JP2006192404A - Electrolyzer for sterilization or the like and electrode used for it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolyzer for sterilization or the like which can easily be mounted on a circulation water tank such as an air conditioning cooling water system, a bath and a pool, can efficiently generate a copper ion or a silver ion, and has high electrode utilization efficiency, the electrode used for it; and also the electrolyzer for sterilization or the like which can sterilize, kill an alga and prevent generation of a scale for a long time and stably. <P>SOLUTION: In the electrode of the elctrolyzer for sterilization or the like used in the circulation water tank, the electrode 1 is formed by a hollow pipe 2. Preferably, the upper end part of the pipe is formed into a flat plate part by press molding, a crimp contact provided with a lead wire is fixed on the flat part by a meshing tool, and then the upper end part is covered with a water resistant resin. Further, the electrolyzer for sterilization or the like is used by combination with a water activator using particulate ceramics containing silica and alumina. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization and the electrode used therefor, and in particular, installed in a circulating water tank such as an air-conditioning cooling water system or a bathtub / pool to generate sterilization / algaecide etc. by generating copper ions or silver ions. The present invention relates to an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization and the like and an electrode used therefor.

  Conventionally, water stays and circulates in cooling water systems (cooling towers) such as air conditioners, and circulation water tanks such as bathtubs and pools, so bacteria, bacteria, algae, etc. are likely to occur. This caused a decrease in heat transfer efficiency, causing a hygiene problem in pools and the like. In order to suppress generation | occurrence | production of these microbes etc., dispersing metal ions, such as a copper ion or a silver ion, in water is performed.

Patent Document 1 includes metal members for ions such as a copper plate and a silver plate in each of a water supply duct or a drainage duct arranged in a water tank such as a pool, and the water in the water tank is in contact with or close to these members. The method of purifying the water in the water tank is disclosed by discharging the metal ions of the metal member for ions into the water and performing sterilization and the like by sterilization of the metal ions.
Japanese Patent No. 3238883

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to form electrodes corresponding to the respective ducts and install them individually, which takes time and increases the cost. In addition, since the structure of the electrode itself is a plate-like electrode, a part of the electrode corroded by metal ion release is likely to fall off. When the dropped metal piece enters the water tank from the water supply duct, in general, the surface of the dropped metal has many sharp protrusions, which may cause damage to a swimmer in the pool, for example. Further, when the dropped metal piece is discharged from the drainage duct, it enters the circulation pump and causes damage to the pump.

Moreover, in patent document 2, the specific gravity containing the inorganic antibacterial agent containing at least 1 sort (s) of the metal ion which consists of Ag, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn is less than 1.00, In addition, a method has been proposed in which a water purification material having a porosity of 20% or more is floated on a water storage tank, a cooling tower, or the like, thereby performing a water purification effect.
JP 2003-200193 A

  However, in order for Patent Document 2 to generate a bactericidal action, it is necessary to adjust the chlorine ion concentration to 0.2 to 1000 ppm, and it does not actively release metal ions. It can exert an effective bactericidal action only on the like. For this reason, an effect cannot be expected for sterilization of bacteria that propagate in the circulation system piping.

Moreover, in patent document 3, the part which has a metal oxide is formed in some pipes, such as a conduit | pipe, a pump, and a heat exchanger which is a circulation path of the cooling liquid which has water as a main component, and cooling liquid is used. What promotes release | release of the metal ion from a metal oxide by keeping acidic is disclosed.
JP 2002-62087 A

  However, due to the release of the metal oxide, for example, corrosion in the pipe advances, and as a result, the pipe itself needs to be replaced, resulting in an extremely expensive facility. Moreover, since the release of metal ions depends on the acidic pH of the cooling liquid, there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the metal ion concentration appropriately.

  On the other hand, when an electrode is used to generate metal ions, a phenomenon that a component dissolved in cooling water adheres to the electrode surface and is petrified, a so-called scale phenomenon occurs. Thereby, the problem that the utilization efficiency of an electrode falls also has arisen.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, can be easily installed in a circulating water tank such as an air conditioning cooling water system, a bathtub or a pool, and can efficiently generate copper ions or silver ions. An electrolysis apparatus for sterilization and the like having high efficiency and an electrode used therefor are provided. Moreover, the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. which can be stably sterilized over a long period of time and can prevent algae and scale generation are provided.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 1, in the electrode of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. which are used for a circulation system water tank, this electrode is formed with a hollow tube, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. In the present invention, the circulation system water tank does not mean only the water tank portion but also includes piping and the like constituting the circulation system.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in the electrode according to claim 1, the lead wire is attached to the upper end portion of the tube, and the upper end portion of the tube including the attachment portion of the lead wire is covered with a waterproof resin. It is characterized by that.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electrode according to the first or second aspect, the upper end portion of the tube forms a flat plate portion by press molding, and a crimp terminal having a lead wire attached to the flat plate portion is used as a locking tool. It is fixed by.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that in the electrode according to claim 2 or 3, the lower end portion of the tube is sealed with a waterproof resin or covered with an elastic resin.

