GB2622608A - An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant - Google Patents
An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2622608A GB2622608A GB2213848.1A GB202213848A GB2622608A GB 2622608 A GB2622608 A GB 2622608A GB 202213848 A GB202213848 A GB 202213848A GB 2622608 A GB2622608 A GB 2622608A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- hypochlorous acid
- acid disinfectant
- disinfectant
- producing
- aqueous solution
- Prior art date
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- 239000000645 desinfectant Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 121
- QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N hypochlorous acid Chemical compound ClO QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 95
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 229910001868 water Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 239000012267 brine Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Cl-] HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000001164 aluminium sulphate Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000011128 aluminium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- BUACSMWVFUNQET-UHFFFAOYSA-H dialuminum;trisulfate;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Al+3].[Al+3].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O.[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O.[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O BUACSMWVFUNQET-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000033116 oxidation-reduction process Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000015271 coagulation Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000005345 coagulation Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 7
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 150000004820 halides Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxidochlorine(.) Chemical compound O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- BZSXEZOLBIJVQK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylsulfonylbenzoic acid Chemical compound CS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(O)=O BZSXEZOLBIJVQK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000005708 Sodium hypochlorite Substances 0.000 description 1
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013473 artificial intelligence Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019398 chlorine dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005342 ion exchange Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 1
- SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium hypochlorite Chemical compound [Na+].Cl[O-] SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021653 sulphate ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
- C25B1/01—Products
- C25B1/24—Halogens or compounds thereof
- C25B1/26—Chlorine; Compounds thereof
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
- C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
- C02F1/4674—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
- C25B15/02—Process control or regulation
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
- C25B15/02—Process control or regulation
- C25B15/023—Measuring, analysing or testing during electrolytic production
- C25B15/025—Measuring, analysing or testing during electrolytic production of electrolyte parameters
- C25B15/029—Concentration
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
- C25B9/19—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/04—Oxidation reduction potential [ORP]
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/06—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment pH
Abstract
Apparatus 100 for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant and a method for using such an apparatus is described. The system 100 comprises a water supply 101, a brine supply 103, an electrochemical cell 113, a storage container for the catholyte 115 and a storage container for the disinfectant 117. The water source 101 may be purified through the use of coagulation 102 and various filters 104 (a), (b). A plurality of pumps, sensors 135, 133 and valves 107,109 are also provided to ensure feedback and control of the system. A programmable controller 157 may be operable to receive the disinfectant specifications set by the end user. The controller 157 can, in turn, control the components of the apparatus in order to generate the disinfectant to the desired specification.
Description
"An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant"
Introduction
This invention relates to an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant and a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant.
Hypochlorous acid disinfectants have a plethora of applications and disparate areas of use. For example, in healthcare, hypochlorous acid disinfectants are effective as a disinfectant and are known to be used to good effect in wound care, both on humans and animals. In food hygiene, hypochlorous acid disinfectants are known to be suitable for sanitizing food preparation surfaces. Hypochlorous acid disinfectants have also been used to good effect to treat sewage and are particularly useful for deodorisation of foul odours. The hypochlorous acid disinfectants may be applied in many different formats including liquid sprays, wet wipes and aerosol applicators and hence are a popular disinfectant to use.
There are many circumstances where it would be advantageous for an entity to produce their own hypochlorous acid disinfectant. For example, dentists, veterinarians, and medical practitioners could significantly reduce their overheads if they had the ability to produce their own disinfectant. Furthermore, many industries, including those involved in the petrochemical, hospitality and manufacturing industries could benefit greatly by producing their own disinfectant on site rather than relying on purchasing large quantities of disinfectant from third parties.
Various apparatus for producing hypochlorous acid disinfectants are known in the art. For example, one such apparatus is that disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. US2019/0136394, in the name of Edgar et al. Although very useful, there are a number of shortcomings of the known apparatus. For example, the successful operation of the known apparatus is dependent in part on the water supply that they are provided. Furthermore, the known devices are relative unwieldy and lack portability. They are further relatively limited in their output and lack adaptability and flexibility. -2 -
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant and a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant that overcome at least some of the above-identified problems. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is simple to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and that offers a useful choice to the consumer.
