Electrolytic Cell for Safe Biocidal Solution via Membrane Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water purification methods often leave toxic residues, and there is a need for effective and safe disinfectants that can instantly kill a broad spectrum of microbes, including Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas, and mold, without contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
Innovation Solution
An electro-chemical process that converts plain water and salt into a disinfectant containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Ozone, Chlorine, Hypochlorite, and Oxygen, using electrolysis with cationic and anionic semipermeable membranes to produce a safe and effective biocidal solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water purification methods (chemicals, UV, ozone) are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but toxic residues are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the harmful components from the water purification process by using ion-exchange membranes to divide the electrolysis chamber into anolyte and catholyte compartments. The harmful chlorinated compounds are confined to the catholyte side while the safe anolyte solution is collected separately for disinfection use, thus removing the toxic residue problem from the final disinfectant product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ion-exchange membranes as intermediary elements that selectively separate ions during electrolysis. These membranes act as mediators that allow beneficial ions (Na+, Cl-) to pass through while blocking harmful byproducts from contaminating the anolyte solution, enabling the production of a safe disinfectant through controlled electrochemical reactions
2Reliability
If strong oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, ozone, chlorine) are used in high concentrations, then microbial killing effectiveness is improved, but toxicity to microbial life and potential harm to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the disinfectant solution by controlling electrolysis conditions (current density, temperature, pH) to produce a specific composition of oxidizing agents. The anolyte solution contains a balanced mixture of hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone at concentrations that are effective against microbes but safe for users, transforming the parameter profile from toxic to biocompatible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite disinfectant solution containing multiple active ingredients (hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and charged radicals) that work synergistically. This composite formulation achieves enhanced microbial killing effectiveness while maintaining safety, as the combination of agents at controlled concentrations is less toxic than single high-concentration oxidants
3Reliability
If electrolysis with membrane separation is used, then production of safe disinfectant is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolytic cell into segmented compartments using ion-exchange membranes, creating distinct anolyte and catholyte chambers. This segmentation allows independent collection and use of the safe anolyte solution while containing harmful byproducts in the catholyte chamber, achieving safety through structural division
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-exchange membranes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as physical separators, selective ion filters, and structural supports. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, making the complex membrane separation system more efficient and manageable despite its inherent complexity
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 resulting disinfectant is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and has a broad spectrum of biocidal activity, effectively killing pathogens and microorganisms, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and providing a cost-effective alternative for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The above electro-chemical process involves electrolysis used to disassociate NaCl and water
Implementation Method 2
The products of this process are uniquely separated within the electrolytic cell using cationic and anionic semipermeable membranes
Implementation Method 3
During the electrochemical process, the chemical reactions taking place in the machine form different free radicals and/or molecules that contain at least one unpaired electron
Data Source
AI summary
A biocide solution containing hypochlorous acid, hydrochlorous acid, hydrochloric acid, percholoric acid, chlorine gas, hydrogen peroxide and ozone provides broad spectrum biocidal properties as well as an apparatus for producing the solution.