KR20230146960A - HOCl acid water producing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to technology for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. Hypochlorous acid water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) is an aqueous solution that has the function of deodorizing and disinfecting. Typically, slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is produced by electrolyzing diluted hydrochloric acid in a non-diaphragm electrolyzer and mixing chlorine gas generated with water. Hypochlorous acid water in the range of pH 5 to 6.5 is called slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, and is widely used because it has excellent sterilizing power and does not emit harmful substances. In the present invention, diluted hydrochloric acid is induced to flow and rise efficiently in the electrolytic space of the electrolyzer, thereby increasing the total flow distance and smooth discharge of the produced gas containing chlorine gas, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency of diluted hydrochloric acid in the electrolytic space.

Description

Method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water {HOCl acid water producing method}

Hypochlorous acid water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) is an aqueous solution that has the function of deodorizing and disinfecting. Typically, slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is produced by electrolyzing diluted hydrochloric acid in a non-diaphragm electrolyzer and mixing chlorine gas generated with water. Hypochlorous acid water in the range of pH 5 to 6.5 is called slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, and is widely used because it has excellent sterilizing power and does not emit harmful substances. The present invention relates to a technology for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water.

As background technology, Patent No. 1391193, which relates to an electrolyzer for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, includes a spacer in a square frame and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the spacer and forming an electrolytic space together with the spacer. This type of electrolyzer for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is structured so that diluted hydrochloric acid is supplied from the bottom of the electrolyzer and discharged from the top. In this conventional structure, gases such as chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas generated by electrolysis enter the electrolysis space. As it rises, the flow rate of diluted hydrochloric acid inside the electrolyte space increases, which reduces the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyte. Registered Patent No. 2008987 (2019.08.02.), which relates to an electrolyzer for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water and an apparatus for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water equipped with the same, is disclosed and will be described later along with FIGS. 1 and 2.

In providing a technology for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, an electrolyzer and related system for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water that improve the electrolysis efficiency of diluted hydrochloric acid are provided.

A method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water using a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production device including an electrolyzer,

The electrolyzer has an electrolytic space inside, is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicating across the electrolytic space, and includes a baffle plate installed at a height between the inlet and the outlet in the electrolytic space,

The baffle plate includes a first baffle plate extending from a first side of the electrolysis space toward a second side opposite the first side and spaced apart from the second side, and a first baffle plate extending from the second side toward the first side and being spaced apart from the first side. A second baffle plate that is spaced apart, and a third baffle plate that extends from the first side toward the second side opposite the first side and is spaced apart from the second side are sequentially arranged to be alternately spaced apart in the height direction, and another baffle plate adjacent to the other baffle plate is spaced apart from each other. It is prepared in a shape that extends beyond the end of the plate,

After diluted hydrochloric acid flows into the inlet, the flow of diluted hydrochloric acid in the electrolysis space changes zigzag direction by the baffle plate, increasing the distance to secure sufficient electrolysis time, and then rising toward the outlet and being discharged. A method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is provided.

That is, it is an electrolyzer that generates chlorine gas by electrolyzing diluted hydrochloric acid to produce slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water,

A case that provides an electrolytic space therein and is in communication with the electrolytic space to form an inlet through which diluted hydrochloric acid flows into the electrolytic space and an inlet through which chlorine gas is discharged and an outlet located above the case;

an electrode structure including a first electrode and a second electrode installed for electrolysis of diluted hydrochloric acid in an electrolysis space;

In order to increase the flow distance of diluted hydrochloric acid in the electrolytic space, a device is installed at a height between the inlet and outlet in the electrolytic space so that the diluted hydrochloric acid flowing in through the inlet changes direction along the horizontal direction and flows upward toward the outlet. a baffle structure including a baffle plate; Includes,

Gas passing holes are formed in the baffle plate through which gas passes,

A hydrophobic coating layer is formed on the baffle plate to prevent liquid from passing through the gas passage hole, and the gas passage hole is formed to a size that liquid cannot pass through.

The electrolysis efficiency of diluted hydrochloric acid in the electrolytic space is improved by increasing the total flow distance by allowing the diluted hydrochloric acid to flow and rise in a zigzag pattern in the electrolytic space of the electrolytic cell. Since the baffle plate is provided with a through hole formed to allow gas to pass through but not liquid to pass through, chlorine gas generated in the electrolysis space is quickly discharged, thereby improving overall chlorine gas production efficiency.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration flow and a perspective view of an electrolyzer showing the configuration of a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production device.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of the electrolytic cell, and Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B'.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrolyzer in an embodiment of the present invention.

