Ozone water production method and ozone water production device

Abstract

Provided is a method which is for producing ozone water, and by which a decrease in ozone water concentration is suppressed. The present invention includes a step for electrolyzing reservoir water with an electrolytic cell that has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte membrane, to generate ozone water, wherein the reservoir water uses raw material water, the pH of which has been adjusted, and ozone water is produced using, as the electrolytic cell, an immersion electrolytic cell immersed in the reservoir water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing ozone water and an apparatus for producing ozone water. [Background technology]

[0002] Ozone water is recognized for its contributions in various fields, such as its sterilizing and deodorizing properties, as well as its cell activation effects. Furthermore, since ozone dissolved in water has no effect on the respiratory system and is therefore highly safe, ozone water and ozone water production equipment are widely used in industries as well as in the medical and nursing care fields. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6000673 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One method for producing ozone water is direct electrolysis, which involves electrolyzing raw water in an electrolytic cell, generating ozone on the electrode surface of the electrolytic cell, which then dissolves the ozone in the water, thereby producing ozone water directly.

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have realized that there are problems to be overcome in the conventional methods for producing ozone water, and have found the need to take measures to address these problems. Specifically, the inventors have found the following problems:

[0006] Ozone decomposes by itself, and the ozone concentration of the generated ozonated water decreases over time. This decrease in ozonated water concentration begins immediately after the ozonated water is generated, which raises concerns that the desired ozonated water may not be obtained when it is used.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. That is, a main object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for producing ozone water that suppresses a decrease in the concentration of ozone water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention A method for producing ozone water, The method includes a step of electrolyzing stored water in an electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane to generate ozone water, The method for producing ozone water uses raw water after pH adjustment as the stored water, and uses an immersed electrolysis cell immersed in the stored water as the electrolysis cell.

[0009] Further, in the present invention, An apparatus for producing ozone water, a container for storing stored water; an immersed electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane and immersed in the stored water; and a pH adjusting means for adjusting the pH of raw water used for the stored water. An ozone water production device comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the present invention, it is possible to obtain ozone water in which the decrease in the ozone water concentration is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an outline of an ozone water production method and an ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a conventional method and apparatus for producing ozone water. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the change over time in the concentration of ozone water produced using raw water whose pH is in the acidic range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below. While the description will be made with reference to the drawings as necessary, the various elements in the drawings are merely shown as schematic and illustrative examples for the purpose of understanding the present invention, and the appearance and dimensional ratios may differ from those of the actual objects.

[0013] The "cross-sectional views" directly or indirectly described in this specification are based on drawings of virtual cross sections of the ozone water production apparatus or electrolysis cell cut along the height direction. The "vertical direction" and "horizontal direction" used directly or indirectly in this specification correspond to the vertical direction and horizontal direction in the drawings, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the same symbols or symbols indicate the same components or parts or the same meaning. In one embodiment, the direction from the surface of the stored water described below toward the water (e.g., the direction in which gravity acts) can be considered to correspond to the "downward direction," and the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the stored water toward the surface of the stored water, can be considered to correspond to the "upward direction."

[0014] [Basic structure of electrolytic cell] The basic structure of an electrolytic cell used for electrolysis is described below. An electrolytic cell comprises at least an anode and a cathode as electrodes, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the electrodes. The anode and cathode are electrodes for applying external electrical energy to the stored water.

[0015] Typically, the anode is the electrode connected to the positive electrode of the external power supply and is the electrode where an oxidation reaction can occur during operation of the electrolytic cell, while the cathode is the electrode connected to the negative electrode of the external power supply and is the electrode where a reduction reaction can occur during operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0016] Typically, the electrolyte membrane is a cation exchange membrane that electrically and physically separates the anode and cathode compartments, allowing the flow of cations between the anode and cathode and preventing mixing of substances produced at the anode and the cathode.

[0017] In the electrolysis cell, the electrodes may be made of, for example, a conductive substrate having liquid permeability. In this regard, at least one of the anode and the cathode may have a conductive porous substrate. In other words, at least one of the anode and the cathode may be a mesh electrode having mesh openings. By way of example only, the electrodes may be made of, for example, grating, fine micrograting, expanded metal, wire mesh (plain weave mesh, twill mesh), flat wire mesh with reduced protrusions at the intersections of the wire mesh, or punched metal.

[0018] In one embodiment, both the anode and the cathode may have a conductive porous substrate. Specifically, both the anode and the cathode may be composed of a grating, expanded metal, or plain weave mesh. Here, "grating" refers to a lattice formed by integrating wires, and "punched metal" refers to a perforated plate formed by forming a large number of through-holes in a metal plate. The aperture ratio of the conductive porous substrate is not particularly limited, but may be about 20% to 90%, for example, 30% to 80%, 40% to 75%, or 50% to 75%.

[0019] As the electrolyte membrane, a conventionally known one may be used. In view of the electrochemical reaction due to electrolysis, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane that allows cations to pass through may be used. Specifically, a cation exchange membrane may be used.

[0020] [Direct electrolysis method] Below, we will provide an overview of the "direct electrolysis method," which is one of the methods for producing ozone water.

[0021] Methods for producing ozonated water by electrolysis of water can be broadly divided into direct electrolysis and indirect electrolysis. In direct electrolysis, ozone generated in water (including pure water) is directly dissolved in the electrolyzed water to produce ozonated water. In indirect electrolysis, ozone generated by electrolyzing pure water is first recovered, and then ozonated water is produced by mixing ozone gas with raw water in a separate process and dissolving the ozone gas through aeration, for example. Of the two methods for dissolving ozone in water, the latter is also called indirect electrolysis because, although it is an electrolysis method, ozonated water is produced by mixing ozone gas. Direct electrolysis is gradually gaining popularity due to its advantages, such as safety, compactness of the equipment, and ease of use.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of direct electrolysis. The electrolytic cell 30′ comprises a casing 1′, an anode 2′, a cathode 4′ inside the casing 1′, and an electrolyte membrane 3′ sandwiched between the anode 2′ and the cathode 4′. Raw water is supplied to the electrolytic cell from inlets 11a′ and 11c′ on the anode and cathode sides, respectively, and DC power is applied between the anode 2′ and the cathode 4′ to directly electrolyze the raw water and produce ozone water. The produced ozone water is recovered from outlet 11b′, and cathode water is discharged from outlet 11d′ for disposal as wastewater.

