Neutralization in electro-chemical activation systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in maintaining effective on-site generation of chlorine and alkaline solutions for washing machines, as existing methods face difficulties in pH level reduction during electro-chemical activation, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns with chlorine gas formation.

Innovation Solution

A neutralization cell system with a non-solid neutralization anode and cathode, positioned away from the cell walls, is used to direct the chlorine solution flow through the anode and cathode areas, increasing the pH level by removing protons and preventing chlorine gas formation, while also enhancing the concentration of the chlorine solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If electro-chemical activation is used to generate chlorine solution on-site, then shipping and inventory costs are reduced, but pH level decreases during activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reductionVSAvoidpH level

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate anode and cathode chambers with distinct functions. The anode chamber generates chlorine solution while the cathode chamber performs neutralization, allowing independent optimization of each process to maintain pH stability while enabling on-site generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A neutralization chamber acts as an intermediary between the anode and cathode chambers. It receives acidic chlorine solution from the anode, performs neutralization through electro-chemical reactions, and delivers balanced solution to the application point, thus mediating the pH instability issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of stationary object

If electro-chemical activation is used to generate chlorine solution on-site, then inventory space is reduced, but chlorine gas formation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory spaceVSAvoidchlorine gas formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful acidic byproduct of chlorine generation into a beneficial neutralization process. The cathode chamber uses electro-chemical reactions to consume excess protons and generate hydroxide ions, transforming the harmful low-pH condition into a controlled neutralization that prevents chlorine gas formation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If pH level is reduced during electro-chemical activation, then chlorine generation efficiency is improved, but safety decreases due to chlorine gas formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechlorine generation efficiencyVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The neutralization chamber performs preliminary neutralization action on the acidic chlorine solution before it reaches the application point. By pre-consuming excess protons through electro-chemical reactions in the cathode chamber, the system prevents the dangerous condition of chlorine gas formation while maintaining efficient chlorine generation in the anode chamber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach effectively raises the pH level of the chlorine solution, preventing chlorine gas formation and increasing the concentration of the solution, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of on-site generation.

Implementation Method 1

powering the neutralization anode and the neutralization cathode while causing the flow of the chlorine solution, thereby increasing a pH level of the chlorine solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the neutralization anode is non-solid and configured to permit the chlorine solution to flow through the neutralization anode from the anode area into the middle area and wherein the neutralization cathode is non-solid and configured to permit the chlorine solution to flow through the neutralization cathode from the middle area into the cathode area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow through porous/non-solid structure: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

the chamber cell comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber and configured to generate the incoming flow of the chlorine solution into the inlet via electrolysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3574131B1Neutralization in electro-chemical activation systems

Publication Date: 2021.04.28 DIVERSEY INC

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AI summary

A neutralization cell is provided which may be used to increase a pH level of a chlorine solution. The neutralization cell includes a neutralization anode, a neutralization cathode, an inlet, and an outlet. The neutralization anode and the neutralization cathode are positioned to divide the neutralization cell into a middle area between the neutralization anode and the neutralization cathode, an anode area on a side of the neutralization anode furthest from the neutralization cathode, and a cathode area on a side of the neutralization cathode furthest from the neutralization anode. The inlet directs the chlorine solution into the neutralization cell by directing an incoming flow of the chlorine solution into the anode area. The outlet directs the chlorine solution out of the neutralization cell by directing an outgoing flow of the chlorine solution from the cathode area.