JP2009125694A - Apparatus for producing electrolytic water, method of producing electrolytic water and electrolytic water - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus capable of producing a large amount of electrolytic water, and to provide a method of producing the electrolytic water and the electrolytic water. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus 10 for producing electrolytic water includes: an anode chamber 20 in which an anode 22 is disposed; a cathode chamber 30 in which a cathode 32 is disposed; an intermediate chamber 40 which is disposed between the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30 and stores an electrolyte aqueous solution; an anion exchange membrane 24 which separates the anode chamber 20 from the intermediate chamber 40; and a cation exchange membrane 34 which separates the cathode chamber 30 from the intermediate chamber 40. The intermediate chamber 40 is divided into a plurality of divisions in such a direction that the anode 22 and cathode 32 are extended and, in each of the plurality of divisions, a supply part of electrolyte or electrolytic aqueous solution is disposed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water production apparatus having an intermediate chamber for containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, an electrolyzed water production method using the electrolyzed water production apparatus, and electrolyzed water obtained by the electrolyzed water production method.

As an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water that does not contain sodium chloride, for example, a three-tank electrolyzer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-246249 (Document 1) is known. This three-tank electrolysis apparatus has a structure in which an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are provided on both sides of the intermediate chamber via ion exchange membranes and electrode plates. The intermediate chamber is filled with a high concentration electrolyte aqueous solution, for example, 10% potassium chloride or sodium chloride aqueous solution. Further, for example, tap water is passed through the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, and both electrode plates are energized and subjected to an electrolysis step, so that electrolysis water containing no sodium chloride, that is, pH 2.0 to 3. in the anode chamber. About 0 acidic electrolyzed water is produced. On the other hand, alkaline electrolyzed water having a pH of about 10.0 to 12.0 is generated in the cathode chamber.
JP 2000-246249 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water, a method for producing electrolyzed water, and electrolyzed water that can generate large volumes of electrolyzed water.

An apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
An anode chamber provided with an anode;
A cathode chamber provided with a cathode;
An intermediate chamber provided between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber and containing an aqueous electrolyte solution;
A first diaphragm comprising an anion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the intermediate chamber;
A second diaphragm comprising a cation exchange membrane separating the cathode chamber and the intermediate chamber,
The intermediate chamber is divided into a plurality of compartments in a direction in which the anode and the cathode extend, and an electrolyte or an aqueous electrolyte solution supply unit is provided in each of the plurality of compartments.

  According to the present invention, a large volume of electrolyzed water can be generated, as will be described later in the section of the effect in the column of the embodiment.

  In the present invention, the electrolyzed water production apparatus may be provided with a discharge portion for the aqueous electrolyte solution in each of the plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber. According to this, it can suppress that the produced | generated electrolyzed water is further electrolyzed and decomposed | disassembled in the discharge outlet side.

  In the present invention, the plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber may be in communication with adjacent compartments.

  In the present invention, each of the plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber may be partitioned by a partition portion. By partitioning with the partition portion, water to be electrolyzed stays, and more effective electrolysis can be achieved.

An apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
An anode chamber provided with an anode;
A cathode chamber provided with a cathode;
An intermediate chamber provided between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber and containing an aqueous electrolyte solution;
A first diaphragm comprising an anion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the intermediate chamber;
A second diaphragm comprising a cation exchange membrane separating the cathode chamber and the intermediate chamber,
The intermediate chamber is provided with an electrolyte or electrolyte aqueous solution supply unit and an electrolyte aqueous solution discharge unit,
A sub-supply part for supplying at least one electrolyte or an electrolyte aqueous solution is provided between the electrolyte aqueous solution supply part and the electrolyte aqueous solution discharge part.

  According to the present invention, a large volume of electrolyzed water can be generated, as will be described later in the section of the effect in the column of the embodiment.

  The method for producing electrolyzed water according to the present invention is a method for producing electrolyzed water using the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein each section of the intermediate chamber passes through the electrolyte or aqueous electrolyte solution supply unit. Electrolysis is performed while supplying an electrolyte or an aqueous electrolyte solution to the tube.