[0023] The mechanism for generating ozone water using direct electrolysis will be outlined with reference to Figure 8. As described above, in direct electrolysis, raw water is passed through an electrolysis cell composed of an electrolyte membrane 3' sandwiched between an anode 2' and a cathode 4', and electrolysis is performed to generate ozone at the anode 2'. At the same time, the ozone dissolves in the raw water, directly generating ozone water. The electrochemical reaction for ozone generation is shown below, with oxygen and ozone being generated simultaneously at the anode 2'. Therefore, an electrode with a high oxygen overvoltage is used to suppress oxygen generation and favor ozone generation. 2H2O→O 2+ 4H + +4e - (oxygen generation) 3H2O→O 3+ 6H + +6e - (ozone generation)

[0024] H generated on the anode side + moves from the anode side through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode side, receives electrons on the cathode surface, and becomes gaseous hydrogen according to the following electrochemical reaction: 2H + +2e - →H2 Ca in raw water 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na 2+ When cations such as the above are contained, these cations also migrate from the anode side to the cathode side, and some of them may precipitate as hydroxides.

[0025] The anode may be made of a material with a high oxygen overvoltage that favors ozone generation. Specifically, at least one material selected from the group consisting of β-lead dioxide, platinum, platinum group metals (palladium, rhodium, and / or ruthenium), gold, carbon (graphite), and diamond may be used. Among these materials, platinum, gold, or metals coated with platinum may be used because of their high oxygen overvoltage and good stability. In particular, using metals in which platinum is coated on titanium by plating or thermal deposition can reduce product costs. Alternatively, a material in which conductive diamond is coated on a titanium or niobium substrate by chemical vapor deposition or the like may be used.

[0026] The anode may be structured as a grating, and is arranged in close contact with the cation exchange membrane. In a grating-shaped anode, the anode is made up of a stack of gratings with different mesh sizes, which creates a difference in flow velocity on a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction, generating a vortex. This vortex engulfs fine bubbles of ozone generated at the anode, accelerating their dissolution and reducing the ozone concentration on the electrolyte membrane surface, thereby promoting ozone generation.

[0027] The cathode may be made of a material with a low hydrogen overvoltage. Specifically, the same metals as those used for the anode may be used, and platinum, gold, or metals coated with these metals may be used because of their low hydrogen overvoltage and good stability. In particular, using a metal such as titanium coated with platinum can reduce product costs. The cathode is also disposed in close contact with the cation exchange membrane. The cathode may also be in the form of a grating, similar to the anode, and in particular, the cathode may be formed so that the mesh is coarser than that of the anode.

[0028] The electrolyte membrane used in the direct electrolysis method may be an electrolyte membrane that is resistant to the ozone generated. For example, a fluorine-based cation exchange membrane may be used. For example, Nafion (登録商標) The thickness of the electrolyte membrane may be 100 to 300 μm.

[0029] The hardness of the raw water is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 40 to 800 mg / L, or 40 to 300 mg / L. For example, if the hardness is higher than 800 mg / L, the hardness may be reduced by any method in order to reduce the burden on the electrolyte membrane.

[0030] The lower the temperature of the raw water, the greater the solubility of ozone in the raw water, making it easier to produce ozone water with a high ozone concentration. The temperature of the raw water used to produce ozone water by direct electrolysis is not particularly limited. For example, the temperature of the raw water may be room temperature, specifically 35°C or lower.

[0031] The anode and cathode are electrically connected to a power supply via electric wires, and a DC voltage is applied. The DC voltage applied varies depending on the material of the electrodes. For example, when platinum electrodes are used, the current density is 0.2 A / cm. 2 In this case, the voltage must be 5V or higher.

[0032] In the direct electrolysis method, a sensor may be provided to detect the concentration of the generated ozonated water. The method for detecting the ozonated water concentration is not particularly limited as long as it is a known method. For example, an ozonated water sensor equipped with a detection electrode and a reference electrode, each with different ionization tendencies, may be used. The ozonated water concentration sensor is installed, for example, midway along the discharge line 40 of the ozonated water production apparatus 100 or inside the casing 1, and the detection electrode and reference electrode are brought into contact with the flowing ozonated water. When the detection electrode and reference electrode come into contact with the flowing ozonated water, an electromotive force is generated in the detection electrode and reference electrode, and an electrical signal corresponding to the ozonated water concentration of the ozonated water is obtained, allowing the concentration of the ozonated water to be measured.

[0033] The concentration of ozone water produced by direct electrolysis may be set depending on the intended use of the ozone water. For example, the concentration of ozone water produced by direct electrolysis can be set in the range of 0.1 mg / L to 10 mg / L.

[0034] [Characteristics of the present invention] (Method of Producing Ozone Water of the Present Invention) Hereinafter, the characteristic features of the method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0035] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into solutions for obtaining ozone water with reduced ozone concentration, and as a result have devised a method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention, which has the following characteristics:

[0036] A method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: The method includes a step of producing ozone water by electrolyzing stored water in an electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. In particular, a method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the step of producing ozone water, the stored water is made of pH-adjusted raw water, and the electrolysis cell is an immersed electrolysis cell immersed in the stored water. In other words, the stored water is pH-adjusted water. This means that ozone water is produced in an environment containing pH-adjusted stored water, and the resulting ozone water can be placed in an atmosphere containing pH-adjusted stored water.

[0037] Before describing the features of the present invention, the definitions of terms will be explained. In this specification, "reserved water" means water that is stored in a container. Specifically, it means water that has been supplied to a container and remains there. In other words, it is water that is not continuously supplied to or removed from the container. Furthermore, in this specification, "submerged electrolytic cell" means an electrolytic cell that is used by immersing it in water. Specifically, This refers to an electrolytic cell in which the electrolysis is performed while the electrolytic cell is immersed in water. More specifically, an electrolytic cell in which electrolysis is performed in a state in which water to be electrolyzed is present inside the electrolytic cell and water is also present outside or around the electrolytic cell is referred to as an "immersed electrolytic cell." As used herein, "ozonated water" refers to water in which ozone is dissolved. Even if other components are present in the water, the presence of ozone in the water can still be considered ozonated water. Because ozone generally dissolves in water only in trace amounts, it is common for ozonated water to contain relatively large amounts of other components than ozone, or to contain dissolved components in the water. Furthermore, "ozonated water concentration" refers to the amount of ozone present in water or an aqueous solution, e.g., the number of mg of ozone present in 1 liter of water or an aqueous solution, and can be expressed in mg / L or ppm, for example.

[0038] The characteristic features of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 conceptually shows a method for producing ozone water by using pH-adjusted raw water as stored water 20 and electrolyzing this stored water 20 in an immersed electrolytic cell 30. The ozone water production apparatus 100 comprises a container 10, stored water 20 stored in the container 10, and an immersed electrolytic cell 30 immersed in the stored water 20. The container 10 is a container for storing the raw water after pH adjustment. The stored water 20 is water stored in the container 10, and in FIG. 1, raw water that has undergone pH adjustment is stored in the container 10 to form the stored water 20. The immersed electrolytic cell 30 is an electrolytic cell immersed in the stored water 20.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the immersed electrolysis cell 30 comprises a casing 1, an anode 2, a cathode 4, and an electrolyte membrane 3 sandwiched between the anode 2 and the cathode 4. An inlet 11a for stored water 20 leading to the anode 2 inside the casing 1 and an outlet 11b for taking out the generated ozone water are provided on the anode side of the casing 1. A through-hole 12 is provided on the cathode side of the casing 1. An anode wire 2a and a cathode wire 4a are connected to the anode 2 and the cathode 4, respectively, for connection to a power supply.

