Dual Biocide Generator Electrolytic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chlorine-based biocides face stability and safety concerns, including decomposition, generation of disinfection byproducts, and unwanted effects on water chemistry, making them inefficient and unpredictable for pathogen inactivation.
Innovation Solution
The onsite generation of dual biocides using electrolytic methods to produce chlorine and additional biocides like bromine, iodine, and chlorine dioxide from their respective salts, eliminating the need for other disinfectants and reducing handling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chlorine-based biocides are used, then disinfection capability is achieved, but stability and safety concerns arise including decomposition and generation of disinfection byproducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the disinfection process into two distinct phases: first applying a non-chlorine biocide (such as peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or ozone) to eliminate pathogens, then followed by a chlorine-based biocide to maintain residual protection. This segmentation prevents the simultaneous presence of organic matter and chlorine that would otherwise react to form disinfection byproducts, while still achieving both immediate disinfection and ongoing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through sequential application of different biocides at different time intervals. The non-chlorine biocide is applied first to handle the immediate disinfection challenge without forming byproducts, followed by periodic application of chlorine-based biocide to maintain residual protection. This temporal separation allows each biocide to perform its optimal function without the harmful interactions that occur when used simultaneously.
2Reliability
If solid chlorine compositions are used, then disinfection is provided, but water chemistry is affected including alkalinity, hardness, pH, and conductivity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the biocide application into sequential steps where non-chlorine biocides (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, ozone) are used first to perform the primary disinfection function. These alternatives have minimal impact on water chemistry compared to chlorine compounds. The chlorine-based biocide is then applied in a controlled manner afterward to provide residual protection, thereby segmenting the harmful chemical impacts from the beneficial disinfection effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting biocides with different chemical properties that do not significantly alter water chemistry parameters. Non-chlorine biocides like peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide decompose into water and oxygen, leaving minimal impact on pH, alkalinity, hardness, or conductivity. This parameter-based selection allows effective disinfection while maintaining water quality parameters within acceptable ranges.
3Reliability
If single biocide is used, then simplicity is maintained, but pathogen inactivation is less effective compared to dual biocides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different biocide mechanisms into a sequential disinfection process: the first biocide (non-chlorine based) attacks pathogens through one mechanism (such as oxidation by peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide), while the second biocide (chlorine-based) provides residual protection through a different mechanism. This merging of complementary mechanisms achieves superior pathogen inactivation compared to single biocides, while the sequential application keeps operational complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a dual-biocide system where each biocide serves a specific function: the non-chlorine biocide handles immediate disinfection of vegetative cells and spores, while the chlorine-based biocide provides ongoing residual protection against recontamination. This multi-functional approach ensures comprehensive pathogen inactivation and sustained protection, making the system universally effective against various pathogen types without requiring complex specialized equipment.
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 provides a stable, efficient, and synergistic disinfectant formulation that enhances pathogen inactivation while minimizing environmental impact and safety hazards, offering cost benefits and improved control over disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a sodium chloride solution to the cell to generate an elemental chlorine and a sodium hydroxide stream in the electrolytic cell
Implementation Method 2
use as an oxidizing agent to generate additional biocides
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for generation of dual biocides are provided. The electrolytic generation of chlorine as a biocide is employed for further generation of additional biocides within a single system or generator, including bromine, iodine, chlorine dioxide, fluorine, or chloramines from their respective salts and/or precursors. A single on-site generating system produces a combination of biocides for applications of use providing cost, safety and efficacy improvements. Methods of using the disinfecting biocides provide a synergistic effect through simultaneous or sequential applications.