Water alkalizing device

Abstract

To provide a water quality alkalization device which prevents short-circuit between an anode and a cathode.SOLUTION: A water quality alkalization device includes: a first electrode unit; a second electrode unit; and a separation unit formed of an insulative resin, the separation unit positioned between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit and bonded to one of the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit. Voltage is applied between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit immersed in an electrolytic solution, thereby electrolyzing the electrolytic solution to produce basic liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water quality alkalization device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrochemical device in which a first electrode and a second electrode immersed in an electrolyte aqueous solution are connected by a conductor. Patent Document 1 discloses that at least a part of the second electrode forms a consumable member that dissolves in the electrolyte aqueous solution, and that when the consumable member dissolves, an electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a device that electrolyzes water containing various ions while continuously supplying it between an anode and a cathode to produce alkaline water and acidic water. Patent Document 2 discloses that in an electrolytic container in an electrolytic cell, an anode and a cathode are arranged in parallel with a separator interposed therebetween.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is known a water quality alkalization device that electrolyzes an electrolytic solution to alkalize the water quality. Further, as a technique for alkalizing the water quality, a magnesium electrolysis method is known. In the magnesium electrolysis method, in order to reduce the electrolytic solution resistance between magnesium electrodes, the electrodes are arranged close to each other. When a voltage is applied to the magnesium electrodes to cause an electrolytic reaction, the magnesium electrodes expand in the thickness direction. When the magnesium electrodes expand in the thickness direction, there is a concern that a short circuit may occur between the anode and the cathode.

[0006] This disclosure provides a water alkalizing device that prevents short circuits between an anode and a cathode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a water alkalizing apparatus is provided, comprising a first electrode portion, a second electrode portion, and a separation portion located between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, bonded to either the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, and formed of an insulating resin, wherein an electrolytic solution is electrolyzed to produce a basic liquid by applying a voltage between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, which are immersed in an electrolyte solution. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the water alkalizing device disclosed herein, short circuits between the anode and cathode can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the water alkalization device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the separation section of the water alkalization apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic modification of the separation section of the water alkalizing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic modification of the separation section of the water alkalizing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description and drawings of each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant explanations. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from that of actual parts.

[0011] <<Water alkalizing device 1>> The water alkalizing device 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the water alkalizing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0012] The water alkalizing device 1 alkalizes the water and produces a basic liquid by electrolyzing the electrolyte WTR to generate hydroxide ions. The electrolyte WTR is, for example, tap water. However, the electrolyte WTR is not limited to tap water; for example, the electrolyte WTR may be rainwater, seawater, drain water (condensed water from a cooler, etc.).

[0013] The alkaline liquid obtained by alkalizing water using the water alkalizing device 1 can be used, for example, to clean drain pipes in food or pharmaceutical display cases. It can also be used for sterilizing containers. The applications of the alkaline liquid obtained by alkalizing water using the water alkalizing device 1 are not limited to the above examples and are applicable to a variety of uses where alkaline liquids are utilized.

[0014] The water alkalizing device 1 comprises a first electrode section 10, a second electrode section 20, a separation section 30, an electrolyte storage section 40, and a power supply section 50.

[0015] The electrolytic solution storage unit 40 of the water quality alkalization device 1 stores the electrolytic solution WTR. Each of the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 is immersed in the electrolytic solution WTR stored in the electrolytic solution storage unit 40. The power supply unit 50 supplies power between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20. When the power supply unit 50 supplies power between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20, a voltage is applied between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20.

[0016] Note that the electrode with the higher potential between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 acts as the anode. Also, the electrode with the lower potential between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 acts as the cathode.

[0017] In either one of the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 immersed in the electrolytic solution WTR, specifically, the one with the lower potential between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20, hydroxide ions are generated. In other words, hydroxide ions are generated in either one of the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 that acts as the cathode. The water quality alkalization device 1 generates a basic liquid by generating hydroxide ions.

[0018] [Configuration] Details of each of the first electrode unit 10, the second electrode unit 20, the separation unit 30, the electrolytic solution storage unit 40, and the power supply unit 50 included in the water quality alkalization device 1 will be described below.

[0019] [The First Electrode Unit 10] The first electrode unit 10 acts as either the anode or the cathode when the water quality alkalization device 1 electrolyzes the electrolytic solution WTR. Note that when the first electrode unit 10 acts as one of the anode and the cathode, the second electrode unit 20 acts as the other of the anode and the cathode.