  The method for producing electrolyzed water according to the present invention is a method for producing electrolyzed water using the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the second invention, wherein an electrolyte or an electrolytic solution is supplied to the intermediate chamber through the electrolyte or aqueous electrolyte solution supply unit. Electrolysis is performed while replenishing the electrolyte aqueous solution.

  The electrolyzed water of the present invention is produced by the electrolyzed water production method of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Electrolytic Device In this embodiment, an example in which the electrolytic device according to the present invention is applied to the production of hypochlorous acid water is shown.

  1 and 2 are diagrams schematically showing an electrolysis apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the intermediate chamber. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of ions in the intermediate chamber.

  The electrolyzer 10 includes an anode chamber 20, a cathode chamber 30, and an intermediate chamber 40. The intermediate chamber 40 is provided in a part between the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30.

  The intermediate chamber 40 is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution. In the electrolytic chamber aqueous solution supplied to the intermediate chamber 40, cations (for example, sodium ions) are supplied to the cathode chamber 30 and anions (for example, chloride ions) are supplied to the anode chamber 20. The aqueous solution that has passed through the intermediate chamber 40 may be returned to the electrolyte aqueous solution supply source 80, and the electrolytic aqueous solution may be reused and circulated using the pump P10, or the consumed amount of electrolyte may be added to the intermediate chamber 40. May be. Examples of the aqueous electrolyte solution include chloride salt aqueous solution (sodium chloride aqueous solution and potassium chloride aqueous solution). The concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution can be, for example, the saturation concentration of the electrolyte.

  The intermediate chamber 40 and the anode chamber 20 are separated by a first diaphragm 24 made of an anion exchange membrane. Since the first diaphragm 24 is made of an anion exchange membrane, the cations in the intermediate chamber 40 do not pass through the first diaphragm 24 and only the anions selectively pass through the first diaphragm 24. . As the anion exchange membrane applied to the first diaphragm 24, a known one can be applied.

  The intermediate chamber 40 and the cathode chamber 30 are separated by a second diaphragm 34 made of a cation exchange membrane. Since the second diaphragm 34 is made of a cation exchange membrane, the anions in the intermediate chamber 40 do not pass through the second diaphragm 34, but only cations selectively pass through the second diaphragm 34. . As the cation exchange membrane applied to the second diaphragm 34, a known cation exchange membrane can be applied.

  A diaphragm fixing frame (not shown) may be provided between the first diaphragm 24 and the second diaphragm 34.

  The cathode 32 is connected to the − side of the DC power supply 70, and the anode 22 is connected to the + side of the DC power supply 70. The DC power supply 70 is configured to be able to arbitrarily set its voltage and current. For example, the DC power source 70 can be arbitrarily selected in the range of 5 to 20 volts, and the current can be appropriately selected and set in the range of 3 to 26 amperes. The anode 22 and the cathode 32 can be made of a mesh-like electrode or an electrode punched with a hole of about 1.5 mm, for example. Note that the punched electrode can have an area removed by punching and an area used as an electrode of, for example, about 50%. A known material can be applied as the material of the electrode.

  The sizes of the anode 22 and the cathode 32 may be asymmetric, that is, the electrode area may be different. Thereby, the electrolysis amount of the anode 22 and the electrolysis amount of the cathode 32 can be changed. Moreover, the acidity of the mixed electrolyzed water can be appropriately adjusted by making the electrode area of the anode different from the electrode area of the cathode. That is, since the electrode area of the anode 22 is larger than the electrode area of the cathode 32, the amount of acidic electrolyzed water generated is larger than the amount of alkaline electrolyzed water generated, so that the acidity can be increased. On the other hand, since the amount of alkaline electrolyzed water generated is larger than the amount of acidic electrolyzed water generated by making the electrode area of the cathode 32 larger than the electrode area of the anode 22, the degree of alkalinity can be increased.

  The electrolyzer 10 is provided with a first water supply port 26 for supplying water to the anode chamber 20 and a second water supply port 36 for supplying water to the cathode chamber 30. The flow path connected to the first water supply port 26 and the second water supply port 36 is configured by branching one flow path. A distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 for adjusting the amount of water distributed to the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30 is provided at the branch of the flow path. The distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 may also have a supply amount adjusting function for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the electrolyzer 10.