[0040] In the method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of electrolyzing stored water 20 in the immersed electrolysis cell 30 to produce ozone water will be described in detail.

[0041] First, raw water is prepared and its pH is adjusted. The pH-adjusted raw water is poured into a container 10 to prepare stored water 20 in the container 10. An immersed electrolytic cell 30 is immersed in the stored water 20. Alternatively, the immersed electrolytic cell 30 may be placed in the container 10, and then the pH-adjusted raw water may be supplied to the container 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the immersed electrolytic cell 30 is immersed in the stored water 20, so that the interior of the immersed electrolytic cell 30 is filled with the stored water 20. When a voltage is applied between the anode 2 and the cathode 4 by a power supply, the stored water 20 (HO) on the anode side is electrolyzed by an electrochemical reaction, as shown in the following equation, to generate ozone. At the same time, a small amount of oxygen is also generated. The generated ozone is instantly dissolved in the stored water 20 on the anode side that is being subjected to electrolysis, becoming ozone water. The generated ozone water is extracted from the outlet 11b and used. 2H2O→O 2+ 4H + +4e - (oxygen generation) 3H2O→O 3+ 6H + +6e - (ozone generation) H in the above formula + passes through the electrolyte membrane 3 to the cathode 4 and is reduced to H2 on the cathode side as shown in the following equation. In the present invention, the cathode side is open to the stored water 20. Therefore, the cathode 4 is in direct contact with the stored water 20. Although some of the generated H2 dissolves in the stored water 20 on the cathode side, which is subjected to electrolysis, most of it disperses in the stored water 20 as H2 bubbles. 2H + +2e - →H2 When H2 generated at the cathode 4 is dispersed in the stored water 20, a device or instrument for discharging H2 to the outside of the system does not need to be provided on the cathode side of the immersed electrolytic cell 30. For example, a tube or the like for discharging hydrogen generated at the cathode 4 to the outside of the system does not need to be provided on the cathode side of the immersed electrolytic cell 30. When hydrogen generated at the cathode 4 is discharged to the outside of the system using a tube or the like, there is a risk that hydrogen bubbles, dust, etc. will accumulate and clog the tube. In the present invention, the cathode side is open to the stored water 20, and there is no need to pass through a flow path such as a tube. Therefore, the generated H2 can be discharged from the cathode side without clogging. This reduces the risk of H2 accumulating on the cathode side, making it less likely that the progress of the electrochemical reaction will be hindered, and ozone water can be produced efficiently.

[0042] The method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention has the above technical features, and can thereby achieve the following technical effects.

[0043] Conventionally, ozone water is generated by electrolyzing raw water. However, because ozone decomposes quickly, the ozone concentration of the generated ozone water decreases over time.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, pH-adjusted raw water is used as the stored water 20 to be electrolyzed. In other words, the stored water 20 is pH-adjusted water. That is, the stored water 20 is electrolyzed in a pH-adjusted stored water environment (i.e., in a pH-adjusted water atmosphere) to generate ozonated water. Therefore, the generated ozonated water is affected by the pH of the stored water 20. Furthermore, since the pH of the generated ozonated water depends on the pH of the raw water or the stored water 20 obtained using the raw water, it can be said that ozonated water is generated that essentially exhibits the pH of the pH-adjusted stored water. In this regard, since the generated ozonated water is affected by the pH of the stored water 20 immediately after its generation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the concentration of the ozonated water. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, during electrolysis of the stored water 20, the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is immersed in the stored water 20, and the area around the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is filled with the pH-adjusted stored water 20. Therefore, there is no risk of the pH-unadjusted stored water 20 being mixed into the immersed electrolytic cell 30, and the pH-adjusted stored water 20 can be supplied to the immersed electrolytic cell 30 stably without interruption, which can contribute to suppressing a decrease in the concentration of ozone water.

[0045] In this specification, "pH" refers to hydrogen ion exponent. The pH may be measured using a known pH measuring device. For example, a glass electrode pH measuring device may be used. Specifically, the pH value may be measured in accordance with, for example, "JIS Z 8802 pH measurement method."

[0046] Because ozone self-decomposes, the concentration of ozone water typically decreases rapidly over time. In this regard, the ozone water obtained in one embodiment of the present invention is ozone water in which the decrease in ozone water concentration over time is suppressed, as described above. Therefore, the ozone water obtained in one embodiment of the present invention does not need to be used immediately after production, and can be stored in another container or the like for a short period of time. Because it can be stored in a container, even when a small amount of ozone water is produced using a small electrolysis cell or the like, it is possible to prepare and use a large amount of ozone water by producing and storing ozone water.

[0047] Furthermore, the bactericidal and deodorizing powers of ozone water are effective at ozone water concentrations of around 0.3 ppm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the generated ozone water can be controlled from 0.1 ppm to 20 ppm by controlling the current and voltage of the electrolysis. In previous methods, when low-concentration ozone water was generated, there was a concern that the ozone water concentration that exhibits bactericidal and deodorizing powers would fall below the level required for bactericidal and deodorizing powers over time due to the self-decomposition of ozone. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the decrease in ozone water concentration over time is suppressed, so that even when ozone water is generated at a low concentration, the ozone water concentration is prevented from falling below the level required for bactericidal and deodorizing powers in a short period of time. In other words, even when the ozone water concentration is low, the bactericidal and deodorizing powers can be optimally exhibited.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, in the conventional method for producing ozone water, raw water that has not undergone pH adjustment is passed through the anode and cathode sides of an electrolysis cell 30' to perform electrolysis. Ozone water is produced on the anode side, and alkaline cathode water is produced on the cathode side. The reason why the cathode water is alkaline is thought to be due to the Ca contained in the raw water. + YaNa + Cations such as these migrate to the cathode side through the electrolyte membrane due to electrolysis, and Na, which has a high tendency to ionize, is released on the cathode side. + This is because the concentration of ozone increases. The ozone water produced on the anode side is extracted and recovered outside the system. On the other hand, the cathode water extracted from the cathode side is usually discarded. Therefore, conventional methods for producing ozone water require an amount of raw water in excess of the amount of ozone water produced.

[0049] In this regard, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pH-adjusted raw water is used as stored water 20, and the stored water 20 is electrolyzed in a submerged electrolysis cell 30 immersed in the stored water 20 to produce ozone water. As shown in Fig. 1, cathode water produced on the cathode side by electrolysis naturally combines or mixes with the stored water 20 around the submerged electrolysis cell 30, and can be subjected to electrolysis again as stored water 20.

