WO2022003711A1

WO2022003711A1 - An instantaneous water electrolyser and a method for ionizing water

Info

Publication number: WO2022003711A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050512
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pavani Vadthya; Siddhartha MOULIK
Original assignee: Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research
Priority date: 2020-07-03
Filing date: 2021-05-26
Publication date: 2022-01-06

Abstract

An electrolyser and method of the present invention comprises electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) made of titanium with perforations, arranged parallel and equidistant from the center of an electrolytic ionized water producer. An inlet (7) is provided to the ionizer at centre of electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) on the top position. All the parallel electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) are enclosed leak proof in a rectangular container with two outlets (12, 13) on opposite sides and electrical connections from variable power supply source to the device. The water is introduced into the centre of the ionizer from the top. The charged electrodes ionize the water and produce alkaline ionized water at cathode and acidic ionized water at anode. Acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water are collected separately from the electrolyser.

Description

AN INSTANTANEOUS WATER ELECTROLYSER AND A METHOD FOR

IONIZING WATER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an instantaneous water ionizer and a method for ionizing water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Alkaline ionized water is therapeutic drinking water with pH greater than 7. It is also named alkaline ionized water or alkaline reduced water. Alkaline ionized water has a negative oxidation reduction potential (ORP),-50 mV to -550 mV with pH in potable range of 7.5 to 10.5. Consumption of alkaline ionized water is proved to have several health benefits in human. The presence of molecular Hydrogen and negative ORP in alkaline ionized water reflects anti-oxidative properties of the water that upon consumption hinders the oxidation process caused by free-radicals.

Reference may be made to patent KR100660609B1, L.J. Yong 2005, wherein the alkaline water ionizer is designed such that the contact area of electrolyte is more with cathode than anode and the cathode chamber is filled with ion exchange resin.

Reference may be given to patent WO2014201852A, 12^thDec., 2014, L. Minxiong and L. Ming, wherein the device is configured with an electrode gap of 0.1 to 10 mm.

Reference may be specified to patent US 6572902 B2, 3^rd June 2003, M. Robert, Abramowitz, G. Arnold, wherein the increased pH levels of water is attained by external addition of potassium and calcium minerals to water.

Reference may be mentioned to patent US20170238581A1, 24th Aug., 2016, P.J. Whang, where the water produced is mixed with potassium and sodium hydroxides to makeup the water pH to 10. Reference may be given to US8999120B2, 7th Apr., 2015, K. Osamura, Ayase, T. Kawajiri, Y. Nakamura, Kushiro, N. Kudo, M. Shimizu, wherein the invention discloses use of two electrolysis cells equipped with Titanium coated Platinum electrodes and ceramic diaphragm. The Electrolysis bath is filled with supporting electrolyte. Reference may also be provided to US5615764A, 1st Apr., 1997, Y. Satoh, wherein the invention discloses annular arrangement of anion membrane followed by cation membrane between Titanium coated platinum electrode anode and SUS 403 cathode respectively; the water flows in the annular space between the membranes.

Reference may be given to US5593554A, 14^th Jan., 1997, H.Aoki, that discloses invention of three compartment electrolysis cell with cathode and anode chambers separated by ion exchange membranes. The water flows through all three chambers and electrolytes are additionally added to the water after water ionization.

Reference may also be given to EP 1081096 A2, 7^th Mar, 2001, K. Otsubo, S. Shirahata, which discloses an ionizer that produces reduced water with 7.5-11.5 at lower temperature of 11 to 14°C by addition of NaOH to the cathode and anode chambers.

The ionizer device as disclosed in the invention by Heroyuki et al. (JP2005279567A, 2004) relates to the placement of a water purification cartridge before the water way to the electrolytic cell for removal of impurities. Also, this document discloses the arrangement of a solenoid valve to ensure closure of discharge waterway until quantified inflow to the electrolyser cell is reached. A check valve is provided to prevent water passage to chloride ion addition section whenever drug loading section is selected. Major drawbacks of the disclosed ionizer device is that the water purification cartridge is not provided at the discharge of water way, wherein there is a probability of occurrence of suspended solids arising in the water after electrolysis.

Moreover, the device works at a specified input flow rate and does not have a flexibility to operate at altering flow rates.

The existing problems associated with ionizers are that they are cost intensive as most of the ionizers use platinum electrodes. Also, in order to increase the pH levels of the water, many inventions are based on addition of chemicals that may cause vexatious effects up on consumption. Use of ion exchange membranes or ion exchange resins enhances electrolysis performance, though results in maintenance issues and replacement costs that are non-desirable. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a water ionizer that works effectively irrespective of the type or quantity of salts present in water.

Another objective of the present invention is to build a water ionizer which provides alkaline water with improved pH in the range of 7-10.5.