Let's look at the technology related to the device for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water with Figures 1 and 2. The slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production device 100 includes a hydrochloric acid tank 110 in which hydrochloric acid {HCl(aq)}, which is the raw material of slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, is stored, and hydrochloric acid supplied from the hydrochloric acid tank 110 is electrolyzed to produce chlorine. An electrolyzer 120 that generates gas (Cl2), a raw water supply unit 130 that supplies raw water such as tap water necessary for the production of slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, and chlorine gas supplied from the electrolyzer 120. A hypochlorous acid production tank (140) that reacts the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit (130) to produce slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, and a storage tank (150) in which the slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water produced in the hypochlorous acid production tank (140) is stored. ) includes.

Hydrochloric acid, which is a raw material for slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water, is stored in the hydrochloric acid tank 110. The hydrochloric acid stored in the hydrochloric acid tank 110 is generally diluted hydrochloric acid of 2 to 6% hydrochloric acid. The diluted hydrochloric acid stored in the hydrochloric acid tank 110 is supplied to the electrolyzer 120 by a pump (not shown) and is electrolyzed.

The electrolyzer 120 receives diluted hydrochloric acid stored in the hydrochloric acid tank 110 and electrolyzes it to generate chlorine gas. The electrolyzer 120 includes a case 121, an electrode structure 124 accommodated inside the case 121, and a baffle-shaped baffle structure 125 accommodated inside the case 121. ) is provided.

The case 121 provides an accommodating space within which the electrode structure 124 and the baffle structure 125 are accommodated. An inlet pipe portion 121a is formed in the lower part of the case 121, and an outlet pipe portion 121b is formed in the upper part of the case 121. An inlet 122a through which diluted hydrochloric acid flows from the hydrochloric acid tank 110 is formed in the inlet pipe 121a, and an outlet 122b through which chlorine gas is discharged from the electrolyzer 120 is formed in the outlet pipe 121b. Inside the case 121, an electrolytic space 120a is formed where electrolysis of diluted hydrochloric acid occurs. An inlet 122a communicates with one side of the upper and lower ends of the electrolytic space 120a, and an outlet 122b communicates with the other side of the upper and lower ends of the electrolytic space 120a.

The electrode structure 124 is accommodated and installed in the receiving space formed inside the case 121. The electrode structure 124 is erected in the form of a wall and includes a first electrode 124a and a second electrode 124b that face each other and are spaced a certain distance apart. An external power source for electrolysis of diluted hydrochloric acid is applied to the first electrode 124a and the second electrode 124b (not shown). The space between the first electrode 124a and the second electrode 124b forms an electrolytic space 120a, and a baffle structure 125 is installed in the electrolytic space 120a. Chlorine gas is generated in the electrolysis space (120a) by electrolysis of diluted hydrochloric acid by the first electrode (124a) and the second electrode (124b), and at this time, hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) are combined. All of this is called produced gas. These generated gases generated in the electrolysis space 120a rise together and are discharged through the outlet 122b.

The baffle structure 125 is installed in the electrolytic space 120a formed inside the case 121 to create a zigzag flow form of diluted hydrochloric acid. The baffle structure 125 is disposed on the first electrode 124a and the second electrode 124b and also functions as a spacer. The baffle structure 125 includes an edge portion 125a that provides an open inner area, and a plurality of baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 extending from the edge portion 125a and located in the open inner region. .

The edge portion 125a extends in a single closed curve, and the internal space of the edge portion 125a is sealed by the edge portion 125a and the two electrodes 124a and 124b to form an electrolytic space 120a. A lower hole 1251a communicating with the inlet 122a is formed at the bottom of the edge portion 125a, and an upper hole 1251b communicating with the outlet 122b is formed at the top of the edge portion 125a. The upper inner surface (inner lower surface) of the edge portion 125a is inclined to become higher toward the upper hole 1251b to facilitate discharge of the generated gas.

Each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 has a plate shape extending from the edge portion 125a to be located in the electrolysis space 120a. Each of the plurality of baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 extends in the horizontal direction to prevent diluted hydrochloric acid from flowing vertically upward in the electrolysis space 120a. The baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 are arranged to be sequentially spaced apart along the vertical direction. The baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 are two first baffle plates 126 extending horizontally from the first side 1252a of the edge portion 125a in the electrolysis space 120a toward the second side 1252b on the opposite side. , 128) and a second baffle plate 127 extending horizontally from the second side 1252b of the edge portion 125a toward the opposite first side 1252a in the electrolysis space 120a. . In the drawing, two first baffle plates 126 and 128 and one second baffle plate 127 are alternately arranged along the vertical direction.

Both sides of each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 are in close contact with the two electrodes 124a and 124b, respectively. Additionally, the extending ends of each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 are spaced apart from the opposing side portions 1252a and 1252b of the edge portion 125a. Accordingly, the diluted hydrochloric acid in the electrolysis space 120a flows only through the passage portions 126b, 127b, and 128b provided at the ends of each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128. The baffle plates (126, 127, 128) are formed to extend further than the ends of other adjacent baffle plates (126, 127, 128), so that the first baffle plates (126, 127) and the second baffle plates (128) are located at the center portion. As some overlapping portions are formed, the diluted hydrochloric acid flows in a zigzag shape in the electrolysis space 120a and rises upward.

