JP2010533570A - Cleaning agent generator / distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochemical device (10) and a method for producing detergents, bactericides and antibacterials such as sodium chlorate (NaOCl) (34) or chloric acid (HOCl) used in situ. The production method of the present invention can be used for producing NaOCl from seawater, low-purity non-soft water or NaCl-based salt solution (26). HOCl can be made from HCl solution and water. NaOCl (34) is produced in an electrolytic cell (11) using a sodium ion conducting ceramic membrane (12), which is a membrane based on a NASICON type material. HOCl is manufactured using an anion conducting membrane in an electrolytic cell. Cleaning agents, disinfectants and antibacterial agents are generated on demand and can be used in general household, industrial and water treatment applications.

Description

  The present invention is based on US Provisional Application No. 11 / 613,857, filed claiming priority from US Provisional Application No. 60 / 753,191, filed Dec. 20, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. , Which is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention further claims the priority of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 949,802, filed July 13, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus that generates and distributes cleaning agents, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, and the like during use.

  Home appliances (for example, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) require cleaning agents such as bactericides, bleaches, brighteners, deodorants. Common surfaces often require cleaning, sterilization, and the like. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus that generates and supplies electrical appliances and their surfaces when they require detergents, bactericides, antibacterial agents, and the like.

  In one method, the following reaction is induced by absorption of chlorine gas into a cold sodium hydroxide solution to produce sodium hypochlorite.

_{2NaOH + Cl 2 ⇔NaCl + NaOCl +} H 2 O

  The sodium hydroxide and chlorine chemicals supplied to the system may be commercially produced by a chlor-alkali process. In general, it is not necessary to separate the raw material chemicals for use in this reaction, and therefore, NaOCl can be used to convert a sodium chloride solution into an electrolytic cell without using a partition or barrier between the anode and the cathode. By doing so, it may be manufactured in an industrial environment. In this process, the reaction solution is generally maintained at a temperature below 40 ° C. to prevent the formation of sodium chlorate. As a result, commercially produced sodium hypochlorite solutions generally contain significant amounts of sodium chloride as a major byproduct.

  Hypochlorous acid (known as chloric acid (I)) is a weak acid represented by the chemical formula HClO. HClO is used as a bleaching agent, an oxidizing agent, a deodorizing agent, a disinfectant and the like. HClO is approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in foods in the field of cleaning and cleaning. In addition, HClO is approved for use on human skin as a cleaning and disinfecting agent. There are also reports that promote wound healing. By adding chlorine to water, chloric acid and hydrochloric acid (HCl) are produced.

Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HOCl + HCl

Due to the rapid equilibrium formation of chlorate anions (OCl ⁻ ) and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ), chlorate cannot be isolated in pure form.

HOCl⇔OCl ⁻ + H ⁺

  In this field, it is desired to provide an apparatus and a method for generating sodium chlorate (NaOCl) and chloric acid (HOCl) as required. Other prior art methods require the storage and transport of highly toxic raw materials such as sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas. In the present invention, the above problems are solved by employing an electrochemical process to produce sodium chlorate and chloric acid.

  The present invention relates to an electrochemical device and method for generating and supplying a cleaning, bactericidal or antibacterial agent upon use (POU) upon demand. The present invention is particularly suitable for use in equipment at home, in industry and in water treatment. By using common table salt (NaCl), seawater, manufacturing waste or other sources from one product, moderate power and appropriate equipment, sodium chlorate (NaOCl) or chloric acid ( HOCl) can be generated as needed. These compounds (NaOCl, HOCl) can be supplied as cleaning agents, disinfectants or antibacterial agents. These may have a function of a bleaching agent as a stain remover. Other methods of forming these compounds require the storage and transport of extremely toxic raw materials such as sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas. Since HOCl is not stable enough to be stored for a long period of time, it is extremely excellent that these compounds can be generated at an appropriate concentration when used.

  In certain embodiments, the detergent, disinfectant or antibacterial agent (referred to collectively as a detergent) is a washing machine, dishwasher, scourer, floor brush, mop, toilet bowl, skin patch, or other detergent. It is generated and used in various devices, such as devices that need to be administered.

