System enabling to obtain electrolyzed water

Abstract

The invention relates to a system, which comprises an electrolysis tank (1) having at least one water inlet (2), at least one salt inlet, and at least one electrode (3), and which enables to obtain the electrolyzed water inside said electrolysis tank (1).

Description

[0001] SYSTEM ENABLING TO OBTAIN ELECTROLYZED WATER

[0002] Subject of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a system, which comprises an electrolysis tank having at least one water inlet, at least one salt inlet, and at least one electrode, and which enables to obtain the electrolyzed water inside said electrolysis tank.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] The electrolysis of the salt water is the process of separation of the dissolved salt in the water by way of electrical induction. The electrolysis is a chemical process where an electric current is used to dissolve or combine the ions in the water. The electrolysis of the salt water is important especially for the production of the hydrogen and chlorine gases. During the process, the following main anode reaction and the cathode reactions take place. As a result of these reactions, while the hydrogen and chlorine gases and / or the ions are released due to the electrolysis, the quantity of the hydroxide ions in the water increases, and thus the pH of the solution increases. This type of electrolysis process may be used also for killing the bacteria and the microorganisms in the water, because the released chlorine gas has disinfectant properties. However, since the hydrogen and chlorine gases that are possible to be released may be explosive, this process must be carefully controlled and such systems must be usually designed by taking the safety measures. Consequently, it is very important to continuously control the water and salt ratios for the electrolysis process and the electrolysis process itself.

[0006] The biofilm is a thin sticky layer secreted by the microorganisms on a surface where the microorganisms are embedded in a matrix surrounding them. The formation of a biofilm involves the formation of this special structure on a surface as a result of the assemblage of the microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. The microorganisms generally attach to a surface after the stages of free floating in a liquid medium. This surface may be present on a pipe wall, tooth surface, implant, water pipes, medical devices, ship bodies, or in any moist or water-containing environment. The microorganisms produce a sticky matrix called extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix that encases said microorganisms. This matrix, by preserving the biofilm structure, helps the microorganisms to stick to each other and to the surface. EPS secreted by the microorganisms forms the biofilm matrix. This matrix enables the microorganisms to remain attached to each other and stabilizes the biofilm structure. The biofilm matrix also regulates the interaction of the microorganisms with their surroundings. The biofilm grows and develops in the course of time. The new microorganisms enable the biofilm to grow by joining the existing biofilm matrix. This process results in the expansion and the thickening of the biofilm. The biofilm formation may cause problems in various industrial, medical and environmental practices, because the biofilms allow the microorganisms to become more resistant to the antibiotics or disinfectants and allow them to cause various issues by damaging the surfaces. Consequently, controlling and preventing the biofilm formation is an important field of research and application in many industries.

[0007] In the laboratory studies, it was observed that the contamination remaining inside the toilet bowl persists following the first flushing action and that the flushing action does not entirely prevent the aerosol formation even when said flushing action is performed while the toilet seat lid is closed. It was further observed that the microbial contamination may occur and the biofilm formation may take place in the flush tank and the waterways due to the turbulence generated during the flushing or due to the water remaining inside the bowl taking the aerosol form.

[0008] Consequently, all the technical problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0009] Object of the Invention

[0010] An object of the invention is to introduce a system, which enables the level of water and / or salt and / or electrolysis to be monitored during the electrolysis of the salt water. Another object of the invention is to introduce a system wherein the ratio of water and / or salt and / or the level of water and / or the level of electrolysis are detected by means of the electrodes while said system enables to obtain the electrolyzed water.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to introduce a system, which enables to obtain the electrolyzed water and which has improved energy efficiency.

[0012] Description of the Figures

[0013] Figure 1: A representative sectional view of the components of the system according to the invention

