JP2000015259A - Apparatus for producing hypochlorous acid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent evaporation of a chloride ion solution by keeping airtight state by shrinking a solution tank by the inner volume corresponding to the volume of a chloride ion solution supplied from the tank. SOLUTION: An electrolytic tank 12 for electrolyzing an aqueous solution is provided with a pair of electrodes 13, 14 and a salt water 15 as a chloride ion solution containing chloride ion is stored in the inside of a solution tank 16. In this case, the inner capacity of the solution tank 16 is decreased by the volume of the chloride ion solution supplied from the tank to maintain the airtight state. The solution tank 16 and the electrolytic tank 12 are connected with each other through a solution route 17 and the salt water 15 in the solution tank 16 is supplied to the electrolytic tank 12. Consequently, the chloride ion solution is prevented from evaporation and until the chloride ion solution is consumed up, hypochlorous acid can stably be produced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the purification of water such as bathtub water, and more particularly to the production of compounds such as hypochlorous acid by electrolysis of chloride ions contained in water to sterilize water. The present invention relates to a hypochlorous acid generator for performing purification.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been known a hypochlorous acid generator for generating hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions by electrolyzing water containing chloride ions (for example, Japanese Patent No. 2619756). No. 2,587,731).

As shown in FIG. 5, this hypochlorous acid generating apparatus operates a flow rate control valve 2 and a pump 3 for supplying a saline solution and a pump 4 for supplying a hydrochloric acid to the solution path 1 to operate a saline solution tank 5 and a The solution is fed from the hydrochloric acid tank 6 together with the diluting water into the electrolytic cell 7, and the electrode 8 is used as an anode and the electrode 9 is used as a cathode. The hypochlorous acid solution is obtained from the drainage channel 11.

[0004]

However, in the conventional apparatus for producing hypochlorous acid, a salt solution and a hydrochloric acid having a high concentration of chloride ions are stored in a salt solution tank 5 and a hydrochloric acid tank 6, respectively, and this is diluted with dilution water. By performing the electrolysis, the consumption of each of the tanks 5 and 6 can be reduced, and the solution replenishment period can be lengthened. However, when the solution in each of the tanks 5 and 6 is supplied, the solution is exchanged with the atmosphere, so that a portion where the solution is in contact with the atmosphere is required, and the solution has evaporated therefrom. Therefore, the concentration of the solution in each of the tanks 5 and 6 changes, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid obtained by electrolysis is not stable. In addition, if the evaporation proceeds, the salt of the solution precipitates and causes a failure of the pumps 3 and 4.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes therein, a solution tank for storing a chloride ion solution containing chlorine ions, and an electric power supply to the electrodes. Control means for controlling, a chlorine ion supply means for controlling the supply of the chlorine ion solution in the solution tank to the electrolytic cell, and a discharge path for discharging the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic tank, wherein the solution tank is hermetically sealed and shrunk. It is composed.

According to the above invention, the chlorine ion solution in the solution tank is supplied into the electrolytic cell by the chlorine ion supply means, and by supplying electricity to the electrodes, it is possible to generate hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. . At this time, the inner volume of the solution tank shrinks by the volume supplied with the chlorine ion solution, and the airtight state can be maintained. Therefore, the chlorine ion solution does not evaporate, and hypochlorous acid can be generated stably.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises: an electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes therein; a solution tank for storing a chloride ion solution containing chloride ions; Control means for controlling the supply of electricity to the electrode, chlorine ion supply means for controlling the supply of the chloride ion solution in the solution tank to the electrolytic tank, and a discharge path for discharging the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic tank; It is configured to be sealed and contractible. Then, the chlorine ion solution in the solution tank is supplied into the electrolytic cell by the chlorine ion supply means, and by supplying electricity to the electrodes, hypochlorous acid can be generated by electrolysis. At this time, the inner volume of the solution tank shrinks by the volume supplied with the chlorine ion solution, and the airtight state can be maintained. Therefore, the chlorine ion solution does not evaporate, and hypochlorous acid can be generated stably.

