CA2582729A1

CA2582729A1 - Method and apparatus for producing ionized water

Info

Publication number: CA2582729A1
Application number: CA002582729A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Nehemia Davidson
Original assignee: Kuzo Holding Inc
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-21
Filing date: 2007-03-21
Publication date: 2008-09-21

Abstract

An electrolysis system (100) for performing electrolysis on water, and a method of using same, are provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101), a membrane (111) separating the tank into two regions, and at least one pair of electrodes (113/115), the system includes at least one power source (117/119) coupled to the electrodes (113/115) and at least one pulse generator (125/127) coupled to the at least one power source (117/119).
The pulse frequency defines a pulse cycle which is divided into a first portion and a second portion, each portion representing an individual pulse of a given voltage and a given duration. The system can also include a system controller (129) for determining at what point the electrolysis process is suspended or to vary system operating parameters in accordance with a set of preprogrammed instructions.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Producing Ionized Water FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to electrolysis systems and, more particularly, to an electrolysis system and method of using same for producing water with desirable characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, considerable research has been undertaken in order to achieve a better understanding of water and its many forms or structures. To a lesser extent, companion research has been carried out to verifiably determine the potential health benefits of these various water structures.
In general, the numerous forms and structures of water are based on variations in the H-O-H interatomic angles and the H-O bond lengths, the charge distribution, and the way in which individual H20 molecules interconnect and cluster together. As a result of these, and other, structural variations, a variety of water properties are affected, such as dipole moment, dielectric constant, self diffusion, density, temperature of maximum density, freezing and melting temperatures, coefficient of expansion, alkalinity, and acidity. These properties can then, in turn, affect the way in which the water is absorbed and/or utilized by a living organism such as a plant or animal, including humans. Of course the structure of the water as well as its properties and interactivity with various organisms will also depend upon the quantities and characteristics of any materials (e.g., minerals and other 'contaminants') which may be dissolved within the water.
A variety of ways of manipulating the structure and properties of water have been utilized. One such method is filtration in which the water passes through one or more filters, the filters designed to only pass material that is smaller than a given size. Although typically a filter simply rejects material greater than the pore size of the filter, some filters may also utilize materials that filter the water by preferentially absorbing or attracting certain contaminants (for example, utilizing electro-chemical processes). Exemplary filters use charcoal, either loose charcoal or solidified in a honeycomb or other structure. Such charcoal filters may also be impregnated with activated silver, thus adding chloramine exclusion and the ability to kill a variety of bacteria. Ceramic filters constitute another type of filter, this type of filter using Diatomaceous Earth either alone or in combination with activated silver.
In yet another type of filtering system utilizing a reverse osmosis process, water is drawn through a very fine membrane.
In addition to filtration, a variety of other water processing systems have been devised. One such technique, commonly used as a sterilization technique, rids water of a variety of living organisms by exposing the water to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Another technique subjects the water to a magnetic field, the intent being to rearrange the structure of the water. In yet another technique a catalytic converter is used to convert heavy metals, chlorine and a variety of other contaminants into harmless oxidized forms, alkalizing and negatively charging the water at the same time. In still another technique, an electrolysis system, also commonly referred to as a water ionizer, separates water into alkaline water and acidic water using charged electrodes separated by a filter element (or separator).
Over the years, electrolysis systems, or water ionizers, have utilized a variety of different designs. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,810,344 discloses a multi-stage system in which multiple individual electrolysis systems are serially connected, each individual electrolysis system including a cathode, an anode and a diaphragm partitioning the space between electrodes into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber. As disclosed, either the output of the cathode chamber or the output of the anode chamber from the primary electrolysis unit is connected to the input of the succeeding chamber.
U.S. Patent No. 6,337,002 discloses an alternate electrolysis system which includes an electrolysis current detection device, the current detection device having different conversion levels depending upon the amount of electrolysis current flowing in the electrolyte.
U.S. Patent No. 6,464,845 discloses a circulating electrolysis system in which alkaline water produced in the cathode cell is circulated and reused as the electrolysis e,=