Statements of Invention
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant comprising: a water supply; a brine solution; a controlled brine control valve for mixing the brine solution with the water supply to form an electrochemical cell input stream; a controlled flow control valve for controlling the flow of the electrochemical cell input stream; a conductivity sensor to measure the conductivity of the electrochemical cell input stream; an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by a membrane, the cathode chamber having a cathode charging inlet for receipt of the electrochemical cell input stream and a cathode discharge outlet for discharge of the catholyte from the electrochemical cell, the anode chamber having an anode charging inlet configured to receive at least some of the catholyte discharged from the cathode chamber, and an anode discharge outlet for discharge of hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode chamber; a power supply for providing a voltage drop across the electromechanical cell; at least one ion sensor for monitoring the properties of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant; a hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank for storage of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant; a catholyte collection tank for storage of catholyte not redirected to the anode; -3 -a controlled proportional valve operable to divert catholyte from the cathode discharge outlet to at least one of the catholyte collection tank and the anode chamber charging inlet; and in which there is provided a controller having an accessible programmable memory with computer program instructions loaded thereon, the controller being responsive to and or operable to control one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the conductivity sensor, the power supply, the proportional valve and the at least one ion sensor in accordance with the computer program instructions stored in accessible programmable memory.
By having such an apparatus, it will be possible for the apparatus to operate with many disparate water supplies and output many disparate disinfectant formulations. This will provide a device that can be used in many different locations, as well as a device that can be used for many different applications. The device may be programmed to provide a disinfectant having the required disinfectant chemical properties of the end user rather than being limited to outputting one particular disinfectant. Furthermore, the device will be compact and portable.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which the water supply further comprises a filter tank for filtering the incoming water prior to mixing with the brine solution. By filtering the water supply, the device can be used with practically any water supply available. This is seen as highly beneficial.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which the filter comprises a polyglu filter tank. By using a Polyglu filter tank, the Polyglu will act as a coagulate for the water treatment process, separating dirt and other particulate matter from the water thereby allowing the water to be disinfected effectively by the hypochlorous acid. The water thus disinfected could then be potable. In this way, the apparatus according to the invention will have greater ability to operate at different water supplies.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which the filter comprises an -4 -aluminium sulphate filter tank. As will be understood, the apparatus according to the present invention produces hypochlorous acid and has the ability to control the pH from between of the order of 2.2pH and 14pH. This is advantageous using only salt and water. By having a sulphate tank, when aluminium is added to a low pH liquid, aluminium sulphate is formed which is a strong coagulate. An aluminium sulphate tank will be suitable for some industries as would be understood by the skilled addressee.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which there is provided a feedback loop from the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank to the water supply. This is seen as a particularly useful aspect of the present invention as the incoming water supply may be pre-treated with disinfectant already produced by the apparatus.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which the controller is operable to receive a user-specified disinfectant specification and thereafter operate one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the power supply and the proportional valve in accordance with the computer program to produce a hypochlorous acid disinfectant in accordance with the user-specified disinfectant specification. This is seen as a very useful aspect of the present invention and provides an apparatus that is very flexible in use and that will have wide ranging application in a number of disparate fields.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which the at least one ion sensor comprises at least one of a pH sensor, an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor, and an Extractable Organic Halides (E0x) sensor. In addition to the ORP, pH and E0x sensors, an PAC sensor may be provided._The sensors may be used in combination to create an oxidation factor, which in turn may be used by the controller software as a process parameter.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which there is provided a baffle tank sub-system in line to the catholyte collection tank. The baffle tank is configured to remove gas bubbles from the catholyte. -5 -
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which there is provided a diverter valve and a dump tank in line to the catholyte collection tank. The dump tank is used to remove excess catholyte when there is a full catholyte collection tank. Furthermore, the contents of the dump tank are measured and formulations can be adjusted under careful monitoring using the sensors to provide better quality solutions.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which there is provided a baffle tank sub-system in line to the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank. By having a baffle tank sub-system in line to the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank, the baffle tank sub-system may remove potentially dangerous Cl2 and H2 gases out of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank, and these gases can be stored for subsequent use in a chlorine dioxide electrochemical cell.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in which there is provided a diverter valve and a dump tank in line to the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank. 20 In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising the steps of: mixing a water supply with a brine solution to form an electrochemical cell input stream; measuring the conductivity of the electrochemical cell input stream; delivering the electrochemical cell input stream to a cathode chamber of an electrochemical cell; applying a voltage difference across the electrochemical cell, thereby producing a hypochlorous acid disinfectant in the anode and a catholyte in the cathode; harvesting the hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode and the catholyte from the cathode; providing at least some of the catholyte from the cathode to a charging inlet of the anode chamber and storing the remainder of the catholyte; -6 -monitoring the properties of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant; storing the hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode; and the controller being responsive to and or operable to control one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the conductivity sensor, the power supply, the proportional valve and the at least one ion sensor in accordance with the computer program instructions stored in accessible programmable memory.