  Sodium chlorate (NaOCl) can be efficiently generated by using an electrolytic process using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane such as a sodium ion superconducting (hereinafter abbreviated as “NaSICON”) membrane. An electrolysis process for the production of sodium chlorate using sodium ion conducting ceramic membranes is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0138020 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In this process, sodium is extracted from sodium chloride solution (concentration less than 3% by weight). The extracted sodium reacts with water on the other side of the membrane to form a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at pH 7-8. Sodium hydroxide then reacts with chlorine to form sodium chlorate.

  Chloric acid (HOCl) is produced by an electrolytic process using an anion conducting membrane. In this process, chloride ions are extracted from a chloride ion-containing solution such as dilute hydrochloric acid. The extracted chlorine ions react with water on the other side of the membrane to form a solution consisting of chloric acid and hydrochloric acid.

  In certain embodiments, the detergent generator is an electrolysis cell. The electrolytic cell can take various configurations depending on the method for producing the cleaning agent. In some embodiments, the cationic membrane utilizes a membrane that allows only certain cations to be selected. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes of the electrolysis cell, the cations cross the membrane. In other embodiments, an anion membrane that is permeable to anions such as chloride ions is used.

  The cleaning agent feeder can take various configurations depending on when the cleaning agent is used. Examples of such configurations are not particularly limited, and personal or household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, scourers, floor brushes, mops, toilet bowls, skin patches, industrial equipment such as water treatment equipment, Examples include public disinfection devices in hospitals, hotels, schools, marine ships, etc., instruments that use cleaning agents, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, and the like.

  Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of the present invention. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, description and claims, and will be learned by the practice of the invention which follows.

  For a better understanding of the other aspects and advantages of the invention described above, reference will now be made by way of specific embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, to the more detailed description of the invention described above. These drawings should be considered as representative embodiments of the present invention, and the gist of the present invention should not be considered as being limited thereto. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

  Electrochemical devices that generate and supply detergents, disinfectants or antibacterials when in use (POU) of the present invention include common table salt (NaCl), seawater, manufacturing effluents or other supplies from certain products. By using a source amount, moderate power and appropriate equipment, sodium chlorate (NaOCl) or chloric acid (HOCl) can be generated as needed. These compounds (NaOCl, HOCl) can be supplied as cleaning agents, disinfectants or antibacterial agents. Since these compounds are not so stable that they can be stored for a long time, it is necessary to store and transport highly toxic raw materials such as sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas. Since it can be generated at an appropriate concentration, it is extremely excellent.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a detergent generator used to produce sodium chlorate according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a detergent generator used to produce chloric acid according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a cleaning agent dispersion apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a cleaning agent dispersing apparatus applied to a washing machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an apparatus for generating and dispensing a cleaning agent when used as a topical skin patch, scrubber, floor brush or mop. FIG. 6 is another explanatory diagram of an apparatus for generating and dispensing a cleaning agent when used as a topical skin patch, scrubber, floor brush or mop.

  Throughout the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the invention generally described and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Therefore, a more detailed description of an embodiment of an apparatus for electrochemical generation and distribution of cleaning agents, disinfectants and antibacterial agents in use as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is merely representative of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

  The term "substantially water impervious" as used in the description of the following membrane examples means that a small amount of water may pass through the membrane but not so much that it impairs the effectiveness of the present invention. Means. The term “essentially water impervious” as used in the description of the membrane examples below means that water does not pass through the membrane at all, or an amount that cannot be detected if it passes through. In other parts of the specification, the terms “substantial” and “essential” are used as similar emphasis words.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a detergent generator 10 used to produce sodium chlorate. The cleaning agent generator 10 comprises an electrolytic cell 11, and the electrolytic cell 11 divides the electrochemical cell 10 into two chambers, an anolyte chamber 14 and a catholyte chamber 16, using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 12. The electrochemically active anode 18 is disposed in the anolyte chamber 14 and performs an oxidation reaction. The electrochemically active cathode 20 is disposed in the catholyte chamber 16 and performs a reduction reaction. The sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 12 selectively transmits sodium ions 22 from the anolyte chamber 14 to the catholyte chamber 16 under the influence of the potential difference 24, but prevents transport of water from each chamber to the other chamber side. To do.

  The electrolysis cell 11 operates by supplying a sodium chloride aqueous solution 26 from the supply device 27 to the anolyte chamber 14. The aqueous sodium chloride solution 26 may be of any source including natural seawater or salt water. The sodium chloride solution may be prepared by dissolving a salt containing sodium chloride in water. The water may not be pure, such as deionized water, but may be tap water or impure water from any source. The concentration of sodium chloride in the aqueous solution is about 0.1 to 26% by weight, preferably about 3 to 26% by weight, based on the weight of the solution.

