Water Cleaning Composition for Electrolytic Chlorine Generator Scale Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrolytic chlorine generators (ECGs) face issues with increased pH levels due to sodium hydroxide production and scale formation on electrodes and pool surfaces, leading to reduced cell lifespan and undesirable impurities in water.
Innovation Solution
A water cleaning composition comprising an oxidizer (dipotassium peroxodisulfate), a pH reducer (sodium hydrogen sulfate), a flocculent (aluminum sulfate), a chelator (tetrasodium EDTA), and a borate compound (disodium tetraborate pentahydrate) is used to address these issues, effectively reducing pH, preventing scale formation, and clarifying water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrolytic chlorine generator is used to treat water, then water disinfection is effective, but pH level increases due to sodium hydroxide production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful sodium hydroxide byproduct from the electrolytic chlorine generation process through chemical reaction with added acids (sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid), converting it into useful byproducts while maintaining the disinfection effectiveness of the generated chlorine
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful high pH condition caused by sodium hydroxide production into a beneficial process by intentionally adding acids to react with and neutralize the sodium hydroxide, transforming the pH adjustment from a problem into a controlled chemical treatment step that also helps prevent scale formation
2Reliability
If electrolytic chlorine generator operates continuously, then water treatment effectiveness is maintained, but scale forms on electrodes and pool surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the scale-forming tendency into a preventive measure by adding phosphoric acid, which reacts with calcium ions to form soluble calcium phosphate complexes instead of insoluble scale deposits, thereby eliminating the harmful scaling effect while maintaining water treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phosphoric acid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the calcium ions (which would otherwise form scale) and the water environment, creating soluble complexes that prevent scale deposition on electrodes and pool surfaces
3Productivity
If electrolytic chlorine generator is used, then chlorine production is efficient, but cell lifetime decreases due to scale accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the scale accumulation problem into a protective measure by using phosphoric acid to create a protective layer of soluble calcium phosphate on the electrode surfaces, preventing the formation of insulating scale deposits that would reduce electrical conductivity and shorten cell lifetime, thereby maintaining chlorine production efficiency while extending cell life
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 composition extends the life of ECG electrolytic cells, reduces chlorine production needs, and maintains water clarity and stability, thereby improving the operational efficiency and longevity of ECG systems.
Implementation Method 1
The oxidizer cleans the water by killing microbes and oxidizing organic contaminants
Implementation Method 2
The pH reducer counteracts the pH increase caused when the ECG generates sodium hydroxide
Implementation Method 3
The flocculent assists with water clarification and scale removal by sticking small particles together in a larger conglomerate
Implementation Method 4
The chelator sequesters positively charged ions such as calcium before they can bond with counter-ions such as carbonates, phosphates, and sulfates to form scale
Implementation Method 5
The borate compound acts as a water clarifier and also stabilizes the pH of the water
Implementation Method 6
Electrolytic chlorine generators or 'ECGs' treat water by producing chlorine from sodium chloride using an electrolytic process
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for cleaning water using an electrolytic chlorine generator includes an oxidizer, a pH reducer, a flocculent, a chelator, and a borate compound. A method of cleaning water treated with an electrolytic chlorine generator includes adding, to a body of water treated with an electrolytic chlorine generator, the composition.