An inlet system for a system for production of a sterilising solution

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for production of a sterilising solution, comprising an electrolytic cell having an anode inlet section with an anode distribution chamber, and fluid inlet section for such a system.

Description

[0001] An inlet system for a system for production of a sterilising solution

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a system for production of a sterilising solution, comprising an electrolytic cell having an anode inlet section with an anode distribution chamber, and fluid inlet section for such a system.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Sterilization is a pivotal process across numerous industries, ranging from healthcare facilities to food processing plants, ensuring the elimination of harmful microorganisms and contaminants. Central to this process is the generation of sterilizing solutions, typically achieved through the utilization of chemical agents such as e.g. chlorine solutions in the form of hypocaloric acid. These solutions serve as potent disinfectants, effectively sanitizing equipment, surfaces, and liquids to prevent microbial proliferation and contamination.

[0006] However, traditional systems for producing such sterilizing solutions often grapple with inherent challenges, including the formation of unwanted side products during the generation process. Moreover, the presence of side products may pose safety concerns, compromise product quality, and necessitate additional purification steps, thereby increasing operational complexity and costs.

[0007] There is thus a need within the field to address such challenge and to provide a system, which mitigates or reduces the amount of unwanted side products being formed, as this is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of sterilization processes.

[0008] Summary

[0009] The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having,” “including,” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of’, “consists essentially of’, or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context, e.g. a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises," "comprising," "includes" and / or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0010] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in the present specification.

[0011] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0012] The present invention solves the need within the field by mitigating the formation of unwanted side products and hereby improve the quality and reliability of sterilization processes, streamline operational procedures, and reduce the need for downstream purification steps. This advancement holds significant implications for industries reliant on sterilization technology, promising enhanced hygiene standards, cost savings, and heightened safety across diverse applications and sectors. The present invention solves these problems by acknowledging that the inlet section of sterilization systems plays a pivotal role in the formation and control of side products, as it governs the introduction and initial mixing of raw materials into the system. Where existing inlet designs may exacerbate the issue by promoting non-uniform mixing, inadequate reaction kinetics, or localized areas of high concentration, fostering the generation of undesirable by-products. Consequently, the present invention addresses the challenge of unwanted side product formation in sterilization systems; hence, disclosed herein in a first aspect is a system for production of a sterilising solution, comprising an electrolytic cell, the electrolytic cell comprising: an electrolyte chamber, wherein the electrolyte chamber has a substantially cylindrical shape; a substantially cylindrical shaped anode compartment comprising an anode and having a first and a second section; a substantially cylindrical shaped cathode compartment comprising a cathode; and a substantially cylindrical shaped porous ion-exchange membrane; wherein the anode and the cathode compartments are positioned within the electrolyte chamber and separated by the porous ion-exchange membrane; the system further comprises: a power supply unit electrically connected to the anode and the cathode; a fluid inlet section; and a fluid outlet section; wherein the fluid inlet section is separated into a cathode inlet section and an anode inlet section; wherein the cathode inlet section is configured to provide a cathode fluid to the cathode compartment, and the anode inlet section is configured to provide an anode fluid to the anode compartment; and wherein the anode inlet section has an anode distribution chamber circumferentially enclosing the first section of the anode compartment, and wherein the anode distribution chamber is fluidically connected with the anode compartment and configured for distributing the anode fluid to facilitate an intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment.

[0013] Further disclosed in a second aspect is a fluid inlet section for a system for production of a sterilising solution, the fluid inlet section comprising a cathode inlet section and an anode inlet section, wherein the cathode inlet section is configured to provide a cathode fluid to a cathode compartment of the system for production of a sterilising solution, and the anode inlet section is configured to provide an anode fluid to an anode compartment of the system for production of a sterilising solution, wherein the anode inlet section has an anode distribution chamber configured to circumferentially enclose a first section of the anode compartment of the system for production of a sterilising solution, and wherein the anode distribution chamber is further configured to be fluidically connected with the anode compartment of the system for production of a sterilising solution such that the anode distribution chamber is distributing the anode fluid into the anode compartment of the system for production of a sterilising solution.

[0014] The system and inlet section as disclosed herein is a solution which would optimize mixing efficiency, promote uniform distribution of reactants, and minimize the occurrence of unintended chemical reactions, thereby enhancing the purity, safety, and effectiveness of the sterilizing solution.

