency hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which cations that cause residual components have been concentrated can be obtained from the cathode-side solution (cathode-side feed solution 11a) flowing through the cathode flow path 14.

[0064] (5) The hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 includes a supply pump (not shown) that supplies the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) to the anode flow path 13 and the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) to the cathode flow path 14. The supply pump is configured to supply the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) and the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) at a constant flow rate. In this case, the time during which a voltage is applied to the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) in the anode flow path 13 can be kept constant, and the time during which a voltage is applied to the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) in the cathode flow path 14 can be kept constant. This makes it possible to stabilize the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the anode side solution (anode side feed solution 9a) are separated and diluted in the anode flow path 13 and the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the cathode side solution (cathode side feed solution 11a) are concentrated in the cathode flow path 14.

[0065] (6) In the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 are both configured with an electrode material containing platinum. As a result, the platinum-containing electrode material can electrolyze brine to produce hypochlorous acid water, and the brine components remaining in the anode-side solution (anode-side feed solution 9a) can be electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, the brine components remaining in the anode-side solution (anode-side feed solution 9a) can be electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid water with a higher concentration.

[0066] (Embodiment 2) A space sterilization system 20 using a hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the space sterilization system 20 using a hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. The space sterilization system according to embodiment 2 described below is a system incorporating the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to embodiment 1. In the description of embodiment 2, components substantially similar to those of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some of the description may be simplified or omitted.

[0067] The space sterilization system 20 according to the second embodiment is a system that sterilizes and cleans the bathroom space by spraying hypochlorous acid water generated by the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 from a mist spray device 27 and discharging it into a drain outlet 29 in the bathroom space.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the space sterilization system 20 includes a hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, a hypochlorous acid water generation device 21, an anode side supply pump 22, a cathode side supply pump 23, an anode side extraction solution tank 24, a cathode side extraction solution tank 25, an anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 26, a mist spray device 27, a cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 28, and a drain outlet 29.

[0069] The hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 is an apparatus that extracts an anode-side extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and has high sterilizing power, from the anode flow path 13, and extracts a cathode-side extraction solution 12a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency, from the cathode flow path 14. The anode-side extraction solution 10a is stored in an anode-side extraction solution tank 24 and then sent to a mist sprayer 27 via an anode-side extraction solution bathroom piping 26. The anode-side extraction solution 10a is then sprayed from the mist sprayer 27 into the bathroom space. The cathode-side extraction solution 12a is stored in a cathode-side extraction solution tank 25 and then sent to a drain outlet 29 via a cathode-side extraction solution bathroom piping 28. The cathode-side extraction solution 12a flows through the drain outlet 29 and flows into a drain pipe via the drain outlet 29.

[0070] The hypochlorous acid water generator 21 is a device that supplies saltwater (aqueous sodium chloride solution) and generates hypochlorous acid water through electrolysis. Two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, are placed in an electrolytic cell containing saltwater, and a voltage is applied to electrolyze the saltwater. The hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis contains NaClO and HClO, which are components of hypochlorous acid water. Other components include NaOH generated by electrolysis, NaCl formed by decomposition of NaClO, and NaCl remaining in the saltwater after incomplete electrolysis. As the electrolysis of the saltwater progresses, the concentration of NaCl decreases, while the concentrations of NaClO, HClO, and NaOH increase. Since HClO reacts with NaOH to form NaClO, sufficient electrolysis of saltwater produces hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of NaClO, which exhibits an alkaline pH. Components containing positive ions, such as Na+ ions, remain after evaporation, and the remaining components resulting from the electrolysis of saltwater include NaClO, NaOH, and NaCl.

[0071] The anode-side supply pump 22 is a pump for extracting hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis of salt water from the electrolytic cell of the hypochlorous acid water generator 21 and supplying it as an anode-side solution (anode-side supply solution 9a) to the anode flow path 13 of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. The anode-side supply pump 22 can send the solution at a constant flow rate from the electrolytic cell of the hypochlorous acid water generator 21 to the anode flow path 13 of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. Examples of pumps that can send the solution at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0072] The cathode-side supply pump 23 is a pump for extracting hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis of salt water from the electrolytic cell of the hypochlorous acid water generator 21 and supplying it as a cathode-side solution (cathode-side supply solution 11a) to the cathode flow path 14 of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. The cathode-side supply pump 23 can send the solution at a constant flow rate from the electrolytic cell of the hypochlorous acid water generator 21 to the cathode flow path 14 of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1. Examples of pumps that can send the solution at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0073] The anode-side extraction solution tank 24 is a tank that temporarily stores the anode-side extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and has high disinfecting power, extracted from the anode flow path 13 until it is sent to the mist sprayer 27. The anode-side extraction solution tank 24 is connected to the mist sprayer 27 via the anode-side extraction solution bathroom piping 26.

