DE102018009448B4 - Method for operating a portable immersion electrolysis cell and immersion electrolysis cell - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a portable immersion electrolysis cell (1) for sterilizing and disinfecting a water container, with a cathode and anode (3) in the form of an Archimedean screw and a sensor for detecting the conductivity of the liquid and optical display elements for displaying the functional sequences and a microprocessor as the central element, comprising at least the following functions of the microprocessor: - monitoring of the operating voltage - monitoring of the voltage and current of the anode (3) - monitoring of the electrolysis duration as a function of the conductivity - monitoring of the maximum operating voltage and the maximum current flow - display of the operating voltage, the conductivity, the currents and the voltage at the anode (3) - use of a Bluetooth interface via which the operating voltage, the minimum conductivity, the operating current and the voltage at the anode (3) are set - logging of the electrolysis processes and creation of an error report, wherein the microprocessor automatically applies a defined voltage to the electrodes when a defined conductivity is reached and the current flow during the electrolysis process is displayed via an LED.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a portable immersion electrolysis cell for a water tank, comprising a cathode and an anode as well as a microprocessor and an immersion electrolysis cell.

Such electrolysis cells are designed for treating untreated water in small quantities of 1 to 4 liters, for example, stored in a non-pressurized storage tank. In the past, disinfection was often carried out using chlorine preparations in the form of tablets or powders. A disadvantage has proven to be that the tablet or powder supply has a limited shelf life and is not widely available abroad.

The following invention avoids the use of chlorine preparations and provides a portable immersion electrolysis cell with which water can be disinfected.

From the DE 20 2012 012 463 U1 For example, an electrolysis cell for disinfecting water with an anode and cathode package is known. This state-of-the-art technology features a special form of electrodes that interlock in a comb-like manner. A measuring device is provided for control, which switches the electrolysis cell on and off via a predetermined sodium hypoplorite threshold.

From the DE 34 10 489 A1 A device for disinfecting water is known in which a hypochlorite solution is produced electrochemically by means of an electrolysis cell and is used to disinfect the water.

From the US 5 795 459 A A process is also known in which a diaphragm electrolysis cell is immersed in the water to be treated as an immersion electrode. A disadvantage of this type of electrolysis cell is that bleaching lye (NaOH) is produced in the separate chambers and, in the described arrangement, enters the drinking water to be treated directly. This increases the natural pH value, requiring three to five times the amount of oxidizing agent to effectively disinfect the drinking water at, for example, an elevated pH of 7.8 or more.

The DE 10 2016 014 435 A1 discloses an add-on module for a drinking water tank. The add-on module comprises a power supply unit and a water treatment system, using measuring probes and a microprocessor to determine the water quality so that the drinking water can be treated.

From the DE 20 2006 015 623 U1 A comparable portable immersion electrolysis cell is known which is equipped with a microprocessor, without disclosing any setting options.

The US application US 2004 / 0 213 698 A1 discloses a method and a device for the electrochemical treatment of water, wherein the sterilization of the water is provided for an oral hygiene station.

Alternatively, it is known to disinfect the water by irradiating it with UV light, which effectively kills microorganisms. However, in this case, no disinfectant with sufficient storage capacity to prevent recontamination is used, so the desired disinfection cannot be fully achieved.

The present invention is based on the object of demonstrating a method for the operation of a portable immersion electrolysis cell which ensures optimized disinfection by utilizing a control unit, as well as an immersion electrolysis cell with a significantly improved electrolysis effect.

• - Überwachung der Betriebsspannung
• - Einen Sensor zur Erfassung des Leitwertes der Flüssigkeit
• - Überwachung der Spannung und des Stromes der Anode (3)
• - Überwachung der Elektrolysedauer in Abhängigkeit vom Leitwert
• - Überwachung der maximalen Betriebsspannung und des maximalen Stromflusses
• - Optische Anzeigeelemente zur Darstellung der Funktionsabläufe
• - Anzeige der Betriebsspannung, des Leitwertes, der Ströme und der Spannung an der Anode (3)
• - Verwendung einer Bluetooth-Schnittstelle, über welche eine Einstellung der Betriebsspannung, des Mindestleitwertes, des Betriebsstromes und der Spannung an der Anode (3) erfolgt
• - Protokollierung der Elektrolysevorgänge und Einstellung eines Fehlerberichtes, wobei der Mikroprozessor bei Erreichen eines definierten Leitwertes automatisch eine definierte Spannung an die Elektroden anliegt und der Stromfluss während des Elektrolysevorganges über eine Leuchtdiode angezeigt wird.

According to the invention, in order to achieve the method task, the transportable immersion electrolysis cell is equipped with a cathode and anode in the form of an Archimedean screw and a sensor for detecting the conductivity of the liquid and optical display elements for displaying the functional sequences and a microprocessor as the central element, which comprises the following functions:

• - Monitoring of the operating voltage
• - A sensor to measure the conductivity of the liquid
• - Monitoring of the anode voltage and current (3)
• - Monitoring of the electrolysis time depending on the conductivity
• - Monitoring of maximum operating voltage and maximum current flow
• - Optical display elements to show the functional processes
• - Display of operating voltage, conductance, currents and voltage at the anode (3)
• - Use of a Bluetooth interface, via which the operating voltage, the minimum conductance, the operating current and the voltage at the anode (3) can be adjusted
• - Logging of the electrolysis processes and setting of an error report, whereby the microprocessor automatically applies a defined voltage to the electrodes when a defined conductivity is reached and the current flow during the electrolysis process is displayed via an LED.