Further objective of the present invention is to provide a water ionizer that provides antioxidant rich water.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective water ionizer. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a compact DC power supply unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a consistent water ionizer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a water ionizer that produces alkaline water with dissolved hydrogen. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a water ionizer that produces alkaline water instantaneously.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a water ionizer that produces desired pH by altering the DC power input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the design of an ionizer and a method for production of alkaline ionized water instantaneously and cost effectively, that produces alkaline ionized water efficiently irrespective of the type or flow of water and quantity of electrolytes present in water. Also, the impurities generated by electro coagulation after electrolysis are removed by the micron filter arranged at the ionizer discharge point.

The present invention relates to an instantaneous water ionizer and a method for ionizing water. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a water ionizer for separating water into acidic water and alkaline water. The water ionizer includes an enclosure with an inlet for receiving water at defined flow rate; the enclosure houses two anodes and two cathodes equidistant to each other; the enclosure forming five chambers; the first and second chambers in contact with anode; third chamber in contact with one anode and one cathode; fourth and fifth chambers in contact with cathode; the enclosure inlet opens to the third chamber; the enclosure comprises two outlets, one for alkaline water and the other for acidic water; the outlet for acidic water located in first chamber; the outlet for alkaline water located in fifth chamber; all the electrodes are perforated at predefined location to allow fluid flow from one chamber to the other.

In an embodiment, an instantaneous water electrolyser is disclosed, which includes multiple titanium electrodes arranged parallel and equidistant to each other, electrodes having perforations at the top, and one set of electrodes having anode connections while the other set has cathode connections from compact DC circuit. DC power supply unit is adjusted to produce alkaline water of variable pH.

In an embodiment, the water ionizer has continuous operation that produces instantaneous alkaline water at 20 - 100 L/h capacity.

In an embodiment, the Alkaline water with pH 8.5 to 10 is obtained by applying a DC voltage of 60 to 110 V.

In an embodiment, the compact DC power supply unit is connected to the ionizer electrodes with adjustable voltage input that produces variable pH alkaline water.

Further, a method for ionizing water for separating water into acidic water and alkaline water has been developed comprising the steps of: a. The treated water from the faucet enters the ionizer device through the inlet at fixed flowrate; b. the water is made to pass through multiplicity of anode and cathode electrodes equidistant to each other for housing in multiplicity of chambers; c. designing of the electrodes connection to a compact DC power supply circuit; d. contacting the first set and the second set of chambers with anode; e. the third set of chambers are in contact with one anode and one cathode; f. the fourth and fifth set of chambers are in contact with cathode; g. the fluid inlet opens to the third set of chambers and is distributed equally into the 2^nd and the 4^th set of chambers through the perforations (Figure 1); and h. the ionized water leaves the outer set of chambers from two different set of outlets.

In an embodiment, the interaction of water flow between inlets/outlets to the ionizer is designed for utilizing the maximum electrode surface area.

In an embodiment, the cationic minerals present in the anode chamber are made to move towards the cathode thereby enriching the reduced alkaline water in cathode chamber with essential minerals.

In an embodiment, the Hydrogen gas produced near cathodes is made to partially dissolve into the alkaline water before coming out through the outlet.

In an embodiment, the ionization process is a continuous process that produces alkaline water and acidic water instantaneously depending on the DC voltage input supplied to the ionizer. In an embodiment, the method for using a rectifier, filter, and regulator in a compact DC circuit in the ionizer for effectively ionizing water and separating it into acidic and alkaline water is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The water ionizer of the present invention will now be described with the help of accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a water ionizer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a circuit diagram for generation of DC power to the ionizer device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a process flow diagram for generation of alkaline water from the faucet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 illustrates a process flow diagram for generation of alkaline water from a feed tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DISCRETION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an instantaneous water ionizer and a method for ionizing water. The conventional water ionizers work on the phenomenon of electrolysis to raise the pH of water. The rate of electrolysis is slow in conventional water ionizers. Also, conventional water ionizers use cost-intensive platinum electrodes. Further, conventional water ionizers do not remove oxidants from water. Still further, conventional water ionizers use a diaphragm for water separation that requires frequent replacement. Also, conventional ionizers use external mineral cartridge for addition of electrolytes.