Further, in the hypochlorous acid generator according to the second aspect, the solution tank is made of a bag-shaped airtight material that contracts in accordance with a change in the internal volume of the chloride ion solution. The solution tank shrinks the bag by the volume supplied with the chlorine ion solution, causing the inner volume to shrink and maintain an airtight state.Therefore, the chlorine ion solution does not evaporate and stabilizes hypochlorous acid. Can be generated.

Further, the hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 3 is provided with a container covering the periphery of the solution tank. Then, the container can suppress the deformation of the solution tank, and even if the solution tank leaks, the chlorine ion solution can be prevented from flowing out of the solution tank.

The hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 4 is provided with a support for supporting the upper part of the solution tank. Then, the solution tank can be prevented from being bent by its own weight, and the supply of the chlorine ion solution can be performed stably.

In the hypochlorous acid generator according to the present invention, a connection port for communicating with the chlorine ion supply means is detachably provided in the solution tank. Since the connection port of the solution tank can be removed and replaced, the supply of the chloride ion solution can be easily performed.

The hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 6 is provided with a container covering the periphery of the solution tank, and a detecting means for detecting a chloride ion solution at the bottom of the container. And since the chloride ion solution can be detected from the solution tank by the detecting means, the leak is notified and
Alternatively, measures to prevent secondary disasters such as equipment shutdown can be taken.

The hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 7 is connected to a chlorine ion supply means, and a pipe whose tip is located at the bottom of the solution tank is provided in the solution tank.
The end of the conduit has an opening in a direction perpendicular to the conduit. Then, even if the solution tank shrinks by supplying the chlorine ions and the inner wall of the solution tank comes into contact with the tip of the pipe at the tip of the pipe, blockage of the pipe can be prevented by the opening in the perpendicular direction.

The hypochlorous acid generator according to the present invention is further characterized in that a bendable pipe having a tip end located at the bottom of the solution tank is provided in the solution tank and communicates with the chlorine ion supply means. It has a weight greater than the chlorine ion solution at the end of the conduit. Then, even if the solution tank contracts and deforms by supplying chlorine ions, the distal end of the conduit is always positioned at the bottom of the solution tank due to the weight, so that air in the solution tank can be prevented from being sucked.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hypochlorous acid generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 denotes an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing an aqueous solution, and has a pair of electrodes 13 and 14 therein. Reference numeral 16 denotes a solution tank containing a saline solution 15 therein as a chlorine ion solution containing chloride ions. The solution tank 16 and the electrolytic cell 12 are connected by a solution path 17. Can be supplied into the electrolytic cell 12. In the solution path 17, the saline solution 15 in the solution tank 16 is forcibly fed.
And a check valve 19 for preventing backflow of water from the electrolytic tank 12 to the solution tank 16. Further, a water supply path 20 for feeding tap water into the electrolytic cell 12 and a discharge path 21 for discharging the hypochlorous acid solution generated by the electrolysis to the outside of the electrolytic cell.
Is provided. The water supply channel 20 is provided with a valve 22 for controlling the supply of water to the electrolytic cell 12. Electrolytic cell 12
The electrodes 13 and 14, the solution pump 18 and the valve 22 are connected to the control device 23 by cables 24, 25 and 26. The electrodes 13 and 14 are energized and the polarity is changed (hereinafter referred to as “reverse”). The operation and control of opening and closing of the valve 22 are performed. The solution tank 16 is housed in a container 27 covering the surroundings, and is made of a bag-shaped airtight material that expands by storing the saline solution 15 therein.
8 are provided. As the airtight material, a resin film of polyethylene, vinyl chloride, polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, acetate, polycarbonate, or the like is used alone or in a composite multi-layer structure. Further, the airtightness can be further improved by forming a multiple structure using aluminum and the resin film. Further, a fluorine resin film having chemical resistance may be used. The connection port 28 also serves as a support part 29, and the support part 29 is supported by a lid 30 provided on the container 27, so that the solution tank 1
6 is installed so as to be suspended. A conduit 31 for sending out the saline solution 15 in the solution tank 16 by the solution pump 18 is fixed to the connection port 28, and the leading end of the conduit 31 is located at the bottom of the solution tank 16. An opening 32 is provided at right angles to the path 31.
Reference numeral 33 denotes a detecting means provided at the bottom of the container 27 for detecting leakage of the solution. The detecting means 33 includes a pair of detecting electrodes. When the value has changed, notification of liquid leakage is performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the structure of the electrolytic cell 12 is such that the electrodes 13 and 14 are fixed to an electrolytic cell body 36 by electrode terminals 34 and 35. A water supply channel 20 for supplying tap water is provided between the electrodes 13 and 14.
It is configured such that tap water can be sent between the electrodes 13 and 14. An electrolytic groove 37 into which the lower ends of the electrodes 13 and 14 enter is provided below the electrodes 13 and 14, and a solution path 17 for feeding the saline solution 15 is connected to the bottom of the electrolytic groove 37. The electrode used here has a base material made of titanium or a titanium alloy, and has a surface coated with a noble metal such as platinum or iridium.