  Water 28 is supplied from the supply device 29 to the catholyte chamber 16. At least in the initial stages, the water 28 contains sodium ions to form an unsaturated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The concentration of sodium hydroxide is about 0.1 to 50% by weight based on the weight of the solution. In certain embodiments, water 28 comprises a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide. During operation, the source of sodium ions may be supplied by sodium ions 22 that permeate through the sodium ion conducting ceramic membrane 12 from the anolyte chamber 14 to the catholyte chamber 16.

  The anode 18 may be formed from a variety of materials, which are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0138020, which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, the anode 18 may be formed from titanium coated with a tip metal oxide. Cathode 20 may also be formed from a variety of materials, which are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0138020. In certain embodiments, cathode 20 may be formed from nickel / stainless steel. Under the influence of the potential difference 24, an electrochemical reaction occurs at the anode 18 and the cathode 20. A reaction of oxidizing the chlorine ions into chlorine gas occurs at the anode 18, and a reduction reaction of water that forms hydrogen ions 30 and hydroxide ions occurs at the cathode 20.

  As a reaction in the electrode, sodium ions 22 are transmitted from the anolyte chamber 14 to the catholyte chamber 16 through the sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 12. If ions other than sodium ions, such as protons, calcium ions, and magnesium ions, are present, the ions are catholyte by the electrolyte 12 due to the difference in ionic diameter and electrical neutrality compared to sodium ions. Moving to the chamber 16 is prevented. For this reason, sodium flow efficiency reaches about 95-100% in some embodiments. The transported sodium ions 22 are combined with hydroxide ions generated by reduction of water at the cathode 20 to form an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. A part of the sodium hydroxide solution 32 is transported to the anolyte chamber 14 of the cell, and the pH of the anolyte is adjusted to produce a sodium chlorate solution. The sodium chlorate solution is recovered from the anolyte chamber 14 in situ or at the time of use. As used herein, the term “in use” refers to the use of a cleaning liquid produced in a personal, commercial or industrial process that is placed in close proximity to the cleaner generator. This eliminates the need for costly storage and transport facilities for cleaning agents.

  The electrochemical reactions in the electrochemical cell 11 are summarized below.

  The following reaction takes place in the anode / anolyte chamber.

2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻

Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HOCl + HCl

HOCl + HCl + 2NaOH → NaOCl + NaCl + 2H ₂ O

  The following reaction occurs in the cathode / catholyte chamber.

2H ₂ O + 2e ⁻ → 2OH ⁻ + H ₂

2Na ⁺ + 2OH → 2NaOH

  Overall, the following equation is obtained.

2NaCl + H ₂ O → 2NaOCl + NaCl + H ₂

  When using an impure sodium chloride solution in which the anolyte contains calcium, magnesium or other precipitating cations, pH control of the anolyte is particularly important. Such impure sodium chloride solutions include, but are not limited to, seawater, salt water, industrial process streams, salt solutions containing sodium chloride, and the like. Such salt solutions may be prepared from pure or impure salts or pure or impure water. The pH of the solution in the anolyte chamber 14 is preferably less than 14, more preferably 7-12. When the pH is higher than about 8, calcium and magnesium are precipitated. Therefore, when operating using an impure sodium chloride solution, the pH is preferably lower than about 8. When using pure sodium chloride solution, the pH of the anolyte may be higher. By controlling the pH, precipitation reaction at the anode, formation of calcium and magnesium hydroxides and the like can be prevented, and a transparent solution of sodium chlorate can be produced.

  The sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 12 preferably prevents the diffusion of calcium and magnesium ions into the catholyte chamber 16 during electrolysis. Thereby, precipitation of calcium and magnesium in the catholyte chamber 16 can be prevented. In contrast, organic membranes such as Nafion® membranes themselves cannot prevent precipitation and are different from NaSICON membranes and cannot completely prevent the diffusion of calcium and magnesium ions into the catholyte chamber 16. Therefore, precipitation of calcium and magnesium occurs not only in the catholyte chamber 16 but also in the voids of the film, and the efficiency of the film is gradually impaired. This disadvantage limits the organic membrane to supply a salt solution containing only sodium chloride for use in sodium chlorate generation.

