US20120181169A1 - Electrolytic Cell - Google Patents
Electrolytic Cell Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120181169A1 US20120181169A1 US13/382,669 US201013382669A US2012181169A1 US 20120181169 A1 US20120181169 A1 US 20120181169A1 US 201013382669 A US201013382669 A US 201013382669A US 2012181169 A1 US2012181169 A1 US 2012181169A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electrolytic cell
- electrodes
- channel
- central member
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
- C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
- C02F1/4674—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
- C02F1/46109—Electrodes
- C02F2001/46128—Bipolar electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/42—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
- C02F2201/006—Cartridges
Abstract
The invention relates to an electrolytic cell comprising a housing having a channel extending there through; an inlet allowing water to pass into the channel; an outlet allowing water to pass from the channel; and a series of electrodes located within the channel; wherein the channel is a spiral.
Description
- The present application is a National Stage entry from PCT Patent Application No. PCT/AU2010/000931 filed on 22 Jul. 2010, which claims priority to Australian Application 2009903424 filed on 22 Jul. 2009 the contents of each one incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to an electrolytic cell. In particular, the invention relates to an electrolytic cell used in chlorination of salt water swimming pools, spas and the like bodies of water.
- The chlorination of pools is necessary to prevent the unwanted growth of bacteria in the water. Electrolytic chlorination has become a popular method of achieving bacteria free water. Electrolytic chlorination uses common salt which is added to the water located within the pool in combination with an electrolytic cell which is used to produce chlorine. This chlorine is released into the water thereby killing any unwanted bacteria and micro organisms. This process is cost effective, low maintenance and environmentally friendly.
- When using an electrolytic cell to chlorinate pool water, a by-product of this process is the formation of hydrogen gas. Normally the hydrogen gas is transmitted with the water flowing through the electrolytic cell into the pool and dissipated into the atmosphere. However, if the pool pump ceases to operate, the electrolytic cell will continue to operate, producing hydrogen gas. Instead of the hydrogen gas flowing with the water into the pool and subsequently into the atmosphere, the hydrogen gas can continue to build up. In extreme circumstances, this can cause an explosion if the hydrogen gas is ignited.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,451 describes an electrolytic cell which is configured to reduce the likelihood of a hydrogen explosion in an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell is configured so that an inlet and an outlet of the cell are located below electrodes located within the body of the electrolytic cell. If hydrogen gas does accumulate within the electrolytic cell, the hydrogen gas becomes trapped within the electrolytic cell forcing the water below the electrodes. This stops electrolyses from occurring and hence, stops the production of hydrogen gas.
- The electrolytic cell, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,451, is very effective in limiting the amount of hydrogen produced by the electrolytic cell. However, because of the design of the electrolytic cell, there are some inherent disadvantages. When the electrolytic cell is in a horizontal position, water must flow through four 90 degree changes of direction in order to provide a trap for the hydrogen in electrolytic cell. This detracts significantly from the hydraulic efficiency of a pool chlorination system by adding additional pressure, which is theoretically equivalent to adding six metres of pipe to the system. When the electrolytic cell is in a vertical position, a looped arrangement is required at the top of the pool chlorination system to again provide a trap for hydrogen gas. This again adds a substantial amount of additional piping. This additional piping and the changes of direction of the water flow generally require a larger pump in order to pump water effectively through the chlorination system, making the chlorination system more expensive. Further, pumping is generally more complex with the change in pipe direction.
- It is an object of the invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the disclosures or provide the consumer with the useful or commercial choice.
- In one form, although not necessary the only or broadest form, the invention relates to an electrolytic cell comprising:
- a housing having a channel extending there through;
- an inlet allowing water to pass into the channel;
- an outlet allowing water to pass from the channel; and
- a series of electrodes located within the channel;
- wherein the channel is a spiral.
- The housing is typically formed from a base and a cap. Normally the housing is made of plastic but can be made from other suitable materials. The housing may also include side covers to cover a join between the base and the cap.