[0015] Specifically, the present disclosure solves the problems by reducing or removing the stagnation in areas of the anode compartment, as these areas will produce higher amounts of chlorate. Hence, the present disclosure makes sure that there is a constant flow all the way through the cylinder of the anode compartment. This is obtained by utilizing the inlet section having the anode distribution chamber, and the fluidic connection between the chamber and the anode compartment, such that the inlet section is able to distribute the anode fluid evenly within the anode compartment. The present disclosure hereby ensures that even though the anode fluid is moving slowly through the electrolytic cell, the flow is evenly distributed without dead flow zones, within the anode compartment.

[0016] By avoiding dead flow zones, the amount of, e.g., chlorate is reduced to a low concentration. By having a low chlorate concentration several benefits are obtained. It is for example possible to generate the disinfectant effect without biproducts, such that companies that produce vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk etc. will be able to use the sterilizing solution generated without having to worry about chlorate in the produce. One example of such is, e.g., a Quail egg producer, which is not able to export to some countries due to high chlorate values not being allowed nationally, and hence, the producer needs to measure the chlorate concentration. However, using a sterilizing solution produced with low concentrations of chlorate, this is no longer an issue, and such markets are now open for the producer. An electrolyte chamber is a hermetically sealed chamber constructed from corrosion-resistant materials and configured to contain an electrolyte. The electrolyte chamber is designed to withstand the chemical reactions occurring during electrolysis. The electrolyte chamber has a substantially cylindrical shape, which means that it has a form that closely resembles a cylinder, but with some allowances for minor deviations or variations. In essence, it means that the shape when viewed by the skilled person is seen as is predominantly cylindrical, with its overall outline or cross-section resembling that of a cylinder.

[0017] When something is described herein as "substantially cylindrical," it implies that while it may not be perfectly cylindrical in every detail, it largely maintains the characteristic shape and properties of a cylinder.

[0018] An anode compartment is a compartment within the electrolyte chamber housing an anode, i.e., a first electrode positioned within the electrolyte chamber. The anode compartment is equipped with features to resist corrosion and degradation resulting from the anodic reactions. The electrode is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, ruthenium, and their alloys. The anode is configured to undergo oxidation during electrolysis, releasing electrons into the electrolyte.

[0019] A cathode compartment is a compartment within the electrolyte chamber housing a cathode, i.e., a second electrode positioned within the electrolyte chamber. The cathode compartment is designed to withstand the chemical environment generated by the cathodic reactions. The cathode is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, and graphite. The cathode is configured to undergo reduction during electrolysis, accepting electrons from the electrolyte.

[0020] The porous ion-exchange membrane is positioned within the electrolyte chamber, separating the anode and cathode compartments. The porous ion-exchange membrane is a component that serves to separate the anode and cathode compartments while allowing the selective passage of ions. This type of membrane is used for maintaining the electrical neutrality of the overall cell, facilitating the migration of ions required for the electrolysis process.

[0021] The power supply system is electrically connected to the anode and cathode. The power supply provides a voltage potential to drive the electrolysis process. The power supply may be equipped with features for voltage regulation and control to optimize the production of the sterilizing solution. The fluid inlet section may comprise one or more valves for the controlled introduction of a fluid into the electrolyte chamber. These valves may include flow control valves to regulate the fluid flow rates. The fluid may include water, brine, or another suitable electrolyte solution required for the electrolysis process.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the cathode and / or anode fluid comprises an aqueous solution of sodium chloride brine solution.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the cathode and / or anode fluid comprises an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

[0024] The fluid outlet section is a section of the system allowing the controlled removal of the sterilizing solution produced in the electrolyte chamber. The fluid outlet section may include filters or purification elements to ensure the quality and purity of the sterilizing solution. Further, the fluid outlet system may be split into a fluid outlet system from the cathode chamber and a fluid outlet section from the anode chamber. In one or more embodiments, the fluid from the fluid outlet system from the cathode chamber is reintroduced into the system via the anode inlet section.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the anode fluid and / or the cathode fluid is brine. In one or more embodiments, the cathode fluid is brine. In one or more embodiments, the anode fluid is a fluid obtained from a fluid outlet section of the cathode compartment.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the anode distribution chamber comprises at least one entry port integrated into the anode distribution chamber and fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber with the anode compartment, and wherein the anode distribution chamber is configured for distributing the anode fluid to the at least one entry port to facilitate an intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the anode inlet section has an anode distribution chamber comprising two or more entry ports integrated into the anode distribution chamber and fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber with the anode compartment, wherein the anode distribution chamber is configured for distributing the anode fluid to the two or more entry ports to facilitate an intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment. In one or more embodiments, the at least one entry port is at least three ports, such as at least four ports, such as at least five, such as at least six, such as at least eight ports, or such as at least twelve ports. In one or more embodiments, each of the entry ports are selected from a hole in a mesh structure, a channel created by a pipe structure, or combinations hereof. In one or more embodiments, the at least one entry port integrated into the anode distribution chamber and fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber with the anode compartment is an aperture circumferentially engaging with the anode compartment such that the aperture facilitates a circumferential intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment from the anode distribution chamber. An aperture circumferentially engaging with the anode compartment may also be called a slit, or an opening. The aperture may extend partially or fully around the anode compartment.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the anode distribution chamber is gradually decreasing in volume size. By gradually decreasing in volume size is meant that the shape or structure of the anode distribution chamber is gradually decreasing in size when moving further and further away from the inlet section. This reduction in volume can occur smoothly and continuously, hereby gradually narrowing the size of the anode distribution chamber, resulting in e.g. a tapered or conical form if viewed in a crosssection. By having this gradual decrease in volume the flow of anode fluid is being directed, hereby improving fluid dynamics and the continued filling operation of the anode compartment.