  The voltage under constant current required in the electrochemical cell 11 is given by the concentration of the anolyte (sodium chloride solution), the concentration of the catholyte (sodium hydroxide solution), the film thickness, the conductivity of the membrane. It is determined by local mass transfer conditions that detect the power consumption of the electrolysis cell required for the amount of sodium chlorate produced.

  FIG. 2 shows a detergent generator 50 used to produce chloric acid (HClO). The cleaning agent generator 50 includes an electrolytic cell 51, and the electrolytic cell 51 is divided into two chambers, an anolyte chamber 54 and a catholyte chamber 56, using an anion (anion) conductive film 52. An electrochemically active anode 58 is disposed in the anolyte chamber 54 to perform an oxidation reaction, and an electrochemically active cathode 60 is disposed in the catholyte chamber 56 to perform a reduction reaction. The anion conductive membrane 52 selectively transports chlorine ions 62 from the catholyte chamber 56 to the anolyte chamber 54 under the influence of the potential difference 64.

  The electrolysis cell 51 operates by supplying a dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution 66 from the supply 67 to the catholyte chamber 56. The water used may not be pure deionized water but may be impure water from tap water or other sources.

  The water 68 is supplied from the supply device 69 to the anolyte chamber 54. During operation, the chlorine ion source that reacts at the anode to form chlorine may be supplied by the chlorine ions transported from the catholyte chamber 56 to the anolyte chamber 54 via the anion conductive membrane 52.

  The anode 58 and cathode 60 may be formed from a variety of materials as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0138020. Under the influence of the potential difference 64, an electrochemical reaction occurs at the anode 58 and the cathode 60. An oxidation reaction from chlorine ions to chlorine gas occurs at the anode 58, and a reduction reaction from water to hydrogen gas 70 and hydroxide ions occurs at the cathode 60.

  When the reaction takes place at the electrode, chlorine ions 62 are transported from the catholyte chamber 56 through the anion conducting membrane 52 and through the anolyte chamber 54. The transported chlorine ions 62 react at the anode 58 to form chlorine, which reacts with water to form a chloric acid solution 72. The chloric acid solution 72 is distributed to the anolyte chamber 54 at the time of use on the spot by the above-described instrument or apparatus.

  The electrochemical reactions in the electrochemical cell 51 are summarized below.

  The following reaction takes place in the anode / anolyte chamber.

2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻

Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HOCl + HCl

  The following reaction occurs in the cathode / catholyte chamber.

2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂

  Overall, the following equation is obtained.

2HCl + H ₂ O → HOCl + HCl + H ₂

  In order to promote the formation of HOCl, pH control of the anolyte is important. The pH of the solution in the anolyte chamber 54 is preferably less than 11, more preferably 5 to 11, and particularly preferably 6 to 8. When the pH is less than 5, HCl formation predominates over HOCl formation.

The anion conductive membrane 52 used here is defined as a membrane having permselectivity that transmits chlorine anions (Cl ⁻ ) but does not transmit cations. The anion conducting membrane may be strongly basic, moderately basic or weakly basic, and may be composed of, for example, a quaternary or tertiary ammonium group. An anion conductive membrane is required to be stable in an electrolytic atmosphere and have a low resistance for permeation of anions.

  The anion conductive membrane may be a commercially available anion exchange membrane. Examples of anion exchange membranes include polystyrene-polydivinylbenzene polymer materials such as “AMH” manufactured by Tokuyama Neosepta and “AMV” manufactured by Asahi Glass Salem, and perfluorinated radiation products such as Pall Raipore products and Solvay Morgane products. Graft materials can also be used.

  The detergent generator may be operated in continuous mode or batch mode. In certain embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention, the detergent generator is operated in a continuous mode. In continuous mode, the electrolysis cell is initially filled with anolyte and catholyte, and during operation, additional cells are supplied, products, by-products and / or diluted without shutting down the cell. Remove the solution from the cell. The reaction solution may be fed continuously to the anolyte and catholyte chambers and is intermittent, i.e. depending on the required amount of solution so that one or both chambers are not emptied and / or. Solution flow may be started or stopped to maintain the solution concentration in the cell at a predetermined concentration. Similarly, removing the solution from the anolyte chamber and the catholyte chamber may be performed continuously or intermittently.