This is seen as a particularly simple method of producing hypochlorous acid disinfectant that will be simple to operate, reliable and safe. Importantly, the method allows for the user to input their specification of disinfectant that they wish to produce and therefore the method has application in many different areas where different strengths and different properties of disinfectant may be required.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant comprising the preliminary step of filtering the water supply in one of a polyglu filter tank and an aluminium sulphate filter tank. This is seen as useful as the method can be applied to practically any water supply.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant comprising the preliminary step of the controller receiving a user-specified disinfectant specification and thereafter operating one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the power supply and the proportional valve in accordance with the computer program to produce a hypochlorous acid disinfectant in accordance with the user-specified disinfectant specification. In this way, a very useful system is provided that will suit the needs of many different users.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant comprising the step of passing the hypochlorous acid disinfectant through a hypochlorous acid disinfectant baffle-tank subsystem prior to storing the hypochlorous acid disinfectant.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant comprising the step of passing the catholyte through a catholyte baffle-tank subsystem prior to storing the catholyte. -7 -
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant according to the invention; Figure 2 is an alternative diagrammatic representation of the apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant according to the invention; and Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the electrochemical cell that forms part of the apparatus according to the invention.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, comprising a water supply 101, a coagulation tank 102, a brine solution 103, filters 104(a), 104(b), a controlled brine control valve 105 for mixing the brine solution with the water supply to form an electrochemical cell input stream and a controlled flow control valve 107 for controlling the flow of the electrochemical cell input stream. A flow meter 109 monitors the flow of the electrochemical cell input stream and a conductivity sensor 111 measures the conductivity of the electrochemical cell input stream.
The apparatus further comprises an electrochemical cell 113 comprising a cathode chamber 115, an anode chamber 117 separated from the cathode chamber 115 by a membrane 119. The cathode chamber has a cathode charging inlet 121 for receipt of the electrochemical cell input stream and a cathode discharge outlet 123 for discharge of the catholyte from the electrochemical cell. The anode chamber 117 has an anode charging inlet 125 configured to receive at least some of the catholyte discharged from the cathode chamber 115, and an anode discharge outlet 127 for discharge of hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode chamber 117. There is further provided a power supply (not shown) for providing a voltage drop across the electromechanical cell 113. -8 -
The apparatus is provided with at least one ion sensor for monitoring the properties of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant. In the embodiment shown, there is a pH sensor 131, an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor 133 and an Extractable Organic Halides (E0x) sensor 135. An FAC sensor (not shown) may also be provided. There is further provided a hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank 137 for storage of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant. In addition, there is provided a baffle tank subsystem 139, a control valve 141 and a disinfectant dump tank 143.
In addition to the disinfectant collection tank, there is a catholyte collection tank 145 for storage of catholyte not redirected to the anode, a baffle tank subsystem (not shown) may be provided for treating that catholyte, a catholyte dump tank 147 and a control valve 149 for diverting catholyte to one of the catholyte dump tank 147 and the catholyte collection tank 145. A controlled proportional valve (not shown) operable to divert catholyte from the cathode discharge outlet 123 to at least one of the catholyte collection tank 145, the dump tank 147 and the anode chamber charging inlet 125 may be provided.
Finally, a flow meter (not shown) and a power meter (not shown) may be provided along with a controller 157. The controller 157 has an accessible programmable memory (not shown) with computer program instructions loaded thereon for cell voltage control 159, brine mixture control 161, main flow control 163 and anode flow control 165. The controller 157 is responsive to and/or operable to control one or more of the brine control valve 105, the flow control valve 107, the conductivity sensor 111, the flow meter, the power supply, the proportional valve and the at least one ion sensor 131, 133, 135 in accordance with the computer program instructions stored in accessible programmable memory.
In use, disinfectant is produced through the electro-chemical activation of a sodium chloride solution by passing the sodium chloride solution through one or more electrolytic reactors, in this case the electrochemical cell, with the consequent ion exchange. The properties of the output will depend in part on the length of time that the water supply and the brine mixture are in the electrochemical cell, the conductivity of the mixture, the amount of catholyte that is returned to the anode, and the voltage applied across the -9 -electrochemical cell. These parameters can be specified by the end user and altered in real time if a change to the present disinfectant formulation is required or desired.