Gas passage holes 126a, 127a, and 128a are distributed in each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128. The generated gas generated in the electrolysis space 120a passes through the gas passage holes 126a, 127a, and 128a and moves upward (emitted). Hydrophobic coating layers 126c, 127c, and 128c are formed on each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128. Liquid cannot pass through the gas passage holes 126a, 127a, and 128a due to the hydrophobic coating layers 126c, 127c, and 128c formed on each of the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128. In the electrolysis space 120a, the liquid diluted hydrochloric acid is electrolyzed by flowing only through the zigzag-shaped flow path formed by the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128, and the gas generated through electrolysis is passed through the gas passage hole ( It rises through 126a, 127a, and 128a, and thus, the contact efficiency between the diluted hydrochloric acid and the two electrodes 124a and 124b in the electrolysis space 120a is maximized.

The hydrophobic coating layers 126c, 127c, and 128c may be formed, for example, by applying a hydrophobic surfactant, such as polyoxyethylene stearyl ether derivatives (Polyoxyethylene Stearyl Ether Derivatives) and sorbitan fatty acid ester derivatives ( Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester Derivatives) and Polyoxyethylene Oleylamine Derivatives (Polyoxyethylene Oleylamine Derivatives) or a mixture thereof may be used. In the drawing, the hydrophobic coating layers (126c, 127c, and 128c) are formed on the entire baffle plate (126, 127, and 128), but may be formed only on the lower surface or only on the portion where the gas passage holes (126a, 127a, and 128a) are located. You can. Instead of the hydrophobic coating layers 126c, 127c, and 128c, the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 themselves may be made of hydrophobic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and Teflon.

The raw water supply unit 130 supplies raw water necessary for the production of slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water to the hypochlorous acid generating tank 140. The hypochlorous acid generation tank 140 reacts the chlorine gas supplied from the electrolyzer 120 with the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit 130 and dilutes it to generate slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water. The storage tank 150 receives and stores slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water generated in the hypochlorous acid generation tank 140.

3 and below, another embodiment of the electrolytic cell 120 will be described. The generated gas (g10) consisting of chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, etc. generated incidentally in the electrolyzer 120 is supposed to rise through the gas passage holes (126a, 127a, 128a), but in reality, the amount increases. In both cases, it becomes difficult to pass through easily, which may interfere with electrolysis of the electrolyzer 120, thereby reducing function and efficiency. Accordingly, a method or means is needed to increase the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer 120 and to effectively move (g10) the generated gas (g10) and discharge it to the outside.

To this end, the inclination given to each baffle plate 126, 127, and 128, that is, the baffle plate inclination t1, t2, and t3, can be given differently. In FIG. 3, each of the plurality of baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 installed in the electrolytic cell 120 is provided to be tilted by giving a baffle plate inclination (t1, t2, and t3) with respect to the horizontal (t0). That is, compared to the case where the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 are horizontal (t0), the baffle plates are configured to be inclined at a slope that increases from the starting position to the ending position. Through this baffle plate inclination (t1, t2, t3) structure, the fluid containing the produced gas (g10) can easily move the bottom of the baffle plate (126, 127, 128) given the baffle plate inclination (t1, t2, t3). It rises as it goes up and quickly exits and moves (g10) to reach the upper part of the electrolyzer 120. In addition, the generated hypochlorous acid water can also rise along the flow path provided by the baffle plate tilt (t1, t2, t3) structure of the baffle plates (126, 127, and 128), allowing it to flow more easily.

In more detail, the second baffle plate inclination (t2) of the second baffle plate 127 is greater than the first baffle plate inclination (t1) of the first baffle plate 126, and the It can be configured in such a way that the third baffle plate inclination (t3) of the third baffle plate 128 is greater than the second baffle plate inclination (t2). The diluted hydrochloric acid supplied into the electrolyzer 120 through the inlet pipe 121a (i.e., the inlet 122a) gradually rises from the bottom of the inlet 122a and flows along the flow path to undergo the process of electrolysis. As it flows upward in the process, the generated gas gradually increases and already generated gas is added, so the movement (discharge) of the generated gas must be more rapid toward the upper outlet (122b) than the lower inlet (122a) side. do. To this end, the structure is designed so that the baffle plate inclinations (t1, t2, t3) given to the baffle plates 126, 127, and 128 gradually increase upward, where the first baffle plate inclination (t1) < the second baffle plate inclination ( It has a relationship of t2) < the size of the third baffle plate inclination (t3).

