ECA Electrolyte Recirculation for Concentrated Chlorine and Alkaline Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-chemical activation (ECA) systems for producing chlorine and alkaline solutions result in dilute concentrations, which are insufficient for maintaining detergent levels in washing machines due to dilution by fresh water intake, necessitating the development of a system for on-demand production of highly concentrated solutions.
Innovation Solution
An ECA system comprising an anode, cathode, and neutralization chambers, with recirculation of anodic and cathodic electrolytes to produce concentrated chlorine and alkaline solutions, utilizing membranes to control ion migration and an electronic controller for pH regulation, allowing for the creation of solutions with concentrations up to 14% chlorine and 50% alkalinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing ECA systems produce chlorine and alkaline solutions, then cleaning solutions are available for washing machines, but the solutions are dilute (chlorine concentration less than 0.02% and alkalinity less than 0.02% Na2O) and unable to maintain detergent concentration due to fresh water dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously recirculates the electrolyte solution through the electrochemical cell, maintaining continuous generation and concentration of chlorine and alkaline solutions. This continuous circulation allows the solution to reach and maintain high concentrations (up to 14% chlorine and 50% alkalinity) that can withstand dilution by fresh water in washing machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the electrolyte solution by recirculating it through the electrochemical cell multiple times. The recirculation process progressively increases the concentration of chlorine and alkaline components until the desired high concentration is achieved, transforming the solution from dilute to concentrated state.
2Quantity of substance
If ECA systems operate continuously to maintain detergent concentration, then concentrated solutions can be produced on demand, but production occurs during machine operation time which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares concentrated cleaning solutions in advance during machine downtime or idle periods. By producing the concentrated chlorine and alkaline solutions beforehand, the washing machine can then use these pre-prepared solutions during its operational cycles without interruption, thus maintaining productivity while achieving the required concentration levels.
3Reliability
If high concentration solutions are produced, then detergent concentration can be maintained despite fresh water dilution, but the system requires recirculation infrastructure that increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system serves multiple functions: it concentrates the cleaning solutions, maintains the required concentration levels, and enables on-demand production. By making the recirculation system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable concentration maintenance.
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
The system effectively produces highly concentrated, pH-neutral chlorine and alkaline solutions that maintain desired detergent concentrations, enhancing cleaning performance and reducing resource costs by producing solutions on demand during machine downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The anode is configured to convert water having an alkaline-metal chloride into an anodic electrolyte that includes hypochlorous acid
Implementation Method 2
The cathode is configured to convert water into a cathodic electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
The neutralization cathode is configured to remove protons from the anodic electrolyte after it leaves the anode chamber
Implementation Method 4
the first membrane is configured to hinder the migration of CI- between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-chemical activation (ECA) system includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a neutralization chamber. The anode chamber includes an anode configured to convert water having an alkaline-metal chloride into an anodic electrolyte that includes hypochlorous acid. The cathode chamber includes a cathode configured to convert water into a cathodic electrolyte. The neutralization chamber includes a neutralization cathode configured to remove protons from the anodic electrolyte after it leaves the anode chamber. The ECA system is configured to recirculate the anodic electrolyte back through the anode chamber and the neutralization chamber at least one more time to produce a concentrated chlorine solution. The ECA system is further configured to recirculate the cathodic electrolyte back through the cathode chamber at least one additional time to produce a concentrated alkaline solution.