[0050] Furthermore, when ozonated water exhibits alkalinity, the self-decomposition of ozone in the ozonated water is promoted. That is, in conventional methods for producing ozonated water, combining the generated ozonated water with cathode water is undesirable because it may cause a sudden decrease in the concentration of the ozonated water. In response to this, in one embodiment of the present invention, pH-adjusted raw water is used as the stored water 20, and the pH of the cathode water generated by electrolyzing the stored water 20 is also adjusted. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pH of the cathode water can be adjusted so that the concentration of the ozonated water does not decrease even when the generated ozonated water is combined with the generated cathode water. As a result, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to mix the cathode water.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, conventional methods for producing ozone water involve the continuous supply of raw water to an electrolysis cell and the continuous production and extraction of ozone water, and can therefore be considered to be so-called "continuous production methods." On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, for example, an immersed electrolysis cell 30 is immersed in stored water 20 stored in a container 10, and ozone water is produced using the stored water 20. In other words, as long as water stored in a container is available, ozone water can be produced at any location. In other words, one embodiment of the present invention can be said to be highly portable.

[0052] In the present invention, the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is not immersed in the stored water 20 for the purpose of cooling the submerged electrolytic cell 30. The submerged electrolytic cell 30 is immersed in the stored water 20 so that the ozone water produced by the submerged electrolytic cell 30 can be combined with the stored water 20 immediately after the ozone water is produced. Furthermore, in order to suppress a decrease in the concentration of the ozone water immediately after the ozone water is produced, the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is immersed in the stored water 20 after pH adjustment, and the ozone water immediately after production is combined with the stored water 20 after pH adjustment.

[0053] If the outside air temperature is higher than the temperature of the raw water, the raw water may be heated by the outside air, raising the temperature of the raw water. The higher the temperature of the raw water, the lower the concentration of ozone water that can be produced. In conventional methods using raw water without pH adjustment, if the ozone water concentration is low, the ozone water concentration may decrease over time, causing the sterilization and other effects of the ozone water to disappear earlier than expected. Therefore, in order to maintain the sterilization and other effects of the ozone water, measures such as cooling the raw water to produce ozone water with a relatively high ozone water concentration are required. On the other hand, since the ozone water of the present invention is produced using stored water after pH adjustment as described above, the decrease in ozone water concentration over time can be suppressed. This suppression of the decrease in ozone water concentration over time is effective even when ozone water with a low ozone water concentration is produced by using stored water 20 with a relatively high temperature. Therefore, the ozone water of the present invention more easily maintains the sterilization and other effects of ozone water compared to conventional methods, even when produced using stored water 20 with a high temperature. In this regard, the method for producing ozonated water of the present invention, unlike conventional methods, does not necessarily require measures such as cooling stored water to produce ozonated water with a relatively high ozonated water concentration.

[0054] Furthermore, since the present invention does not particularly intend to cool the submerged electrolytic cell 30, a portion of the outer surface of the submerged electrolytic cell 30, excluding the inlet 11a, may be temporarily exposed from the stored water 20. In other words, the stored water 20 may be consumed until a portion of the outer surface of the submerged electrolytic cell 30, excluding the inlet 11a, is exposed from the stored water 20, thereby producing the ozonated water of the present invention. This increases the usable amount of water stored in the container of the stored water 20, and reduces the frequency of replenishment.

[0055] Possible embodiments of the method for producing ozone water according to one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the raw water may be water whose pH has been adjusted without using at least one of an inorganic acid and an organic acid. Alternatively, the raw water may be water whose pH has been adjusted without using an inorganic acid or an organic acid. As described above, the method is characterized in that raw water whose pH has been adjusted is used as the stored water 20 to be electrolyzed. The pH adjustment method may be a method that does not use an organic acid. Specifically, it may be a method that does not use a hydroxy acid or carboxylic acid organic acid. More specifically, it may be a method that does not use an organic acid such as citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, or lactic acid. When the pH of the raw water is adjusted using an organic acid, the organic acid is also electrolyzed and inhibits ozone generation. Therefore, not using an organic acid for pH adjustment can alleviate the above problem.

[0057] Furthermore, the pH adjustment method may be a method that does not use inorganic acids. Specifically, it may be a method that does not use inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or boric acid. More specifically, it may be a method that does not use inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, or boric acid. When raw water whose pH has been adjusted with an inorganic acid is used as the stored water 20, anions derived from the inorganic acid, such as chloride ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions, in the stored water 20 generate by-products by electrolysis or inhibit the generation of ozone. Therefore, the above problem can be suppressed by not using inorganic acids for pH adjustment.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pH of the stored water may be in the acidic range. "The pH of the stored water is in the acidic range" means that the pH of the stored water 20 is greater than or equal to 1 and less than 7. Specifically, the acidic range means that the upper limit of the pH of the stored water 20 may be less than 7, and may be 6 or less, 5 or less, or even 4 or less. The lower limit of the pH of the stored water 20 may be 3 or more. If the pH of the stored water 20 is within the above range, a decrease in the ozone water concentration of the generated ozone water can be suppressed.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the stored water 20 to be electrolyzed may have a pH in the acidic range. That is, the stored water 20 may have a pH in the acidic range, and ozonated water may be generated using a submerged electrolysis cell 30 immersed in the stored water 20 having a pH in the acidic range. In other words, the stored water 20 may be electrolyzed in an acidic pH environment (i.e., in an aqueous atmosphere having a pH in the acidic range) to generate ozonated water. Therefore, the generated ozonated water is influenced by the acidic pH of the stored water 20. Furthermore, since the pH of the generated ozonated water also depends on the pH of the raw water or the stored water obtained using the raw water, it can be said that ozonated water having a pH in the acidic range is generated. By adopting the above-described embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the ozonated water concentration in the ozonated water immediately after the ozonated water is generated. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, when comparing ozone water generated using tap water with a pH of 7 with ozone water generated using ion-exchanged water (using H-type cation exchange resin) with a pH of 3.1, it can be seen that the latter has a longer half-life (the time it takes for the concentration to be halved), and the decrease in ozone water concentration over time is suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, by using the stored water 20 whose pH is in the acidic range, a method for producing ozone water on a smaller scale can be provided compared to the conventional method for producing ozone water. + and Mg + When hardness components such as these deposit and adhere to the cathode, the electrochemical reaction becomes difficult to proceed, reducing the amount of ozone generated and inhibiting the production of ozonated water. For this reason, conventional methods typically do not use tap water as is, but deionized water such as pure water. However, because pure water has low conductivity, when ozonated water is generated using pure water, a high voltage must be applied, which reduces the efficiency of ozonated water generation.

[0061] On the other hand, water with an acidic pH has a high hydrogen ion concentration and generally has high conductivity. Therefore, by using stored water 20 with an acidic pH, the voltage required for electrolysis of the stored water 20 can be reduced, and as a result, ozone water can be sufficiently generated even with a small power supply with low power generation capacity. By miniaturizing the power supply, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a cleaning machine, specifically a floor cleaner. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to a handheld ozone water sprayer, etc.

