Alkaline and chlorine solutions produced using electro-chemical activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-chemical activation (ECA) systems for producing chlorine and alkaline solutions result in dilute concentrations, which are insufficient for maintaining detergent levels in washing machines due to dilution by fresh water intake, necessitating a solution for on-demand production of highly-concentrated, pH-neutral chlorine and alkaline solutions.
Innovation Solution
An ECA system comprising an anode chamber, cathode chamber, and neutralization chamber, with membranes to control ion migration, recirculating anodic and cathodic electrolytes to produce concentrated chlorine and alkaline solutions, and an electronic controller to manage pH levels and recirculation, allowing for on-demand production and dispensing of solutions during washing machine downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing ECA systems are used to produce chlorine and alkaline solutions, then the solutions can be produced on demand, but the concentration is too dilute (less than 0.02% chlorine and less than 0.02% Na2O alkalinity) to maintain detergent levels due to fresh water dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous recirculation of electrolyte through the electrochemical cell, repeatedly passing the same electrolyte through the electrodes to continuously generate and concentrate active chlorine and alkaline substances. This continuous action allows accumulation of high concentrations that would be impossible in single-pass systems, resolving the contradiction between on-demand production and achieving sufficient concentration levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using high current density and extended recirculation time to transform the electrolysis process from producing dilute solutions to producing highly concentrated solutions. By adjusting electrical parameters (current, voltage, recirculation rate), the system achieves concentration levels exceeding 0.02% chlorine and 0.02% Na2O alkalinity, enabling effective detergent maintenance despite fresh water dilution.
2Reliability
If chlorine and alkaline solutions are stocked for use by washing machines, then detergent concentration can be maintained, but shipping and inventory maintenance are expensive and use valuable resources
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is equipped with an integrated ECA system that enables it to self-produce the necessary chlorine and alkaline solutions on demand. This eliminates the need for external shipping and inventory storage, as the machine generates its own cleaning agents from salt and water, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining detergent concentration and avoiding resource-intensive logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the production function from the distribution function by placing the ECA system directly within the washing machine. This segmentation allows the machine to independently produce solutions as needed, eliminating the supply chain infrastructure (shipping, warehousing, inventory management) that would otherwise be required to maintain detergent concentration reliability.
3Ease of operation
If electro-chemical activation is used to produce chlorine and alkaline solutions, then on-demand production is possible, but the solutions are produced at dilute concentrations insufficient for cleaning applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous recirculation and electrolysis operation, repeatedly processing the electrolyte through the electrochemical cell. This continuous action accumulates high concentrations of active chlorine and alkaline substances over time, transforming the on-demand production capability into a source of highly concentrated solutions suitable for cleaning applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the electrolysis parameters by employing high current density and extended operation time to change the output from dilute to highly concentrated solutions. By adjusting electrical parameters and recirculation conditions, the system achieves concentration levels that meet cleaning application requirements while maintaining on-demand production flexibility.
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 system effectively produces concentrated chlorine solutions with concentrations up to 14% and alkaline solutions with alkalinity up to 50% Na2O, maintaining desired detergent levels and ensuring effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
The anode is configured to convert water having an alkaline-metal chloride into an anodic electrolyte that includes hypochlorous acid
Implementation Method 2
The cathode is configured to convert water into a cathodic electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
The neutralization cathode is configured to remove protons from the anodic electrolyte after it leaves the anode chamber
Implementation Method 4
the first membrane is configured to hinder the migration of Cl− between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-chemical activation (ECA) system includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a neutralization chamber. The anode chamber includes an anode configured to convert water having an alkaline-metal chloride into an anodic electrolyte that includes hypochlorous acid. The cathode chamber includes a cathode configured to convert water into a cathodic electrolyte. The neutralization chamber includes a neutralization cathode configured to remove protons from the anodic electrolyte after it leaves the anode chamber. The ECA system is configured to recirculate the anodic electrolyte back through the anode chamber and the neutralization chamber at least one more time to produce a concentrated chlorine solution. The ECA system is further configured to recirculate the cathodic electrolyte back through the cathode chamber at least one additional time to produce a concentrated alkaline solution.