[0020] The first electrode unit 10 is an electrode formed of a conductive member. The first electrode unit 10 has a strip shape. The first electrode unit 10 is connected to the first power supply terminal 50a of the power supply unit 50 via the wiring 11. The power supply unit 50 supplies power to the first electrode unit 10 from the first power supply terminal 50a via the wiring 11.

[0021] The side of the first electrode section 10 or the second electrode section 20 to which a positive voltage is applied from the power supply unit 50 acts as the anode, and the other side acts as the cathode. Alternatively, control may be performed to reverse the voltage applied from the power supply unit 50.

[0022] The first electrode portion 10 is formed from, for example, an alloy containing a group 2 element. The first electrode portion 10 is formed from, for example, a magnesium alloy containing magnesium as a group 2 element. When the first electrode portion 10 is used only as a cathode, it is desirable that the first electrode portion 10 be formed from a material with a lower ionization tendency than the group 2 element used in the second electrode portion 20, which is used as an anode, such as magnesium.

[0023] <Second electrode part 20> The second electrode section 20 acts as either the anode or the cathode when the water alkalizing device 1 electrolyzes the electrolyte WTR. When the second electrode section 20 acts as either the anode or the cathode, the first electrode section 10 acts as the other of the anode or cathode.

[0024] The second electrode section 20 is an electrode formed from a conductive material. The second electrode section 20 has a strip-like shape. The second electrode section 20 is connected to the second power terminal 50b of the power supply unit 50 via wiring 21. The power supply unit 50 supplies power to the second electrode section 20 from the second power terminal 50b via wiring 21.

[0025] The second electrode portion 20 is formed from, for example, an alloy containing a group 2 element. The second electrode portion 20 is formed from, for example, a magnesium alloy containing magnesium as a group 2 element. When the second electrode portion 20 is used only as a cathode, it is desirable that the second electrode portion 20 be formed from a material with a lower ionization tendency than the group 2 element used in the first electrode portion 10, which is used as an anode, such as magnesium.

[0026] It is desirable to position the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20 as close together as possible. However, if the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20 are in close contact with each other and the separation section 30, the electrolyte WTR will have difficulty flowing. Therefore, it is desirable to position them with at least enough space between them for the electrolyte WTR to flow.

[0027] <Separation section 30> The separation unit 30 insulates the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20. The separation unit 30 is located between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20. The separation unit 30 is also bonded to either the first electrode unit 10 or the second electrode unit 20. In the water alkalizing device 1 shown in Figure 1, the separation unit 30 is provided on and bonded to the first electrode unit 10.

[0028] The separation section 30 is formed of an insulating material. For example, the separation section 30 is formed of an insulating resin. It is desirable that the separation section 30 be formed of a material resistant to hydroxide ions. The separation section 30 is formed of, for example, a fluororesin, more specifically, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy alkane), etc.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the water alkalizing device 1 includes a separation unit 30 surrounding the first electrode unit 10. In Figure 1, the separation unit 30 is schematically shown as a grid shape. The separation unit 30 has, for example, a bag-like shape. By inserting the first electrode unit 10 into the bag-shaped separation unit 30, the separation unit 30 is provided surrounding the first electrode unit 10.

[0030] The separation section 30 is formed to allow the electrolyte WTR to flow through it. Specifically, the separation section 30 may be formed by a mesh-like mesh member, or by a perforated member having a large number of holes.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the separation unit 30 of the water alkalizing device 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, it is an enlarged view of a part of the mesh member 31 used in the separation unit 30. In Figure 2, the parts constituting the mesh member 31 are shown with a textured hatching.

[0032] The mesh member 31 is formed by cutting diamond-shaped notches in a mesh pattern into a base sheet. The mesh member 31 is made of, for example, PTFE. The mesh member 31 is formed by cutting a plurality of diamond-shaped notches 31h into a PTFE sheet. The diamond-shaped notches 31h are, for example, large enough to allow the electrolyte WTR to flow through.

[0033] The separation part 30 is welded to the first electrode part 10 by heating the first electrode part 10 to a temperature of approximately 120°C and pressing the separation part 30 against the heated first electrode part 10 while applying pressure. When the separation part 30, which is made of resin, is pressed against the heated first electrode part 10, the part that comes into contact with the first electrode part 10 melts due to the heat. Then, as the melted part of the separation part 30 cools and solidifies again, the separation part 30 adheres to the first electrode part 10, that is, is welded to it.

