Compact Electrochlorination Apparatus Using Gravity Feed and Batch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochlorination apparatuses for generating sodium hypochlorite solutions require significant space and involve the use of a dosing pump to pump brine into the electrolytic cell, making them unsuitable for applications with space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A scaled-down electrochlorination apparatus that operates using a batch process, where predetermined volumes of water and brine are supplied to the electrolytic cell via gravity feed, eliminating the need for a dosing pump and allowing for continuous production of sodium hypochlorite solution in a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrochlorination apparatus is used with dosing pump and continuous flow regulation, then sodium hypochlorite solution can be continuously produced with controlled concentration, but the apparatus requires relatively large space and complex dosing pump system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a batch process where the electrolytic cell operates in periodic cycles: filling with brine solution, electrolysis phase where sodium hypochlorite is generated, and draining phase. This periodic operation replaces the continuous flow system, enabling compact design while maintaining production capability. The controller automates these sequential phases without requiring dosing pumps or continuous water flow regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the dosing pump and continuous water flow regulation system from the conventional apparatus. By using batch processing with direct brine feeding into the electrolytic cell followed by water addition and electrolysis, the complex dosing mechanism is eliminated, significantly reducing the apparatus space while maintaining sodium hypochlorite production efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If dosing pump is used to pump brine to electrolytic cell, then correct quantities of brine and water can be fed to produce required concentration, but the apparatus becomes more complex and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural flow properties of liquids and timed batch processing to achieve concentration control without active dosing pumps. Brine is fed to the electrolytic cell in predetermined volumes, followed by water addition in controlled amounts. The electrolysis process itself generates the sodium hypochlorite at the desired concentration based on the brine-to-water ratio and electrolysis duration, eliminating the need for complex mechanical dosing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical dosing pump system with a controller-based batch process system. Instead of using mechanical pumps to precisely meter brine and water flow, the invention uses sequential batch filling and electrolysis phases controlled by a timer and controller, achieving concentration precision through process control rather than mechanical flow regulation.
3Area of stationary object
If scaled-down apparatus is used to reduce space, then space constraint is satisfied, but may affect production efficiency and operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The batch process is designed to operate continuously with minimal idle time between cycles. The controller sequences the brine filling, water addition, electrolysis, and draining phases to maintain continuous production flow. Multiple electrolytic cells can be operated in sequence or parallel to maintain continuous sodium hypochlorite output while keeping each individual cell compact, thus preserving productivity in the scaled-down apparatus.
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 generates sodium hypochlorite solution in a compact space without the need for a dosing pump, ensuring efficient production and reducing operational costs while maintaining the required concentration and safety features for hydrogen gas venting.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current is run through brine in an electrolytic cell wherein a sodium hypochlorite solution and hydrogen gas are generated by electrolysis
Implementation Method 2
a brine tank (5) that is physically located above the electrolytic cell (2) in order that it can supply a brine solution to the cell via a gravity feed
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochlorination apparatus is provided for generating a sodium hypochlorite solution. The apparatus comprises an electrolytic cell (2) and a brine tank (5) that is located above the electrolytic cell (2). The brine tank (5) is adapted to supply a predetermined volume of a saturated brine solution to the cell (2) via a gravity feed. A flow meter (22) is provided for connection to a water supply and adapted to supply water to the electrolytic cell 2 via valve means (25, 26). A controller (7) controls operation of the valve means (25, 26) whereby a predetermined volume of water as measured by the flow meter (22) is also supplied to the cell (2) in combination with the brine solution so that the cell (2) operates to produce a sodium hypochlorite solution of a predetermined concentration. Preferably, water is also supplied to the brine tank (5) via the flow meter (22) and the valve means (25, 26) and the controller (7) controls operation of the apparatus using a batch process wherein in each batch the controller (7) operates the valve means (25, 26) to supply predetermined volumes of water as measured by the flow meter (22) first to the brine tank (5) and then to the cell (2) or vice versa. In this case the brine tank (5) is adapted to output the same said predetermined volume of the saturated brine solution to the cell (2) as the predetermined volume of water supplied to it via the flow meter (22) and valve means (25).