[0062] In addition, when the pH of the stored water 20 is in the acidic range, the above-mentioned Ca + and Mg + This makes it difficult for hardness components such as these to deposit on the cathode side, which can contribute to efficient production of ozone water.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the conductivity of the pH-adjusted raw water used as the stored water 20 is not particularly limited. When adjusting the conductivity of the raw water, for example, water obtained by passing through a mixture of a pure water-grade ion exchange resin and an H-type cation exchange resin may be used as the pH-adjusted raw water. "Pure water" may be, for example, water having a conductivity of 10 μS / cm or less, or may be water having a conductivity of 1 μS / cm or less, or 0.1 μS / cm or less. "Pure water-grade ion exchange resin" refers to an ion exchange resin that can obtain the above-mentioned "pure water" by passing water through the pure water-grade ion exchange resin.

[0064] The method for measuring the conductivity is not particularly limited as long as it is measured using a measuring device that can measure the conductivity of water. For example, the measuring device may be an AC two-electrode system, an AC four-electrode system, or an electromagnetic induction method.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stored water 20 may be water that has been ion-exchanged with an H-type cation exchange resin. For example, a strongly acidic cation exchange resin made of a resin having sulfonic acid groups as exchange groups may be used as the H-type cation exchange resin. The "water" mentioned above refers to raw water, and may be, for example, tap water or mineral water. The water that has been subjected to the H-type cation exchange resin is H+ The presence of a large amount of ozone makes the water acidic, so the ozone water obtained by electrolyzing the stored water 20 exhibits an acidic range and is ozone water that can suppress a decrease in the ozone water concentration.

[0066] One form of the pH adjustment method may be carried out by dissolving carbon dioxide in the raw water. By dissolving carbon dioxide in the raw water, the pH of the raw water will be in the acidic range. In this case, for example, RO water produced by filtering the raw water through a reverse osmosis membrane may be used. As a method for dissolving carbon dioxide in the raw water, the raw water may be left in the air to aerate the carbon dioxide, for example, by aeration.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the anode side of the electrolysis cell may be positioned close to the surface of the stored water during electrolysis of the stored water. When H2 bubbles generated on the cathode side adhere to the surface of the cathode 4, the electrical resistance of the adhered area increases, making it difficult for electricity to flow to the cathode 4. As a result, the progression of a series of electrochemical reactions for ozone generation may be hindered, and the amount of ozone water produced may decrease.

[0068] In this regard, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3 , the immersed electrolysis cell may be arranged so that the stored water 20 moves from bottom to top on the anode side of the immersed electrolysis cell. Alternatively, the immersed electrolysis cell may be arranged so that the anode 2 and / or cathode 4 of the immersed electrolysis cell are parallel to the top-bottom direction of the stored water 20. Here, "above" and "below" may refer to, for example, the relative position of the stored water and the water surface of the stored water 20, with the water surface of the stored water 20 being "above" and the middle of the stored water 20 being "below." Furthermore, "below to above" may refer, for example, to the direction from the middle of the stored water 20 toward the water surface of the stored water. In this arrangement, H2 bubbles generated on the cathode side are more likely to move toward the water surface due to their own buoyancy, thereby preventing the H2 bubbles from adhering to the surface of the cathode 4. Similarly, ozone generated on the anode side can be quickly released as ozonated water, promoting ozone generation.

[0069] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention, in which the ozone water produced by the method for producing ozone water is extracted.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the ozonated water produced at the anode 2 is extracted from the system through the outlet 11b, the ozonated water may be combined with the stored water and extracted. In other words, the ozonated water produced at the anode 2 may be combined with the stored water 20 in a region above the liquid level of the stored water 20. Alternatively, the ozonated water produced at the anode 2 may be combined with the stored water 20 in a region below the liquid level of the stored water 20. For example, as described in detail below, the ozonated water produced at the anode 2 may be combined with the stored water 20 immediately after the ozonated water is produced, or may be combined with the stored water 20 at a location away from the submerged electrolysis cell 30. In either case, the ozonated water produced at the anode 2 is combined with the stored water 20 in direct contact with the stored water 20 before use. In such a combination, for example, the ozonated water and the stored water 20 become a single-phase liquid that is not separated from each other, or a single-form liquid. The stored water to be combined is stored water 20 stored in container 10, and is the stored water 20 in which submerged electrolysis cell 30 is immersed. By adopting this configuration, diluted ozonated water diluted with stored water 20 can be produced. A pump or the like can be used as a means for extracting the ozonated water. Although the production of diluted ozonated water results in a low ozonated water concentration, it is effective in a small-scale ozonated water production method in which only small amounts of ozonated water can be produced. In other words, even if only a small amount of ozonated water can be produced, by combining it with stored water 20 and extracting it outside the system, the required amount can be extracted, although the ozonated water concentration will decrease depending on the amount of dilution water. Furthermore, even in small-scale production, large amounts of ozonated water can be prepared in a short time. Furthermore, as described above, since the stored water 20 in the present invention is raw water whose pH has been adjusted, the decrease in the ozonated water concentration can be suppressed compared to combining raw water whose pH has not been adjusted with ozonated water.

[0071] As used herein, "outside the system" refers to a space or location separate from the ozone water production apparatus 100 or components constituting the apparatus. For example, "outside the system" may be a location separate from the ozone water production apparatus 100, or a location separate from the container 10 and the stored water 20. A location separate from the ozone water production apparatus 100 can also be simply referred to as "outside the ozone water production apparatus 100." For example, "combining ozone water with stored water and removing it outside the system" may mean combining ozone water with stored water 20 and removing it outside the ozone water production apparatus 100, or combining ozone water with stored water 20 and removing it outside the stored water 20. Alternatively, ozone water may be combined with stored water 20 and removed outside the container 10.

[0072] The amount of stored water 20 to be combined with the ozonated water may be determined appropriately so that the diluted ozonated water to be produced has a desired ozonated water concentration. The concentration of the diluted ozonated water may be, for example, 0.3 ppm or more, 0.5 ppm or more, 1.0 ppm or more, 2.0 ppm or more, 3.0 ppm or more, or 5.0 ppm or more. When the concentration of the diluted ozonated water is within the above range, the diluted ozonated water can exhibit sterilizing and deodorizing properties.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the following aspects can be further adopted as a method for combining ozone water with stored water 20 and removing it from the system.