  Control of the addition and / or removal of the solution from the detergent generator may be performed by any suitable method. Examples of such means include manual operation by one or more human operations, automatic operation using a sensor, an electric valve, an experimental robot, etc., and operating under a computer or analog control. For automatic operation, valves and plugs may be opened and closed according to signals from a computer or electronic controller based on a timer, sensor output or other means. An example (but not limited to) an automatic control system is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below. A combination of manual and automatic operation can also be employed. Each solution added or removed per unit time to maintain steady state may be determined experimentally to maintain steady state flow.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view (not limited to this) of the cleaning agent generator 100. A detergent generator 110 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above may be used. The cleaning agent generator 110 may be an electrochemical cell known in the art. The cleaning agent generator 110 is configured to have an anode in the anolyte chamber and a cathode in the catholyte chamber. The amount and concentration of the raw material in each chamber are determined based on the type of selectively permeable membrane and the desired cleaning agent to be released. Powering the device, the electrochemical cell generates a cleaning agent and is dispensed by the distributor 112. The distributor 112 may be various pipes and may be used in connection with various valves and pumps for controlling the discharge of the cleaning agent according to known fluid handling systems.

  The controller 114 may include a timing circuit module 116, a feedstock detector module 118, a power supply module 120 and / or a pH detector module 122. These modules may have software, hardware, firmware, instruction codes, and the like. The controller 114 may determine whether sufficient detergent has been produced, whether certain parameters of the detergent such as pH, temperature, content, concentration, etc. are met. The controller 114 may determine when to dispense the cleaning agent regardless of whether it operates with a device that utilizes the cleaning agent. The controller may control the amount and speed of the generated cleaning agent by controlling the power source and varying the current applied to the electrochemical cell. When the cleaning agent is generated, one or more feeders may resupply one or more of the catholyte chamber or anolyte chamber of the electrochemical cell. The level in each chamber of the target cell may be detected, and the level of the feeder or reservoir may be detected. The device 100 may have an audio or video output (not shown) to inform the user about the status of the device. Equipment conditions include whether detergent is being generated, whether or when it is dispensed, pH, concentration, temperature warning, feed level, and the like. The controller may also inform the user that the cell needs to be refilled with salt solution.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of control by the controller 114 when distributing the cleaning agent to the washing machine 126 (not limited to this). Although FIG. 4 shows and describes a washing machine, other machines may be substituted for using the washing machine. When the user activates the washing machine 126, the controller 114 detects whether the detergent generator 110, which is an electrochemical cell (EC), has the proper contents so that the desired detergent can be produced. To do. If the electrochemical cell does not have the proper contents, the controller automatically controls each chamber to be filled with the desired ingredients. In some embodiments, the contents are a salt and the HCl solution 128. In other embodiments, the feedstock may be in powder or solid form and the device may utilize water from a washing machine to prepare a suitable solution in an electrochemical cell, It may also utilize such feedstock before being stored in an electrochemical cell. A controller that receives an electrical or other signal from the washing machine 126 applies a voltage to the electrochemical cell to generate a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent is discharged to the washing machine 126 at a preset time. If the cleaning agent is a bleach, the controller 114 may wait for a specific rinse or fill cycle to avoid damaging or decoloring the garment and achieving an appropriate cleaning effect. Unused cleaning agents, raw materials or by-products may be removed from the electrochemical cell. Gaseous by-products such as hydrogen gas may be exhausted from the electrochemical cell. The raw material source replenishes the electrochemical cell. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 114 may be coupled to various components of the apparatus such as a washing machine 126, a detergent generator 110, valves and sensors, a distributor 112 supplier, a raw material source 128, and the like. .

  As one application suggested by the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, NaOCl is generated as part of the apparatus and bleach is supplied to the washing machine. In this embodiment, the electrical control system generates a solution of NaOCl (less than 5% by weight) and introduces this solution into the wash water at the appropriate time of the laundry cycle. The concentration of NaOCl can be variously determined by selection of temperature, fiber, stirring, and the like. Sodium chlorate can be gradually introduced to prevent damage to the fiber.

  As a second application (but not limited to), NaOCl is generated as part of the device and disinfectant is supplied to the dishwasher. In this embodiment, the electrical control system generates a solution of NaOCl (˜0.5 wt%) at the final stage of dishwashing to ensure that the dishes are fully sterilized.

