JP2006043707A - Apparatus for producing electrolytic water - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent damage and deformation of a membrane of an electrolytic water producing apparatus due to a feed water pressure. <P>SOLUTION: The electrolytic water producing apparatus has an electrolytic tank 1 including an intermediate chamber 2 at its center to hold an electrolyte. At both sides of the intermediate chamber 2 are respectively formed a cathode chamber 3 and an anode chamber 4 to hold an electrolyte solution. The membranes 6, 7 and electrodes 8, 9 are fitted adjoining each other in a panel-like form between the intermediate chamber 2, the cathode chamber 3, and the anode chamber 4 so as to separate the chambers from each other. To improve the above apparatus, a pair of supporting members 48, 48 are provided between the membranes 6, 7 for supporting the membranes 6, 7 from inside like a panel. The supporting members include many projections 48a to maintain the interval constant between the pair of supporting members 48, 48. The projections 48a formed like a pin are on the inside surface of the supporting members 48, 48, and, when assembled, the tips of the opposing pin projections butt against each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus used for sterilization and washing of food, clothing, various equipments, industrial products, and the like.

Electrolysis consisting of an intermediate chamber that uses salt water and fresh water as conventional electrolytes and is supplied with salt water, and a cathode chamber and an anode chamber that are installed on both sides of the negative and positive electrodes and a diaphragm wall. As an apparatus, there exists an apparatus shown in patent document 1, for example.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-299457

  However, the conventional apparatus as described above has a drawback that the electrodes and diaphragms of the intermediate chamber containing the electrolyte and the cathode chamber and the anode chamber on both sides thereof are deformed or damaged by the influence of the water supply pressure.

  In the apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problems, first, an intermediate chamber 2 for accommodating an electrolyte is formed in the center of the electrolytic cell 1, and an electrolytic solution is accommodated on both sides of the intermediate chamber 2. The cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 are formed, and between the intermediate chamber 2 and the chambers 3 and 4 on both sides thereof, the diaphragms 6 and 7 and the electrodes 8 and 9 are formed in a panel shape to each other. In the apparatus installed close to each other so as to partition the chamber, support members 48 and 48 are provided between the diaphragms 6 and 7 to hold the diaphragms 6 and 7 in a panel shape from the inside, and the distance between the support members 48 and 48 is set. It is characterized in that a protrusion 48a is provided to keep it constant.

  Secondly, the protrusion 48a protrudes from the inner surface of each of the support members 48 and 48, and has a pin shape in which the tips are in a butted state in the assembled state.

  Thirdly, outside the panel-like diaphragms 6 and 7 and the electrodes 8 and 9 in a state of partitioning the chambers, the electrodes 8 and 9 protrude into the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 and are assembled in the electrolytic cell 1. The guide walls 3c and 4c are provided so as to be in contact with the outside and supported.

  Fourth, the guide walls 3c, 4c are characterized in that the electrolytic water in the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 is arranged to pass through while meandering.

  Fifth, a glass fiber cloth material is used as the diaphragm (ion exchange membrane) 6 on the negative electrode 8 side, and a chemical fiber cloth material is used as the positive electrode side diaphragm.

  The support member inserted between the diaphragms on both sides of the intermediate chamber prevents the electrodes and the diaphragm from being deformed by the influence of the water supply pressure from the cathode chamber and the anode chamber.

  In addition, rib-shaped guide walls protrude from the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, so that the electrolysis efficiency is improved by supporting these from the outer surface of each electrode and allowing the inflowing water to pass through the chamber while meandering left and right. Increase.

  Hereinafter, the illustrated embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the apparatus of the present invention, in which an intermediate chamber 2 for storing a saline solution as an electrolyte is formed in the center of an electrolytic cell 1, and a cathode chamber 3 for storing water (fresh water) on both sides thereof. An anode chamber 4 is formed. Between the intermediate chamber 2 and the chambers 3 and 4 on both sides, the ion-permeable diaphragms 6 and 7 and the negative electrode 8 and the positive electrode 9 are arranged close to each other so as to partition each chamber in a panel shape. Has been.