  In the invention according to claim 5, in the electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the electrode is copper or silver in the case of a positive electrode, iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy or carbon in the case of a negative electrode. It is formed by.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization using the electrode according to any one of the first to fifth aspects as a positive electrode, the negative electrode, the power supply means, and a part of electricity of the power supply means are supplied. Power storage means for storing, and power supply control means for controlling the power supply state to the positive electrode and the negative electrode using the power of the power supply means and the power storage means.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to claim 6, wherein the power source means uses a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a commercial power source.

  In the invention according to claim 8, in the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization or the like according to claim 6 or 7, the energization control means is configured to pass through the electrodes with respect to the electrodes in order to clean the electrode surfaces of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Including an energized state for switching the characteristics.

  In the invention according to claim 9, in the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the energization control means is in an energized state so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less. It is characterized by controlling.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 10, in the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. which are used for a circulating system water tank, the active water device using the granular ceramics containing a silica and an alumina is arrange | positioned in a part of circulating system water tank, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. .

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the electrolytic device for sterilization according to the tenth aspect, the active water device is disposed upstream of the water flowing into the electrolytic device for sterilization, close to the electrolytic device for sterilization. It is characterized by arranging.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the sterilization electrolysis apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the electrode of the sterilization electrolysis apparatus is formed of a hollow tube or a rod-shaped electrode.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the electrode of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization is copper or silver in the case of a positive electrode, and iron in the case of a negative electrode. , Stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy or carbon.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, a negative electrode, a power supply means, and a power storage means for accumulating a part of electricity of the power supply means, And an energization control means for controlling the energization state of the positive electrode and the negative electrode by using the electric power of the power source means and the power storage means.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sterilization electrolysis apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the power source means uses a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a commercial power source.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization or the like according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the energization control means cleans each electrode surface of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, Including an energized state for switching the characteristics.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization or the like according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the energization control means is in an energized state so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less. It is characterized by controlling.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the electrode is formed of a hollow tube, corrosion progresses uniformly over the entire electrode, and the utilization efficiency of the electrode is remarkably improved. In addition, some of the electrodes fall off due to corrosion during use, and electrode fragments can enter the water tank, circulation system piping, circulation pump, etc., reducing the risk of damaging human bodies and equipment, and are also excellent in safety. It is possible to provide an electrode for an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the upper end of the electrode is covered with a waterproof resin so as to include the mounting portion of the lead wire with respect to the electrode, thereby preventing water from entering the mounting portion and holding the electrode. It becomes possible to suppress the progress of corrosion of the electrode at the indispensable mounting portion.

  According to the invention according to claim 3, since the upper end portion of the tube forming the electrode is formed into a flat plate portion by press molding, the crimp terminal with the lead wire attached to the flat plate portion can be easily and firmly fixed by the locking tool, In addition, since the flat plate portion assists the tube in a sealed structure, the waterproof effect of the waterproof resin of the invention according to claim 2 can be further improved.

According to the invention of claim 4, the lower end portion of the tube forming the electrode is sealed with a waterproof resin or covered with an elastic resin. Thus, in the case of sealing with a waterproof resin, in combination with the structure of claim 2, the tube is made to be a sealed structure, and in order to prevent water from entering the tube, buoyancy is given to the electrode itself by the air in the tube, and the electrode is held. It becomes possible to reduce the burden concerning In addition, the progress of the electrode corrosion progresses only from the outside of the tube in the initial stage, and the shape of the electrode can be maintained for a longer period.
In addition, by covering the lower end of the tube with elastic resin, the electrode moves due to water flow, etc., and even if the lower end of the electrode collides with the inner wall of the water tank or the circulation system piping, the inner wall is prevented from being damaged. It becomes possible to do.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the electrode is formed of copper or silver in the case of a positive electrode and iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy or carbon in the case of a negative electrode, the effect of sterilization or the like can be achieved over a long period of time. It becomes possible to provide it stably. In particular, when oxygen-free copper is used as the copper metal, oxygen-free copper is excellent in electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. Therefore, corrosion progresses only by the release of copper ions by electrolysis, and the electrode is long. It can be used underwater for a period of time. Moreover, combined with the shape of the electrode according to claim 1, it can be used for a very long time. Furthermore, in the case where Hastelloy is used for the negative electrode, it is possible to provide an electrode that is highly effective in suppressing the growth of bacteria on the surface of the electrode and is more stable in the long term.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic apparatus for sterilization or the like that achieves the effects of the above-described first to fifth aspects of the invention because the electrode according to any of the first to fifth aspects is used as a positive electrode. It becomes possible. In addition, since the power storage unit is provided, the electrolysis apparatus can be stably operated even when the power supply by the power source unit is stopped.