[0014] Figure 2: A representative perspective view of an electrode

[0015] Reference Numerals

[0016] 1 : Electrolysis tank

[0017] 2 : Water inlet

[0018] 3 : Electrode

[0019] 4 : Conducting plate

[0020] 5 : Mixer

[0021] 6 : Water outlet

[0022] 7 : Outlet valve

[0023] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] The invention relates to a system, which comprises an electrolysis tank (1) having at least one water inlet (2), at least one salt inlet, and at least one electrode (3), and which enables to obtain the electrolyzed water inside said electrolysis tank (1). Said salt inlet, which may be provided in any automated or manual manner, is not shown in the figures. Said electrodes (3) have two conducting plates (4). Said system is characterized in that said system comprises at least a second electrode (3) and a control unit, which is configured to generate at least one signal related to the level and / or conductivity of the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) based on the capacitance measurement and / or the conductivity measurement performed by means of at least one of said electrodes (3). In this way, it is made possible to detect the water level and / or the conductivity by means of the signal received from at least one of said electrodes (3). Said water level is detected according to the difference in the capacitance values of the water or salt water or air measured by means of the electrode (3). Said conductivity is detected from the electron transition in the conducting plates (4) of the electrodes (3) or from the electric current between the plates (4). A possible embodiment is characterized in that the heights of said electrodes (3) are different. In this way, the accuracy of the detection of the water level is increased. Also, the conductivity at different heights and hence, whether the salt is homogeneously dissolved in the water are detected.

[0025] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of capacitance is a signal enabling to trigger at least one pump and / or at least one valve, which enable / s the addition of water to the electrolysis tank (1). In this way, it is made possible to add water based on the water level detected by means of the electrodes (3) and further, to detect the level of the added water by means of the electrode / s (3) disposed at a higher position.

[0026] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of conductivity is a signal enabling to trigger at least one spiral and / or at least one valve, which enable / s the addition of salt to the electrolysis tank (1).

[0027] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said control unit is associated with at least one user interface. This embodiment is characterized in that the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of conductivity is a warning signal delivered to said user interface about the necessity to add the salt.

[0028] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the system comprises at least one mixer (5), which enables the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to be mixed. In a possible embodiment, the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of conductivity is a signal enabling to trigger at least one mixer (5), which enables the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to be mixed. When the salt is added to the water, an inhomogeneous distribution of salinity occurs in the water, until the salt is dissolved in the water. More salinity is observed in the locations near the undissolved salt and less salinity is observed in the locations farther from the undissolved salt. Consequently, the difference between the conductivities measured by means of the electrode (3) disposed at the bottom in line with the location where the salt is poured or by means of the electrode (3) disposed at a farther section becomes important. Owing to this difference, it may be realized that the salt has not yet dissolved. In this case, the control unit enables to trigger at least one mixer (5), which enables the water to be mixed.

[0029] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said mixer (5) is positioned in the lateral zone of the electrolysis tank (1) in a way to enable the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to perform rotary movement. In a possible embodiment, said mixer (5) is positioned in the lateral zone of the electrolysis tank (1) in a way to enable the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to perform rotary movement and is disposed at the same height as at least one electrode (3).

[0030] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said control unit is associated with at least one memory unit for recording the signals said control unit receives from the electrodes (3). In a possible embodiment, said control unit is a control unit configured to periodically receive the capacitance measurement and / or the conductivity measurement performed by means of at least one of the electrodes (3). In a possible embodiment, said control unit is a control unit configured to perform the anomaly detection based on the signals recorded in said memory unit.

[0031] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said control unit is a control unit, which enables the voltage to be induced in at least one electrode (3) in case said control unit detects a drop in the values of conductivity recorded in the memory unit and said control unit does not detect a drop in the water level based on the capacitance measurements. Since the decomposition of the electrolyzed water is a time-dependent process, it will be possible to detect, again electronically, the result of this reverse reaction. By this means, when the conductivity changes, i.e., when the disinfection power is reduced by a certain extent, it will be possible to obtain the electrolyzed water again just by operating the electrodes (3), without having to add new salt.

[0032] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said control unit is a control unit, which enables the voltage to be induced in at least one electrode (3) in case said control unit detects that the conductivity measurement said control unit receives from the electrodes (3) is within a predetermined range.

[0033] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said control unit is a control unit, which stops the voltage induction in the electrodes (3) in case said control unit detects that the conductivity measurement said control unit receives from the electrodes (3) is within a predetermined range.

[0034] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said control unit is a control unit, which enables to detect the presence of the water based on the capacitance measurement said control unit receives from at least one electrode (3). In a possible embodiment, said control unit is a control unit, which ensures that the voltage is not induced in electrodes (3) where said control unit does not detect the presence of the water for the electrolysis process based on the capacitance measurements said control unit receives from the electrodes (3).

[0035] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the system comprises four electrodes (3), which are positioned one on the top of the other at certain intervals. In a possible embodiment, the system comprises at least two electrodes (3), which are positioned at the same height.