  A water supply pipe 11 for supplying water to the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 from the bottom is branched and connected to the branch pipes 11a and 11b, respectively. The water supply amount is respectively connected to the branch pipes 11a and 11b. The flow rate control units 12 and 13 are provided with a valve for stopping the control or adjusting the flow rate. An open / close valve 14 controls the overall water supply.

  An electrolyte supply tank 16 with a liquid level sensor or a water level gauge is installed above the electrolytic cell 1, and a valve 15 is supplied from the electrolyte supply tank 16 to the intermediate chamber 2 by natural flowing water using a water drop. A saturated or nearly saturated saline solution is supplied through the attached water supply pipe 17. An electrolyte (storage) tank 18 provided above (flow) the electrolyte supply tank 16 is connected via a pipe 19 and a valve 21.

  Reference numerals 22 and 23 are electrolytic water tanks for storing alkaline water or acidic water generated in the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4, respectively, connected to the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 by discharge pipes 24 and 26, respectively. , 23 are provided with electrolyzed water extraction pipes 29, 31 with extraction valves 27, 28, respectively, and alkaline water or acidic water is taken out from the combined outlet 32 separately or as needed. Liquid level sensors 33, 34, 35, and 36 are attached to the tanks 16, 18, 22, and 23, respectively.

  A drainage port 37 through which salt water as an electrolyte naturally flows out due to a drop or an internal water pressure and a water receiving tank 38 for receiving and storing the drainage are provided at the lower portion of the intermediate chamber 2. The used salt water in the water receiving tank 38 is returned to the electrolyte supply tank 16 by a return pipe 39 and a pump 41.

It is well known that the salt water used as the electrolyte is acidified by decreasing the salt concentration due to the electrolytic action, but a part of the salt water is circulated between the electrolyte supply tank 16, the intermediate chamber 2, and the water receiving tank 38. In the electrolyte supply tank 16, it is mixed with saturated brine, returned to a substantially saturated state, and reused.
However, when the salinity is low and the acidity is high (for example, pH 0.5 to 0.6), the valve 42 provided between the electrolyte supply tank 16 and the electrolytic water (acidic water) tank 23 is used. The acid electrolyzed water is stored in the tank 23 through the attached drain pipe 43. Reference numeral 44 denotes air (gas) venting for preventing reduction in electrolysis efficiency due to air and overflow of the intermediate chamber 2 by extracting air when it flows in or is generated in the intermediate chamber 2.

  The electrodes 8 and 9 are connected to the cathode and the anode of the DC power supply 46, and a constant current device 47 using a Wheatstone bridge or the like for keeping the supplied power current constant is provided in the power supply circuit. It has been. As this constant current device, a constant current diode CRD or the like can be used. The DC power source 46 is obtained by rectifying an AC power source.

  The electrodes 8 and 9 in the electrolytic cell 1 are both made of a lath metal titanium mesh material, the negative electrode 8 is coated with platinum, and the positive electrode 9 is coated with platinum and iridium. . Further, a glass fiber cloth material was used for the diaphragm 6 on the negative electrode 8 side, and a chemical fiber cloth material (trade name “GORE-TEX”) was used for the diaphragm (ion exchange membrane) 7 on the positive electrode 9 side. Further, a support member 48 is interposed between the diaphragms 6 and 7 on both sides to prevent the electrodes and the diaphragm from being deformed due to the influence of the water supply pressure from the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4.

  2 and 3 are configuration diagrams showing a specific example of the electrolytic cell 1. In this example, the intermediate chamber 2, the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 are all made of a synthetic resin material, and are not shown in the side of the cathode chamber 3 (left side). ) Is the same (rotationally symmetric) structure as shown on the anode chamber 4 side (right side) including the assembly structure to be described later, and the intermediate chamber 2 has a frame shape of the hollowed-out hollow portion (chamber 2a). None, the bosses projecting from the upper and lower end surfaces are provided with connection holes 17 ', 44' and 37 'for connecting the water supply pipe 17, the air vent pipe 44 and the drainage port 37, respectively.