[0029] The system for production of a sterilising solution according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode inlet section is radially extending from and perpendicular to a longitudinal centre axis of the anode distribution chamber and / or the anode compartment. This means that it is preferred if the inlet section is not positioned tangentially to the longitudinal centre axis of the anode distribution chamber. In other words, the outlet may be aligned directly in line with the anode distribution chambers axis. This implies that the outlet is positioned at a substantially 90 degrees angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the anode distribution chamber.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the substantially cylindrical shaped cathode compartment and the substantially cylindrical shaped porous ion-exchange membrane encloses the second section of the anode compartment.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the anode distribution chamber is positioned in a lower half of the system, such that the fluidic connection between the anode distribution chamber and the anode compartment is created within a lower part of the anode compartment, such as a lower third part of the anode compartment, such as a lower fourth part of the anode compartment, such as a lower fifth part of the anode compartment, such as a lower sixth part of the anode compartment, or such as substantially in the bottom of the anode compartment. In one or more embodiments, the lower part of the anode compartment is the first section of the anode compartment. In one or more embodiments, the first section of the anode compartment is a bottom part of the anode compartment. In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises an ion-exchange water softener arranged to supply the fluid inlet section with deionized water.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a brine tank arranged to supply the fluid inlet section with a sodium chloride brine solution.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a temperature control system. The temperature control system may include heating and / or cooling elements and sensors to maintain the fluid at a predetermined temperature, which could in turn help optimize the efficiency and stability of electrolysis reactions. The system may further comprise a temperature control system configured for maintaining the cathode and / or anode fluid at a predetermined temperature.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the porous ion-exchange membrane is a cation-exchange membrane arranged for selectively allowing a transport of cations, hereby facilitating a production of a sterilizing solution comprising acidic species.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the anode compartment comprises an anode made of a titanium material. In one or more embodiments, the anode is coated with a material being selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, ruthenium, tin, oxides hereof and / or combinations hereof. In one or more embodiments, the anode is coated with an oxide material being selected from the group consisting of platinum oxides, iridium oxides, ruthenium oxides, tin oxides and / or combinations hereof. The material of the anode will ensure the durability and resistance to anodic corrosion. In one or more embodiments, the cathode compartment comprises a cathode made of a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, steel, such as stainless steel, titanium, and graphite. In one or more embodiments, the cathode compartment comprises a cathode made of a titanium material. The material of the cathode will ensure stability and resistance to cathodic corrosion.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a fluid delivery system arranged for providing the cathode and / or anode fluid to the fluid inlet section.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a control unit. A control unit is s unit, which is configured to regulate the flow of anode fluid to the anode and the cathode fluid to the cathode based on the required parameters.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing encloses at least the electrolyte chamber, the anode compartment, the cathode compartment, and the porous ion-exchange membrane. In one or more embodiments, the housing at least encloses the electrolytical cell. In one or more embodiments, the housing at least partly encloses the fluid inlet section, such that the fluid inlet section is protruding from the housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing at least partly encloses the fluid outlet section, such that the fluid outlet section is protruding from the housing.

[0039] When describing the embodiments, the combinations and permutations of all possible embodiments have not been explicitly described. Nevertheless, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The present invention envisages all possible combinations and permutations of the described embodiments.