- The inlet and outlet are typically in alignment with each other. However, the inlet and outlet may be at other angles, such as 90 degrees with each other.
- The electrodes are typically located in the channel closer to the outlet than the inlet. The electrodes may be formed from any suitable material, such as titanium. The electrodes may be supplied with a mono-polar or bi-polar charge.
- The electrodes may be removable from the channel. The electrodes may be individually replaced. The electrodes may be mounted to a central member. The central member may form part of the channel. The central member may be removable.
- The electrodes may form part of an electrode cartridge. The electrode cartridge may be removable from the housing. The cartridge may include the central member which is used to mount the electrodes. An inner bracket may be also be used to mount electrodes to the central member. An outer member may also be used in mounting the electrodes to the central member.
- The electrodes may be flat or curved. One or more edges of the electrodes may be arcuate in shape.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the electrolytic cell as shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell as shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic cell as shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electrode cartridge in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the cartridge shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of part of the cartridge as shown inFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of part of the cartridge as shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIGS. 1 to 4 show anelectrolytic cell 10 used for chlorination of pool water. Theelectrolytic cell 10 includes ahousing 20 and anelectrode cartridge 30. - The
housing 20 is made up of abase 40, acap 50 and two side covers 60. Thecap 50 is removably attached to thebase 40 by a series ofcap bolts 51 which extend around a periphery of thecap 50. Bolt holes 41 are located within thebase 40 for location of thecap bolts 51 to attach thecap 50 to thebase 40. Aseal 70 is located between thecap 50 and the base 40 to ensure a join between thecap 50 and thebase 40 is water tight. - The side covers 60 fit over the join between the
cap 50 and the base 40 to cover thecap bolts 51. The side covers 60 have a series ofmale members 61 which fit into associatedfemale receivers 42 located on the base 40 to hold the side covers 60 to thebase 40. The front side cover 60 also includes aconductor housing cover 62 to cover aconductor box 52 located on thecap 50. - An
inlet 80 is located at one end of the base 40 with anoutlet 90 located on the other end of thebase 40. Both theinlet 80 and theoutlet 90 have associatedpipe connectors 100 to enable thehousing 20 to be connected to associated pipes (not shown). Theinlet 80 andoutlet 90 are in alignment with each other. However, it should be appreciated that this may not necessarily be the case depending on the design of a pool chlorination system. - The
electrode cartridge 30, shown in more detail inFIGS. 5 to 9 , includes a removablecentral member 110,inner bracket 120,outer bracket 130 and a series ofelectrodes 140. The removablecentral member 110 is made of plastic and is shaped so that it fits into thehousing 20, extending both into thebase 40 and into thecap 50. Thesides 111 of the removablecentral member 110 are shaped so that thesides 111 abut against thecap 50 and thebase 40. - The
outer bracket 130 andinner bracket 120 are used to mount the series ofelectrodes 140. Theinner bracket 120 is removably attached to the removablecentral member 110 usingattachment members 121 located on aninner surface 122 of theinner bracket 120. Anouter surface 123 of theinner bracket 120 has a series of inner bracket recesses 125 which are used to mount theelectrodes 140. - The
outer bracket 130 also has a series of outer bracket recesses 131 located on theinner surface 132 of theouter bracket 130. A top 133 andbottom 134 of theouter bracket 130 have a series ofapertures 135 located through the top 133 andbottom 134 of theouter bracket 130. This is to allow water to pass through thebracket 130 and over theelectrodes 140. Theouter bracket 130 is connected to theinner bracket 120 using an interference fit. The top 133 of theouter bracket 130 is shaped so that it fits snugly against aninner surface 132 of thecap 50. - Each
electrode 140 in the series is a flat plate and has an arcuateouter edge 141 andinner edge 142. Theelectrodes 140 are shaped so that they will fit easily within thecurved housing 20. It should be appreciated that theelectrodes 140 may be sized, shaped and made from a variety of materials which would be evident to a person skilled in the art. - The