  According to the invention according to claim 7, in order to use a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a commercial power source as a power source means, even when an electrolysis device for sterilization is installed on the rooftop of a building or outdoors, it is close to the electrolysis device. Power supply means can be secured, and a large power supply system is not required. In addition, since solar power generation and wind power generation use natural energy, it is possible to reduce costs related to electricity use.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the energization control means includes an energization state in which the energization polarity for each electrode is switched in order to clean each electrode surface of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. It becomes possible to operate.

  According to the invention of claim 9, the energization control means controls the energization state so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less, and thus effectively suppresses the growth of bacteria and algae in water. It becomes possible to do.

  According to the invention according to claim 10, since the active water device using granular ceramics containing silica and alumina is arranged in a part of the circulation system water tank, the component dissolved in the cooling water adheres to the electrode surface and is petrified. The phenomenon can be prevented, and the electrode can be stably operated over a long period of time without reducing the efficiency of electrolysis.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the active water device is disposed on the upstream side of the water flowing into the electrolyzer for sterilization, in the vicinity of the electrolyzer for sterilization. It is possible to affect the electrodes of the device.

  In the invention according to claim 12, since the electrode of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization or the like is formed by a hollow tube or a rod-shaped electrode, the hollow tube is used when the electrode shape is long, and the entire electrode is reduced in weight. In addition to reducing the load applied to the electrode holding portion, it is possible to significantly improve the electrode utilization efficiency. Further, when the electrode shape is as short as several tens of centimeters, it is possible to operate the electrode for a longer period by using a rod-shaped electrode.

  According to the invention of claim 13, since the electrode of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization is formed of copper or silver in the case of the positive electrode, iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy or carbon in the case of the negative electrode, As with the effect described in 5, it is possible to stably provide an effect such as sterilization in the long term.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization that achieves the effects of the above-described tenth to thirteenth aspects of the present invention. Even when the operation stops, the electrolysis apparatus can be stably operated.

  According to the invention of claim 15, since the power supply means of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization uses a solar power generation apparatus, a wind power generation apparatus, or a commercial power supply, similarly to the above-described effect of the invention of claim 7, it is a large scale. A power feeding system becomes unnecessary, and the cost for using electricity can be reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 16, the energization control means includes an energized state in which the energization polarity for each electrode is switched in order to clean each electrode surface of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. It becomes possible to operate. In addition, coupled with the scale prevention effect of the water heater, it is possible to operate the electrolyzer without maintenance over a long period of time.

  According to the invention of claim 17, since the energization control means controls the energization state so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less, it effectively suppresses the propagation of bacteria and algae in water. It becomes possible to do.

The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to the present invention and the electrodes used therefor will be described in detail below.
Fig.1 (a) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the electrode 1 which concerns on this invention. In the electrode, the metal hollow tube 2 is used in order to reduce the weight of the electrode and to secure a sufficient surface area of the electrode. As the cross-sectional shape of the hollow tube, a circular shape is preferable because a commercially available material can be used and it can be configured at a low cost. However, the shape of the hollow tube is not limited to this, and a polygonal tube such as a square shape can also be used.

  When the electrode 1 is used as a positive electrode, a commercially available copper tube is used, but the material of the electrode is oxygen-free copper which is excellent in electrical conductivity and excellent in corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The purity of copper is preferably 99% or more, and more preferably 99.9% or more. The diameter of the copper tube is preferably about 25 mm to 30 mm, which is easily available, and the thickness is preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. Silver ions are also known to have sterilizing and algicidal effects, and a silver tube can be used as a positive electrode in the same manner as the copper tube. Below, it demonstrates centering on a copper pipe.

  By forming the positive electrode in such a tube shape, even if the electrode is reduced, the rate of change of the electrode area is small, so that a constant current density is obtained when a voltage is applied, and the applied voltage is stabilized. In addition, since elution of copper ions and the like by electrolysis progresses uniformly, elution of copper ions and the like progresses non-uniformly in conventional rod-shaped electrodes, and only about 30 to 40% of the total weight of electrode copper can be used. In the electrode according to the present invention, 90% or more of the electrode weight can be used.

  Iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy, or carbon is used as the material for the negative electrode used in the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization. In particular, when Hastelloy is used for the negative electrode, Hastelloy itself is highly effective in suppressing the growth of bacteria on the electrode surface, and it becomes possible to provide a stable electrode for a longer period of time. As for the shape of the electrode, since rapid corrosion does not proceed unlike the positive electrode, it is possible to use a conventional rod-shaped or plate-shaped, spherical or polyhedral electrode, but as with the positive electrode. By making it tubular, it is possible to reduce the weight of the electrode and increase the surface area of the electrode, and by obtaining the buoyancy of the electrode as described later, it becomes possible to reduce the force necessary for holding the electrode.

  About the length of the electrode 1, it is possible to set suitably according to the magnitude | size of the space which installs electrodes, such as the depth of a water tank and circulation system piping. In order to easily generate metal ions such as copper ions, it is preferable to increase the surface area of the electrode, and the length of the electrode is generally better. However, if it becomes too long, the electrode moves due to the water flow, the inner wall of the water tank or the circulation system pipe and the electrode easily collide with each other, and the inner wall or the electrode is damaged. In addition, it is also possible to fix and arrange the electrodes at predetermined positions inside the water tank or the piping using a support or the like while ensuring insulation, if necessary.

Next, a connection structure between the tubular electrode 2 and the lead wire 5 will be described.
The upper end portion of the tubular electrode is formed into a flat plate portion 3 having a certain length as shown in FIG. A crimping terminal 4 is connected to the lead wire 5, the flat plate portion 3 and the crimping terminal 4 are overlapped, and both are tightly joined by a fastening means such as a bolt so as to pass through an opening formed in each member. . Since the lead wire needs to supply electricity to the electrode for a long time in water, it is necessary to configure the lead wire not to be easily cut even if the lead wire is twisted by various flows of water. It is preferable to use a stranded wire using a plurality of fine wires.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the mounting portion of the lead wire to the electrode is covered with a heat-shrinkable waterproof resin such as polyolefin resin so that water and the like enter. Is configured to prevent.

  On the other hand, at the lower end of the tubular electrode, as shown in FIG. 1A, the tube is covered with an elastic resin so that the tip of the electrode is not exposed in water. With this configuration, since the elastic resin functions as an impact mitigating material, the electrode moves due to water flow, etc., and even when the lower end of the electrode collides with the inner wall of the water tank or the circulation piping, the inner wall is prevented from being damaged. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, it is also possible to form a sealing plug with a waterproof resin at the lower end of the electrode so that water does not enter the pipe when it is suspended in water. Thus, by holding air inside the tube, buoyancy can be generated in the electrode itself, the burden on the electrode holding portion can be reduced, and a longer electrode can be used.

Next, an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization using the above-described electrode will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization and the like. The electrolysis apparatus is configured to elute copper ions into water from a copper material constituting the positive electrode by applying a predetermined voltage to the positive electrode and the negative electrode. In the present invention, the electrode shown in FIG.

  As a power source means, in consideration of installing an electrolyzer in a water tank or a circulation system pipe arranged on the roof of the building or outdoors, as a means for easily obtaining power, in addition to the commercial power source 21, reference numeral 10 is used. Utilize solar power generators and wind power generators such as solar panels shown. In addition, a power storage means that is a battery 11 is provided so that a part of the electric power supplied from the power supply means can be accumulated and the electrolysis apparatus can be operated even when it is cloudy, at night, or in a windless state. The power supply control circuit 12 automatically establishes an electrical connection between the power supply means (10 or 21), the power storage means 11, and the energization control unit so that a constant voltage can always be supplied to the energization control unit 13. It is configured to switch.

The energization control unit 13 is appropriately connected with a timer 14, a current value setting means 15, a meter 16 for measuring current (A) and voltage (V), and the like.
The timer 14 is used for controlling energization at a predetermined time or a predetermined time, as will be described later. The current value setting means 15 is for setting the flow rate flowing between the electrodes 17 and 18, and when there are a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes, the current value setting means 15 is configured so that the amount of current flowing for each electrode pair can be set. You can also The meter 16 is a voltmeter or ammeter that monitors the voltage or current state between the electrodes 17 and 18. The meter 16 is not limited to this, and can be configured to monitor the power generation state of the power supply means 10, the power storage state of the power storage means 11, and the power supply state from the power supply control circuit 12 as necessary. For this purpose, various configurations may be added, such as installing a plurality of ammeters and voltmeters, or switching and using each instrument.

  In addition, in order to indicate to the user the replacement time or maintenance time of the electrode, it is possible to provide an indicator lamp (not shown) connected to the energization control unit 13. As a method for setting the replacement time, since the time integral value of the current supplied to the electrode is proportional to the amount of consumption of the electrode, a circuit for summing up the integrated value of the current is incorporated in the conduction control unit 13 and the integrated value is obtained. It is also possible to configure a control circuit that turns on the indicator lamp and informs the user of the electrode replacement time when the amount reaches a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the current value flowing through the electrode was observed, and when the amount of current was lower than the specified value for a specific voltage, the electrode surface is likely to be dirty, so such a state was detected. In this case, it is possible to turn on the indicator lamp and inform the user of the maintenance time of the electrode.