  As a third application (but not limited to), NaOCl is generated on the ship as needed to generate a bactericidal agent. In this embodiment, seawater can be supplied if the ship is on the ocean. This has the effect of suppressing the spread of infectious bacteria that are generated in the ship during voyage. As will be apparent, the generator can be installed in numerous marine equipment such as washing machines, dishwashers, reverse osmosis systems and the like.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an apparatus for generating and distributing a cleaning agent when used as a topical skin patch, a scrubbing brush, a floor brush or a mop. The detergent generator 210 shown in FIG. 5 is a similar component to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and may be used to produce sodium chlorate. The cleaning agent generator 210 includes an electrolytic cell, and the electrolytic cell is separated into two chambers, an anolyte chamber 214 and a catholyte chamber 216, using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 212. An electrochemically active anode 218 is disposed in the anolyte chamber 214 to perform an oxidation reaction, and an electrochemically active cathode 220 is disposed in the catholyte chamber 216 to perform a reduction reaction. The sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 212 selectively transports sodium ions from the anolyte chamber 214 to the catholyte chamber 216 under the influence of the potential difference 224 and prevents water from moving from one chamber to the other chamber. . In order to control the operating pH, one or more known buffering agents such as NaHCO ₃ are preferably included in the anolyte chamber 214.

  The cleaning agent generator 210 has a porous membrane 226 that can permeate and release the cleaning agent from the anolyte chamber 214 to the outside of the apparatus. The porous membrane may be configured as a cleaning surface. It is preferable that a handle portion is added to the cleaning agent generator so that it can be used as a cleaning brush or a floor brush. Alternatively, the detergent generator may be configured with a thin flexible membrane and configured as a topical skin patch with an appropriate skin adhesive applied.

  The cleaning agent generator 210 may be configured for one-time batch use, or may be configured to allow replenishment of the anolyte and catholyte chambers for continuous or repeated use. Good.

  FIG. 6 is another explanatory view of an apparatus for generating and dispensing a cleaning agent when used as a topical skin patch, scrubber, floor brush or mop similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. The cleaning agent generator 210 shown in FIG. 6 is a similar component to the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and may be used to produce chloric acid. HCl may be produced simultaneously with chloric acid as a mixed oxidant stream. The cleaning agent generator 250 is composed of an electrolytic cell, and the electrolytic cell is separated into two chambers, an anolyte chamber 254 and a catholyte chamber 256, using a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 252. An electrochemically active anode 258 is disposed in the anolyte chamber 254 to perform an oxidation reaction, and an electrochemically active cathode 260 is disposed in the catholyte chamber 256 to perform a reduction reaction. The sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane 252 selectively transports sodium ions from the anolyte chamber 254 to the catholyte chamber 256 under the influence of the potential difference 264 and prevents water from moving from one chamber to the other. . One or more known buffering agents are preferably included in the anolyte chamber 254 to control the operating pH and promote the formation of HOCl.

  The cleaning agent generator 250 has a porous membrane 266 that can transmit and release the chloric acid cleaning agent from the anolyte chamber 254 to the outside of the apparatus. The porous membrane may be configured as a cleaning surface. It is preferable that a handle portion is added to the cleaning agent generator so that it can be used as a cleaning brush or a floor brush. Alternatively, the detergent generator may be configured with a thin flexible membrane and configured as a topical skin patch with an appropriate skin adhesive applied.

  The cleaning agent generator 250 may be configured for one-time batch use, or may be configured to allow replenishment of the anolyte and catholyte chambers for continuous or repeated use. Good.

  The following examples (but not limited to) illustrate the construction and use of specific embodiments in accordance with the gist of the present invention. These embodiments are merely examples, and the gist of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Example 1:
An apparatus was prepared for feeding bleach (NaOCl) to the washing machine. The capacity of the washing machine is about 10 gallons. The amount of bleach added in a typical wash cycle is 50 ml of 5 wt% NaOCl solution, which corresponds to 2.5 g of 100% bleach. The concentration of bleach in the washing machine is about 0.07% by weight bleach for 10 gallons of water. If the machine is full in 5 minutes, the detergent generator is activated to produce NaOCl so that a bleaching amount of 0.007% by weight is obtained throughout the washing cycle. This in order to operate in the production rate, the cleaning agent generator, comprising the above type of electrolytic cell and having a active electrode area 100 cm ² having a volume of about 100 cm ^3. The concentration of the anolyte NaCl in water is 18% by weight or more, and the concentration of the catholyte NaOH in water is 9.5% by weight or more. Operating at 20 amps and 12 volts, the cell produces 50 ml of a 5 wt% NaOCl solution in 5 minutes to meet the requirements in a washing machine.

