Flow-Through Electrolysis Cell for Medical Water Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating/cooling devices used in medical procedures, such as cardiac surgery, face challenges in preventing germ contamination and biofilm formation in water circuits, leading to risks of post-operative infections, despite regular cleaning and the use of disinfectants like ozone, which pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection device with an electrolysis cell designed as a flow-through cell generates oxidizing agents in situ for disinfecting water, eliminating the need for separate disinfectants and allowing for repeated water circulation through the disinfection circuit, controlled by electronics that monitor flow, temperature, and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxidizing agents like ozone or hydrogen peroxide are added to water circuits for disinfection, then germ contamination is reduced, but health risks arise from handling hazardous chemicals and employee protection concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrolysis cells to generate oxidizing agents in situ from the water itself, eliminating the need for external chemical disinfectants. The water circuit serves its own disinfection needs by generating active oxygen species through electrochemical reactions at the electrode surfaces, making the system self-sufficient and removing hazardous chemical handling entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection methods with an electrochemical system. Instead of adding chemical oxidants, electrical energy is used to drive water decomposition reactions that generate oxidizing agents directly in the water circuit, substituting chemical handling with an electrical/electrochemical process
2Reliability
If separate disinfectants are used for water circuit disinfection, then sterilization is achieved, but device complexity increases due to need for separate elimination units and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disinfection function directly into the existing water circuit system through integrated electrolysis cells. The electrolysis cells are positioned within the water circuit itself, combining water circulation and disinfection functions into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate disinfection apparatus and elimination units
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolysis cells serve multiple functions: they generate oxidizing agents for disinfection, and the same cells can be used for water heating or cooling by controlling the electrical current. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated disinfection equipment
3Reliability
If frequent water changes are performed in heating/cooling devices, then biofilm formation is prevented, but productivity decreases due to operational interruptions and commissioning complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis-based disinfection system operates continuously alongside water circulation, providing ongoing disinfection action rather than requiring periodic water replacement. The continuous generation of oxidizing agents maintains disinfection effectiveness throughout operation, preventing biofilm formation without interrupting productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary disinfection by generating oxidizing agents that proactively prevent biofilm formation before it occurs. The continuous low-level disinfection action addresses potential contamination issues before they develop into problematic biofilms, eliminating the need for reactive water changes
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
This method ensures reliable sterilization of water without external disinfectants, breaking down impurities through electrochemical processes, reducing the risk of infections and simplifying commissioning by eliminating the need for frequent water changes and handling hazardous chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis cell designed as a flow-through cell for the in situ generation of oxidizing agents
Implementation Method 2
oxidizing agents are generated in electrochemical reactions and in situ
Implementation Method 3
oxidizing agents are generated in electrochemical reactions and in situ, and is pumped several times within a disinfection cycle through the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection device for performing disinfection cycles of water from at least one water circuit of an apparatus, in particular a heating/cooling device. The disinfection device includes at least one disinfection circuit for passing through the water from the water circuit having at least one electrolysis cell designed as a flow-through cell for the in situ generation of oxidizing agents. The water circuit is connected to the disinfection circuit to form a common circuit. Electronics control the disinfection cycles. Power is supplied to the components of the provided disinfection circuits.