  When installing the electrode of the electrolyzer according to the present invention in a circulating water tank, it can be installed in the water tank itself, but in the middle of the circulation system piping for circulating and purifying the water in the water tank, It can also be installed in a water storage tank installed in the middle of the circulation system waterway. In the case of cooling water such as a cooling tower, it is installed in a water storage tank that is installed in the middle of a circulation water channel that passes through a heat exchanger or the like.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which the electrode 32 of the electrolyzer is installed in the water storage tank 30 in the cooling tower. The cooling water 31 in the water storage tank 30 is led out to a heat exchanger (not shown) of the cooler through a lead-out pipe 36. Thereafter, the water is returned again into the water storage tank 30 through a plurality of heat exchangers by a circulation pump 34 installed in the middle of the introduction pipe 35. The circulation pump 34 is not limited to the introduction pipe 35 and can be installed on the outlet pipe 36 side.
An energization control unit 33 as shown in FIG. 2 is connected to the electrode 32 installed in the water storage tank 30, and the energization state of the electrode 32 is controlled.

  The size of the electrode and the interval between the electrodes can be set as appropriate according to the size and shape of the water storage tank 30 to be installed, the total amount of water to be purified, etc., but usually when the amount of retained water is 0.1 to 7 kl If an oxygen-free copper pipe having an outer diameter of 30 mm and an inner diameter of 20 mm is used, the electrode length is preferably about 500 mm and the electrode interval is preferably about 50 mm. When the amount of retained water increases, the metal ion concentration in the water can be adjusted by increasing the energization current or increasing the energization time.

  The current applied between the electrodes varies depending on the electrical conductivity of water. For example, in the case of water alone, about 0.4 A is preferable when the electrode interval is 50 mm. In the present invention, it is not necessary to use a conventional drug such as a chlorine agent. However, if such a drug is used, the resistance value in water changes depending on the amount of the drug, so that the current is changed. It needs to be adjusted. In addition, due to the material forming the pipes and water tanks, for example, when iron is eluted in water, the electrical conductivity increases, so when controlling the current applied between the electrodes, It is preferable to generate a certain amount of copper ions by adjusting the current value between the electrodes and the energization time so that the current amount becomes a predetermined value. Furthermore, it is possible to measure the copper ion concentration in the water with a sensor and to control the energization so that the numerical value of the sensor maintains a predetermined value.

Next, an electrode purification method will be described.
When an electrode is used for a long period of time, germs and scales may be generated and attached to the electrode itself, particularly the negative electrode, and such a scale or the like causes a reduction in the generation efficiency of metal ions. For this reason, in order to purify the electrode surface, it is preferable to incorporate an energization state in which the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode is reversed and the energization polarity is switched into the energization control means.
In addition, such electrode purification can be stably operated over a long period of time by incorporating it intermittently in the middle of the process of generating normal metal ions.
Furthermore, by using a material that has a high effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria on the electrode surface, such as Hastelloy, for the electrode and using the above electrode purification method in combination, the generation of scale on the electrode surface is more effective. Can be prevented.

  Basically, the higher the concentration of copper ions and silver ions in water, the higher the sterilization and algaecidal effects. However, in the case of water used for pools, high concentrations of metal ions are It is not preferable to be mixed into the water because it has a lot of harmful effects on the human body. Also in a cooling tower or the like, when the metal ion concentration is high, a phenomenon occurs in which the eluted metal ions adhere to and use on the inner wall of a circulation system pipe or the like. For this reason, by setting the concentration of metal ions to 0.8 ppm or less, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned adverse effects and to exhibit sterilization and algicidal action stably over a long period of time. The bactericidal and algicidal effect is effective even at 0.2 ppm or less, but the higher the metal ion concentration, the higher the effect. However, if the ion concentration is higher than 0.8 ppm, green algae may adhere to the inside of the pipes and equipment.