[0040] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] Brief description of the drawings

[0042] Figure 1A-E shows one embodiment of the present disclosure, where the inlet comprises several channels / tubes for fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber with the anode compartment. A shows a cut-through down the centre axis of the electrolytical cell of the system. B shows a zoom in of the marked section of A. This zoom in shows greater details of the anode distribution chamber and the channels / tubes. C shows the system where the inlet and outlet sections are not connected, but when viewed without removing the housing. D shows a zoom in on the anode distribution chamber, where parts of the electrolytic cell are removed, such that multiple channels / tubes can be seen. E shows only the anode distribution chamber having the multiple channels / tubes and the anode inlet.

[0043] Figure 2A-E shows another embodiment of the present disclosure, where the inlet comprises several apertures for fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber with the anode compartment. A shows a cut-through down the centre axis of the electrolytical cell of the system. B shows a zoom in of the marked section of A. This zoom in shows greater details of the anode distribution chamber and the decreased volume size. C shows the system where the inlet and outlet sections are not connected, but when viewed without removing the housing. D shows a zoom in on the anode distribution chamber, where parts of the electrolytic cell are removed, such that one of the multiple apertures can be seen. E shows only the anode distribution chamber having the multiple apertures and the anode inlet. Detailed description

[0044] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated example needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0045] Figure 1A-E discloses one embodiment of a system for production of a sterilising solution 100 as disclosed herein, which functions by e.g. utilizing water with a small amount of salt (also called brine). Such solution may be fed to an electrolytic cell 114 with a constant flow. The water / brine is then led via a cathode inlet 115 into the cathode compartment 102, e.g., via a cathode distribution chamber 101 , which may be positioned in the lower part of the electrolytic cell 114. The fluid (water / brine) is then led further up through the cathode compartment 102. The cathode compartment 102 is preferably a ring-shaped chamber bounded on the outside by the cathode tube 103 itself and on the inside by a porous ceramic membrane 104. The cathode compartment 102 is preferably made of a material that is corrosion-resistant to chloride solutions greater than 250 ppm, and is electrically conductive. Titanium is typically used, and is therefore preferred in an embodiment herein as to the material of the cathode compartment 102.

[0046] In the cathode compartment 102, a weak NaOH solution with pH of around 11 .6 is formed. This cathode liquid or fluid is led out at the top of the electrolytic cell 114 via a cathode outlet 116, such as from a cathode collection chamber 105 located in the cathode outlet 116 of the system. The liquid or fluid may then preferably be led down to the lower connection on the electrolytic cell 114, and connected to the anode inlet section and the anode distribution chamber 106 via an anode inlet 117. Here, an anode liquid (the produced cathode liquid or a water / brine solution) is led at low speed into the anode distribution chamber 106. The anode distribution chamber 106 is a preferably ring-shaped chamber bounded on the outside by the wall of the anode distribution chamber 107 and bounded on the inside by either the wall of the anode distribution chamber 107 or the anode tube 108.

[0047] From the anode distribution chamber 106, the anode liquid may be led at high speed through several channels / tubes 109 (entry ports) evenly placed around the entire ring of the anode distribution chamber 106, hereby fluidically connect the anode distribution chamber 106 and the anode compartment 110. The anode liquid is fed through the channels / tubes 109 to the anode compartment 110. The anode compartment 110 is preferably an annular chamber that is externally limited by the same porous ceramic membrane 104 that the cathode compartment 102 is limited by.

[0048] Inside, the anode compartment 110 is limited by the anode, which is preferably a titanium tube coated with mixed metal oxides (MMO). MMO are various mixtures of iridium, ruthenium, tin, and platinum oxides. This coating of metal oxides acts as a catalyst for the electrolysis process, and at the same time forms a corrosion-protective coating.

[0049] The liquid is fed from the evenly spaced channels / tubes 109, up through the anode compartment 110, where a chlorine-containing solution is produced (the sterilizing solution). At the top of the electrolytic cell 114, the chlorine-containing liquid is collected, preferably in an anode collection chamber 111 via an anode outlet 118 being part of the outlet section of the system, and then led out of the electrolysis cell 114 and collected from the system 100 for use as a sterilizing solution.

[0050] A housing 119 is enclosing the electrolytical cell 114, and partly enclosing the fluid inlet section and the fluid outlet section, such that the fluid inlet and outlet section is protruding from the housing 119. The cathode is connected via an electrical connection 120 to a power supply to the minus pole 112, and the anode is connected via an electrical connection 120 to the power supply to the plus pole 113. In order to obtain a constant chlorine production during the electrolysis, it may be required that the liquid flow through the electrolytic cell 114 is constant and that the current is constant. The current through the electrolytic cell 114 is kept constant by measuring it, and adding more or less salt (brine) to the water fed to the electrolytic cell 114.