[0074] The cathode side extraction solution tank 25 is a tank that temporarily stores the cathode side extraction solution 12a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency, extracted from the cathode flow path 14 until it is sent to the drain outlet 29. The cathode side extraction solution tank 25 is connected to the drain outlet 29 via the cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 28.

[0075] The anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 26 is a piping for transporting the solution from the anode side extraction solution tank 24 to the mist spray device 27. It is installed behind the wall and on the ceiling of the bathroom, and is connected to the mist spray device 27 installed on the ceiling.

[0076] The cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 28 is a piping for transporting the solution from the cathode side extraction solution tank 25 to the drain outlet 29. It is installed on the backside of the wall and floor of the bathroom and is connected to the drain outlet 29.

[0077] The mist sprayer 27 is a device that sprays hypochlorous acid water into a mist into the bathroom space. More specifically, the mist sprayer 27 is a device that converts the anode side extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water transported from the anode side extraction solution tank 24 through the anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 26, into a fine mist and releases it. The mist sprayer 27 is installed with a spray unit that protrudes from the ceiling toward the bathroom so that mist can be sprayed from the ceiling of the bathroom space throughout the bathroom space. Examples of mist spraying methods include a two-fluid spray method that uses compressed air to atomize particles, an ultrasonic method that uses an ultrasonic element to spray a fine mist of 10 μm or less, and a crushing spray method that releases a solution from a rotating body, crushes it, and sprays a fine mist of 1 μm or less.

[0078] The drain outlet 29 is a connection port for connecting to a drain pipe for discharging water or dirt generated in the bathroom space outside the bathroom space. The cathode side extraction solution 12a is transported to the drain outlet 29 from the cathode side extraction solution tank 25 through the cathode side extraction solution bathroom pipe 28, and the cathode side extraction solution 12a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency, can clean dirt from the drain outlet 29 and the drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 29.

[0079] Next, the operation of the space sterilization system 20 will be described.

[0080] To prepare the space sterilization system 20 for use after the bathroom is finished, hypochlorous acid water is generated in advance by electrolysis of saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generator 21. The hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 is used to store a required amount of anode-side extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of HClO and has high disinfecting power, in the anode-side extraction solution tank 24. The cathode-side extraction solution tank 25 stores a required amount of cathode-side extraction solution 12a, which is hypochlorous acid water primarily composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency. After the bathroom is finished, the user presses the start switch of the space sterilization system 20, which automatically pumps the solution from the anode-side extraction solution tank 24 to the mist sprayer 27, spraying the amount required for daily sterilization (e.g., 400 mL). The cathode-side extraction solution tank 25 also automatically pumps the solution to the drain 29, allowing the amount required for cleaning (e.g., 400 mL) to pass through.

[0081] As a result, the mist sprayer 27 sprays a mist of hypochlorous acid water, mainly composed of HClO, which has high disinfecting power, and the oxidizing power of HClO can disinfect mold and bacteria in the bathroom space. Furthermore, by spraying periodically after each bath, the bathroom can be maintained as a space where mold and bacteria do not grow. In particular, because residual ionic components such as NaClO and NaOH are suppressed, even if they adhere to metal surfaces during spraying, they do not remain as residual components, and long-term corrosion caused by residual components can be suppressed.

[0082] On the other hand, hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH, which has high detergency, is passed through the drain outlet 29, which can lead to a reduction in slime on the drain outlet 29 and the drain pipe. Since human dirt is acidic and acidic dirt collects in the drain outlet 29, the alkaline hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH neutralizes the dirt while removing it.

[0083] By combining the spraying of a mist of hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and the flow of hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH into the drain outlet 29, it is possible to create a more comfortable bathroom space.