It will be understood that in addition to the hypochlorous acid, the product of the anode chamber of the electrochemical cell may include one or more of water, sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium chlorate. The product of the cathode chamber of the electromechanical cell will typically comprise sodium hydroxide and may include one or more of water. The apparatus could be configured to generate other hypohalous acids. The operator may program the controller appropriately so that different formulations, more specifically, the desired formulation, is created by the apparatus.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an alternative diagrammatic representation of the apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The apparatus further comprises an inlet water valve 201, a pressure sensor 203, an electrochemical cell input stream inlet valve 205, a brine pump 207 and an acid pump 209. In addition, there is provided a pH valve 211, a flow control valve 213 and a conductivity sensor 215.
The apparatus is provided with at least one ion sensor for monitoring the properties of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant. In the embodiment shown, there is a pH sensor 131, an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor 133 and an Extractable Organic Halides (E0x) sensor 135. There is further provided a flow meter 153 and a power meter 155. The controller 157 has an accessible programmable memory (not shown) with computer program instructions loaded thereon for cell voltage control 159, brine mixture control 161, main flow control 163 and anode flow control 165, and received inputs from a flow meter 109 that monitors the flow of the electrochemical cell input stream and a conductivity sensor 111 that measures the conductivity of the electrochemical cell input stream. The simple configuration as shown in Figure 2 is particularly suited for automated control by the controller and controller program as well as being compact in design.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment of electrochemical cell that forms part of the apparatus -10 -according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300. It will be noted that the electrochemical cell 300 has a plurality of inputs 301, 303, 305 and a plurality of outputs 307, 309, 311.
In the embodiments shown, various valves are provided to control the flow and proportions of different components. It will be understood that one or more pumps (not shown) may also be provided to drive the water, brine, the combined mixture, the catholyte and the disinfectant through the apparatus to the desired destination.
The controller computer program (the controller software) is configured to work with the array of sensors to allow properties of the output to be carefully selected. In addition, the controller software may use artificial intelligence (Al) or a predict function to help the user to select more efficient solutions when formulations are added to the electrochemical cell input.
By having a polyglu and/or an aluminium sulphate tank, the apparatus and method will be able to work at practically any water source to produce disinfectant. The temperature is practically the only factor that is not being controlled and this will have an effect on the output. However, by using one or both of the polyglu and the aluminium sulphate tanks, this will assist the apparatus to be functional with practically any water source.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus is considered to be more mobile than existing offerings. This is achieved through the compact design in which less piping us used.
It will be noted that in the present invention, the input of water and brine solution is fed into the cathode chamber rather than into an anode chamber of the electrochemical cell. In this way, there will be enhanced control over the pH of the end solution and greater control over the properties of the end solution. This will result in a better form of hypochlorous acid disinfectant and will allow the hypochlorous acid disinfectant thus produced to in turn be mixed with other chemicals to produce useful formulations.
In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.
The invention is not limited solely to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (1)
- -12 -Claims: (1) An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant comprising: a water supply; a brine solution; a controlled brine control valve for mixing the brine solution with the water supply to form an electrochemical cell input stream; a controlled flow control valve for controlling the flow of the electrochemical cell input stream; a conductivity sensor to measure the conductivity of the electrochemical cell input stream; an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by a membrane, the cathode chamber having a cathode charging inlet for receipt of the electrochemical cell input stream and a cathode discharge outlet for discharge of the catholyte from the electrochemical cell, the anode chamber having an anode charging inlet configured to receive at least some of the catholyte discharged from the cathode chamber, and an anode discharge outlet for discharge of hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode chamber; a power supply for providing a voltage drop across the electromechanical cell; at least one ion sensor for monitoring the properties of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant; -13 -a hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank for storage of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant; a catholyte collection tank for storage of catholyte not redirected to the anode; a controlled proportional valve operable to divert catholyte from the cathode discharge outlet to at least one of the catholyte collection tank and the anode chamber charging inlet; and in which there is provided a controller having an accessible programmable memory with computer program instructions loaded thereon, the controller being responsive to and or operable to control one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the conductivity sensor, the power supply, the proportional valve and the at least one ion sensor in accordance with the computer program instructions stored in accessible programmable memory.(2) An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in claim 1 in which the water supply further comprises a filter tank for filtering the incoming water prior to mixing with the brine solution.(3) An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in claim 2 in which the filter comprises a polyglu filter tank.