  Both the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 are formed in a square plate shape having outer surface walls 3b and 4b so as to form recesses (chambers 3a and 4a) on the inner side, and are bosses protruding in the front and rear reverse positions of the upper and lower end surfaces. The parts are provided with connecting holes 24 ', 26', 11a ', 11b' of discharge pipes 24, 26 and water supply pipes (branch pipes) 11a, 11b, respectively.

  Further, rib-shaped guide walls 3c and 4c protrude from the inner peripheral surfaces of the front and rear walls in the chambers 3 and 4 alternately in the horizontal direction and integrally with the outer surface walls 3b and 4b. The guide walls 3c and 4c both abut against and support the outer surfaces of the electrodes 8 and 9 in the assembled state of the electrolytic cell 1, and the chamber 3a while meandering water flowing in from the water supply pipes 11a and 11b to the left and right. , 4a is allowed to pass therethrough to increase the electrolysis efficiency.

  Further, an electrode lead terminal plate 9 a is inserted in the vertical direction in the front overlapping surface of the anode chamber 4 (in the rear overlapping surface in the cathode chamber 3) and connected to the end of the electrode 9. Yes. Between the electrode 9 and the diaphragm 7, a mesh sheet-like cushion material 51 made of a flexible material such as silicon rubber is inserted to protect the electrode 9, and the diaphragm 7 and the mating surface of the intermediate chamber 2 are further interposed. A mesh-like support member 48 for holding the diaphragm made of a hard resin material such as ABS is interposed therebetween.

  On the inner surfaces of the left and right support members 48, pin-shaped protrusions 48 a are provided so that the tips of the support members 48 are abutted in the assembled and tightened state or are fitted together in the butted state. Thus, the left and right protrusions are brought into contact with each other, whereby the electrodes 8 and 9 and the diaphragms 6 and 7 are pressed and held between the support member 48 and the indoor walls 3c and 4c in the assembled state, and held in a panel shape. 2 is prevented from being deformed or damaged due to a pressure difference between the left and right chambers 3 and 4. Each chamber of the electrolytic cell 1 is fastened with bolts or the like at the outer periphery, and O-rings 52 are fitted on both sides of the intermediate chamber 2 to achieve water tightness.

  The embodiment in which the electrolyzed water is generated by the above apparatus will be described. Fresh water (tap water) is supplied from the water supply pipe 11 to the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4, respectively, and the intermediate chamber 2 is supplied to the intermediate chamber 2. A saturated saline solution of 50 to 100 cc / m is supplied, and electric power whose current is constantly controlled to about 12 A is supplied to the electrodes at a voltage of 2 to 30 V. Incidentally, in this example, the capacity of the electrolyte supply tank 16 is 3 l, whereas the capacity of the intermediate chamber 2 is about 300 cc, and the amount of saline supplied to the intermediate chamber 2 is about 10 cc / m. Further, each of the electrolyzed water tanks 22 and 23 is 50 l, while the salt water tank 18 is about 30 l.

  The electrical resistance of the saline solution in the intermediate chamber 2 was about 0.5Ω, and the electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber 3 and the anode chamber 4 was alkaline water and acidic water having pH 12 and pH 3.1, respectively. Therefore, it was found that electrolyzed water having extremely high alkalinity and acidity can be obtained in normal operation.

  Incidentally, the pH and other data in the cathode chamber 3, the anode chamber 4 and the intermediate chamber 2 of the electrolyzed water produced according to this example are as shown in Table 1, and the combinations of the two types of electrodes and diaphragms are those described above. Both acidity and alkalinity showed the strongest values.

  Table 2 shows the difference in hunter whiteness when washing white fabric (cotton) with alkaline ionized water and other liquids as described above, and that according to this example (improved electrolyzed water) is the most detergency and bleaching degree. It is clear that both are high.