[0084] As described above, the space sterilization system 20 using the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 according to the second embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0085] (7) The space sterilization system 20 is configured to include a hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1 and a mist spray device 27 that is connected in communication with the anode flow path 13 and releases a hypochlorous acid water mist into the bathroom space using the anode-side extraction solution 10a. With this configuration, even when the hypochlorous acid water mist is released into the bathroom space using the anode-side extraction solution 10a, residual components remaining in the bathroom space are reduced. In other words, because the anode-side extraction solution 10a is hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by the electrolysis of salt water, when sterilizing the bathroom space, sterilization performance can be maintained while suppressing the occurrence of metal corrosion caused by residual components.

[0086] (8) In the space sterilization system 20, the bathroom space is provided with a drain outlet 29 for discharging water generated in the bathroom space, and the cathode flow path 14 is connected in communication with the drain outlet 29 so that the cathode-side extraction solution 12a can be introduced into the drain outlet 29. Highly detergency hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which cations that cause residual components are concentrated is circulated from the cathode-side extraction solution 12a flowing through the cathode flow path 14 to the drain outlet 29 (and the drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 29). This allows the alkaline solution to clean the drain outlet 29 and the drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 29.

[0087] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The hypochlorous acid water treatment device of the present invention is a useful means for sterilizing mold and bacteria in the bathroom space by spraying a mist of hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO, while suppressing corrosion of metals and the like used in the bathroom. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Hypochlorous acid water treatment equipment 2 positive electrode 3 negative electrode 4 Diaphragm 5 Anode side spacer 6 Cathode spacer 7a Anode side electrode packing 7b Cathode electrode packing 8a Anode side tank housing side 8b Cathode side chamber housing side 9 Anode side solution supply port 9a Anode side supply solution 10 Anode side solution extraction port 10a Anode side extraction solution 11 Cathode side solution supply port 11a Cathode side supply solution 12 Cathode side solution extraction port 12a Cathode side extraction solution 13 Anode flow path 13a Anode channel hole 14 Cathode flow path 14a Cathode channel hole 15 Electrodialysis power supply 20 Space sterilization system 21 Hypochlorous acid water generator 22 Anode side supply pump 23 Cathode side supply pump 24 Anode side extraction solution tank 25 Cathode extraction solution tank 26 Anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 27 Mist spray device 28 Cathode extraction solution bathroom piping 29 Drain

Claims

1. a first flow path in which a positive electrode is exposed and extended along the flow path; a second flow path provided in parallel with and facing the first flow path, the second flow path having a negative electrode exposed and extending along the flow path; a diaphragm that is provided to separate the first flow path and the second flow path and that allows permeation of cations contained in a solution flowing through the flow paths; a power source that applies a voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; Equipped with the first flow path and the second flow path are configured so that a first solution flowing through the first flow path and a second solution flowing through the second flow path both flow in the same direction; The first flow path and the second flow path are both formed in a serpentine shape, The hypochlorous acid water treatment device is characterized in that at least the first solution is hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water.

2. The hypochlorous acid water treatment device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the first solution and the second solution are both hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water.

3. the positive electrode having a planar shape; the diaphragm having a planar shape facing the positive electrode; and a first spacer member provided between the positive electrode and the diaphragm and exposing the positive electrode and the diaphragm to an interior of the first flow path along the flow path, the first flow path is formed by the positive electrode and the diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the first spacer member, the negative electrode having a planar shape; the diaphragm having a planar shape facing the negative electrode; and a second spacer member provided between the negative electrode and the diaphragm and exposing the negative electrode and the diaphragm to an interior of the second flow path along the flow path, The hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second flow path is composed of the negative electrode and the diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the second spacer member.

4. The first solution is supplied to the first flow path, and the second solution is supplied to the second flow path. a supply pump for The hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply pump supplies the first solution and the second solution at a constant flow rate.

5. The hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are both made of an electrode material containing platinum.

6. The hypochlorous acid water treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A sterilization device that is connected in communication with the first flow path and releases a hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space using the first solution; A space sterilization system comprising:

7. a drain pipe for discharging water generated in the specified space is provided in the specified space, The space sterilization system according to claim 6, wherein the second flow path is connected to the drain pipe and configured to be able to introduce the second solution into the drain pipe.

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