Next, the operation and action when the hypochlorous acid solution is generated will be described. First, the valve 22 of the water supply channel 20 is opened, and tap water is injected into the electrolytic cell 12. After the inside of the electrolytic cell 12 is filled with tap water, the solution pump 18 is operated to inject the saline solution 15 into the electrolytic cell 12. Since the saline solution 15 injected into the electrolytic cell 12 has a higher specific gravity than tap water, the saline solution 15 stays in the electrolytic groove 31. Next, electrolysis is started using the electrode 13 as an anode and the electrode 14 as a cathode. Immediately after the start of electrolysis, most of the electrodes 13 and 14 are in contact with tap water.
Hydrogen and oxygen gas are generated between 3 and 14. Since these gases are lighter than tap water, they float on the upper part of the electrolytic cell 12. Due to the movement of the gas, an upward water flow is generated between the electrodes 13 and 14. Then, the saline solution 15 remaining in the electrolytic groove 31 is sucked up between the electrodes 13 and 14 by the flow of water generated by the floating of the gas, and
It diffuses into the tap water existing between the fourteen, and can increase the chlorine ion concentration only between the electrodes 13, 14. It is generally said that the higher the chlorine ion concentration, the higher the efficiency of the production of chlorine compounds such as hypochlorous acid (hereinafter referred to as hypochlorous acid), and the reaction of Chemical Formula 1 is more likely to occur.

[0020]

Embedded image

Further, when hypochlorous acid is produced by electrolysis, the amount of the supplied saline greatly affects the production efficiency of hypochlorous acid. That is, the saline solution 15
When the supply amount of the electrolyte increases, the production efficiency increases, and the electrolytic cell 12
The concentration of hypochlorous acid discharged from the electrolytic cell 12 becomes high, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid discharged from the electrolytic cell 12 becomes low when the supply amount of the saline solution 15 is small. When it is desired to obtain an acid, the saline solution 1 supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 is used.
It is necessary to quantitatively feed the amount of 5. Therefore, the solution pump 1 is connected to the solution path 17 connecting the solution tank 16 and the electrolytic cell 12.
By providing 8 and controlling the operation of the controller 23, the amount of the saline solution 15 supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 can be kept constant. Therefore, since the efficiency of generating hypochlorous acid generated by electrolysis can be kept constant, water having a constant hypochlorous acid concentration can be always obtained. Further, since the excessive supply of the saline solution 15 can be eliminated, the saline solution 15 can be saved, and the labor for supplying the saline solution to the solution tank 16 can be reduced.

Further, in order to save the trouble of replenishing the salt solution 15, the number of replenishments can be reduced by increasing the concentration of the salt solution 15 and increasing the capacity of the solution tank 16. In this case, the concentration of saline solution increased due to evaporation of water and the precipitation of sodium chloride, which was a problem. Can be contracted and the airtight state can be maintained, so that the concentration change of the saline solution can be prevented, and water having a constant hypochlorous acid concentration can be always obtained.

Further, the connection port 28 of the solution tank 16 is detachably provided by a screw, and when this connection port 28 is removed, the pipe line 31 also comes off the solution tank 16 at the same time. It can be easily replenished. When the connection port 28 is attached to the solution tank 16, it is sealed from the outside air by packing.

It should be noted that the solution pump 18 used here only needs to have high quantitativeness of the saline solution 15 supplied to the electrolytic cell 12, and examples thereof include an electromagnetic pump, a diaphragm pump, a tube pump, and a gear pump. Since the pump material is required to have corrosion resistance to saline solution,
It is desirable that the rubber material such as the O-ring in the pump be a fluorine-based rubber, and the spring must be made of titanium or a material having high corrosion resistance such as titanium on the surface.

