Electrochemical Cell Control for On-Site Hypochlorous Acid Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing disinfectants on-site from benign sources, such as brine, face challenges in efficiently controlling the production of hypochlorous acid with desired characteristics like pH, free available chlorine, and oxidation-reduction potential, while minimizing the production of hydrogen and chlorine gases.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell with a brine input flow control pump, anode and cathode chambers, and a membrane, along with a blending valve and ion sensors, which adjusts brine flow rate, backpressures, and differential pressures to produce hypochlorous acid with predetermined characteristics, minimizing hydrogen and chlorine gas production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If brine flow rate is increased to improve disinfectant production efficiency, then productivity increases, but control precision of pH and oxidation-reduction potential deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ion sensors (pH sensor, ORP sensor, conductivity sensor) that continuously monitor the disinfectant characteristics and provide real-time feedback to the production control system. The control system automatically adjusts operating parameters including brine flow rate, applied voltage, and chamber pressures to maintain target pH and oxidation-reduction potential values, thereby resolving the contradiction between high productivity and precise control.
2Productivity
If electrochemical activation is intensified to increase hypochlorous acid production, then productivity improves, but harmful gas production (hydrogen and chlorine) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful side reactions that produce hydrogen and chlorine gases into beneficial outcomes by optimizing the electrochemical cell design and operating conditions. The membrane-separated chamber configuration and controlled voltage application promote the desired hypochlorous acid formation while minimizing gas-generating reactions, effectively transforming potential harm into benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes precise control of operating parameters including applied voltage, brine flow rate, and chamber pressures to optimize the electrochemical reactions. By maintaining specific parameter ranges, the system maximizes hypochlorous acid production while suppressing the formation of harmful hydrogen and chlorine gases, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful emissions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple control parameters are adjusted to achieve desired disinfectant characteristics, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The production control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it processes data from multiple ion sensors, calculates optimal operating parameters, controls multiple actuators (pumps, valves, voltage source), and maintains target disinfectant characteristics. This multi-functional integration allows precise control of pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and concentration while managing device complexity through centralized control architecture.
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 apparatus effectively produces hypochlorous acid with controlled pH and oxidation-reduction potential, reducing hydrogen and chlorine gas production, enabling efficient on-site disinfectant generation for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus for the production of a disinfectant through electrochemical activation of sodium chloride solution
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical apparatus for the production of a disinfectant from sodium chloride solution.