The present invention envisages a water ionizer to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. The water ionizer as envisaged enables use of a water ionizer that converts treated water from faucet into alkaline ionized water by removing oxidants from water. Also, water ionizer as envisaged enables the use of four titanium metal sheets as anode and cathode. Also, the ionizer as envisaged enables instantaneous production of alkaline ionized water. The water ionizer as envisaged also imparts natural antioxidant properties to the alkaline water. The water ionizer as envisaged also enables dissolution of molecular hydrogen into alkaline water that is produced at cathode. The present invention also envisages a compact DC power supply unit connected to the ionizer electrodes. The DC power supply as envisaged enables adjustable voltage input to the envisaged water ionizer. The water ionizer as envisaged produces variable pH alkaline water by adjusting the envisaged DC power supply unit. The water ionizer and DC power supply as envisaged are cost effective. The water ionizer characterized by: the anode 8, 9 and cathode 10, 11 being made of titanium; the electrodes powered by compact, adjustable DC power supply 14; the electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 (as in Figure 1) arranged in the ionizer at equal gaps in between; the electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 are perforated at the top; the ionizer inlet 7 connected to the faucet 21 (as in Figure 3); the inflow fluid enters the chamber 3 (as in Figure 1); the fluid filled in chamber 3 distributes equally into 2 and 4 chambers through the perforations (as in Figure 1); the fluid from 2 and 4 chambers distributes equally into 1 and 5 chambers through the perforations (as in Figure 1); alkaline water outlet 13 located at the bottom side of chamber 5 (as in Figure 1); acidic water outlet 12 located at the bottom side of chamber 1 (as in Figure 1); the pH of alkaline water generated from the ionizer being in the range of 7.5 to 10.

A water ionizer in accordance with the present invention will now be explained with reference to Figure 1; the key components of the apparatus being referenced generally by numerals as indicated in the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1, the water ionizer comprises:

• An outer enclosure assembly; and

• A compact DC power supply unit;

The outer chamber assembly typically comprises the following components: (as in Figure 1)

• an outer container 6 fitted with an inlet 7 ;

• an outer container 6 fitted with an outlet 12 and 13;

• two cathodes 10 and 11 fitted equidistant from the inlet 7;

• two anodes 8 and 9 fitted equidistant from the inlet 7 ;

• the gap between outer chamber 6 to the electrodes 8 and 11 is equal;

• the inlet 7 connected to the water faucet 21; • the electrodes 8, 9, 10 and 11 are rectangular metal sheets arranged in parallel in full length to the outer container 6; and

• an electrical DC power supply circuit 14 connected to the electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 from outer chamber assembly. The electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 inside the outer chamber separate the inner space into five chambers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The fluid flow profile inside the chambers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is described as follows:

• The water from faucet 21 enters the outer chamber 6 from inlet 7 into chamber

3.

• the fluid level inside chamber 3 rises till the perforations of electrodes 9, 10 and enters chamber 2, 4.

• the fluid level inside chambers 2 and 4 rises till the perforations of electrodes 8, 11 and enters chamber 1, 5.

• the arrangement of electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 inside the outer chamber 6 allows maximum flow of water on the surface of electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 owing to enhanced electrolysis efficiency.

• the ionized water leaves the outer chamber from 12 and 13 outlets.

• the water obtained from outlet 13 is alkaline water.

• the water obtained from outlet 12 is acidic water. A method for ionizing water for separating water into acidic water and alkaline water has been developed comprising the steps of - a. The treated water from the faucet 21 enters the ionizer device through the inlet 7 at fixed flowrate; b. the water is made to pass through multiplicity of anode and cathode electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 equidistant to each other for housing in multiplicity of chambers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; c. designing of the electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 connection to a compact DC power supply circuit; d. contacting the first set and the second set of chambers 1, 2 with anode 8, 9; e. the third set of chambers 3 are in contact with one anode 9 and one cathode 10; f. the fourth and fifth set of chambers 4, 5 are in contact with cathode 10, 11; g. the fluid inlet 7 opens to the third set of chambers 3 and are distributed equally into the 2^nd and the 4^th set of chambers 2, 4 through the perforations (Figure 1); and h. the ionized water leaves the outer set of chambers 1, 5 from two different set of outlets 12, 13.

The method of the water ionizer is based on the phenomenon of electrolysis. When the water ionizer is powered by DC power supply unit 14 that connects the anode 8, 9 and cathodes 10, 11, electric potential differences occur across the electrodes, where oxidation and reduction reactions occur at anode 8, 9 and cathode 10, 11, respectively. The oxidation reactions that occur near anodes generate H⁺ ion and OH ions. The OH ions loose electrons to positively charged anode to produce O2† which leads to increase of H⁺ ion concentration in the anode chamber. Thus the water pH in anode chambers gradually decreases. The reduction reactions near the cathode generate H⁺ ions and OH ions. The H⁺ ions take up the electrons from negatively charged cathode to produce H2† and active Hydrogen that results in accumulation of OH ions in the cathode chamber. These ions cause alkalinity to the reduced water in cathode chamber. The H2† and active Hydrogen evolved near the cathode, partially dissolve in alkaline water.