[0051] Figure 2A-E discloses another embodiment of a system for production of a sterilising solution

[0052] 200, as described herein. The system operates by using water with a salt content. This solution can be consistently supplied to an electrolytic cell 214. The saltwater is then directed through a cathode inlet 215 into a cathode compartment 202, potentially via a cathode distribution chamber

[0053] 201 , located at the bottom of the electrolytic cell 214. The fluid (saltwater) is then guided upwards through the cathode compartment 202. The cathode compartment 202 is ideally a ring-shaped chamber, enclosed externally by the cathode tube 203 itself and internally by a porous ceramic membrane 204. The cathode compartment 202 is preferably constructed from a material that resists corrosion from chloride solutions exceeding 250 ppm and is electrically conductive.

[0054] Titanium is commonly used and is thus the preferred material for the cathode compartment 202 in this embodiment.

[0055] In the cathode compartment 202, a sodium hydroxide solution with a pH of approximately 11 .6 is produced. This cathode fluid is then guided out from the top of the electrolytic cell 214 through a cathode outlet 216, which could be from a cathode collection chamber 205 situated in the system's cathode outlet 216. The fluid is then ideally directed downwards to the lower connection of the electrolytic cell 214, and linked to the anode inlet section and the anode distribution chamber 206 via an anode inlet 217. At this point, an anode liquid (either the produced cathode liquid or a saltwater solution) is slowly introduced into the anode distribution chamber 206. The anode distribution chamber 206 is preferably a ring-shaped chamber, enclosed externally by the wall of the anode distribution chamber 207 and internally by either the wall of the anode distribution chamber 207 or the anode tube 208.

[0056] From the anode distribution chamber 206, the anode liquid may be led at high speed through several apertures 209 (entry ports) evenly placed around the entire ring of the anode distribution chamber 206, hereby fluidically connect the anode distribution chamber 206 and the anode compartment 210. The anode liquid is hereby fed through the apertures 209 to the anode compartment 210. To ensure this high speed through the apertures 209, the anode distribution chamber 206 is gradually decreasing in volume size when viewed from the anode inlet section towards the opposite side of the anode distribution chamber 206. The anode compartment 210 is preferably an annular chamber that is externally limited by the same porous ceramic membrane 204 that the cathode compartment 202 is limited by.

[0057] Inside, the anode compartment 210 is limited by the anode, which is preferably a titanium tube coated with mixed metal oxides (MMO). MMO are various mixtures of iridium, ruthenium, tin, and platinum oxides. This coating of metal oxides acts as a catalyst for the electrolysis process, and at the same time forms a corrosion-protective coating.

[0058] The liquid is fed from the evenly apertures 209, up through the anode compartment 210, where a chlorine-containing solution is produced (the sterilizing solution). At the top of the electrolytic cell 214, the chlorine-containing liquid is collected, preferably in an anode collection chamber 211 via an anode outlet 218 being part of the outlet section of the system, and then led out of the electrolysis cell 214 and collected from the system 200 for later use as or in a sterilizing solution.

[0059] A housing 219 is enclosing the electrolytical cell 214, and partly enclosing the fluid inlet section and the fluid outlet section, such that the fluid inlet and outlet section is protruding from the housing 219. The cathode is connected via an electrical connection 220 to a power supply to the minus pole 212, and the anode is connected via an electrical connection 220 to the power supply to the plus pole 213. In order to obtain a constant chlorine production during the electrolysis, it may be required that the liquid flow through the electrolytic cell 214 is constant and that the current is constant. The current through the electrolytic cell 214 is kept constant by measuring it, and adding more or less salt (brine) to the water fed to the electrolytic cell 214. References