(4) An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in claims 2 or 3 in which the filter comprises an aluminium sulphate filter tank.(5) An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a feedback loop from the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank to the water supply.-14 - (6) An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which the controller is operable to receive a user-specified disinfectant specification and thereafter operate one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the power supply and the proportional valve in accordance with the computer program to produce a hypochlorous acid disinfectant in accordance with the user-specified disinfectant specification.An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which the at least one ion sensor comprises at least one of a pH sensor, an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor, and an E0x sensor.An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a baffle tank sub-system in line to the catholyte collection tank.An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a diverter valve and a dump tank in line to the catholyte collection tank.An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a baffle tank sub-system in line to the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank.An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a diverter valve and a dump tank in line to the hypochlorous acid disinfectant collection tank. (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)-15 - (12) A method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant in the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising the steps of: mixing a water supply with a brine solution to form an electrochemical cell input stream; measuring the conductivity of the electrochemical cell input stream; delivering the electrochemical cell input stream to a cathode chamber of an electrochemical cell; applying a voltage difference across the electrochemical cell, thereby producing a hypochlorous acid disinfectant in the anode and a catholyte in the cathode; harvesting the hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode and the catholyte from the cathode; providing at least some of the catholyte from the cathode to a charging inlet of the anode chamber and storing the remainder of the catholyte; monitoring the properties of the hypochlorous acid disinfectant; storing the hypochlorous acid disinfectant from the anode and the controller being responsive to and or operable to control one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the conductivity sensor, the power supply, the proportional valve and the at least one ion sensor in accordance with the computer program instructions stored in accessible programmable memory.(13) A method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in claim 12 comprising the preliminary step of filtering the water supply in one of a polyglu filter tank and an aluminium sulphate filter tank.-16 - (14) A method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in claim 12 or 13 comprising the preliminary step of the controller receiving a user-specified disinfectant specification and thereafter operating one or more of the brine control valve, the flow control valve, the power supply and the proportional valve in accordance with the computer program to produce a hypochlorous acid disinfectant in accordance with the user-specified disinfectant specification.(15) A method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 comprising the step of passing the hypochlorous acid disinfectant through a hypochlorous acid disinfectant baffle-tank subsystem prior to storing the hypochlorous acid disinfectant.(16) A method of producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 comprising the step of passing the catholyte through a catholyte baffle-tank subsystem prior to storing the catholyte.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2213848.1A GB2622608A (en) | 2022-09-22 | 2022-09-22 | An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2213848.1A GB2622608A (en) | 2022-09-22 | 2022-09-22 | An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB202213848D0 GB202213848D0 (en) | 2022-11-09 |
| GB2622608A true GB2622608A (en) | 2024-03-27 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2213848.1A Pending GB2622608A (en) | 2022-09-22 | 2022-09-22 | An apparatus for producing an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid disinfectant |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
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| GB (1) | GB2622608A (en) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1074515A2 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2001-02-07 | Sterilox Medical (Europe) Limited | Electrochemical treatment of an aqueous solution |
| US7201856B2 (en) * | 2001-08-01 | 2007-04-10 | Pur Water Purification Products, Inc. | Water treatment compositions |
| WO2008131389A1 (en) * | 2007-04-22 | 2008-10-30 | Woody America Llc | Apparatus and methods for dispensing solutions |
| US20140124377A1 (en) * | 2012-11-02 | 2014-05-08 | Tennant Company | Three electrode electrolytic cell and method for making hypochlorous acid |
| US20160044926A1 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2016-02-18 | Michael J. Peters | Electrolytic system and method for generating biocides having an electron deficient carrier fluid and chlorine dioxide |
| WO2022032115A2 (en) * | 2020-08-06 | 2022-02-10 | Briotech, Inc. | Deployable, remotely-controlled, pure hypochlorous acid manufacturing system and method |
-
2022
- 2022-09-22 GB GB2213848.1A patent/GB2622608A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1074515A2 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2001-02-07 | Sterilox Medical (Europe) Limited | Electrochemical treatment of an aqueous solution |
| US7201856B2 (en) * | 2001-08-01 | 2007-04-10 | Pur Water Purification Products, Inc. | Water treatment compositions |
| WO2008131389A1 (en) * | 2007-04-22 | 2008-10-30 | Woody America Llc | Apparatus and methods for dispensing solutions |
| US20160044926A1 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2016-02-18 | Michael J. Peters | Electrolytic system and method for generating biocides having an electron deficient carrier fluid and chlorine dioxide |
| US20140124377A1 (en) * | 2012-11-02 | 2014-05-08 | Tennant Company | Three electrode electrolytic cell and method for making hypochlorous acid |
| WO2022032115A2 (en) * | 2020-08-06 | 2022-02-10 | Briotech, Inc. | Deployable, remotely-controlled, pure hypochlorous acid manufacturing system and method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB202213848D0 (en) | 2022-11-09 |
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