  As described above, the present invention can provide electrochemical generators and distributors such as cleaning agents such as sodium chlorate and chloric acid, bactericides, and antibacterial agents that can be used on the spot. The apparatus of the present invention for generating and distributing a cleaning agent to be used on the spot comprises the above-described electrolysis cell for producing sodium chlorate and chloric acid as required, and a controller for effectively controlling the operation of the apparatus. Detergents are generated on demand and can be used in general households, industrial and water treatment applications. Detergents can be used in a variety of applications such as washing machines, dishwashers, wash brushes, floor brushes, mops, toilet bowls, topical skin patches, scourers, fruit and vegetable cleaning devices, and applications where cleaning agents need to be administered. Can be used for equipment.

  While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of the invention is limited by the claims appended hereto. It should be.

Claims (20)

  (1) An electrolytic cell for generating a cleaning agent comprising an anode disposed in an anolyte chamber having an anolyte, a cathode disposed in a catholyte chamber having a catholyte, and a detergent outlet; 2) A power source for supplying current to the electrolysis cell; and (3) a controller for electrically connecting the electrolysis cell and the power source to adjust the generation rate and amount of the cleaning agent. A device for generating and dispensing agents.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrolysis cell generates NaOCl and has a sodium ion conducting ceramic membrane.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell generates HOCl and has a chloride ion conductive membrane.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a feeder for resupplying the anolyte or catholyte to one or more of the anolyte or catholyte chambers.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises one or more sensors for determining a required amount of anolyte in the anolyte chamber or a required amount of catholyte in the catholyte chamber.   A controller is connected to the feeder and recharges one or more of the anolyte chamber or catholyte chamber with the required amount of anolyte in the anolyte chamber or the required amount of catholyte in the catholyte chamber Item 2. The apparatus according to Item 1.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises one or more sensors for determining whether a sufficient amount of cleaning agent has been produced.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises one or more sensors for determining whether the amount of detergent produced satisfies the required amount of detergent.   The anolyte chamber has a porous membrane, the inner surface of the porous membrane is in contact with the cleaning agent manufactured in the anolyte chamber, and the outer surface of the porous membrane is cleaned in the anolyte chamber. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the agent is configured to be used directly on the outer surface through the porous membrane.   The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured as a scourer or floor brush.   The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured as a topical skin patch comprising a flexible membrane and a skin adhesive.   The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrolysis cell generates HOCl and comprises a chloride ion conducting membrane.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a controller is connected to the cleaning agent outlet and controls the amount of cleaning agent discharged directly to the instrument.   (1) An electrolytic cell for generating a cleaning agent comprising an anode disposed in an anolyte chamber having an anolyte, a cathode disposed in a catholyte chamber having a catholyte, and a detergent outlet; 2) a power source for supplying current to the electrolysis cell; (3) a feeder for resupplying anolyte or catholyte to one or more of the anolyte chamber or catholyte chamber; and (4) the electrolysis cell. A device for generating and supplying a cleaning agent at the time of use, which includes a controller for electrically connecting the power source, the supply device, and a plurality of sensors. The controller adjusts the generation rate and amount of the cleaning agent. And the controller can determine the required amount of anolyte in the anolyte chamber or the required amount of catholyte in the catholyte chamber, and the controller can have one or more of the anolyte chamber or catholyte chamber in the anolyte chamber. Required amount of anolyte or catholyte Device for generating and dispensing a cleaning agent in use, characterized by being configured to be can be re-supplied the necessary amount of catholyte in.   15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller has one or more sensors that determine whether a sufficient amount of detergent has been produced.   15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller has one or more sensors that determine whether the manufactured cleaning material meets the required amount of cleaning material.   15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a controller is connected to the cleaning agent outlet and controls the amount of cleaning agent that is discharged directly to the instrument.   15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the electrolytic cell generates NaOCl and has a sodium ion conducting ceramic membrane.   15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the electrolysis cell generates NaOCl and has a NaSICON sodium ion conducting ceramic membrane.   The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the electrolytic cell generates HOCl and has a chloride ion conducting membrane.

Images