[0074] As an example, ozonated water may be sucked out together with the stored water 20 from near the submerged electrolytic cell 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an extraction line 40 may be provided near the outlet 11b for extracting the generated ozonated water, and the generated ozonated water may be sucked into the extraction line 40 together with the stored water 20. As used herein, "the vicinity of the submerged electrolytic cell" refers to the periphery of the casing 1 of the submerged electrolytic cell 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, "the vicinity of the submerged electrolytic cell" may be on the region of the outer surface 13 on the anode side where the outlet 11b of the casing 1 is provided. Specifically, the extraction line 40 may be located near the outlet 11b through which the ozonated water generated inside the submerged electrolytic cell 30 can be extracted. For example, the extraction line 40 may be positioned so that the distance L between the end 40a of the suction port and the outer surface 13 on the anode side of the casing 1 is such that L / D is 0.05 or more and 2.0 or less, or 0.1 or more and 1.0 or less, relative to the inner diameter D of the extraction line 40. When the extraction line 40 is positioned nearby in this manner, both the ozonated water and the stored water 20 can be efficiently sucked out in combination. Note that the end 40a of the suction port is positioned so as to be located in the stored water 20 so that the ozonated water can be sucked out together with the stored water 20.

[0075] As another example, a first line 41 for extracting ozone water from the submerged electrolytic cell 30 and a second line 42 for extracting stored water 20 without passing through the submerged electrolytic cell 30 may be used, with the ozone water extracted from the first line and the stored water extracted from the second line being merged and extracted. In other words, the ozone water extracted from the first line 41 and the stored water 20 extracted from the second line 42 may be merged and extracted outside the system. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is provided with an extraction line 40, which is composed of a first line 41 and a second line 42. The first line 41 and the second line 42 merge midway to form a single line. The first line 41 may be connected to the extraction port 11b, and the ozone water produced in the electrolytic cell may be directly transferred to the first line. In order to suck out the stored water 20 in the container 10 and merge it with the ozone water in the first line, the second line 42 has one end immersed in the stored water 20 and the other end connected to the first line 41. With this configuration, the generated ozone water and the stored water 20 can be efficiently combined.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, a pump P may be provided in the second line 42. By adopting such a structure, it becomes easier to control the amount of stored water 20 to be combined with the ozonated water. Also, a mixing section 60 may be provided to mix and combine the ozonated water extracted from the first line 41 with the stored water 20 extracted from the second line 42. For example, the mixing section 60 may be a continuous mixing device such as a static mixer.

[0077] As yet another example, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, an extraction line 40 may be used that includes a reduced diameter section 43 and an inlet 44 for stored water. As used herein, the term "reduced diameter section" refers to a portion of the line where the diameter is relatively smaller than the remaining portions when viewed as a whole. Referring to FIG. 6 showing the above embodiment, the diameter of the portion of the extraction line 40 is smaller than the remaining portions. Specifically, in the above embodiment, when the pipe diameter of the extraction line 40 is D and the pipe diameter of the reduced diameter section 43 is d, the pipe diameter ratio (d / D) may be, for example, 0.1 to 0.9, 0.2 to 0.8, 0.3 to 0.7, or 0.3 to 0.6. Furthermore, the extraction line 40 includes an inlet 44 in the reduced diameter section 43 for taking in the stored water 20 in the container 10. Furthermore, the transition of the diameter between the diameter D of the take-out line 40 and the diameter d of the reduced diameter portion 43 may be such that the take-out line 40 and the reduced diameter portion 43 are tapered.

[0078] By adopting the above-described embodiment, when the ozonated water in the electrolytic cell is extracted through the extraction line 40, as the ozonated water passes through the reduced diameter section 43, the pressure in the tube of the reduced diameter section 43 decreases due to the so-called "Venturi effect." Therefore, the stored water 20 is taken into the extraction line 40 through the inlet 44 located in the reduced diameter section 43. As a result, the ozonated water is combined with the stored water 20 in the extraction line 40. By adopting such an embodiment, in a method of combining the ozonated water with the stored water 20 and extracting it from the system, it is not necessary to introduce a suction device such as a pump, and space can be saved. In FIG. 6, the inlet 44 is provided in the reduced diameter section 43, but the location of the inlet 44 may be determined arbitrarily. An eductor or the like may be used as the device for adopting the above-described embodiment.

[0079] There is no particular limitation on the position at which the reduced diameter section 43 is provided in the extraction line 40. In Fig. 6, the reduced diameter section 43 is positioned above the surface of the stored water 20, but as shown in Fig. 7, the reduced diameter section 43 may be positioned in the stored water 20. By adopting such a structure, the length of the inlet 44 can be shortened, which can contribute to the miniaturization of the ozone water production apparatus 100.

[0080] The extraction line 40 may be made of a flexible material or a non-flexible material (e.g., a highly rigid material). Since the extraction line 40 has a hollow cylindrical structure, it may be called, for example, an extraction tube, an extraction hose, or an extraction pipe.

[0081] (Ozone water production equipment) Next, the ozone water production apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

[0082] The ozone water production apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a container for storing stored water, An immersed electrolysis cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane, and immersed in stored water; The apparatus comprises a pH adjusting means for adjusting the pH of the raw water used for the stored water.

[0083] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, the ozone water production device 100 comprises a container 10, stored water 20 stored in the container 10, and a submerged electrolytic cell 30 immersed in the stored water 20. The container 10 is a container for storing raw water after pH adjustment. The stored water 20 is water stored in the container 10, and in Figure 1, raw water that has been pH-adjusted by a pH adjustment means is stored in the container 10 to form the stored water 20. The submerged electrolytic cell 30 is an electrolytic cell immersed in the stored water 20.

[0084] As explained above in [Method for Producing Ozone Water of the Present Invention], the immersed electrolytic cell 30 comprises a casing 1, an anode 2, a cathode 4, and an electrolyte membrane 3 sandwiched between the anode 2 and the cathode 4, as shown in Fig. 1. On the anode side of the casing 1, there is provided an inlet 11a for stored water 20 leading to the anode 2 inside the casing 1, and an outlet 11b for extracting the produced ozone water. On the cathode side of the casing 1, there is provided a through-hole 12. An anode wire 2a and a cathode wire 4a are connected to the anode 2 and the cathode 4, respectively, for connection to a power supply.

[0085] The container 10 may be made of a material suitable for storing the pH-adjusted stored water 20. The container 10 may be made of, for example, at least one material selected from the group consisting of resin, glass, ceramics, and metal. The container 10 of the ozone water production apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an open system without a lid, but this is omitted for the sake of explanation; in actual use, the container may be a closed system with a lid to prevent foreign matter from entering the stored water 20 or to prevent leakage or evaporation of the stored water 20.

[0086] The "pH adjusting means" is provided in the portion corresponding to the "pH adjustment" of the ozone water producing apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 to 7. The raw water after pH adjustment produced by the pH adjusting means may be continuously poured directly into the container 10. Alternatively, the raw water after pH adjustment produced may be temporarily stored in another location and poured into the container 10 as needed.