Further, since the solution tank 16 is suspended by the support portion 29, the salt solution 15 gathers at the bottom of the solution tank 16 by its own weight without being bent by its own weight of the saline solution 15 inside. Since the saline solution 15 is sent out from the distal end of the conduit 31 arranged at the bottom of the solution tank 16, even if the solution tank 16 contracts, it can be sent out to the end stably.

Further, since the opening 32 is provided at a right angle to the end pipe of the pipe 31, even if the solution tank 16 contracts and the inner wall of the solution tank 1 comes into contact with the tip of the pipe 31,
The obstruction of the pipeline can be prevented by the opening in the perpendicular direction.

When tap water is injected into the electrolytic cell 12,
The pressure of the water in the electrolytic cell 12 increases, and the tap water
7, into the solution tank 16 and the solution tank 1
In some cases, the salt solution 15 in the container 6 may be diluted, and in a severe case, the solution tank 16 may be damaged. Therefore,
By providing a non-return valve 19 for preventing the solution and chlorine ions from flowing into the solution tank 16 of the dilute water in the solution path 17,
Tap water does not flow backward from the electrolytic tank 12 to the solution tank 16. Therefore, the salt solution in the solution tank 16 is not diluted with the tap water, and the solution tank 16 is not damaged by the backflow.

Also, the failure of the check valve 19 and the solution tank 1
In the case where the saline solution 15 leaks due to a crack or the like, the saline solution 15 is received by the container 27 covering the solution tank 16.
5 No problem such as electrical short due to scattering.

Further, since the leak of the salt solution 15 is notified by the detecting means 33 provided at the bottom of the container 27 for detecting the leak of the solution, the leak can be quickly detected and dealt with.

The check valve 19 not only allows the passage of saline but also the hypochlorous acid generated by electrolysis may flow back from the electrolytic cell 12, so that the rubber and spring inside are only made of saline. In addition, a material having corrosion resistance to hypochlorous acid is required. More specifically, the rubber is preferably a fluorine-based rubber, and the spring is preferably titanium or a titanium-coated surface.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a solution tank according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the same structure as the hypochlorous acid generator of Example 1 is given the same reference numeral,
Description is omitted.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the salt solution 15 in the solution tank 16 is formed by using a flexible conduit 40 such as a rubber tube, and that the specific gravity of the distal end 41 of the conduit 40 is greater than that of the salt solution 15. The point is that a weight 42 of stainless steel or the like is provided. This is because the tip of the conduit 40 in the solution tank 16 is 41 and the weight 4
2, the air is always located at the bottom of the solution tank 16, so even if air exists in the solution tank 16, air is not supplied until the saline solution 15 runs out, and water having a constant hypochlorous acid concentration is always present. Can be obtained.

Further, even if the solution tank 16 is arranged sideways, the tip 41 of the pipe 40 moves to the lowest position of the solution tank 16 due to the bendable pipe 40 and the weight 42.
Therefore, the salt solution 15 can be supplied stably without being limited by the installation angle of the solution tank 16.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a solution tank according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Components having the same structure as the hypochlorous acid generator of Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the connection port 50 is located at the bottom of the solution tank 51, the support section 52 is provided with a support hole 53 at a position facing the connection port 50, and a hook (not shown) is provided. And the tip of the pipe 54
5 is located at the connection port 50, and there is no pipe 54 in the solution tank 51. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the conduit 54 from the solution tank 51 when replenishing the saline solution 15, so that dripping of the saline solution when the connection port 50 is removed is eliminated.

Further, since the solution tank 51 is only supported by the support holes 53, removal and attachment can be easily performed.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) An electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes therein, a solution tank for storing a chloride ion solution containing chlorine ions, a control means for controlling energization to the electrodes, and a chlorine ion solution for the solution tank A chlorine ion supply means for controlling the supply to the electrolytic cell, and a discharge path for discharging the electrolytic solution of the electrolytic cell, the solution tank is configured to be hermetically sealed and contractible, so that the chlorine ion solution of the solution tank is
Hypochlorous acid can be generated by electrolysis by being supplied into the electrolytic cell by a chlorine ion supply means and energizing the electrodes. At this time, the inner volume of the solution tank shrinks by the volume supplied with the chloride ion solution, and the airtight state can be maintained, so that the chlorine ion solution does not evaporate,
Hypochlorous acid can be produced stably until the chlorine ion solution is exhausted.