[0060] 100, 200 - System for production of a sterilising solution

[0061] 101, 201 - Cathode distribution chamber

[0062] 102, 202 - Cathode compartment

[0063] 103, 203 - Cathode tube

[0064] 104, 204 - Porous ceramic membrane

[0065] 105, 205 - Cathode collection chamber

[0066] 106, 206 - Anode distribution chamber

[0067] 107, 207 - Wall of anode distribution chamber

[0068] 108, 208 - Anode tube

[0069] 109, 209 - Channel, tube, aperture

[0070] 110, 210 - Anode compartment

[0071] 111, 211 - Anode collection chamber

[0072] 112, 212 - Minus pole

[0073] 113, 213 - Plus pole

[0074] 114, 214 - Electrolytic cell

[0075] 115, 215 - Cathode inlet

[0076] 116, 216 - Cathode outlet

[0077] 117, 217 - Anode inlet

[0078] 118, 218 - Anode outlet

[0079] 119, 219 - Housing

[0080] 120, 220 - Electrical connection

Claims

Claims1 . A system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200), comprising an electrolytic cell (114, 214), the electrolytic cell (114, 214) comprising: an electrolyte chamber, wherein the electrolyte chamber has a substantially cylindrical shape; a substantially cylindrical shaped anode compartment (110, 210) comprising an anode and having a first and a second section; a substantially cylindrical shaped cathode compartment (102, 202) comprising a cathode; and a substantially cylindrical shaped porous ion-exchange membrane (104, 204); wherein the anode compartment (110, 210) and the cathode compartment (102, 202) are positioned within the electrolyte chamber and separated by the porous ion-exchange membrane (104, 204); the system further comprises: a power supply unit electrically connected (120, 220) to the anode and the cathode; a fluid inlet section; and a fluid outlet section; wherein the fluid inlet section is separated into a cathode inlet (115, 215) section and an anode inlet (117, 217) section; wherein the cathode inlet (115, 215) section is configured to provide a cathode fluid to the cathode compartment (102, 202), and the anode inlet (117, 217) section is configured to provide an anode fluid to the anode compartment (110, 210); and wherein the anode inlet (117, 217) section has an anode distribution chamber (106, 206) circumferentially enclosing the first section of the anode compartment (110, 210), and wherein the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) is fluidically connected with the anodecompartment (110, 210) and configured for distributing the anode fluid to facilitate an intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment (110, 210).

2. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to claim 1 , wherein the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) comprises at least one entry port (109, 209) integrated into the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) and fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) with the anode compartment (110, 210), and wherein the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) is configured for distributing the anode fluid to the at least one entry port (109, 209) to facilitate an intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment (110, 210).

3. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein the anode inlet (117, 217) section has an anode distribution chamber (106, 206) comprising two or more entry ports (109, 209) integrated into the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) and fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) with the anode compartment (110, 210), wherein the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) is configured for distributing the anode fluid to the two or more entry ports (109, 209) to facilitate an intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment (110, 210).

4. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein the at least one entry port (109, 209) is at least three entry ports (109, 209), such as at least four entry ports (109, 209), such as at least five entry ports (109, 209), such as at least six entry ports (109, 209), such as at least eight entry ports (109, 209), or such as at least twelve entry ports (109, 209).

5. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein each of the entry ports (109, 209) are selected from a hole in a mesh structure, a channel (109) created by a pipe structure, or combinations hereof.

6. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to any one of claim 2-4, wherein the at least one entry port integrated into the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) and fluidically connecting the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) with the anode compartment (110, 210) is one or more apertures (209) circumferentially engaging with the anode compartment (110, 210) such that the aperture (209) facilitates a circumferential intake of the anode fluid into the anode compartment (110, 210) from the anode distribution chamber (106, 206).

7. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode distribution chamber (206) is gradually decreasing in volume size.

8. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode inlet (117, 217) section is radially extending from and perpendicular to a longitudinal centre axis of the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) and / or the anode compartment (110, 210).

9. The system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) is positioned in a lower half of the system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200), such that the fluidic connection between the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) and the anode compartment (110, 210) is created within a lower part of the anode compartment (110, 210), such as a lower third part of the anode compartment (110, 210), such as a lower fourth part of the anode compartment (110, 210), such as a lower fifth part of the anode compartment (110, 210), such as a lower sixth part of the anode compartment (110, 210), or such as substantially in the bottom of the anode compartment (110, 210).

10. A fluid inlet section for a system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200), the fluid inlet section comprising a cathode inlet (115, 215) section and an anode inlet (117, 217) section, wherein the cathode inlet (115, 215) section is configured to provide a cathode fluid to a cathode compartment (102, 202) of the system for production of a sterilising solution, and the anode inlet (117, 217) section is configured to provide an anode fluid to an anode compartment (110, 210) of the system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200), wherein the anode inlet (117, 217) section has a anode distribution chamber (106, 206) configured to circumferentially enclose a first section of the anode compartment (110, 210) of the system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200), and wherein the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) is further configured to be fluidically connected with the anode compartment (110, 210) of the system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200) such that the anode distribution chamber (106, 206) is distributing the anode fluid into the anode compartment (110, 210) of the system for production of a sterilising solution (100, 200).

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