Oxidation at anode

4H₂0 + 4e ® 40H + 4H⁺ + 4e

40H ® O2† + 2H2O + 4e 2H2O — » 02†+ 4H⁺+ 4e (Overall reaction) Reduction at cathode 2H2O + 2e ® 20H + 2H⁺+ 2e

2H⁺ + 2e — » H₂†

2H⁺ + 2e — » 2H (Active Hydrogen) 2H2O + 2e ® H2† + 20H (Overall reaction) Under the influence of electric potential difference across the electrodes, the cationic minerals present in the anode chamber move towards the cathode. Thus the reduced alkaline water in cathode chamber is enriched with essential minerals, which further enhance the production of hydroxyl ions and hydrogen in alkaline water increasing the pH of alkaline water even more.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the ionization process is a continuous process that produces alkaline water and acidic water instantaneously depending on the DC voltage input supplied to the ionizer.

Alkaline water thus obtained by using the water ionizer of the present invention has a pH of about 7.5 to 10. The pH level of alkaline water obtained using the water ionizer of the present invention is restricted by the migration of ions from cathode to anode and from anode to cathode.

There is no vent in the top of water ionizer. Therefore, the Hydrogen gas produced near cathodes partially dissolves into the alkaline water and comes out through the outlet 13.

• The alkaline water thus obtained from water ionizer described herein above is suitable for drinking to improve pH balance of the body.

• cooking purposes for taste enhancement.

• washing for effective cleaning without excess use of detergent.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The technical advancements offered by the present invention include the realization of:

• a water ionizer that produces alkaline water with desired pH value

• a water ionizer that works effectively irrespective of the quantity of dissolved solids contained in water

• a water ionizer that provides alkaline ionized water with natural antioxidant nature

• a water ionizer that scavenges oxidants from water • a cost effective water ionizer

• a reliable ionizer

• an instantaneous water ionizer

EXAMPLES (1) Purified drinking water with total dissolved solids of 82 ppm is fed to the ionizer device and findings were recorded with variation in electrolytic potential between electrodes. The direct current voltage is varied from 50 V to 130 V.

(2) Deionized water is mixed with rock salt to yield 82 ppm total dissolved solids. The resulting water is fed the disclosed ionizer and findings of water pH produced near cathode were observed by variation in electrolytic potential between electrodes.

The findings reveal that despite considering input water with higher pH as in case 1, the electrolysis performance is based on the type of electrolytes present in water. As in case 2, even the pH of inlet water is low, the rate of increment in pH is higher compared to case 1. Alkaline water with pH 8.5 to 10 is obtained by applying a DC voltage of 60 to 110 V.

Claims

We Claim

1. An instantaneous water electrolyser comprising; a. multiple titanium electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) arranged parallel equidistant to each other; b. electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) having perforations at the top; and c. one set of electrodes (8, 9) having anode connections while the other set (10, 11) has cathode connections from compact DC circuit, wherein DC power supply unit (14) is adjusted to produce alkaline water of variable pH.

2. The instantaneous water electrolyser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water ionizer has continuous operation that produces instantaneous alkaline water at 20 - 100 L/h capacity.

3. The instantaneous water electrolyser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Alkaline water with pH 8.5 to 10 is obtained by applying a DC voltage of 60 to 110 V.

4. The instantaneous water electrolyser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compact DC power supply unit (14) is connected to the ionizer electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) with adjustable voltage input that produces variable pH alkaline water.

5. A method for ionizing water for separating water into acidic water and alkaline water comprising the steps of: a. the treated water from the faucet (21) enters the ionizer device through the inlet (7) at fixed flowrate; b. the water is made to pass through multiplicity of anode and cathode electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11) equidistant to each other for housing in multiplicity of chambers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5); c. designing of the electrodes connection to a compact DC power supply circuit (14); d. contacting the first set and the second set of chambers (1, 2) with anode (8,

9); e. the third set of chambers (3) is in contact with one anode (9) and one cathode (10); f. the fourth and fifth set of chambers (4, 5) are in contact with cathode (10,

ID; g. the fluid inlet (7) opens to the third set of chambers (3) and is distributed equally into the 2^nd and the 4^th set of chambers (2, 4) through the perforations; and h. the ionized water leaves the outer set of chambers (1, 5) from two different set of outlets (12, 13).

6. The method for ionizing water as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interaction of water flow between inlets/outlets to the ionizer is designed for utilizing the maximum electrode surface area.

7. The method for ionizing water as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cationic minerals present in the anode chamber are driven towards the cathode thereby enriching the reduced alkaline water in cathode chamber with essential minerals.

8. The method for ionizing water as claimed in claim 5, wherein the Hydrogen gas produced near cathodes partially dissolves into the alkaline water before coming out through the outlet.

9. The method for ionizing water as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ionization process is a continuous process that produces alkaline water and acidic water instantaneously depending on the DC voltage input supplied to the ionizer.

10. The method for using a rectifier, filter, and regulator in a compact DC circuit in the ionizer of claim 1 for effectively ionizing water and separating it into acidic and alkaline water.