(2) The solution tank is made of a bag-shaped airtight material that contracts in accordance with the change in the internal volume of the chloride ion solution. Is shrunk and an airtight state can be maintained, so that the chlorine ion solution does not evaporate and hypochlorous acid can be generated stably.

(3) By providing a container that covers the periphery of the solution tank, the container can suppress the deformation of the solution tank, and can prevent the chlorine ion solution from flowing out of the solution tank even if the solution tank leaks. .

(4) By providing the supporting portion for supporting the upper portion of the solution tank, the solution tank can be prevented from being bent by its own weight, and the supply of the chloride ion solution can be performed stably.

(5) Since the connection port for communicating with the chloride ion supply means is detachably provided in the solution tank, the connection port of the solution tank can be removed and replaced, so that the chlorine ion solution can be easily supplied.

(6) A container that covers the periphery of the solution tank, and a detecting means for detecting the chloride ion solution at the bottom of the container are provided. And preventive measures against secondary disasters such as equipment shutdown.

(7) A conduit, which is communicated with the chlorine ion supply means and whose tip is located at the bottom of the solution tank, is provided in the solution tank, and the tip of the conduit has an opening perpendicular to the conduit. Therefore, even if the solution tank shrinks by supplying chlorine ions and the inner wall of the solution tank comes in contact with the tip of the pipe at the tip of the pipe, blockage of the pipe can be prevented by the opening in the perpendicular direction.

(8) A bendable pipe, which communicates with the chlorine ion supply means and whose tip is located at the bottom of the solution tank, is provided in the solution tank. Even if the solution tank is contracted and deformed by supplying chlorine ions, the tip of the conduit is always located at the bottom of the solution tank due to the weight, and it is possible to prevent the air in the solution tank from being sucked.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hypochlorous acid generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electrolytic cell in the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a solution tank of a hypochlorous acid generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a solution tank of a hypochlorous acid generator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a conventional hypochlorous acid generator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Electrolysis tank 13, 14 Electrode 15 Salt solution 16 Solution tank 18 Chlorine ion supply means 21 Discharge path 23 Control device 27 Container 28 Connection port 29 Supporting part 31 Pipe line 32 Opening

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takemi Oketa 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Reference) 4D061 AA03 AB10 BA02 BB01 BB02 BB04 BD12 BD13

Claims (8)

[Claims] An electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes therein, a solution tank for storing a chloride ion solution containing chloride ions, control means for controlling the power supply to the electrodes, A hypochlorous acid generator, comprising: a chlorine ion supply means for controlling supply to an electrolytic cell; and a discharge path for discharging an electrolytic solution from the electrolytic cell, wherein the solution tank is hermetically sealed and contractible. 2. The hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 1, wherein the solution tank is made of a bag-shaped airtight material that contracts in accordance with the change in the internal capacity. 3. The hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 1, wherein the solution tank includes a container covering the periphery. 4. The apparatus for producing hypochlorous acid according to claim 1, wherein the solution tank is provided with a support for supporting the upper part. 5. The hypochlorous acid generator according to claim 1, wherein the solution tank is provided with a detachable connection port for communicating with the chloride ion supply means. 6. The solution tank according to claim 1, further comprising: a container covering the periphery thereof; and a detecting means for detecting the solution at a bottom of the container.
The hypochlorous acid generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. A solution passage communicating with the chlorine ion supply means and having a tip located at the bottom of the solution tank is provided in the solution tank.
The hypochlorous acid generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a tip of the conduit has an opening in a direction perpendicular to the conduit. 8. A bendable pipe having a leading end located at the bottom of the solution tank is provided in the solution tank and communicated with the chlorine ion supply means. A weight having a specific gravity greater than that of the chloride ion solution is provided at the tip of the pipe. The hypochlorous acid generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.