JPH11114565A - Electrolyzed water producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the abnormality in the supply of water to an electrolytic cell based on the detection signal from a flow sensor provided to a raw water feed passage along with a normally-closed stop valve and a flow control means. SOLUTION: A mixed dil. soln. continuously supplied to an electrolytic cell 10 is electrolyzed in the cell 10 to generate electrolytic water. In this electrolytic water generator, the supply line 24 of the raw water such as city water and groundwater and a supply line 25 of a concd. soln. are respectively connected to the supply line 23 of the mixed dil. soln. A means 60 for increasing or decreasing the supply of the concd. soln. to the mixed dil. soln. supply line 23 is provided to the concd. soln. supply line 25, a normally-closed stop valve 42, flow control means 41 and 43 and a flow sensor 71 are furnished to the raw water supply line 24, a control means 100 for controlling the flow changing means 60 in accordance with the power supply to the cell 10 is also provided, and an abnormality detecting means 100 for detecting the abnormality in the stop valve 42 and flow control means 41 and 43 based on the detection signal from the flow sensor 71 is furnished.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of continuously supplying a mixed dilute solution obtained by adding a small amount of a concentrated solution (water in which an electrolyte such as salt is dissolved) to a large amount of raw water such as tap water or ground water to an electrolytic cell. The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus configured to generate electrolyzed water by electrolysis in the electrolyzer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-232170. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus disclosed in this publication, a mixed dilute solution (dilute brine) is used. The supply path is connected to the supply path of raw water such as tap water and groundwater, and the supply path of the concentrated solution (concentrated saline), and the supply path of the concentrated solution is the supply amount of the concentrated solution to the supply path of the mixed diluted solution. A variable flow rate means (quantitative pulse pump) that can be increased or decreased is provided, and a pressure reducing valve and a flow meter are provided in the raw water supply path, and the flow rate variable means is controlled based on a detection signal from the flow meter. ing. For this reason, in this electrolyzed water generation apparatus, the flow rate variable means provided in the supply path of the concentrated solution is controlled based on the detection signal from the flow meter provided in the supply path of the raw water, and the flow rate of the mixed dilution solution is controlled. Is supplied with a mixed diluted solution maintained at a predetermined concentration.

[0003]

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus disclosed in the above publication, when the supply flow rate of the mixed and diluted solution to the electrolytic cell is constant and the electrolysis conditions in the electrolytic cell are constant,
Although predetermined electrolysis is obtained in the electrolytic cell and predetermined electrolytic water is generated, during normal use, the supply flow rate of the mixed dilute solution to the electrolytic cell and the electrolysis conditions in the electrolytic cell are not constant, Predetermined electrolytic water is not generated in the electrolytic cell. Further, in the electrolyzed water generation device of the above-mentioned publication, since the water supply abnormality to the electrolytic cell is not detected, the electrolysis is continued in a state where there is no water supply to the electrolytic cell or in an excessive or insufficient state. Alternatively, there may be a problem that electrolysis in the electrolytic cell is stopped in a state where water supply to the electrolytic cell is not stopped.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and a mixed diluted solution obtained by adding a small amount of a concentrated solution to a large amount of raw water such as tap water and groundwater is used in an electrolytic cell. In the electrolyzed water generator, which is continuously supplied to the electrolyzer and electrolyzed in the electrolyzer to generate electrolyzed water, the feed path for raw water such as tap water and groundwater and the supply of concentrated solution to the feed path for the mixed diluted solution The flow paths are connected to each other, and the supply path for the concentrated solution is provided with flow rate variable means capable of increasing or decreasing the supply amount of the concentrated solution to the supply path for the mixed diluted solution. And a flow rate adjusting means and a flow rate sensor, and a control means for controlling the flow rate varying means in accordance with the amount of power supplied to the electrolytic cell, and the on-off valve and the flow rate adjusting section based on a detection signal from the flow rate sensor. Abnormality detection means for detecting abnormalities in means It is characterized in that the provided.