solution. As a result, the '845 patent discloses that strongly alkaline water can be stably produced.
Although a variety of techniques are available for altering the structure and properties of water, the present invention provides an improved electrolysis system and method of using the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electrolysis system for performing electrolysis on water, and a method of using same. The water which is input into the electrolysis system can be untreated water, treated water, de-ionized water or filtered water and can include an electrolyte such as sea salt or sodium bicarbonate. If an electrolyte is added to the water, preferably it is in the concentration range of 0.1 to 20.0 grams per liter.
Preferably the water leaving the system is mixed and filtered prior to use.
In addition to an electrolysis tank, a membrane separating the tank into two regions, and at least one pair of electrodes, the system includes at least one power source coupled to the electrodes and at least one pulse generator coupled to the at least one power source. The at least one pulse generator provides a pulse frequency, preferably in the range of 10 Hz to 1 kHz, which defines a pulse cycle. Each pulse cycle is divided into a first portion and a second portion, each portion representing an individual pulse of a given voltage and a given duration. The first portion of each cycle is comprised of a pulse with a duration in the range of 0.5 to 50 percent of the cycle, and preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 percent of the cycle; and with a voltage in the range of 24 to 1000 volts, and preferably in the range of 36 to 520 volts. The second portion of each cycle is comprised of a pulse with a duration in the range of 95.5 to 50 percent of the cycle, and preferably in the range of 95.5 to 90 percent of the cycle; and with a voltage in the range of 24 to 1000 volts, and preferably in the range of 5 to 52 volts. The time period representing the fall and rise times of adjacent pulse portions is on the order of 1 to 100 nanoseconds, and preferably in the range of 1 to 10 nanoseconds.
The cathode and anode of each pair of at least one pair of electrodes can be fabricated from the same, or different, materials. In at least one embodiment the cathode electrode is comprised of stainless steel and the anode electrode is comprised of steel. In at least one other embodiment both the cathode and anode are comprised of stainless steel. In at least one other embodiment the cathode is comprised of a corrosion resistant metal and the anode is comprised of a corrosion prone metal. In at least one other embodiment the cathode and anode are fabricated from any of a variety of materials selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, and alloys thereof.
The electrolysis system of the invention can use a single pulse generator or multiple pulse generators, for example one pulse generator coupled to a first power source used to apply voltage to the electrodes during the first portion of the cycle and a second pulse generator coupled to a second power source used to apply voltage to the electrodes during the second portion of the cycle. A single power source can be used to apply power during both the first and second cycle portions or separate power sources can be used for each cycle portion. Power source switching can be performed by a switch that is either external or internal to the power source.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the system also includes a system controller. The system controller can be used to determine at what point the electrolysis process is terminated, for example based on treatment time or a condition of the treated water (e.g., alkalinity, acidity, etc.). The system controller can also be used to vary system operating parameters (e.g., first cycle portion voltage, second cycle portion voltage, first cycle portion duration, second cycle portion duration, rise/fall times between cycle portions, etc.) in accordance with a set of preprogrammed instructions.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a graphical illustration of the pulse regimens applied to the electrodes of the electrolysis system;

Fig. 3 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing a single pulse generator;
Fig. 4 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing switching power supplies;