  Table 3 shows the results of a sterilization test using acidic water (I) on the anode chamber 4 side, acidic water (II) generated from the intermediate chamber 2 and alkaline water on the cathode chamber 3 side, excluding alkaline water. It was confirmed that the acidic water of the present invention also has sufficient sterilizing power.

  And according to the said apparatus, by adjusting the flow volume control parts 12 and 13, either one of electrolyzed water can be increased and the other can also be decreased, and also when any one water supply is stopped, electrolysis of a stop side is carried out. Although no water is produced, the fresh water on the stopped side is balanced and stopped at a value of about pH 12 on the cathode chamber 3 side and about pH 2.5 on the anode chamber 4 side. The flow rate selection / adjustment device is convenient for dealing with a case where one of the electrolyzed water is small or unnecessary.

In addition, according to the confirmation in this embodiment, if the supply amount of fresh water is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 l / m, the pH concentration of the electrolyzed water is almost constant even if the normal operation or one of the supply amounts is limited. It does not change, and if it exceeds 3.0 l / m, the concentration decreases. Further, in this example, saturated saline was used as an electrolyte, but it can be mixed with sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ) alone, and its use can considerably increase the detergency of the generated alkaline water. it can. In addition, potassium chloride (KCl), hydrochloric acid (HCl), or the like can be used as the electrolyte.

  Although not shown in the figure, when adjusting the amount of water in each tank or the amount of electric water generated, each valve is controlled to compensate for excess or deficiency of water supply and drainage according to the sensor detection value of each tank. Needless to say, a control device that inputs detection signals from each sensor, converts them into valve control signals, etc., and performs output control is necessary. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the liquid flow other than the water pressure for supplying water and the circulation of the electrolyte by the pump 41 can be supplemented with natural running water using a head, and the power for forming the liquid flow And energy savings.

It is the arrangement | positioning and piping figure which show the whole structure of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the specific structure of the electrolytic vessel which concerns on this invention. Similarly it is sectional drawing of an electrolytic cell.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolysis tank 2 Intermediate | middle chamber 3 Cathode chamber 3c, 4c Guide wall 4 Anode chamber 6,7 Diaphragm 8,9 Electrode 12,13 Flow control part 16 Electrolyte supply tank 17 Water supply path 39 Circulation circuit 43 Discharge circuit 46 DC power supply 47 Constant current Device 48 Support member 48a Protrusion

Claims (5)

  An intermediate chamber (2) for accommodating an electrolyte is formed in the center of the electrolytic cell (1), and a cathode chamber (3) and an anode chamber (4) for accommodating an electrolyte are formed on both sides of the intermediate chamber (2). In addition, the diaphragm (6), (7) and the electrodes (8), (9) are formed in a panel shape between the intermediate chamber (2) and the chambers (3), (4) on both sides thereof. In the apparatus installed close to each other so as to partition each chamber, a support member (48) for holding each diaphragm (6), (7) in a panel shape from the inside between the diaphragms (6), (7) , (48), and a projection (48a) for maintaining a constant distance between the support members (48), (48).   The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (48a) is provided on the inner surface of each of the support members (48), (48), and has a pin shape in which the tips are in a butted state in the assembled state.   The panel-shaped diaphragms (6) and (7) and the electrodes (8) and (9) in a state of partitioning the chambers protrude into the cathode chamber (3) and the anode chamber (4), and the electrolytic cell (1 The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising guide walls (3c) and (4c) for supporting the electrodes (8) and (9) in contact with the outside in the assembled state.   4. The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 1, wherein the guide walls (3 c) and (4 c) are arranged so as to pass the electrolyzed water in the cathode chamber (3) and the anode chamber (4) while meandering. .   A glass fiber cloth material is used as the negative electrode (8) side diaphragm (ion exchange membrane) (6), and a chemical fiber cloth material is used as the positive electrode side diaphragm, respectively. Electrolyzed water generator.

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