  In addition, the electrolysis apparatus 10 is provided with a first discharge port 28 a that discharges the liquid in the anode chamber 20 and a second discharge port 38 a that discharges the liquid in the cathode chamber 30. Furthermore, the electrolyzer 10 includes a first discharge valve 28b that adjusts the amount of liquid discharged from the first discharge port 28a, and a second that adjusts the amount of liquid discharged from the second discharge port 28a. And a discharge valve 28b.

  The first discharge port 28 a may be provided in the lower portion of the anode chamber 20, and the first water supply port 26 may be provided in the upper portion of the anode chamber 20. Thereby, the water supplied from the first water supply port 26 tends to flow from top to bottom. Therefore, bubbles made of a gas generated at the anode 22 (chlorine when the aqueous electrolyte solution is sodium chloride or potassium chloride) are pushed upward by the water, and it is difficult for the bubbles to rise upward. The time for gas-liquid contact becomes longer, and the reaction to hypochlorous acid can be performed more reliably.

  The anode chamber 20 may be vertically long. Specifically, the height of the anode chamber 20 is preferably larger than the width of the anode chamber 20 in the direction orthogonal to the anode 22. The ratio of the height of the anode chamber to the width of the anode chamber (height / width) can be, for example, 1.5 or more, preferably 1.5 to 5.0. With such a vertically long shape, the time during which the gas (chlorine) generated in the anode chamber 20 contacts with water can be lengthened, and the reaction between chlorine and water can be performed reliably. The cathode 30 may be the same.

  The intermediate chamber 40 can be divided into a plurality of sections in the direction in which the anode 22 and the cathode 32 extend. The plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber can be partitioned by the partitioning portion 42. By partitioning the compartments with the partition portion 42, the electrolyte aqueous solution can be retained, electrolyte ions can be moved more reliably, and efficient electrolysis can be achieved. The plurality of sections of the intermediate chamber 40 can be communicated with adjacent sections. In this case, the supply unit 44 can be provided in each of the plurality of sections. In addition, in each of the plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber 40, a discharge portion 46 for the electrolyte aqueous solution can be provided. The supply unit 44 and the discharge unit 46 can be realized, for example, by connecting a pipe to a side portion of the intermediate chamber 40.

2. Operation Next, the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 10 will be described.

  First, the distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 is adjusted, and water is supplied to the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30. The amount of water is, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 l / ml.

  Along with the supply of water, a potential is applied between the anode 22 and the cathode 32 to perform electrolysis. For example, the voltage during electrolysis is 5 to 10 V, and the current is 3 to 10 amperes. In particular, when it is set to 1500 coulombs per liter of the aqueous solution supplied to the cathode chamber 30, preferably 2000 coulombs, it becomes difficult to attach a scale. When a potential is applied between the anode 22 and the cathode 32, the cation in the intermediate chamber 40 (for example, sodium ion when the electrolyte is sodium chloride) passes through the second diaphragm 34 and moves to the cathode chamber 30. The anions in the intermediate chamber 40 (for example, chloride ions when the electrolyte is sodium chloride) pass through the first diaphragm 24 and move to the anode chamber 20.

In the anode chamber 20, chloride ions cause a reaction of the following formula at the anode 22 to generate chlorine.
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
This chlorine further reacts with water to produce hypochlorous acid.
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl
On the other hand, in the cathode chamber 30, the following reaction occurs at the cathode.
H ₂ O + 2e ⁻ → 1 / 2H ₂ + OH ⁻
In this electrolysis, the electrolyte aqueous solution is supplied through the supply part 44 of each section of the intermediate chamber 40 and the consumed electrolyte aqueous solution is discharged from the discharge part 46 of each section. At the same time, raw water is supplied from the supply sections 20 b and 30 b of each section of the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30, and electrolyzed water is discharged from the discharge sections 20 c and 30 c of each section of the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30.