5 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment utilizing multiple pairs of electrodes and a vertically configured cylindrical electrolysis tank;
Fig. 6 is an illustration of a preferred mode of operation;
Fig. 7 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8 is an illustration of an alternate mode of operation that includes an automated shut-off procedure;
Fig. 9 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the invention which includes means for varying the operating parameters in accordance with a set of preprogrammed instructions; and Fig. 10 is an illustration of an alternate mode of operation for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment 100 of the invention, system 100 designed for use with water. Electrolysis system 100 includes a tank 101 comprised of a non-conductive material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
Assuming that the water treated by electrolysis system 100 is to be consumed by humans, it is clearly necessary that the tank material, as well as other system materials that come into contact with the water, meet the international standards for any material which is expected to come into contact with drinking water. The size of tank 101 depends primarily upon the desired output of the system. For example, a system designed to supply water for home use is much smaller than commercial systems. With respect to the shape of tank 101, the tank can utilize a rectangular, cylindrical, square, irregular or other shape.
Tank 101 is filled with water 103, preferably via a conduit 105 which is coupled to a water source 107. In the illustrated embodiment valve 109 controls the flow of water to tank 101. Water 103 can be tap water (i.e., untreated water), de-ionized water, filtered water, etc. If an electrolyte is added to water 103, preferably the concentration of the added electrolyte is within the range of 0.1 to 20.0 grams per liter. One preferred electrolyte is comprised of organic sea salt. Other possible electrolytes include sodium bicarbonate and various light bases. As previously noted, the selected electrolyte must meet the appropriate standards if the water treated by the system will be consumed by humans.
Although the electrolyte, if used, can be mixed within water 103 after filling tank 101, preferably it is mixed in the water prior to filling the tank, for example in a mixing chamber (not shown in Fig. 1; shown in Fig. 7).
Separating tank 101 into two regions is a membrane 111, the membrane permitting ion/electron exchange between the two tank regions of tank 101. As previously noted, the material selected for the membrane must not contaminate the water, assuming the water is intended for human consumption. In at least one preferred embodiment, membrane 111 is comprised of polypropylene.
Electrolysis system 100 includes at least one cathode 113 (i.e., a cathode coupled electrode) and at least one anode 115 (i.e., an anode coupled electrode). Preferably, although not required, the face of cathode 113 and the face of anode 115 are parallel to one another. If the electrolysis system uses more than one pair of electrodes, preferably the faces of each pair of electrodes are parallel to one another. In a preferred embodiment, cathode 113 is comprised of stainless steel and anode 115 is comprised of steel. In an alternate preferred embodiment, both cathode 113 and anode 115 are comprised of stainless steel.
More generally, the cathode is comprised of a corrosion resistant metal (primarily resistant to atmospheric oxidation) while the anode is comprised of a more oxidation prone metal.
Altetnately, both the cathode and the anode may be comprised of a corrosion resistant metal (primarily resistant to atmospheric oxidation). Alternately, both the cathode and the anode may be comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, and alloys thereof. As previously noted, the materials selected for electrodes 113/115 must be non-toxic.