Next, an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization using a combination of active water using granular ceramics including silica and alumina will be described.
As disclosed in the following Patent Document 4, as an active water device, granular ceramics containing silica and alumina are caused to collide with each other using a water flow, and by electromagnetic action including Peltier effect at the time of the collision. It reforms water. By using this water heater, it is possible to prevent the scale phenomenon that the components dissolved in the cooling water adhere to the electrode surface and stone, and it is stable for a long time without reducing the efficiency of electrolysis. Thus, the electrode can be operated.
JP 2004-182574 A

  A layout diagram of the water heater 40 and the electrolyzer 41 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a case where a water heater 40 is arranged in the middle of a pipe 42 on the upstream side of the water flow, and an electrolysis apparatus 41 is arranged in series adjacent to the water heater 40. 4B, a flow rate adjusting valve 44 is provided in the middle of the pipe 43, and a water heater 40 and an electrolysis apparatus 41 are connected in series to a branch pipe 45 branched from the pipe 43, and discharged from the electrolysis apparatus 41. The water is again returned to the pipe 47 connected to the pipe 43 by the branch pipe 46. Basically, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), it is preferable that all the water passing through the pipe is routed through a water heater and an electrolyzer, but all the water circulates like a cooling tower. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is possible to adjust the valve 44 so that only a certain amount of water flow is introduced into the water heater 40 and the electrolyzer 41. Furthermore, by installing an opening / closing valve separately in the pipes 45 and 46 and closing the opening / closing valve, it becomes possible to perform maintenance of the water heater and the electrolysis apparatus without stopping the water flow in the cooling tower.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a water heater, FIG. 5 (a) is a water heater introduced in the middle of a horizontal pipe, and FIG. 5 (b) is a live water introduced into a vertical pipe. Shows the vessel.
In FIG. 5A, the outer tube is connected to the inner tube 52 connected to the introduction tube 50, the outer tube 54 surrounding the inner tube 52, and the space sandwiched between the inner tube 52 and the outer tube 54. According to the flow path comprised of the outlet pipe 55 connected below 54, water is configured to flow as indicated by arrows. In addition, plates 51 and 53 having a net or a large number of pores are arranged above and below the inner pipe 52 so that the water flow is not hindered and the granular ceramics 56 arranged therein does not flow out.

  In FIG. 5 (b), water is configured to flow as indicated by arrows in accordance with a flow path including an introduction pipe 60, a cylindrical pipe 63, and a lead-out pipe 65. And the plate 61,62 which has a net | network or many pores is arrange | positioned in the upper and lower parts of the cylindrical pipe | tube 63 so that a water flow may not be prevented and the granular ceramics 64 arrange | positioned in it may not flow out.

  In FIG. 6, it is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the electrolyzer connected to a water heater. 6 (a) and 6 (b) both show an electrolysis apparatus applied to the apparatus layout diagram of FIG. 4 (b). The position of the inlet 70 or 80 of each electrolysis apparatus is set in the horizontal direction of the apparatus. It goes without saying that it is possible to use it for the horizontal piping in FIG.

  In FIG. 6A, the water flow that has entered from the introduction port 70 rises in the partition 71 inside the apparatus, descends from the upper part of the partition 71 along the container wall 75, and is discharged out of the container from the outlet port 77. . Inside the partition 71, a positive electrode 73 and a negative electrode 72 that generate metal ions are disposed and fixed on the container wall 75. When the water flow is intense, the electrodes 72 and 73 vibrate due to the water flow, so that metal fatigue near the electrode fixing portion is likely to occur. For this reason, it is also possible to arrange the electrode holding means 74 in the vicinity of the tip of the electrode so as to suppress the vibration of the electrode and not disturb the flow of the water flow. Reference numeral 76 denotes an air vent valve for discharging gas generated by electrolysis or the like.

  FIG. 6B shows a configuration in which a water flow is caused to flow from the vicinity of the fixed place of the electrodes 82 and 83 toward the tip of the electrode. Specifically, the water flow that flows in from the introduction port 80 rises between the partition 81 and the container wall 84, flows along the inside of the partition 81 from the vicinity of the fixed positions of the electrodes 82 and 83, and flows from the outlet port 86 to the container. Discharged outside. In this case, since the vibration at the tip of the electrode is less than that in FIG. 6A, it is not necessary to provide an electrode holding means. The air vent valve 85 is also arranged in the same manner.

  The electrolytic apparatus combined with the water heater is required to have a compact configuration because of the arrangement in the middle of the piping. For example, an electrode having a length of about 300 mm is used. For this reason, as the shape of the electrode, it is possible to reduce the burden on the holding portion by adopting the hollow tube described above, but as shown in FIG. Since it is necessary to attach an electrode, it is preferable to use a rod-shaped electrode in order to prevent water from flowing out of the container through the inside of the hollow tube. In addition, by using a rod-shaped electrode, it is possible to operate the electrode for a longer period of time.

As described above, the electrode used in FIG. 6 can be formed of copper or silver in the case of the positive electrode and iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy or carbon in the case of the negative electrode.
In addition, as described above, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a commercial power source can be used as the power supply means of the electrolysis apparatus, and a power storage means can be combined as necessary.

  Furthermore, the above-described energization control means can be used in the electrolysis apparatus combined with the water heater, and in particular, the energization polarity for each electrode is switched in order to clean the electrode surfaces of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. By incorporating the energized state into the control means, it is possible to operate the electrolyzer without maintenance over a long period, coupled with the scale prevention effect of the water heater.