electrodes 140 are electrically connected using two conductors 150 (i.e. cathodes or anodes) which pass through thecap 50 via theconductor box 52 and through associated holes in theelectrodes 140. The conductors 150 are threaded at each end so that aconductor bolt 141 can be placed on either end of a conductor 150 to hold the series ofelectrodes 140 tightly against theinner bracket 120 andouter bracket 130. It should be appreciated that the connection of theelectrodes 140 to the conductors 150 is well known in the art. It should also be appreciated that the current used may be varied. For example, the mono-polar or bi-polar current may be used. - When the removable central member is 110 located within the
housing 20, achannel 160 in the shape of a spiral is formed. The spiral shapedchannel 160 extends from theinlet 80, through thebase 40, through thecap 50, back into thebase 40 and out theoutlet 90. It should be appreciated that the shape and size of the spiral shapedchannel 160 may be varied depending on the particular requirement of theelectrolytic cell 10 and associated plumbing of a pool's filtration system. - In use, water flows into the
channel 160 through theinlet 80. The direction of water flow through thechannel 160 is indicated by arrows 43 located on thebase 40. The water then passes through thebase 40 and into thecap 50 passing around anarcuate edge 112 of the removablecentral member 110. Water does not pass between thehousing 20 and thesides 111 of the removablecentral member 110 due to the shape of thesides 111 of the removablecentral member 110 matching thehousing 20. - Water then passes through the
apertures 135 in the top 133 of theouter bracket 130. As the top 133 of theouter bracket 130 abuts against the inner surface of thecap 50, water must pass through theapertures 135 of the top 133 of theouter bracket 130. This reduces the area that the water can flow through. Accordingly, the velocity of the water is increased as it passes through theapertures 135 in the top 133 of theouter bracket 130, passes past theelectrodes 140 and out through theapertures 135 in thebottom 134 of theouter bracket 130. This increase in velocity of the water may potentially reduce the build up of calcium on theelectrodes 140. The water then passes through thebase 40 and out of theoutlet 90. - In use, the
electrolytic cell 10 may be used in both a horizontal and vertical position. In the event of a pump failure, any excess hydrogen gas build up will be trapped within thecap 50. Any further build up will cause the water level to ultimately drop below theelectrodes 140 stopping the production of dangerous hydrogen. - The spiral shape of the
channel 160 allows theinlet 80 andoutlet 90 to be in alignment. This increases hydraulic efficiency as the water does not need to pass through any 90 degree turns. Instead, the water moves from theinlet 80 to theoutlet 90 via the spiral shapedchannel 160 which has increased hydraulic efficiency compared to traditionalelectrolytic cells 10, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,451. - It will also be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (19)
1. An electrolytic cell comprising:
a housing having a channel extending there through;
an inlet allowing water to pass into the channel;
an outlet allowing water to pass from the channel; and
a series of electrodes located within the channel;
wherein the channel is a spiral.
2. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the channel is a single loop spiral.
3. The electrolytic cell of claim 2 wherein the housing is formed from a base and a cap.
4. The electrolytic cell of claim 3 wherein the housing also includes side covers to cover a join between the base and the cap.
5. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the inlet and outlet are in alignment with each other.
6. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are located in the channel closer to the outlet than the inlet.
7. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are supplied with a mono-polar or bi-polar charge.
8. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are removable from the channel.
9. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are individually replaceable.
10. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are mounted to a central member.
11. The electrolytic cell of claim 10 wherein the central member forms part of the channel.
12. The electrolytic cell of claim 10 wherein the central member is removable.
13. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes form part of an electrode cartridge.
14. The electrolytic cell of claim 13 wherein the electrode cartridge is removable from the housing.
15. The electrolytic cell of claim 13 wherein the cartridge includes the central member which is used to mount the electrodes.
16. The electrolytic cell of claim 15 wherein an inner bracket is used to mount electrodes to the central member.
17. The electrolytic cell of claim 15 wherein an outer bracket is used in mounting the electrodes to the central member.
18. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the electrodes may be flat or curved.
19. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein one or more edges of the electrodes are arcuate in shape.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2009903424 | 2009-07-22 | ||
AU2009903424A AU2009903424A0 (en) | 2009-07-22 | An electrolytic cell | |
PCT/AU2010/000931 WO2011009170A1 (en) | 2009-07-22 | 2010-07-22 | An electrolytic cell |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120181169A1 true US20120181169A1 (en) | 2012-07-19 |
Family
ID=43498668
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/382,669 Abandoned US20120181169A1 (en) | 2009-07-22 | 2010-07-22 | Electrolytic Cell |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120181169A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2456720A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102471104A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010276087A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011009170A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130001074A1 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2013-01-03 | Joseph Porat | Electrochemical chlorine generator assembly for use in pool cleaner |
US11472721B2 (en) * | 2017-07-17 | 2022-10-18 | Watkins Manufacturing Corporation | Chlorine generator system |
EP4361110A1 (en) * | 2022-10-31 | 2024-05-01 | Pool Technologie | Sodium hypochlorite production device |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2012290215A1 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2014-03-06 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling chlorinators |
US10156081B2 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2018-12-18 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Chlorinators and replaceable cell cartridges therefor |
EP2736849A4 (en) * | 2011-07-29 | 2015-07-29 | Hayward Ind Inc | Systems and methods for user-installable chlorinators |
WO2013044315A1 (en) * | 2011-09-27 | 2013-04-04 | Poolrite Research Pty Ltd | An electrolytic cell |
US10934184B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2021-03-02 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Systems and methods for sanitizing pool and spa water |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3751351A (en) * | 1971-03-15 | 1973-08-07 | Eastman Kodak Co | Electrolytic cell for recovering metal from a solution containing ions thereof,and method for operating same |
US3840455A (en) * | 1972-02-24 | 1974-10-08 | Eastman Kodak Co | Electrolytic cell for recovering metals from solution |
JP3606932B2 (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 2005-01-05 | 石福金属興業株式会社 | Electrode composite electrode |
DE19928071A1 (en) * | 1999-06-14 | 2000-12-21 | Gehlert Wassertechnik Gmbh | Water supply pipe electrode insert kills germs and minimizes deposit of limestone scale |
US7211176B2 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2007-05-01 | Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. | Replaceable chlorinator electrode assembly |
EP1883606A1 (en) * | 2005-04-12 | 2008-02-06 | Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. | Vessel and method for water treatment |
RU2367614C1 (en) * | 2008-07-28 | 2009-09-20 | Федеральное государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования Волгоградская государственная сельскохозяйственная академия | Water electric activator |
-
2010
- 2010-07-22 EP EP10801803A patent/EP2456720A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-07-22 US US13/382,669 patent/US20120181169A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-07-22 WO PCT/AU2010/000931 patent/WO2011009170A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-07-22 AU AU2010276087A patent/AU2010276087A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-07-22 CN CN2010800309284A patent/CN102471104A/en active Pending
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130001074A1 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2013-01-03 | Joseph Porat | Electrochemical chlorine generator assembly for use in pool cleaner |
US9353541B2 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2016-05-31 | Aqua Products, Inc. | Electrochemical chlorine generator assembly for use in pool cleaner |
US11472721B2 (en) * | 2017-07-17 | 2022-10-18 | Watkins Manufacturing Corporation | Chlorine generator system |
EP4361110A1 (en) * | 2022-10-31 | 2024-05-01 | Pool Technologie | Sodium hypochlorite production device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011009170A1 (en) | 2011-01-27 |
EP2456720A1 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
AU2010276087A1 (en) | 2011-12-22 |
CN102471104A (en) | 2012-05-23 |
EP2456720A4 (en) | 2013-02-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: POOLRITE RESEARCH PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PALMER, ROSS LESLIE;REEL/FRAME:027953/0557 Effective date: 20120207 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EVOLVE SUPPLY CHAIN PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:POOLRITE RESEARCH PTY LTD;REEL/FRAME:031216/0272 Effective date: 20130802 |