Accordingly, with respect to the first baffle plate 126, where the generation of generated gas is still at the beginning stage, the generated gas is generated at the point when electrolysis of the diluted hydrochloric acid just introduced through the inlet 122a begins to occur. Since this is the starting stage and the amount is small, the first baffle plate inclination (t1) can be absent or minimal, and the amount and speed of movement of the generated gas are the lowest, which is referred to as the first movement speed (g11). And, as the electrolysis progresses, the generation of generated gas gradually increases. The second baffle plate tilt (t2) is given to the second baffle plate 127 disposed in the middle of the electrolyzer 120, which is the progress path (way, passage) of the process. ) is set to a relatively medium level (slightly inclined) and takes on a structure that satisfies both the time and space required for the electrolysis process and the generated gas discharge rate, and the amount and speed of movement of the generated gas can be achieved at a medium level, and this can be controlled by 2 It is called movement speed (g12). After electrolysis has been achieved to some extent through this process, the third baffle plate inclination t3 given to the third baffle plate 128 disposed at the top of the electrolyzer 120 is set to the maximum, so that the amount of movement of the produced gas and Since the speed can be maximum, it is quickly moved to the discharge pipe (121b)/discharge port (122b) and discharged, which is called the third moving speed (g13). That is, it has a relational expression of first movement speed (g11) < second movement speed (g12) < third movement speed (g13).

Originally, the upper inner surface 125f2 of the edge portion 125a is given an edge upper inclination (f2), but in addition, the present invention provides an edge lower inclination (f1) to the lower inner surface 125f1 of the edge portion 125a. can be granted. When the first baffle plate inclination (t1) is given, the separation space that occurs between the first baffle plate inclination (t1) and the original horizontal (t0) increases through the edge lower inclination (f1) having a corresponding inclination. can be offset, so that the distance between the inner upper surface 125f1 and the first baffle plate 126 can be kept constant. In addition, the second baffle plate inclination (t2) with respect to the first baffle plate inclination (t1), the third baffle plate inclination (t3) with respect to the second baffle plate inclination (t2), and the border with respect to the third baffle plate inclination (t3). In order to offset the increase in the separation space caused by the upper tilt f2, each may be provided with an offset portion having a corresponding tilt to the relative tilt. More specifically, the first offset portion 126f and the third baffle are taken to have an inclination corresponding to the second baffle plate inclination t2 and are provided as a member that can cover the upper side of the first baffle plate 126. The second offset portion 127f is taken to have an inclination corresponding to the plate inclination t3 and is provided as a member that can cover the upper side of the second baffle plate 127, and has an inclination corresponding to the edge upper inclination f2. The third offset portions 128f, which are provided as members covering the upper side of the third baffle plate 128, are each configured and arranged parallel to each other, so that the flow path through which the diluted chlorine flows and the produced gas moves is constant. Maintain spacing. Through this, it is possible to reduce turbulence caused by uneven intervals through which fluids (chlorine, generated gas, etc.) pass (flow, move), and prevent the phenomenon of not reaching the outlet (122b) as it deviates from the main passage and becomes an eddy. .

Meanwhile, the original installation positions of the inlet pipe (121a)/inlet (122a) and the discharge pipe (121b)/outlet (122b) were at the center of the upper and lower sides of the electrolyzer 120, but in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the center is Instead, it has been moved to the first side on the right. In the drawing, the first baffle plate 126 and the third baffle plate 128 extend from the first side on the right to the second side on the left, so as to increase the utilization of the flow path in the electrolysis space, that is, the flow/movement distance. , it is preferable that the inlet pipe portion 121a and the discharge pipe portion 121b are also disposed on the right side where the first side portion is located.

110: Hydrochloric acid tank 120: Electrolyzer 124: Electrode structure 125: Baffle structure 125a: Edge portion 126, 127, 128: Baffle plate 130: Raw water supply portion 140: Hypochlorous acid production tank 150: Storage tank

Claims (1)

A method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water using a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water production device including an electrolyzer,
The electrolyzer has an electrolytic space inside, is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicating across the electrolytic space, and includes a baffle plate installed at a height between the inlet and the outlet in the electrolytic space,
The baffle plate includes a first baffle plate extending from a first side of the electrolysis space toward a second side opposite the first side and spaced apart from the second side, and a first baffle plate extending from the second side toward the first side and being spaced apart from the first side. A second baffle plate that is spaced apart, and a third baffle plate that extends from the first side toward the second side opposite the first side and is spaced apart from the second side are sequentially arranged to be alternately spaced apart in the height direction, and another baffle plate adjacent to the other baffle plate is spaced apart from each other. It is prepared in a shape that extends beyond the end of the plate,
After diluted hydrochloric acid flows into the inlet, the flow of diluted hydrochloric acid in the electrolysis space changes zigzag direction by the baffle plate, increasing the distance to secure sufficient electrolysis time, and then rising toward the outlet and being discharged. Method for producing slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water.