  Even in the case of combining an active water device and an electrolyzer, by controlling the energization state of the electrolyzer so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less, it is possible to propagate bacteria and algae in water. It becomes possible to suppress effectively.

(Experimental example)
Next, an experimental example in which the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to the present invention is used in an actual cooling tower will be described.
As a positive electrode, oxygen-free copper (purity 99.9%, product name: deoxidized copper, manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.) is processed into an outer diameter of 30 mm, a thickness of 5 mm, and a length of 500 mm, and 50 mm from the end. The flat plate portion was formed by press molding, and the crimp terminal to which the lead wire was connected was fixed. Furthermore, the lead wire mounting portion including the flat plate portion and the crimp terminal was covered with a polyolefin resin.

  For the cathode, a stainless steel rod (product name: SUS304, manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.) having an outer diameter of 10 mm and a length of 500 mm was used, and a lead wire was connected to each tip.

The cooling tower is 2.08 kl (installed in Aya-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture, hereinafter referred to as “Cooling Tower A”) and 3.6 kl (installed in Aya-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture, hereinafter referred to as “Cooling Tower B”). Each experiment was conducted.
The positive electrode and the negative electrode are arranged in a water storage tank of each cooling tower with an electrode interval of 50 mm, a commercial power source of AC 100 V is used as a power source, the applied voltage between the electrodes is 24 V, and the current during initial energization is 0.4 A. did.

In the cooling tower A, the energization time 180 minutes and the rest time 60 minutes were alternately repeated, while in the cooling tower B, the energization time 360 minutes and the rest time 60 minutes were alternately repeated.
In the cooling tower A, generation | occurrence | production of the microbe and algae was not confirmed by 30 days from the start of experiment, and in the cooling tower B until 20th. However, it was confirmed that the scale was generated on the electrode surface after 60 days in the cooling tower A and after 30 days in the cooling tower B. The amount of current at this time decreased to 0.2 to 0.25 A.

  In addition, in the cooling towers A and B, when the organic chlorinating agent (product name: Paraace, manufactured by Yagiri Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) is administered at 1.0 mg / l without using the sterilizing electrolytic apparatus of the present invention, 7 It was confirmed that fungi and algae began to be generated in water in the day, and that the sterilization and algae killing were effectively performed by the electrolysis apparatus of the present invention.

  Next, the negative electrode is replaced with a stainless steel rod, carbon rod (product name: CZ-HE1, manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.), Hastelloy (product name: C-22, manufactured by Haynes), titanium alloy (JIS H4657). , Manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Industries Co., Ltd.) In the cooling tower A, the carbon rod has scaled on the electrode surface after 30 days, Hastelloy after 90 days, and titanium alloy after 60 days. As the material of the negative electrode, it has been confirmed that it is preferable to use Hastelloy, titanium alloy, stainless steel, and carbon in this order.

  In addition, a carbon rod was used as the negative electrode, and in the cooling tower A, a voltage of 24 V was applied with the polarity reversed to the electrode for 60 minutes during the rest period. This was done at each pause time. As a result, the scale was generated on the electrode surface after 90 days from the start of the experiment, and it was confirmed that the electrode purification function was functioning effectively.

  Next, using cooling tower A, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), a part of the circulation system piping is branched, and a water heater (product name: non-chemical, manufactured by Nipponjisui Co., Ltd.) and an electrolyzer are connected in series. Arranged. As an electrode for the electrolyzer, oxygen-free copper (purity 99.9%, product name: deoxidized copper, manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Industries Co., Ltd.) is used as an anode. A stainless steel rod (product name: SUS304, manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.) having a diameter of 5 mm and a length of 300 mm was used, and a lead wire was connected to each tip portion.