[0034] Furthermore, the location where the separation portion 30 is welded to the first electrode portion 10, that is, the location where the separation portion 30 is pressed against the heated first electrode portion 10 while applying pressure, may be the entire surface of the adjacent surface between the first electrode portion 10 and the separation portion 30, or it may be a part of the surface.

[0035] For example, the separation section 30 may be bonded to the first electrode section 10 using an adhesive. When bonding the separation section 30 to the first electrode section 10 using an adhesive, it is desirable to use an adhesive that does not deteriorate with basic liquids.

[0036] In Figure 1, the separation section 30 is provided surrounding the first electrode section 10, but the separation section 30 can be provided between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20. For example, the separation section 30 can be provided between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20, and it does not need to be provided on the opposite side of the first electrode section 10 from the second electrode section 20.

[0037] Furthermore, although the separation portion 30 is provided on the first electrode portion 10 in Figure 1, the separation portion 30 may be provided on the second electrode portion 20 and bonded to the second electrode portion 20. Moreover, the separation portion 30 may be provided on both the first electrode portion 10 and the second electrode portion 20.

[0038] <Electrolyte storage section 40> The electrolyte storage unit 40 stores the electrolyte WTR. Inside the electrolyte storage unit 40, a first electrode unit 10 and a second electrode unit 20 are arranged, which are immersed in the electrolyte WTR.

[0039] The electrolyte storage unit 40 may be supplied with electrolyte WTR from an external source. Alternatively, the electrolyte WTR may be discharged from the electrolyte storage unit 40 to the outside.

[0040] <Power supply part 50> The power supply unit 50 supplies power between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20. The power supply unit 50 includes a first power terminal 50a and a second power terminal 50b. The power supply unit 50 operates in two operating modes: a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The power supply unit 50 is switchable between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. Furthermore, the power supply unit 50 can repeatedly switch between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0041] When the power supply unit 50 operates in the first operating mode, the first power terminal 50a is set as the positive terminal and the second power terminal 50b as the negative terminal, and the power supply unit 50 supplies a voltage higher than the voltage of the second electrode unit 20 to the first electrode unit 10. When the power supply unit 50 operates in the first operating mode, the first electrode unit 10 acts as the anode and the second electrode unit 20 acts as the cathode.

[0042] When the power supply unit 50 operates in the second operating mode, the first power supply terminal 50a acts as the negative electrode and the second power supply terminal 50b acts as the positive electrode, and the power supply unit 50 supplies a voltage higher than the voltage of the first electrode unit 10 to the second electrode unit 20. When the power supply unit 50 operates in the second operating mode, the first electrode unit 10 acts as the cathode and the second electrode unit 20 acts as the positive electrode.

[0043] [Operation] The water alkalizing device 1 electrolyzes the electrolyte WTR when a DC voltage is applied between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20 by the power supply unit 50.

[0044] In one of the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20, which act as the anode, the anodic reaction shown in Equation 1, i.e., the electrolytic reaction of magnesium, occurs. In the other of the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20, which act as the cathode, the cathode reaction shown in Equation 2 occurs.

[0045] Anode reaction: Mg → Mg 2+ +2e - ...(Formula 1) Cathode reaction: 2H2O + 2e - → H2 + 2OH - ...(Formula 2)

[0046] As electrolysis progresses at the anode, magnesium ions (Mg) are released from the electrode surface. 2+ The electrolyte WTR is released into the electrolyte WTR. Electrolysis proceeds at the anode as the electrolyte WTR is supplied. When the first electrode section 10 is the anode, the electrolyte WTR is supplied to the first electrode section 10 through an opening provided in the separation section 30.

[0047] The electrolyte WTR penetrates into the anode. As electrolysis proceeds at the anode, some of the magnesium ions contained in the anode react with hydroxide ions. This reaction between magnesium ions and hydroxide ions produces magnesium hydroxide. Once magnesium hydroxide is produced at the anode, the anode expands in the direction of its thickness.

[0048] The water alkalizing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a separation section 30 formed of an insulating material between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20. For example, when the first electrode section 10 is the anode, as the electrolytic reaction progresses, the first electrode section 10 expands in the thickness direction of the electrode. The water alkalizing device 1 includes a separation section 30 between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20. Therefore, even if the first electrode section 10 expands in the thickness direction of the electrode, the separation section 30 is sandwiched between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20, thus preventing a short circuit between the first electrode section 10 and the second electrode section 20. The same applies when the second electrode section 20 is the anode.