Preferably the area of the face of electrode 113, and similarly the area of the face of electrode 115, covers a large percentage of the cross-sectional area of tank 101, typically within the range of 50 to 100 percent of the cross-sectional area of tank 101.
Additionally, in at least one preferred embodiment, electrodes 113/115 are completely immersed within water 103 during operation. Although the separation distance between electrode pairs is dependent upon a variety of factors (e.g., tank size, voltage/current, etc.), typically the separation distance of the electrodes is between 3 millimeters and 15 centimeters, and more preferably on the order of 10 to 12 centimeters.
As graphically illustrated in Fig. 2, rather than applying power continuously to electrodes 113/115, the power is pulsed at a certain frequency with each pulse cycle divided into two distinct voltage regimens shown as regions 201 and 203. In accordance with the invention, the frequency is set at a value in the range of 10 Hz to 1 kHz, this frequency defining the cycle duration 205. Accordingly, cycle duration 205 is within the range of 100 milliseconds to 1 millisecond. The pulse width of portion 201 is within a range of 0.5 percent to 50 percent of the cycle duration 205; preferably within a range of 0.5 percent to 10 percent of the cycle duration 205; and more preferably set at a value of 10 percent of the cycle duration 205. The remaining fraction of each cycle defines the pulse width of portion 203, excluding that portion of each cycle required for pulse rise and fall times. Accordingly the pulse width of portion 203 is within a range of 95.5 percent to 50 percent of the cycle duration 205; preferably within a range of 95.5 percent to 90 percent of the cycle duration 205; and more preferably set at a value of 90 percent of the cycle duration 205 (minus pulse rise/fall times). Preferably the voltage drops to zero between adjacent pulses, i.e., between portions 201 and 203. Typically the time between successive pulses, i.e., pulse fall and rise time, is on the order of 1 to 100 nanoseconds, and preferably on the order of 1 to 10 nanoseconds.
In general, and as graphically illustrated in Fig. 2, the voltage applied in portion 201 of cycle 205 is greater than the voltage applied in portion 203.
For optimum performance the inventor has found that the greater the difference in pulse duration, the greater the difference in applied voltage between pulses. Thus in the preferred embodiment in which the durations of portions 201 and 203 are approximately 10 percent and 90 percent, respectively, of the cycle duration, the greatest difference between applied voltage is required. Conversely if the durations of portions 201 and 203 are approximately equal (i.e., approximately 50 percent each), than the applied voltage will also be approximately equal.
The voltage applied during portion 201 of cycle 205 is within the range of 24 volts to I
kilovolt, with a preferred range of 36 volts to 520 volts. Although the voltage applied during portion 203 can be within the same range, i.e., 24 volts to 1 kilovolt, the preferred range is 5 volts to 52 volts.
It will be appreciated that there are numerous ways of applying the dual pulse regimen of the invention. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 the first pulse (e.g., portion 201) is applied to electrodes 113/115 by power source 117 while the second pulse (e.g., portion 203) is applied to electrodes 113/115 by power source 119. In this embodiment, the output of sources 117 and 119 as well as the timing and duration of the pulses is controlled by a pair of switches 121 and 123 coupled to a pair of pulse generators 125 and 127, respectively. Preferably a controller 129, coupled to pulse generators 125 and 127, insures the correct timing of successive pulses. In an alternate configuration shown in Fig. 3, a single pulse generator 301 produces the pulses required to control both switches 121 and 123. Even further system simplification can be obtained by combining the features of power supply and switch (i.e., a switching power supply) as illustrated in Fig. 4. As shown, one pulse (e.g., portion 201) is supplied by switching power supply 401 and the second pulse (e.g., portion 203) is supplied by switching power supply 403, both supplies preferably coupled to a single pulse generator 301.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, there are numerous minor variations of the systems described herein and shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 that will function in accordance with the invention and in substantially the same way as previously described. In particular and as previously noted, alternate configurations can utilize differently sized/shaped tanks, various water/electrolyte solutions, a range of input power for both pulses, a variety of different frequencies and pulse widths, and any number of a variety of electrode configurations and materials. Fig. 5 illustrates variations in several of these parameters. As shown, system 500 uses a vertically configured cylindrical tank 501.
Additionally single electrode 113 is replaced with five electrodes 503-507 and single electrode 115 is replaced with five electrodes 509-513.
Fig. 6 illustrates a preferred mode of operating the system of the invention.
If an electrolyte such as sea salt is to be added to the water, preferably it is added and mixed within the water (step 601) prior to the step of filling the electrolysis tank (step 603).
Accordingly in at least one preferred embodiment of the system, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the system includes an electrolyte mixing chamber 701. It will be appreciated that the electrolyte can also be mixed within the water after the water has been added to the electrolysis tank.
Additionally, and as previously noted, the system can use water in which no additional electrolyte has been added. During the tank filling step (step 603), preferably the tank is filled to a sufficient level to completely cover the electrodes. Although not preferred, the water can be pre-treated (step 605) prior to electrolysis, for example by passing the water through a filter or other pre-treatment system (i.e., device 703). It should be understood that step 605 and pre-treatment device/system 703 are optional.
After the tank is filled, the system operating parameters are set (step 607).
System operating parameters include frequency, pulse duration for the first portion (i.e., portion 201) of each cycle, pulse duration for the second portion (i.e., portion 203) of each cycle, voltage for the first portion of each cycle, and voltage for the second portion of each cycle. Additionally, if the system includes such flexibility, the duration of the time between adjacent pulses is also set (i.e., the pulse rise and fall time between portions 201 and 203 of each cycle). Once set-up is complete, electrolysis is initiated (step 609) and continues (step 611) until process termination is desired (step 613).
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the output from both portions of the electrolysis tank, i.e., the portion containing the cathode and the portion containing the anode, are combined into a single output 131 (step 615). In such an embodiment, typically the water will go through a mixing chamber 705. Although not preferred, the inventor clearly envisions that the water output from the two portions of the electrolysis tank can also be used separately, i.e., unmixed with one another.