3. Operational Effects According to this embodiment, the following operational effects can be achieved.

  Conventionally, in a three-chamber electrolysis apparatus, it is not generally performed to produce a large amount of electrolyzed water in one electrolytic cell. The inventor of the present application has found the cause of the problem that a large amount of electrolyzed water cannot be produced in one electrolytic cell as follows. The distance between the anode and the cathode across the intermediate chamber is extremely important in terms of electrical conduction. The shorter the distance between the anode and the cathode, the better the conductivity. However, since there is an intermediate chamber between the two electrodes, a certain distance is absolutely necessary. Therefore, while there is a limit on the flow rate of the electrolyte flowing into the intermediate chamber, ions from electrolysis move from the intermediate chamber to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, so that the electrolyte is consumed in the middle of the intermediate chamber, Insufficient Cl ions. That is, the aqueous electrolyte solution flows through a narrow space of about 3 to 6 mm in general between the gap between the anode and the cathode. The saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution is the most efficient solution for the electrolyte, but the electrolyte solution Na and Cl &#713; flowing through the narrow intermediate chamber passes through the ion-exchange membrane and moves to both poles. Decreases as ions pass through the electrolytic cell. As a result, in one large electrolytic cell, the difference in ion concentration between the vicinity of the inlet and the outlet of the electrolyte becomes large.

  A strong voltage is required when the electrolytic ion concentration in the intermediate chamber becomes a certain concentration or less due to exhaustion. However, electrolysis is required at a constant low voltage to prevent power consumption and electrode or diaphragm damage. Therefore, in order to maintain the voltage with the optimum efficiency, the electrolytic area naturally has an appropriate value because of the structure. As a result, the inventor of the present application has recognized the cause of the problem that the problem associated with the mass production of electrolyzed water cannot be overcome.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the cause of this problem. That is, by providing the supply unit 44 for supplying an electrolyte or an aqueous electrolyte solution in the middle of the intermediate chamber 40, the consumed electrolyte can be replenished. Therefore, the electrolyte concentration in each area of the intermediate chamber 40 can be leveled. For this reason, it is possible to suppress unevenness in electrolysis efficiency in each electrolysis part, and to achieve efficient and effective electrolysis. In addition, since the electrolyte concentration can be leveled, driving at a low voltage can be performed, and damage to the electrode and the ion exchange membrane can be suppressed.

4). Modifications In the above embodiment, for example, the following modifications are possible.

  (1) When the sections communicate with each other, the supply unit 44 may be a supply unit for supplying an electrolyte instead of supplying an electrolyte aqueous solution.

  (2) Each partition of the intermediate chamber 40 may be completely partitioned by the partition portion 42. In this case, the supply part 44 which supplies electrolyte aqueous solution to each division, and the discharge part 46 which discharges electrolyte aqueous solution are needed.

  (3) The intermediate chamber 40 can be modified as follows. That is, the main supply part of the electrolyte aqueous solution is provided at one end of the intermediate chamber 40 (one side in the direction in which the anode 22 and the cathode 32 extend), and the other end in the direction in which the anode 22 and the cathode 32 extend. ) Can be provided with a main discharge part for the aqueous electrolyte solution. You may provide the sub supply part for supplying at least 1 electrolyte aqueous solution between the main supply part of electrolyte aqueous solution, and the main discharge part of electrolyte aqueous solution.

  (4) The anode chamber 20 may be provided with a plurality of sections so as to correspond to the sections of the intermediate chamber 40. This section may be partitioned by the partitioning portion 20a. In addition, each section of the anode chamber 20 may or may not communicate with an adjacent section. Moreover, you may provide the supply part 20b and the discharge part 20c of raw | natural water in each division of the anode chamber 20. FIG. In addition, when each division of the anode chamber 20 is not in communication with the adjacent division, it is preferable to provide the raw water supply unit 20b and the discharge unit 20c in each division. By partitioning the partition by the partition portion 20a, the electrolyte aqueous solution can be retained, electrolyte ions can be moved more reliably, and efficient electrolysis can be achieved.

  If the discharge part of the anode chamber 20 is provided only in the last section, it becomes high-concentration electrolyzed water, and the diaphragm is easily damaged. Therefore, the discharge part 20c is preferably provided in each section.