[0036] In a possible embodiment of the invention, said electrolysis tank (1) comprises at least one water outlet (6). In a possible embodiment, the system comprises at least one outlet pump and / or outlet valve (7) associated with said water outlet (6). Said outlet pump and / or outlet valve (7) may be triggered by means of the control unit. In a possible embodiment of the invention, said water outlet (6) is associated with a flushing system that enables at least one surface of at least one ceramic sanitary ware to be cleaned. In a possible embodiment, said ceramic sanitary ware is a toilet. In a possible embodiment, said water outlet (6) is associated with the toilet bowl such that the electrolyzed water will discharge into said toilet bowl. In a possible embodiment, said water outlet (6) is associated with a flush tank where the water enabling to clean at least one surface of a ceramic sanitary ware is stored.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system, which comprises an electrolysis tank (1) having at least one water inlet (2), at least one salt inlet, and at least one electrode (3), and which enables to obtain the electrolyzed water inside said electrolysis tank (1), characterized in that said system comprises at least a second electrode (3) and a control unit, which is configured to generate at least one signal related to the level and / or conductivity of the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) based on the capacitance measurement and / or the conductivity measurement performed by means of at least one of said electrodes (3).

2. A system according to Claim 1 characterized in that said electrodes (3) have two conducting plates (4).

3. A system according to Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the heights of said electrodes (3) are different.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of capacitance is a signal enabling to trigger at least one pump and / or at least one valve, which enable / s the addition of water to the electrolysis tank (1).

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of conductivity is a signal enabling to trigger at least one spiral and / or at least one valve, which enable / s the addition of salt to the electrolysis tank (1).

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the system comprises at least one mixer (5), which enables the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to be mixed.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the signal generated by said control unit based on the measurement of conductivity is a signalenabling to trigger at least one mixer (5), which enables the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to be mixed.

8. A system according to Claim 6 or 7 characterized in that said mixer (5) is positioned in the lateral zone of the electrolysis tank (1) in a way to enable the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to perform rotary movement.

9. A system according to Claim 8 characterized in that said mixer (5) is positioned in the lateral zone of the electrolysis tank (1) in a way to enable the water inside the electrolysis tank (1) to perform rotary movement and is disposed at the same height as at least one electrode (3).

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said control unit is associated with at least one memory unit for recording the signals said control unit receives from the electrodes (3).

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said control unit is configured to periodically receive the capacitance measurement and / or the conductivity measurement performed by means of at least one of the electrodes (3).

12. A system according to Claim 10 or 11 characterized in that said control unit is configured to perform the anomaly detection based on the signals recorded in said memory unit.

13. A system according to any one of Claims 10-12 characterized in that said control unit is a control unit, which enables the voltage to be induced in at least one electrode (3) in case said control unit detects a drop in the values of conductivity recorded in the memory unit and said control unit does not detect a drop in the water level based on the capacitance measurements.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said control unit is a control unit, which enables the voltage to be induced in at least one electrode (3) in case said control unit detects that the conductivity measurement said control unit receives from the electrodes (3) is within a predetermined range.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said control unit is a control unit, which stops the voltage induction in the electrodes (3) in case said control unit detects that the conductivity measurement said control unit receives from the electrodes (3) is within a predetermined range.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said control unit is a control unit, which enables to detect the presence of the water based on the capacitance measurement said control unit receives from at least one electrode (3).

17. A system according to Claim 16 characterized in that said control unit is a control unit, which ensures that the voltage is not induced in electrodes (3) where said control unit does not detect the presence of the water for the electrolysis process based on the capacitance measurements said control unit receives from the electrodes (3).

18. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the system comprises four electrodes (3), which are positioned one on the top of the other at certain intervals.

19. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the system comprises at least two electrodes (3), which are positioned at the same height.

20. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said electrolysis tank (1) comprises at least one water outlet (6).

21. A system according to Claim 20 characterized in that the system comprises at least one outlet pump and / or outlet valve (7) associated with said water outlet (6).

22. A system according to Claim 20 or 21 characterized in that said water outlet (6) is associated with a flushing system that enables at least one surface of at least one ceramic sanitary ware to be cleaned.

23. A system according to Claim 22 characterized in that said ceramic sanitary ware is a toilet.

24. A system according to Claim 23 characterized in that said water outlet (6) is associated with the toilet bowl such that the electrolyzed water will discharge into said toilet bowl.

25. A system according to Claim 23 or 24 characterized in that said water outlet (6) is associated with a flush tank where the water enabling to clean at least one surface of a ceramic sanitary ware is stored.

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