Salt Dissolver Using Electrolysis Gas Agitation
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing oxidants in electrolytic cells, such as those using dimensionally stable anodes, often require manual mixing of salt and water to create a brine solution, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in applications where simplicity and automation are crucial.
Innovation Solution
An oxidant production apparatus comprising a water container, a porous salt container, and an electrolysis system where gas generated during electrolysis is directed through the salt container to agitate and dissolve the salt, eliminating the need for manual mixing and utilizing a control system to determine the completion of the dissolving process based on power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mixing of salt and water is used to create brine solution, then the process requires operator intervention and measuring equipment, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gas generated during electrolysis to automatically agitate and dissolve salt in the brine solution, eliminating the need for manual mixing operations. The gas bubbles rise through the salt container, providing automatic stirring that dissolves salt without operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes gas pressure and bubble flow from the electrolysis process to drive the mixing and dissolution of salt. The gas generated during electrolysis serves a dual purpose: it is a byproduct of the electrochemical reaction and simultaneously provides the mechanical agitation needed to dissolve salt, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment or manual operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual mixing equipment and measuring cups are used, then the system requires additional components, but it increases device complexity and potential error points
Solution Approach 1:
The gas generated during electrolysis serves multiple functions: it is a product of the electrochemical reaction, provides agitation to dissolve salt, and ensures uniform distribution of salt throughout the water. This multi-functional use of gas eliminates the need for separate measuring cups, mixing tools, and stirring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the gas byproduct from the electrolysis process to perform the mixing function. Instead of treating the gas as waste that needs to be vented, the system captures and utilizes it to agitate the brine solution, thereby eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment.
3Extent of automation
If gas generated during electrolysis is utilized for salt dissolution, then manual mixing is eliminated and automation is achieved, but the system requires a mechanism to direct gas through the salt container
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a gas directing element as an intermediary component that channels the gas generated during electrolysis through the salt container. This intermediary structure ensures that the gas bubbles pass through the salt, providing agitation and dissolution, while the element itself requires minimal complexity and integrates seamlessly with the existing cell structure.
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 automates the brine generation process, simplifying operations by allowing dry salt to be added directly to a porous container, eliminating the need for a separate measuring cup, and ensuring uniform brine concentration, thereby improving efficiency and reducing operator error.
Implementation Method 1
gas generated during electrolysis is directed through the salt container to agitate and dissolve the salt
Implementation Method 2
gas generated during electrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an oxidant production apparatus, an example embodiment of which comprises a water container configured to accept and retain a volume of water; a porous salt container configured to accept and retain a quantity of salt, mounted with the water container such that salt in the salt container is in fluid communication with water in the water container; an electrolysis system mounted with the water container; and a gas directing element mounted with the salt container and the water container such that gas generated by the electrolysis system is preferentially directed through the salt container. In operation, gas from electrolysis percolates through the water and the salt, agitating the salt and encouraging the salt to fully dissolve.