The positive electrode and the negative electrode were arranged with an electrode interval of 50 mm, a commercial power supply of AC 100 V was used as the power source, the applied voltage between the electrodes was 24 V, and the current during initial energization was 0.4 A. The energization was repeated alternately with an energization time of 180 minutes and a rest time of 60 minutes. As a result, generation of bacteria and algae in the water was not confirmed from the start of the experiment to 60 days, and scale was generated on the electrode surface after 90 days. Furthermore, a voltage of 24 V was applied to the electrodes in the reverse direction for 60 minutes during the rest period, and this was performed for each rest period. As a result, generation of scale on the electrode surface was not confirmed even after 120 days.
As a result, it is understood that sterilization, algae killing, and scale generation prevention are stably performed for an extremely long time in an electrolysis apparatus combined with a water heater.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described one. For example, in order to maintain the amount of current flowing from the energization control unit to the electrode at a predetermined value, a method for incorporating a current stabilization circuit into the energization control unit is included in the present invention. Needless to say, a technique known in the technical field can be appropriately combined with the electrode of the present invention and the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization described above. In addition, the energizing time and the resting time shown in the above experimental example are times set for evaluating the characteristics of each electrode, and when applied to an actual cooling tower, the capacity and ion concentration of the cooling tower It can be set as appropriate in consideration of the remaining time. Furthermore, although the example of connecting the polarity of the electrode in the reverse direction using the resting time was shown, hypochlorous acid is generated in a minute amount from the electrode at the reverse polarity, and the bactericidal action is assisted. Apart from this, it is also possible to provide an electrode recovery processing time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it can be easily installed in a circulating water tank such as an air-conditioning cooling water system and a bathtub / pool, and can efficiently generate copper ions or silver ions, and an electrode. It is possible to provide an electrolysis apparatus for sterilization and the like and an electrode used for it. Moreover, the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. which can be stably sterilized over a long period of time and can prevent algae and scale generation can be provided.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrode according to the present invention. The block diagram of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. concerning the present invention is shown. It is the schematic which shows a mode that the electrolyzer for sterilization etc. which concerns on this invention was installed in the water storage tank. It is a figure which shows the combination of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. which concerns on this invention, and a water heater. It is a figure which shows the schematic sectional drawing of a water heater. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. which concern on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrode 2 Hollow tube 3 Flat plate part 4 Crimp terminal 5 Lead wire 6 Locking tool 7,9 Waterproof resin 8 Elastic resin 10 Power supply means 11 Power storage means 12 Power supply control circuit 13 Current supply control unit 14 Timer 15 Current value setting means 16 Meter 17, 73, 83 Positive electrode 18, 72, 82 Negative electrode 19, 31 Water 20 Water tank 21 Commercial power supply 30 Water storage tank 32 Electrode 34 Circulating pump 40 Water heater 41 Electrolyzer 56, 64 Granular ceramics 76, 85 Air vent valve

Claims (17)

  An electrode of an electrolytic apparatus for sterilization or the like used in a circulating water tank, wherein the electrode is formed of a hollow tube.   2. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein a lead wire is attached to an upper end portion of the tube, and an upper end portion of the tube including the attachment portion of the lead wire is covered with a waterproof resin.   3. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the upper end portion of the tube forms a flat plate portion by press molding, and a crimp terminal having a lead wire attached to the flat plate portion is fixed with a locking tool. electrode.   4. The electrode according to claim 2, wherein the lower end portion of the tube is sealed with a waterproof resin or coated with an elastic resin.   5. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is made of copper or silver in the case of a positive electrode and iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy or carbon in the case of a negative electrode. Electrode.   In an electrolytic device for sterilization or the like using the electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 5 as a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a power supply means, a power storage means for storing a part of electricity of the power supply means, An electrolysis apparatus for sterilization, etc., comprising energization control means for controlling the energization state of the positive electrode and the negative electrode by using electric power of the power source means and the power storage means.   The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to claim 6, wherein the power source means uses a solar power generation apparatus, a wind power generation apparatus, or a commercial power source.   The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the energization control means includes an energization state for switching the energization polarity with respect to each electrode in order to clean each electrode surface of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Electrolyzer for sterilization etc. characterized by this.   The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization or the like according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the energization control means controls the energization state so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less. Electrolyzer for sterilization etc.   An electrolysis apparatus for sterilization, etc. used in a circulation system water tank, wherein an active water device using granular ceramics containing silica and alumina is arranged in a part of the circulation system water tank.   The electrolyzer for sterilization according to claim 10, wherein the active water device is disposed on the upstream side of the water flowing into the electrolyzer for sterilization, in the vicinity of the electrolyzer for sterilization. Electrolytic device for equal use.   The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the electrode of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization is formed of a hollow tube or a rod-shaped electrode.   The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein an electrode of the electrolysis apparatus for sterilization is copper or silver in the case of a positive electrode, iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium alloy in the case of a negative electrode, or An electrolysis apparatus for sterilization, etc., characterized by being made of carbon.   14. The sterilizing electrolysis apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the negative electrode, the power supply means, the power storage means for storing a part of electricity of the power supply means, the power supply means and the power storage means. And an energization control means for controlling the energization state of the positive electrode and the negative electrode using the electric power of   The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to claim 14, wherein the power source means uses a solar power generation apparatus, a wind power generation apparatus, or a commercial power source.   16. The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the energization control means includes an energization state for switching energization polarity with respect to each electrode in order to clean each electrode surface of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Electrolysis apparatus for sterilization etc. characterized by this. The electrolysis apparatus for sterilization according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the energization control means controls the energization state so that the concentration of copper ions or silver ions is 0.8 ppm or less. Electrolyzer for sterilization etc.

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