[0087] As described above in the "Ozone Water Production Method of the Present Invention," a similar technical effect can be achieved in one embodiment of the present invention. pH-adjusted raw water is used as the stored water to be electrolyzed. In other words, the stored water 20 is pH-adjusted water. That is, ozone water can be generated in the environment of the pH-adjusted stored water 20, or in the atmosphere. Therefore, as described above, the pH of the generated ozone water also depends on the pH of the raw water or the stored water 20 prepared from that raw water, so that it can be said that pH-adjusted ozone water is essentially generated. In this respect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the concentration of ozone water immediately after its generation. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a submerged electrolytic cell 30 immersed in the stored water 20 is used as the electrolytic cell. During electrolysis of the stored water 20, the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is immersed in the stored water 20, and the area around the submerged electrolytic cell 30 is filled with the pH-adjusted stored water 20. Therefore, there is no risk of the pH-unadjusted stored water 20 being mixed into the immersed electrolytic cell 30, and the pH-adjusted stored water 20 can be supplied to the immersed electrolytic cell 30 stably without interruption, which can contribute to suppressing a decrease in the concentration of ozone water.

[0088] The "pH adjusting means" may be a means for adjusting the pH of the raw water to an acidic range. It is preferable not to use, for example, organic or inorganic acids as a means for adjusting the pH of the raw water to an acidic range. The pH adjusting means may also include an H-type cation exchange resin. The H-type cation exchange resin may be a column packed with granular or bead-like H-type cation exchange resin. Alternatively, commercially available cartridge-type H-type cation exchange resin may be used. The "pH adjusting means" may be an H-type cation exchange resin and a pure water-grade ion exchange resin connected in series. Specifically, the "pH adjusting means" may be configured such that raw water is passed through one ion exchange resin and the resulting water is passed through the other ion exchange resin. More specifically, the H-type cation exchange resin may be located upstream of the raw water flow and the pure water-grade ion exchange resin may be located downstream of the raw water flow, or vice versa. In the above embodiment, the stored water 20 is water obtained by passing raw water through an H-type cation exchange resin and a pure water-grade ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin may be a container filled with ion exchange resin, for example, in the form of a cartridge (for example, in the form of a replaceable cartridge). The pure water-grade ion exchange resin is a resin that can convert raw water into pure water by ion exchange. Specifically, the pure water-grade ion exchange resin can convert cations (Na, Na ... + , Ca 2+ , N.H. 4+ ions such as Cl) and anions - , SO4 2- , [Fe(CN)6] 4-The ion exchange resin comprises a resin capable of removing ions such as cation and anion exchange resins, i.e., a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin. Note that "pure water" obtained with the ion exchange resin for pure water may be, for example, water with a conductivity of 10 μS / cm or less, or water with a conductivity of 1 μS / cm or less, or 0.1 μS / cm or less. When the combined volume of the ion exchange resin for pure water and the H-type cation exchange resin is taken as 100%, the ratio of the ion exchange resin for pure water in the above embodiment may be 10% to 99%, 30% to 99%, 30% to 95%, or 50% to 95%. The above ratio of the ion exchange resin for pure water makes it easier to obtain stored water 20 after pH adjustment suitable for implementing the present invention, specifically, stored water 20 having a pH in the acidic range. The stored water 20 having a pH in the acidic range may be, for example, stored water 20 having a pH of 1 to less than 7, or stored water 20 having a pH of 3 to 6. By using the stored water 20 obtained in this manner in the present invention, ozone water can be obtained with reduced ozone water concentration decrease over time. As described above, using two types of ion exchange resins in combination allows for adjustment of the replacement period of the ion exchange resin. For example, when a pure water-specific ion exchange resin with a relatively small breakthrough volume is used alone, the replacement period of the pure water-specific ion exchange resin is relatively short. In contrast, by using a mixture of the two with an H-type cation exchange resin with a relatively large breakthrough volume, ion exchange occurs not only with the pure water-specific ion exchange resin but also with the H-type cation exchange resin. Therefore, the amount of ion exchange performed by the pure water-specific ion exchange resin is relatively reduced, allowing for a longer replacement period than when the pure water-specific ion exchange resin is used alone. This makes the water more suitable for use as pH-adjusted water in the present invention. The H-type cation exchange resin may be installed in conjunction with the ozone water production system 100 or may be installed separately from the ozone water production system 100. By adopting such a configuration, as explained above in the section [Method for producing ozone water of the present invention], the decrease in the ozone water concentration of the ozone water can be suppressed by adjusting the pH immediately after the ozone water is produced.

[0089] The ozone water production apparatus 100 may further include an extraction line 40 for combining the ozone water produced in the immersion electrolysis cell 30 with the stored water 20 and extracting it outside the system. As explained above in [Method for producing ozone water of the present invention], by adopting such a configuration, even if only a small amount of ozone water can be produced, the required amount can be extracted by combining it with the stored water 20 and extracting it outside the system. Furthermore, even in small-scale production, it becomes possible to prepare a large amount of ozone water in a short time.

[0090] The material of the extraction line 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is ozone-resistant. For example, an extraction line 40 made of a fluororesin may be used. One end of the extraction line 40 may be connected to a pump P for sucking out ozone water. The pump P may be manual or electric and controlled to suck out a constant amount. For example, it may be connected to a spray nozzle. A filter may be installed at the inlet 11a of the stored water 20 to prevent foreign matter from entering the submerged electrolytic cell 30.

[0091] Furthermore, the extraction line 40 may comprise a first line 41 for extracting ozone water and a second line 42 for extracting stored water 20. The second line 42 may be made of the same material as the first line 41. The first line 41 may be a line for mainly extracting ozone water. Specifically, for example, the first line 41 may extract stored water 20 in addition to ozone water. Similarly, the second line 42 may be a line for mainly extracting stored water 20. Specifically, for example, the second line 42 may be a line for extracting ozone water in addition to stored water 20. By adopting such a configuration, as explained above in [Method for producing ozone water of the present invention], ozone water and stored water can be efficiently combined or mixed and extracted.

[0092] In the ozone water production apparatus 100, the extraction line may include a reduced diameter section 43 and an inlet 44 for the stored water 20. The inlet 44 for the stored water 20 may be located at the reduced diameter section 43. For example, it may be located at the smallest pipe diameter in the reduced diameter section 43, or at the transition between the extraction line 40 and the reduced diameter section 43. This structure effectively utilizes the so-called "Venturi effect." Furthermore, as described above in [Method for Producing Ozone Water of the Present Invention], when ozone water in the immersed electrolytic cell 30 is extracted through the extraction line 40, as the ozone water passes through the reduced diameter section 43, the pressure in the pipe portion of the reduced diameter section 43 decreases due to the so-called "Venturi effect." Therefore, the stored water 20 is taken into the extraction line 40 through the inlet 44 located in the reduced diameter section 43. As a result, the ozone water is combined with the stored water 20. By adopting such a configuration, in the method of combining ozonated water with stored water 20 and extracting it outside the system, there is no need to introduce a suction device such as a pump, and space can be saved.