[0005]

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, a large amount of raw water is mixed with a small amount of a concentrated solution to produce a mixed diluted solution, and this mixed diluted solution is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell to perform electrolysis. Water is produced. By the way, during the normal operation of the electrolyzed water generator, the flow rate of the raw water occupying most of the amount of water supplied to the electrolytic cell is maintained at a predetermined value by the flow rate adjusting means, and the flow rate variable means provided in the concentrated solution supply path is provided. Since the control means controls the amount of power supplied to the electrolytic cell, the supply flow rate to the electrolytic cell is substantially constant, and the electrolytic conditions in the electrolytic cell are substantially constant. Is generated.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, when the water supply to the electrolytic cell is abnormal, the abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality of the on-off valve and the flow rate adjusting means based on the detection signal from the flow rate sensor. If the abnormality notification means is activated by the abnormality detection, the electrolysis is continued in a state where there is no water supply to the electrolytic cell, in a state where the water supply is excessive or insufficient, or in a state where the water supply to the electrolytic cell is not stopped. In this case, it is possible to accurately grasp an abnormal state such as when electrolysis is stopped, and quickly perform appropriate repair.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes an electrolyzer 10, discharge passages 21 and 22 for electrolyzed water connected to the electrolyzer 10, and a supply passage 23 for dilute saline (approximately 0.1 WT%) as a mixed dilution solution. And the supply path 23 of this diluted salt water
And a supply path 25 of tap water and a supply path 25 of a saturated saline solution, which are connected to each other. The electrolyzer 10 is a well-known device that electrolyzes dilute salt water to generate electrolyzed water. The inside of a main body 11 is separated into two electrolyzers 13 and 14 by a diaphragm 12.
Each of the electrolysis chambers 13 and 14 has a DC power supply 3
Electrode plates 15 and 16 connected to zero are provided, respectively.

The discharge passages 21 and 22 for the electrolyzed water are
3 and 14, each of which is connected to
The electrolyzed water (acidic water and alkaline water) generated in 3 and 14 is guided to desired locations. The dilute salt water supply passage 23 is branched at an intermediate portion into branch passages 23a and 23b, and is connected to the electrolytic chambers 13 and 14 at the branch passages 23a and 23b, respectively.

The tap water supply passage 24 is provided with a water pipe (not shown).
A pressure reducing valve (a pressure control valve for adjusting the outlet pressure to a set pressure lower than the inlet pressure irrespective of the inlet pressure) 41 and a water supply valve (normally closed electromagnetic valve). An on-off valve 42 and a variable flow control valve (a flow control valve for maintaining a variable flow rate at a set value) 43 are provided. It should be noted that a fixed type flow control valve can be used instead of the flow control valve 43.

The saturated saline solution supply passage 25 is connected to a concentrated saline solution tank 50 for storing a saturated saline solution, and is provided with a metering pump 60. The metering pump 60 is a diaphragm piston type pump that pumps and mixes a small amount of saturated saline into a large amount of tap water supplied through the tap water supply path 24, and as shown in FIG.
A diaphragm piston 62 attached to the pump housing 61 and driven reciprocally by an electromagnetic motor (not shown), a pair of suction check valves 63 and a pair of discharge check valves 64 attached to the pump housing 61 are provided. By one reciprocation of the diaphragm piston 62, a predetermined amount (approximately 0.1 at a stroke of approximately 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm).
The saturated saline solution of cc) is discharged and supplied to a supply path 24 of tap water.

Each of the suction check valve 63 and the discharge check valve 64 includes a ball valve 63a, 64a and a valve seat 6.
3b, 64b and valve guides 63c, 64c, and does not include a spring for urging the ball valves 63a, 64a toward the valve seats 63b, 64b. , 64b. For this reason, even when air is mixed in the pump chamber R and the substantial compression ratio is small, the pumping action is accurately obtained, and the air in the pump chamber R is quickly discharged. .

