Electrolysis Cell Nanobubble Generation via Shear Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering molecular hydrogen in water, such as electrolysis, produce larger bubbles that quickly rise and burst, leading to inefficient hydrogen concentration and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water reservoirs or flow systems, which is detrimental for therapeutic and cosmetic applications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an electrolysis cell with optimized electrode dimensions, surface area, and water flow velocity to generate and maintain nanobubbles and microbubbles of hydrogen, oxygen, or oxyhydrogen gas, ensuring they remain in the water longer by controlling bubble size through laminar water flow and predetermined velocity, thereby enhancing hydrogen concentration and ORP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional electrolysis is used to generate hydrogen bubbles in water, then hydrogen gas is produced, but the bubbles are large and rise quickly to burst, resulting in short duration of hydrogen concentration in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing electrode dimensions (reducing to sub-millimeter scales), electrode spacing (0.1-10 mm), and water flow velocity (0.1-10 m/s) to control bubble nucleation and growth. These parameter modifications enable the generation of nanobubbles (1-100 nm) and microbubbles (100 nm-100 μm) that remain suspended in water for extended periods, directly resolving the contradiction between hydrogen concentration and bubble residence time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic water flow through the electrolysis cell at predetermined velocities to shear and detach bubbles from electrode surfaces continuously. This dynamic approach prevents bubble coalescence and maintains a steady state of fine bubble distribution in water, extending the duration of hydrogen concentration while ensuring continuous supply
2Quantity of substance
If electrolysis is performed without optimized parameters, then hydrogen bubbles are generated, but the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) remains positive or insufficiently negative, reducing therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies electrical parameters including voltage (1-100 V), current density (10-1000 A/m²), and electrode material composition to optimize the electrolysis reaction. These changes enable achieving negative ORP values (−200 mV to −650 mV) while maintaining high hydrogen concentration, effectively counteracting oxidative stress through both hydrogen donation and reducing environment creation
3Productivity
If electrode dimensions are not optimized, then electrolysis occurs, but bubble size is large and coalescence occurs rapidly, reducing hydrogen delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes electrode physical parameters including dimension (sub-millimeter scale), spacing (0.1-10 mm), and surface area to control nucleation site density. These parameter changes produce a controlled distribution of nanobubbles and microbubbles with limited coalescence, maximizing hydrogen delivery efficiency by maintaining small bubble sizes that remain suspended longer and deliver hydrogen more effectively to target tissues
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 maintains a higher concentration of hydrogen and negative ORP in water, prolonging the therapeutic and cosmetic benefits of hydrogen-rich water, including improved skin health and reduced oxidative stress.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis cell comprising electrodes to generate hydrogen and oxygen gas on the surfaces thereof from the water flow to form nanobubbles and/or microbubbles
Implementation Method 2
the flow of water shears the generated nanobubbles and/or microbubbles from the electrodes into the water flow
Implementation Method 3
the water flow at the predetermined velocity shears the generated nanobubbles and/or microbubbles from the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus and method to generate optimally sized microbubbles and/or nanobubbles of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas and/or oxyhydrogen gas according electrolysis cell parameters and voltage and/or size and/or volume of water in a water reservoir or from a flow of water. In a water reservoir a control unit is operable to control water pump means to pump water at a predetermined velocity through the electrolysis cell according to the parameters of the electrolysis cell to control the average size of the nanobubbles and/or microbubbles generated, and the water flow at the predetermined velocity shears the generated nanobubbles and/or microbubbles from the electrodes into the water flow and through the water outlet of the apparatus. In a water flow, a control unit operable to adjust voltage to the electrolysis cell, whereby the amount of the voltage adjustment is made according to the rate of flow of water and to the parameters of the electrolysis cell to control the average size of the nanobubbles and/or microbubbles generated, and wherein the flow of water shears the generated nanobubbles and/or microbubbles from the electrodes into the water flow and through a water outlet.