[0093] The operation of such an apparatus has been explained in the above [Method for producing ozone water of the present invention], so explanation will be omitted to avoid duplication. [Example]

[0094] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0095] A demonstration experiment was conducted to confirm the effect of the ozonated water production method according to one embodiment of the present invention, "that ozonated water can be obtained with suppressed decrease in ozonated water concentration." In the demonstration experiment, an existing ozonated water production device was used, and raw water for producing ozonated water was pH-adjusted.

[0096] [Preparing pH-adjusted raw water] The raw water used to generate ozone water was cation-exchanged water, which was produced by passing tap water with a pH of 7.0 through an H-type cation exchange resin, and RO water, which was produced by passing it through a reverse osmosis membrane. When the pH was measured using a benchtop pH meter (DKK-TOA Corporation, Model HM-41X), the pH values ​​were 3.1 and 5.9, respectively, both of which were in the acidic range.

[0097] [Ozone water generation] The raw water stored in the polyethylene tanks was supplied to an electrolysis cell by a suction pump built into an ozone water production device (manufactured by Suisei Kogyo Co., Ltd.: E-5) to produce ozone water. The produced ozone water was stored in a 20-liter stainless steel container (SUS304). -Ozone water generation method: Direct electrolysis -Electrolysis cell configuration: · anode Electrode: Platinum micro-grating · cathode Electrode: Platinized titanium micro-grating · electrolyte membrane : Fluorine-based cation exchange membrane (Nafion (登録商標) )

[0098] [Measurement of ozone water concentration] The ozone water concentration was determined according to the following procedure. - Measuring equipment: Portable ozone water concentration meter (Suisei Kogyo Co., Ltd.: OZM-300) -Ozone water concentration detection method: UV absorption method - Measurement temperature: 25-26°C (measured with a mercury thermometer) Measurement procedure: The ozone water stored in the 20-liter stainless steel container was sucked in at regular intervals with a pump, and the ozone water concentration was measured with the measuring device. The sampling rate was 0.4 L / min, and sampling was continued until the measurement value stabilized (20 to 30 seconds).

[0099] Figure 9 shows the change in ozonated water concentration over time (standing time) for the ozonated water produced under the above conditions. As can be seen from the graph in Figure 9, the ozonated water concentration of the ozonated water produced using the pH-adjusted raw water was able to reduce its decrease over time (standing time) compared to the ozonated water concentration of the ozonated water produced using tap water. In other words, ozonated water with reduced decrease in ozonated water concentration was obtained. Regarding the pH of the ozonated water obtained using each raw water, the pH of the ozonated water produced using tap water was 6.5, the ozonated water produced using RO water was 5.0, and the ozonated water produced using cation-exchanged water (using H-type cation exchange resin) was 3.1.

[0100] In the above examples, pH-adjusted raw water was used as the raw material water for producing ozone water. In the demonstration experiment, pH-adjusted water was electrolyzed at the anode of the electrolytic cell to produce ozone water with a substantially adjusted pH. The principles of producing ozone water using the electrolytic cell and the immersion electrolytic cell used in the demonstration experiment are the same. Therefore, it was found that even in one embodiment of the present invention using an immersion electrolytic cell as the electrolytic cell, ozone water can be produced with reduced reduction in ozone water concentration, as shown in Figure 9.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely typical examples. Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these and that various modifications are possible.

[0102] For example, the above-mentioned ozone water production method, production conditions, raw materials used in production, composition of the stored water, configuration of the immersion electrolysis cell, etc. are examples and are not limited to these, and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the ozone water production method of the present invention may be a "continuous production method" by adopting a structure in which raw materials are continuously supplied and the produced ozone water is continuously removed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present invention can be used in the food, agricultural, medical, industrial, and other fields due to the bactericidal and deodorizing powers of ozone water, as well as its cell activation effects. For example, they can be used in vacuum cleaners, humidifiers, cleaning machines, air purifiers, disinfectants, sterilizers, deodorizers, and the like. Furthermore, as described above, the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present invention can be used on a smaller scale than before, and therefore can be applied to, for example, hand sprayers, floor cleaners, robot vacuum cleaners, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 casing 2 Anode 2a anode wire 3 Electrolyte membrane 4 cathode 4a Cathode wire 10 containers 11a Inlet 11b Outlet 12 Through hole 13 Outer surface of anode side 20. Reservoir water 30 Immersion electrolysis cell 40 Extraction Line 40a End of the suction port of the extraction line 41 First Line 42 Second Line 43 Reduced diameter part 44 Intake 60 Mixing section 100 Ozone water production equipment P pump 1' casing 2' anode 3' Electrolyte membrane 4' cathode 11a' Anode side inlet 11b' Anode side outlet 11c' Cathode side inlet 11d' Cathode side outlet 30' Electrolysis Cell 100' ozone water production device

Claims

1. A method for producing ozone water, The method includes a step of electrolyzing stored water in an electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane to generate ozone water, The stored water is raw water whose pH has been adjusted, and the electrolytic cell is an immersed electrolytic cell immersed in the stored water, the pH-adjusted raw water is water that has been ion-exchanged with an ion exchange resin including an H-type cation exchange resin; The pH of the raw water after the pH adjustment is 3 or more and 4 or less. A method for producing ozone water.

2. 2. The method for producing ozone water according to claim 1, wherein the immersed electrolysis cell is disposed so that the stored water moves from below to above on the anode side of the immersed electrolysis cell.

3. 3. The method for producing ozone water according to claim 1, wherein the ozone water produced in the immersion electrolysis cell is combined with the stored water and discharged to the outside of the system.

4. The method for producing ozone water according to claim 3, wherein the ozone water is sucked out from the vicinity of the immersion electrolysis cell together with the stored water.

5. 4. The method for producing ozone water according to claim 3, wherein a first line for extracting ozone water from the immersed electrolysis cell and a second line for extracting the stored water without passing through the immersed electrolysis cell are used, and the ozone water extracted from the first line and the stored water extracted from the second line are joined together and extracted outside the system.

6. 4. The method for producing ozone water according to claim 3, wherein a withdrawal line is provided with a reduced diameter section and an intake port for the stored water.

7. An apparatus for producing ozone water, a container for storing stored water; an immersed electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane and immersed in the stored water; and a pH adjusting means for adjusting the pH of raw water used for the stored water to 3 or more and 4 or less. and The pH adjusting means is an ion exchange resin including an H-type cation exchange resin. Ozone water production device.

8. 8. The ozone water producing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an extraction line for combining the ozone water produced in the immersion electrolysis cell with the stored water and extracting the combined water from the system.

9. 9. The ozone water producing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a line for sucking out the ozone water together with the stored water, the line being provided near the immersion electrolysis cell.

10. 9. The ozone water producing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the extraction line comprises a first line for extracting the ozone water and a second line for extracting the stored water.

11. 9. The ozone water producing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the withdrawal line includes a reduced diameter portion and an intake port for the stored water.

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