Four-Chamber Membrane Electrolytic Reactor for Corrosion-Free Disinfectant Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolytic systems for producing disinfectant solutions face challenges such as performance being linked to cell dimensions, leading to compatibility and installation issues, and produce acidic products that cause corrosion, requiring multiple cells and reducing disinfecting effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A single block of electrolytic cells with a specific flow chart for cathode and anode treatment and gas discharge, using flat electrodes and cation-exchange membranes, ensuring hydraulic impermeability and precise control of pH and redox potential, and employing high-quality alloys for reduced wear and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flat cells are used to treat large volumes, then treatment capacity is increased, but the product quality deteriorates with acidic properties causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell is divided into four distinct chambers (two anode chambers and two cathode chambers) separated by cation-exchange membranes. This segmentation allows independent control of electrochemical reactions in each chamber, enabling the production of neutral pH products while maintaining high treatment capacity. The sequential arrangement of chambers prevents direct mixing of acidic and alkaline products, eliminating corrosion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrolytic cell are assigned different functions: anode chambers produce acidic solutions while cathode chambers produce alkaline solutions. By controlling the flow path and using cation-exchange membranes, the local chemical environment is optimized in each chamber, allowing large-volume treatment without compromising product quality or causing corrosion.
2Productivity
If multiple conventional cells are linked to increase treatment capacity, then productivity is enhanced, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrolytic chambers are integrated into a single unified cell structure rather than linking separate cells. The four chambers share common components such as the housing, membrane support structures, and hydraulic connections, simplifying the overall device construction while maintaining high treatment capacity. This merged design reduces installation complexity compared to linking multiple conventional cells.
3Productivity
If acidic products are produced from electrolysis, then treatment capacity is achieved, but harmful effects increase due to corrosion damage
Solution Approach 1:
The acidic byproduct from the anode chambers is not discarded but redirected to react with the alkaline product from the cathode chambers. This conversion transforms the harmful acidic waste into a useful neutralization process, producing pH-neutral disinfectant solutions while eliminating corrosion damage. The harmful acidic properties are converted into a beneficial neutralization reaction.
4Stability of the object's composition
If mixing of acid and alkaline components is performed to produce neutral solution, then pH neutrality is achieved, but disinfecting effectiveness decreases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The cell structure segments the acid and alkaline product streams throughout the electrolysis process, allowing them to remain separate until the final stage. Cation-exchange membranes maintain distinct chemical environments in anode and cathode chambers, preventing premature mixing. This segmentation preserves the high disinfecting effectiveness of concentrated chlorine species until controlled neutralization occurs at the product outlet.
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 configuration enhances the effectiveness of the pH-neutral solution, minimizes chloride residue, and allows for easier assembly and maintenance, while maintaining optimal product homogeneity and reducing economic impacts from corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
the anode and cathode chambers are separated by a dividing wall, a membrane, or an ion-selective diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
the electrolytic treatment of weak brine for the production of pH-neutral solutions
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The membrane electrolytic-reactors with four chambers and the means to regulate degassing, is designed for the production of active pH-neutral disinfectant solutions. These solutions are electrolytically activated by weak brine and are intended for disinfection of drinking water and surfaces.