[0049] Furthermore, in the water alkalizing device 1, the separation unit 30 is bonded to the first electrode unit 10. Therefore, for example, when the first electrode unit 10 is used as the anode, even if the first electrode unit 10 becomes smaller and thinner than initially intended due to the consumption of magnesium as electrolysis progresses, it is possible to prevent the separation unit 30 from detaching from the first electrode unit 10. By preventing the separation unit 30 from detaching from the first electrode unit 10, a short circuit between the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 can be continuously prevented.

[0050] Furthermore, in the water alkalizing device 1, a separation part 30 may be provided and bonded to either the first electrode part 10 or the second electrode part 20, which serve as the cathode. Since neither the first electrode part 10 nor the second electrode part 20, which serve as the cathode, undergoes internal elemental deposition, its shape remains stable even during electrolysis. Therefore, by bonding the separation part 30 to either the first electrode part 10 or the second electrode part 20, which serve as the cathode, a short circuit between the first electrode part 10 and the second electrode part 20 can be reliably prevented.

[0051] Furthermore, in the water alkalizing device 1, the power supply unit 50 can switch between two operating modes, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, thereby alternately switching the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 as anodes. By alternately switching the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20 as anodes, the electrode on which magnesium is deposited is switched, thus enabling the alkalizing of water quality by effectively utilizing both the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20. In addition, by utilizing both the first electrode unit 10 and the second electrode unit 20, the alkalizing of water quality can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0052] <Variation> The components used in the separation section 30 are not limited to the mesh member 31. Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating a schematic modification of the separation section 30. Specifically, they are enlarged views of parts of the mesh member 32 and the perforated member 33 used in the separation section 30. In Figures 3 and 4, the parts constituting the mesh member 32 and the perforated member 33 are shown with a textured hatching.

[0053] For example, the separation section 30 may be formed using a mesh member, such as the mesh member 32 shown in Figure 3, which is formed by plain weaving or the like using warp threads 32a and weft threads 32b made of insulating resin. In the mesh member 32, the electrolyte WTR flows through openings 32h formed between adjacent warp threads 32a and adjacent weft threads 32b.

[0054] Although Figure 3 shows a plain weave mesh member 32, the method of forming the mesh member 32 is not limited to plain weave. Furthermore, the mesh member may be formed by joining the intersections of the warp and weft threads to create a grid pattern.

[0055] Alternatively, the separation section 30 may be formed using a perforating member, so-called punching mesh, which has multiple through holes 33h formed by punching holes in an insulating resin sheet, as shown in Figure 4. Regarding the shape of the holes, they are not limited to circular holes in a plan view, as shown in Figure 4's perforating member 33; for example, elliptical or polygonal holes may also be used.

[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The above embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Water alkalizing device 10 First electrode part 11 Wiring 20 Second electrode part 21 Wiring 30 Separation part 31, 32 Mesh member 33 Perforation member 40 Electrolyte storage section 50 Power supply section 50a First power terminal 50b 2nd power supply terminal WTR electrolyte

Claims

1. First electrode section and The second electrode section and A separation portion is located between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, is bonded to either the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, and is formed of an insulating resin. Equipped with, By applying a voltage between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, which are immersed in the electrolyte, the electrolyte is electrolyzed to produce a basic liquid. The separation part is mesh-like, The separation portion has a bag-like shape and is provided surrounding the one electrode portion. Water alkalizing device.

2. The separation portion is welded to the one electrode portion. The water alkalizing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned one electrode portion acts as an anode. A water alkalizing device according to either claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned one electrode portion acts as a cathode. A water alkalizing device according to either claim 1 or claim 2.

5. At least one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion is formed of an alloy containing a group 2 element. A water alkalizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned Group 2 element is magnesium. The water alkalizing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The power supply unit further comprises a first power terminal connected to the first electrode portion and a second power terminal connected to the second electrode portion, and supplies power between the first power terminal and the second power terminal, The power supply unit has a first operating mode in which the first power terminal is the positive terminal and the second power terminal is the negative terminal, and a second operating mode in which the first power terminal is the negative terminal and the second power terminal is the positive terminal. The power supply unit is switchable between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. A water alkalizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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