Further, in this embodiment, a flow sensor 71 is provided in the tap water supply passage 24 and an ammeter 72 is provided in a circuit for supplying electricity to the electrode plates 15 and 16. It is connected. The control device 100 is an electrolysis switch (ON / OFF switch)
ON / OFF of DC power supply 30 based on operation of 101
Control and opening / closing control of the water supply valve 42 and start / stop control of the metering pump 60 are performed, and discharge flow rate control (feedback control) of the metering pump 60 is performed in accordance with a detection value from the ammeter 72 (feeding amount to the electrolytic cell 10). Based on the operation control program to be performed and the detection signal from the flow sensor 71, the water supply valve 4
2 and an abnormality detection program for detecting an abnormality of the flow regulating valve 43.

In the electrolyzed water generator of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the electrolysis switch 101 is turned on from the off state, the DC power supply 30 is turned on and the electrode plate 1 is turned on.
At the same time that a predetermined voltage V1 is applied between 5 and 16 and energization is started, and the closed water supply valve 42 is opened to supply tap water to the diluted salt water supply path 23 through the tap water supply path 24, The metering pump 60 is activated, and the saturated saline solution is supplied to the diluted saline water supply channel 23 through the saturated saline water supply channel 25. When the electrolytic switch 101 is turned OFF from the ON state, the DC power supply 30 is turned OFF and the electrode plates 15 and 16 are turned off.
As the voltage between them becomes zero, the water supply valve 42 in the open state closes and the supply of tap water to the diluted salt water supply passage 23 stops, and at the same time, the metering pump 60 stops and the saturated salt water diluted salt water supply passage 23 stops. Supply to the plant stops.

Therefore, between the time when the electrolysis switch 101 is turned on and the time when the electrolysis switch 101 is turned off, the tap water supply path 2
Large amount of tap water supplied through 4 (always at constant pressure and constant flow rate by pressure reducing valve 41 and flow regulating valve 43)
A small amount of saturated saline solution supplied through the saturated saline solution supply channel 25 is pumped and mixed by the metering pump 60 to produce approximately 0.1 WT% diluted saline solution at the base of the diluted saline solution supply channel 23. Branches 23a and 2 of dilute salt water supply channel 23
The electrolytic water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 10 through 3b and is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 10, and each electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis is guided to a desired place through each of the discharge passages 21 and 22 for use. .

By the way, during normal operation of the electrolyzed water generator, the flow rate of tap water which occupies most of the amount of water supplied to the electrolytic cell 10 is maintained at a predetermined value by the flow control means of the pressure reducing valve 41 and the flow control valve 43. Along with the saturated saline solution supply line 2
5 is feedback-controlled by the operation control program of the control device 100 in accordance with the amount of power supplied to the electrolytic cell 10 in accordance with the amount of power supplied to the electrolytic cell 10, so that the supply flow rate of the dilute salt water to the electrolytic cell 10 is substantially constant. At the same time, the electrolysis conditions in the electrolytic cell 10 are made substantially constant, and predetermined electrolytic water is generated in the electrolytic cell 10.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, when the water supply valve 42 and the flow regulating valve 43 are abnormally operated (when the water supply to the electrolytic cell 10 is abnormal), the abnormality detection program of the control device 100 causes the flow sensor 71 To detect an abnormality of the water supply valve 42 and the flow control valve 43 based on the detection signal from
By operating the abnormality notification means (not shown, for example, a warning lamp, a warning buzzer) by this abnormality detection, the electrolysis is continued in a state where water is not supplied to the electrolytic cell 10 or in a state where the water supply is excessive or insufficient. Alternatively, it is possible to accurately grasp an abnormal state such as the stop of the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 10 in a state where the water supply to the electrolytic cell 10 is not stopped, and quickly perform appropriate repair.