Although not required, preferably prior to use, i.e., consumption, the water is filtered (step 617). For example, in a preferred embodiment the water exiting the electrolysis system is filtered using a charcoal filter 707, the filter preferably having a 0.2 micron rating.
It will be understood that water filtering step 617 can occur prior to mixing step 615, if 5 desired.
Typically electrolysis step 611 continues for a preset period of time prior to being suspended (step 613) and the water drained from the tank for use. In general, the inventor has found that the longer the water is electrolytically treated with the system, the better the quality of the output water and the smaller the water clusters within the water.

10 Clearly the length of treatment time also depends upon the size of the electrolysis tank and, to a lesser degree, the size of the electrodes. Although the length of treatment time can simply be preset, in at least one embodiment of the invention the system includes a device 709 that monitors (step 801 shown in Fig. 8) at least one condition of the water during treatment. For example, device 709 can monitor the alkalinity, acidity or other water parameter. Alternately, an aspect of the system can be monitored, for example the current of one or both power supplies. Preferably the output of device 709 is coupled to a system controller 711 that compares the output of device 709 to a preset value (step 803), the preset value either selected by the user or preset by the system manufacturer and/or system installer.
Once the output of device 709 matches the preset value (step 805), system controller 711 suspends the electrolysis process (step 613).
In an alternate operating mode, the system parameters, initially set in step 607, are varied during operation. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figs.
9 and 10, the system controller 901 varies the operating parameters of the electrolysis system (step 1001) according to a preprogrammed set of instructions, thus allowing the operation of the system to be varied over time. Operating parameters that can be varied during operation include frequency, pulse duration for the first portion (i.e., portion 201) of each cycle, pulse duration for the second portion (i.e., portion 203) of each cycle, voltage for the first portion of each cycle, and voltage for the second portion of each cycle. The preprogrammed set of instructions can be programmed by the end user or, more preferably, by the system manufacturer and/or installer.
As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof Accordingly, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electrolysis system comprising:
an electrolysis tank;
a membrane separating said electrolysis tank into a first region and a second region;
at least one pair of electrodes contained within said electrolysis tank, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of electrodes includes an anode contained within said first region and a cathode contained within said second region;
at least one pulse generator, wherein an output of said at least one pulse generator defines a cycle frequency and a cycle duration, and wherein said cycle duration is split into a first cycle portion and a second cycle portion; and at least one power source coupled to said at least one pair of electrodes, wherein said at least one power source receives said output from said at least one pulse generator, and wherein said at least one power source applies a first voltage to said at least one pair of electrodes during said first cycle portion and applies a second voltage to said at least one pair of electrodes during said second cycle portion.

2. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said cathode of said at least one pair of electrodes is comprised of a first material and wherein said anode of said at least one pair of electrodes is comprised of a second material.

3. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said first material and said second material are comprised of the same material.

4. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said first material is comprised of stainless steel and wherein said second material is comprised of steel.

5. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said first material is comprised of stainless steel and wherein said second material is comprised of stainless steel.

6. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said first material is comprised of a corrosion resistant metal and wherein said second material is comprised of an oxidation prone metal.

7. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said first material is comprised of a corrosion resistant metal and wherein said second material is comprised of a corrosion resistant metal.

8. The electrolysis system of claim 2, wherein said first material is selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, and alloys of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, and palladium, and wherein said second material is selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, and alloys of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, and palladium.

9. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said cycle frequency is within the range of 10 Hz to 1 kHz.

10. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said first cycle portion has a first cycle portion duration within the range of 0.5 percent of said cycle duration to 50 percent of said cycle duration, and wherein said second cycle portion has a second cycle portion duration within the range of 95.5 percent of said cycle duration to 50 percent of said cycle duration.

11. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said first cycle portion has a first cycle portion duration within the range of 0.5 percent of said cycle duration to 10 percent of said cycle duration, and wherein said second cycle portion has a second cycle portion duration within the range of 95.5 percent of said cycle duration to 90 percent of said cycle duration.

12. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said first cycle portion has a first cycle portion duration of approximately 10 percent of said cycle duration, and wherein said second cycle portion has a second cycle portion duration of approximately 90 percent of said cycle duration.

13. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said cycle duration includes a rise time and a fall time between adjacent first and second cycle portions.

14. The electrolysis system of claim 13, wherein voltage applied to said at least one pair of electrodes drops to zero during a time period defined by said rise time and by said fall time.

15. The electrolysis system of claim 13, wherein a time period defined by said rise time and by said fall time is within the range of 1 nanosecond to 100 nanoseconds.

16. The electrolysis system of claim 13, wherein a time period defined by said rise time and by said fall time is within the range of 1 nanosecond to 10 nanoseconds.

17. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said first voltage is within the range of 24 volts to 1000 volts and said second voltage is within the range of 24 volts to 1000 volts.

18. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said first voltage is within the range of 36 volts to 520 volts and said second voltage is within the range of 5 volts to 52 volts.

19. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising a system controller coupled to said at least one pulse generator.

20. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising a system controller coupled to said at least one pulse generator and to said at least one power source.

21. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pulse generator is comprised of a first pulse generator and a second pulse generator coupled to said at least one power source.

22. The electrolysis system of claim 21, further comprising a system controller coupled to said first pulse generator and said second pulse generator.

23. The electrolysis system of claim 21, further comprising a system controller coupled to said first pulse generator, said second pulse generator and said at least one power source.

24. The electrolysis system of claim 21, wherein said at least one power source is comprised of a first power source coupled to said first pulse generator and a second power source coupled to said second pulse generator.

25. The electrolysis system of claim 24, wherein said first power source is comprised of a first power supply and a first switch, and wherein said second power source is comprised of a second power supply and a second switch.

26. The electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein said at least one power source is comprised of a first power source coupled to said at least one pulse generator and a second power source coupled to said at least one pulse generator.

27. The electrolysis system of claim 26, wherein said first power source is comprised of a first power supply and a first switch, and wherein said second power source is comprised of a second power supply and a second switch.

28. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising a liquid within said electrolysis tank, wherein said liquid is selected from the group consisting of untreated water, treated water, de-ionized water, and filtered water.

29. The electrolysis system of claim 28, wherein said liquid further comprises an electrolyte in a concentration range of 0.1 to 20.0 grams per liter.

30. The electrolysis system of claim 29, wherein said electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sea salt and sodium bicarbonate.

31. The electrolysis system of claim 1, further comprising:
a system monitor; and a system controller coupled to said system monitor and to said at least one pulse generator.

32. The electrolysis system of claim 31, wherein said system monitor detects a condition of a water contained within said electrolysis tank.

