Electroactivated Water Preparation via Ionization and Carbon Dioxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for combating Legionella in hot water systems, such as thermal treatment, chemical treatment with hazardous substances, and UV irradiation, are energy-intensive, require hazardous chemicals, or have limitations in fluctuating water consumption and uncontrolled regrowth of new germs.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing electro-activated water by pumping water through an ionization device with a sodium chloride solution and gaseous carbon dioxide, monitored and controlled for specific parameters, to achieve a germ-reducing, germ-killing effect in a closed container at 15° C. to 25° C. for at least 3 months without using hazardous substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal treatment is used to combat Legionella, then germ-killing effect is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the treatment parameter from thermal (heat) to electrochemical (electrolysis). By applying electrical current to sodium chloride solution in water, reactive chlorine species are generated in situ that kill germs without requiring heating the entire water volume, thus achieving germ-killing effect with lower energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sodium chloride solution as an intermediary substance that facilitates germ killing through electrolysis. The chloride ions serve as mediators that, when electrolyzed, produce reactive chlorine species which are effective against Legionella without requiring high temperatures
2Reliability
If chemical treatment with chlorine dioxide is used, then Legionella is eliminated, but hazardous substances must be transported and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates the active chlorine species on-site through electrolysis of common sodium chloride solution. No external storage or transport of hazardous chemicals is needed because the reactive substances are produced locally and immediately used for disinfection, eliminating the need for special storage facilities and transportation regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function (germ-killing capability) from hazardous stored chemicals and replaces it with in-situ generation through electrolysis. Instead of storing and transporting dangerous substances, the system extracts only the necessary ions from common salt and generates active disinfectants only when needed
3Reliability
If chlorine treatment is applied to infected systems, then Legionella is killed, but hot water is unavailable during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies electrochemical treatment periodically or continuously at low intensity rather than requiring complete system shutdown for intensive chemical flushing. This allows hot water to remain available or minimally disrupted while still achieving effective Legionella elimination through sustained low-level disinfection
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolysis-based system enables continuous or near-continuous disinfection action without interrupting water supply. Unlike chlorine flushing that requires system closure, the electrochemical method can operate continuously, maintaining both water availability and disinfection effectiveness
4Reliability
If UV irradiation is used, then germ-killing effect is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to fluctuating water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical disinfection system dynamically adjusts to varying water flows through the electrolysis process. As water flows through the treatment chamber, the electrical current automatically processes the passing water, providing adaptive disinfection that scales with water consumption without requiring manual intervention or fixed-dose limitations
5Reliability
If conventional treatment methods are used, then initial disinfection is achieved, but new germs grow uncontrolled over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous or periodic electrochemical disinfection action that prevents regrowth of germs over time. Unlike single-dose treatments, the ongoing electrochemical process continuously generates reactive species that suppress bacterial reproduction, maintaining effective germ-reducing levels for extended periods including at least 3 months of storage
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 method produces electro-activated water with sustained germ-reducing and germ-killing effects for at least 3 months, usable directly or stored, without energy-intensive processes or hazardous chemicals, and maintains effectiveness even after storage and potential freezing.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention describes a method for producing electro-activated water, which has a germ-reducing, germ-killing effect in a closed container 9 at a storage temperature of 15° C. to 25° C. for at least 3 months, characterized in that water is used in a closed circuit 7 is pumped several times through an ionization device 2
Implementation Method 2
with a monitoring and control unit 3 the amperage and the voltage in said ionization device 2 as well as the flow rate and the addition of the amount of sodium chloride solution and the amount of gaseous carbon dioxide checked and controlled
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing electro activated water which, in a closed container (9), at a storage temperature of 15°C to 25°C, for at least 3 months has a germ-reducing, germ-destroying action, which is characterized in that water is pumped in a closed circuit (7) a plurality of times through an ionization device (2), wherein a sodium chloride solution and gaseous carbon dioxide are added to the circuit water in any desired sequence, wherein a monitoring and control unit (3) monitors and controls the current strength and the voltage in said ionization device (2) and also the flow velocity and the addition of the amount of sodium chloride solution and the amount of the gaseous carbon dioxide with regard to predetermined values, and in that the resultant product, that is to say the electro activated water, is then either packaged into a container (9) and sealed or used directly.