The above-mentioned abnormal state in which the electrolysis is continued in a state where there is no water supply to the electrolytic cell 10 is caused by the flow rate sensor 71 even after the electrolytic switch 101 is turned on from the OFF state as illustrated in FIG. It is grasped from the fact that the detected flow rate is zero, and in this case, the set time T1
After (can be set appropriately, for example, after 3 seconds in consideration of the time during which the air remaining in the supply path 24 at the time of installation is removed)
Then, the electrolyzed water generator is stopped abnormally. At the time of this abnormal stop, the DC power supply 30 is turned off, the voltage between the electrode plates 15 and 16 becomes zero, the water supply valve 42 in the open state is closed, and the supply of tap water to the diluted salt water supply path 23 is stopped. Then, the metering pump 60 is stopped, the supply of the saturated saline to the diluted salt water supply passage 23 is stopped, and the abnormality notification means is turned on to operate.

The abnormal state in which the electrolysis is continued in a state where the water supply to the electrolytic cell 10 is excessive or insufficient is as shown in FIG.
Flow rate sensor 7 in the electrolyzed water generation state maintained in the state
It is grasped that the flow rate detected by 1 becomes the over-specified value higher than the predetermined value or the under-specified value lower than the predetermined value, and in this case, the electrolyzed water generator is immediately stopped abnormally. Note that when the time after the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 71 has become the over-specified value higher than the predetermined value or the under-specified value lower than the predetermined value has reached the set time (can be set as appropriate), the electrolyzed water generation device May be stopped in an abnormal manner. Also at the time of this abnormal stop, as described above, the DC power supply 30 is turned off, the water supply valve 42 in the open state is closed, the metering pump 60 is stopped, and the abnormality notification means is turned on.

The abnormal state where the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 10 is stopped in a state where the water supply to the electrolytic cell 10 is not stopped is, as illustrated in FIG.
The water supply valve 42 is not closed even after the 01 is turned OFF from the ON state, and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 71 is maintained at a predetermined value. In this case, the flow rate is detected after a set time T2 (can be set as appropriate). , For example, after 1 second)
Then, the abnormality notification means is turned on to operate.

In the above-described embodiment, tap water is used as raw water, but it is also possible to use other water, for example, pumped-up groundwater. Also, the present invention
Although the present invention has been implemented in an electrolyzed water generator in which dilute salt water is supplied under pressure to an electrolytic cell 10 having a diaphragm 12, the present invention is also applied to an electrolyzed water generator in which dilute salt water is supplied under pressure into an electrolytic cell having no diaphragm. Can be implemented in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and is not limited to the above embodiment.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the fixed-quantity pump 60 driven by reciprocation is employed as a flow rate variable means capable of increasing and decreasing the supply amount of the saturated saline to the diluted salt water supply passage 23. For example, it is also possible to employ another flow rate variable means such as a pump driven by rotation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed enlarged sectional view of the metering pump shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining an abnormal water supply state at the start of generation in the electrolyzed water generation apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining an abnormal water supply state during generation in the electrolyzed water generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining an abnormal water supply state at the end of generation in the electrolyzed water generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electrolysis tank, 12 ... Diaphragm, 23 ... Supply path of dilute salt water (mixed dilution solution), 24 ... Supply path of tap water (raw water), 25 ...
Supply path of saturated saline solution (concentrated solution), 30 DC power supply, 41
... pressure reducing valve, 42 ... water supply valve (normally-closed open / close valve), 43 ... flow rate adjusting valve, 60 ... metering pump (flow rate variable means), 71 ...
Flow rate sensor, 72: ammeter, 100: control device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A mixed and diluted solution obtained by adding a small amount of a concentrated solution to a large amount of raw water such as tap water and groundwater is continuously supplied to an electrolytic cell and electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to produce electrolytic water. In the electrolyzed water generator, a supply path of raw water such as tap water and groundwater and a supply path of the concentrated solution are connected to a supply path of the mixed dilution solution, and a supply path of the mixed dilution solution is connected to the supply path of the concentrated solution. In addition to providing a flow rate variable means capable of increasing or decreasing the supply amount of the concentrated solution, a normally closed type opening / closing valve, a flow rate adjusting means and a flow rate sensor are provided in the raw water supply path, and according to the power supply amount to the electrolytic cell. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus, comprising: control means for controlling the flow rate variable means; and abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the on-off valve and the flow rate adjustment means based on a detection signal from the flow rate sensor. .