Acidic Electrolyzed Water Production via Anion Membrane Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing hypochlorous acid-bearing acidic electrolyzed water face challenges such as salt content, strong chlorine smell, metal corrosion, and limitations in electrolyte salt purity, with the generation of alkaline water causing additional issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an anion selective membrane to introduce chloride ions close to the anode in the electrolysis tank, with a controlled flow rate of raw water and integration of electrodes and membranes for efficient production of salt-free acidic electrolyzed water with minimal alkaline water generation, allowing for reproducible and targeted physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cation exchange membrane is used to separate electrode chambers, then acidic electrolyzed water can be generated, but the ion-selective membrane becomes fouled by cations in the salt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cation exchange membrane from the electrolysis cell, eliminating the source of membrane fouling. Instead of using a membrane to separate electrode chambers, the system relies on physical separation and controlled water flow to prevent cation migration, thereby maintaining reliable operation without membrane degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (specific salt composition and concentration) that mediates between the need for efficient electrolysis and the prevention of cation migration. By carefully controlling the electrolyte composition, the system achieves effective acid generation while minimizing harmful cation effects without requiring a fouling-prone membrane
2Productivity
If conventional electrolysis is performed in both electrode chambers, then electrolyzed water is produced, but alkaline water generation creates additional problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolysis process by focusing acid generation exclusively in the anode chamber while preventing significant cathode chamber reactions. This is achieved through controlled water flow rates and electrolyte management, allowing productive acid generation without the harmful side effect of alkaline water formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local conditions in each electrode chamber: the anode chamber is optimized for chlorine evolution and acid formation with controlled water flow, while the cathode chamber conditions are managed to minimize hydrogen evolution and alkaline formation. This local optimization allows productive operation without harmful byproducts
3Productivity
If water flow rate through the anode chamber is increased, then more acidic electrolyzed water is produced, but chlorine smell increases and bactericidal effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the water flow rate parameter to a specific range that balances productivity and quality. By controlling the flow rate, the system maintains sufficient contact time for hypochlorous acid formation while preventing excessive chlorine gas evolution, thereby achieving high output without harmful chlorine smell or reduced bactericidal effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in acidic electrolyzed water with a low chlorine smell, reduced salt content, and relaxed impurity requirements for the electrolyte salt, enabling stable and efficient production of water with desired physical properties.
Implementation Method 1
Chloride ions are selectively introduced into the water in the positive electrode (anode) chamber in close proximity to the anode through an anion selective membrane
Implementation Method 2
The electrolysis is done in the positive electrode chamber and the negative electrode chamber, using water for electrolytic processing that has had a small amount of a chloride-containing salt added to it to form the electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
An improved device and method for the creation of acidic electrolyzed water is described. The device has an flow-through anode chamber and a static cathode chamber. The static cathode chamber contains a fixed amount of salt-containing electrolyte, which is renewed as needed. The flow rate of water through the anode is restricted to a range of about 5 to 40 ml per ampere of current passed through the electrode. Electrolyzed water flowing from the anode is diluted to obtain the desired concentration of hypochlorous acid, and is collected in a tank or other vessel. The electrolysis reaction is terminated when a preset amount of current has passed through the anode. Water circulation may be one pass or recycling. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is anion-selective. Preferably, the membrane and the electrodes are integrated into a preassembled format that can be attached to the anode and cathode compartments via flanges or similar devices allowing quick replacement of an electrode assembly in an electrolyzer. The anion-permeable membrane can be protected by a protection membrane, in which are provided slits or other discontinuities to allow venting of gas.