33. The electrolysis system of claim 32, wherein said condition is water alkalinity.

34. The electrolysis system of claim 32, wherein said condition is water acidity.

35. A method of operating an electrolysis system comprising the steps of:
filling an electrolysis tank with water; and applying a plurality of power cycles at a preset frequency to at least one pair of electrodes within said electrolysis tank, wherein each of said plurality of power cycles is comprised of a first type of power pulse and a second type of power pulse, wherein each pair of said at least one pair of electrodes includes at least one cathode electrode contained within a first region of said electrolysis tank and at least one anode electrode contained within a second region of said electrolysis tank, said first and second regions separated by a membrane, and wherein said step of applying said plurality of power cycles further comprises the steps of:
applying a plurality of power pulses of said first type to said at least one pair of electrodes, wherein said first type of power pulse is at a first voltage and with a first pulse duration; and applying a plurality of power pulses of said second type to said at least one pair of electrodes, wherein said second type of power pulse is at a second voltage and with a second pulse duration, and wherein each of said second plurality of power pulses is adjacent to each of said first plurality of power pulses.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said step of applying said plurality of power cycles further comprises the step of decreasing power applied to said at least one pair of electrodes to zero between said steps of applying said plurality of power pulses of said first type and applying said plurality of power pulses of said second type.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein said step of applying said plurality of power cycles further comprises the steps of:
selecting a first fall time corresponding to each of said plurality of power pulses of said first type and a first rise time corresponding to each of said plurality of power pulses of said second type, wherein said combined first fall time and said first rise time is in the range of 1 to 100 nanoseconds; and selecting a second fall time corresponding to each of said plurality of power pulses of said second type and a second rise time corresponding to each of said plurality of power pulses of said first type, wherein said combined second fall time and said second rise time is in the range of 1 to 100 nanoseconds.

38. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of selecting said first voltage within the range of 24 volts to 1000 volts and selecting said second voltage within the range of 24 volts to 1000 volts.

39. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of selecting said first voltage within the range of 36 volts to 520 volts and selecting said second voltage within the range of 5 volts to 52 volts.

40. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of selecting said first pulse duration within the range of 0.5 percent to 50 percent of a cycle duration corresponding to each power cycle of said plurality of power cycles, and selecting said second pulse duration within the range of 95.5 percent to 50 percent of said cycle duration corresponding to each power cycle of said plurality of power cycles.

41. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of selecting said first pulse duration within the range of 0.5 percent to 10 percent of a cycle duration corresponding to each power cycle of said plurality of power cycles, and selecting said second pulse duration within the range of 95.5 percent to 90 percent of said cycle duration corresponding to each power cycle of said plurality of power cycles.

42. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of selecting said preset frequency within the range of 10 Hz to 1 kHz.

43. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of selecting said water from the group consisting of untreated water, treated water, de-ionized water, and filtered water.

44. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of:
adding an electrolyte to said water; and selecting a concentration of said electrolyte to be within a range of 0.1 and 20.0 grams per liter.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of selecting said electrolyte from the group consisting of sea salt and sodium bicarbonate.

46. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of:
fabricating said at least cathode electrode from a first material; and fabricating said at least anode electrode from a second material.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of selecting said first material to be the same as said second material.

48. The electrolysis system of claim 46, further comprising the steps of selecting stainless steel for said first material and steel for said second material.

49. The electrolysis system of claim 46, further comprising the steps of selecting stainless steel for said first material and stainless steel for said second material.

50. The electrolysis system of claim 46, further comprising the steps of selecting a corrosion resistant metal for said first material and an oxidation prone metal for said second material.

51. The electrolysis system of claim 46, further comprising the steps of selecting a corrosion resistant metal for said first material and a corrosion resistant metal for said second material.

52. The electrolysis system of claim 46, further comprising the steps of selecting said first material and said second material from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, palladium, and alloys of steel, nickel, copper, iron, stainless steel, cobalt, manganese, zinc, titanium, platinum, and palladium.

53. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of mixing a first water output from said first region with a second water output from said second region to form system output water.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of filtering said system output water.

55. The method of claim 35, further comprising the steps of:
monitoring a water parameter of said water within said electrolysis tank; and suspending electrolysis system operation when said monitored water parameter matches a preset value.

56. The method of claim 55, further comprising the step of selecting water alkalinity as said monitored water parameter.

57. The method of claim 55, further comprising the step of selecting water acidity as said monitored water parameter.

58. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of varying said preset frequency during operation of said electrolysis system in accordance with a preprogrammed set of instructions.

59. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of varying said first voltage during operation of said electrolysis system in accordance with a preprogrammed set of instructions.

60. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of varying said second voltage during operation of said electrolysis system in accordance with a preprogrammed set of instructions.

61. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of varying said first pulse duration during operation of said electrolysis system in accordance with a preprogrammed set of instructions.

62. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of varying said second pulse duration operation of said electrolysis system in accordance with a preprogrammed set of instructions.