  (5) The cathode chamber 30 may be provided with a plurality of sections so as to correspond to the sections of the intermediate chamber 40. This section may be partitioned by the partitioning portion 30a. Further, each compartment of the cathode chamber 30 may or may not communicate with an adjacent compartment. Further, the raw water supply unit 30 b and the discharge unit 30 c may be provided in each section of the cathode chamber 30. In addition, when each division of the cathode chamber 30 is not connected with the adjacent division, it is good to provide the supply part 30b and the discharge part 30c of raw | natural water in each division. By partitioning the partition by the partition portion 30a, the electrolyte aqueous solution can be retained, electrolyte ions can be moved more reliably, and efficient electrolysis can be achieved.

  If the discharge part of the cathode chamber 30 is provided only in the last compartment, it becomes high-concentration electrolyzed water, and the diaphragm is easily damaged. Therefore, the discharge part 30c is preferably provided in each compartment.

  Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows typically the electrolysis apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the electrolysis apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an intermediate | middle chamber typically. It is explanatory drawing explaining the movement of the ion of an intermediate chamber.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electrolyzer 20 Anode chamber 20a Partition part 20b Supply part 20c Discharge part 22 Anode 24 1st diaphragm 26 1st water supply port 28a 1st discharge port 28b 1st discharge valve 28c 1st gas vent 30 Cathode room 30a Partition part 30b Supply part 30c Discharge part 32 Cathode 34 Second diaphragm 36 Second water supply port 38a Second discharge port 38b Second discharge valve 38c Second gas vent 40 Intermediate chamber 42 Partition part 44 Supply unit 46 Discharge unit 50 Partition 56 Opening / closing amount adjusting valve 58a First opening / closing valve 58b Second opening / closing valve 60 Distribution ratio adjusting valve 70 DC power supply 80 Supply source of electrolyte aqueous solution

Claims (8)

An anode chamber provided with an anode;
A cathode chamber provided with a cathode;
An intermediate chamber provided between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber and containing an aqueous electrolyte solution;
A first diaphragm comprising an anion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the intermediate chamber;
A second diaphragm comprising a cation exchange membrane separating the cathode chamber and the intermediate chamber,
The intermediate chamber is divided into a plurality of compartments in a direction in which the anode and the cathode extend, and each of the plurality of compartments is provided with a supply part for an electrolyte or an aqueous electrolyte solution. Manufacturing equipment. In claim 1,
The electrolyzed water electrolyzer is characterized in that a discharge part for an aqueous electrolyte solution is provided in each of the plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber. In claim 1 or 2,
The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water, wherein the plurality of compartments of the intermediate chamber communicate with adjacent compartments. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water, wherein the plurality of sections of the intermediate chamber are each partitioned by a partition. An anode chamber provided with an anode;
A cathode chamber provided with a cathode;
An intermediate chamber provided between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber and containing an aqueous electrolyte solution;
A first diaphragm comprising an anion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the intermediate chamber;
A second diaphragm comprising a cation exchange membrane separating the cathode chamber and the intermediate chamber,
The intermediate chamber is provided with an electrolyte or electrolyte aqueous solution supply unit and an electrolyte aqueous solution discharge unit,
An apparatus for producing electrolyzed water, wherein a sub-supply part for supplying at least one electrolyte or an electrolyte aqueous solution is provided between the electrolyte aqueous solution supply part and the electrolyte aqueous solution discharge part. A method for producing electrolyzed water using the electrolyzed water production apparatus according to claim 1,
A method for producing electrolyzed water, wherein electrolysis is performed while supplying an electrolyte or an aqueous electrolyte solution to each section of the intermediate chamber through the electrolyte or aqueous electrolyte supply unit. A method for producing electrolyzed water using the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 5,
A method for producing electrolyzed water, characterized in that electrolysis is performed while supplying the electrolyte or electrolyte aqueous solution to the intermediate chamber through the electrolyte or electrolyte aqueous solution supply unit. Electrolyzed water produced by the method for producing electrolyzed water according to claim 6 or 7.

Images