To solve the device task, an immersion electrolysis cell is proposed which has a spiral anode in the form of an Archimedean screw.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims

A key advantage of the regulated electrolysis cell over other conventional immersion electrolysis cells is that no unnecessary dissolved table salt enters the drinking water, which could impair its quality and taste. Energy savings are also possible, with the microprocessor in particular enabling monitoring of all functions of the portable immersion electrolysis cell. For example, the operating voltage and the conductivity of the liquid are monitored by a sensor. Furthermore, the anode voltage and current are monitored, as is the electrolysis duration depending on the conductivity. Furthermore, the maximum operating voltage and the maximum current flow can be monitored, with all functional sequences being represented by optical displays. Via a Bluetooth interface, the operating voltage, minimum conductivity, operating current, and voltage at the anode can be preset, and a display of the operating voltage, conductivity, currents, and voltage at the anode can be shown. Furthermore, it is possible to log the electrolysis processes and record any errors in an error report. In this way, comprehensive functional monitoring of the immersion electrolysis cell is created, which leads to an optimization of the electrolysis process.

A storage tank for NaCl is not required because the natural salt contained in the water is used for electrolysis. The preselected and adjusted electrolysis current in the electrolysis cell converts the sodium chloride (NaCl) into sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which is required for sterilization and disinfection. The natural pH value of the drinking water being disinfected is not changed.

The simultaneous production of hydrogen gas ( _H2 ) creates a swirling atmosphere under positive pressure in the electrolysis cell, allowing the generated oxidant NaClO to escape from the upper part of the electrolysis cell. At the same time, a negative pressure is created at the bottom of the electrolysis cell, which supports the controlled flow of water into the electrolysis cell.

Biologically contaminated water is rendered completely germ-free through the disinfection process. The atomic oxygen (O) in the necendi state, together with the resulting chlorine (Cl), enables a highly efficient oxidation of carbon chains (Cn). The microprocessor is designed in such a way that, upon reaching a defined conductivity, a defined voltage can be automatically applied to the electrodes, and the current flow during the electrolysis process can be displayed via an LED. The cathode and anode are arranged approximately parallel to each other at a defined distance and lead to the efficient conversion of sodium chloride (NaCl) to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

In a further special embodiment of the invention, the rod-shaped anode is made of titanium grade II with a modified coating, and the anode is spiral-shaped in the form of an Archimedean screw. The use of titanium grade II results in a particularly durable anode, and the shape of the spiral anode, similar to an Archimedean screw, also ensures that an upward flow is created during the electrolysis process, thereby achieving better turbulence.

The helical anode offers several advantages. The larger anode surface with horizontal and vertical surface alignment enables significantly improved current efficiency. Furthermore, the shape of the anode creates more efficient turbulence, with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine _Cl2 being formed in the first electrolysis stage. As the hydrogen _H2 rises, the turbulence causes them to react rapidly to form the new substance sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

The spiral shape of the anode in particular ensures that the substances are swirled upwards faster and more efficiently due to the existing chimney effect. The fact that energy flows not only into the electrochemical process, but also into thermal conversion has the advantage that, in very hard water, the heating in the anode chamber accelerates the precipitation of calcium in the form of scale. This scale forms on the electrodes in the form of a constantly growing limescale layer, which grows horizontally on a round rod anode, while it grows vertically on a spiral anode surface. When descaling, whether by reversing the polarity or acidifying with citric acid or similar, the downward spiral shape allows the coating to slide off more easily, which is a significant advantage for maintenance work.

A Bluetooth connection also allows current/voltage measurements and their conversion to conductivity (W=1/R) to be displayed on a handheld transmitter or mobile phone. The anode can serve as an antenna. Alternatively, the electrolysis cell can be remotely controlled via mobile phone programming, and all operating data can be queried and, if necessary, modified, such as time intervals and disinfection periods.

The unique feature of this invention is that all functions for operating the immersion electrolysis cell are controlled by a microprocessor, thus achieving effective sterilization and disinfection of the contaminated water. At the same time, the microprocessor's control ensures the lowest possible energy consumption while minimizing energy consumption and achieving maximum yield.

The invention is explained again below with reference to the figures.

• 1 eine Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Eintauch-Elektrolysezelle und
• 2 in einer Seitenansicht eine einzelne Anode.

It shows

• 1 a sectional view of the immersion electrolysis cell according to the invention and
• 2 a single anode in a side view.

1 shows a sectional view of an immersion electrolysis cell 1, which consists of a preferably round housing shell 2, which serves as the cathode. An anode 3 is attached to the housing shell 2 and is held in the housing shell 2 by an insulator 4 with sealing elements 5, 6. The required voltage of 6 to 12 volts is supplied via a supply line 7 and a cable gland 8.

The anode 3, in the form of an Archimedean spiral, is housed in the tubular housing shell 2 via the insulator 4 with sealing O-rings as sealing elements 5, 6. The housing shell 2 is open at the bottom so that water can penetrate into the anode chamber 9. The housing shell 2 also has several bores 16 distributed around its circumference through which the NaCl and hydrogen _H2 can escape from the anode chamber 9. The tubular housing shell 2 forms the cathode, so that the electrolysis process can take place in the anode chamber 9. The applied operating voltage is monitored via an electrical unit 11 with a microprocessor, and the conductivity of the liquid is also determined by a sensor. The voltage and current at the anode are also monitored, and the electrolysis duration is determined depending on the conductivity, whereby a maximum operating voltage and a maximum current flow are maintained. Furthermore, the various functional sequences can be represented by optical display elements of an operating device 12. The operating voltage, minimum conductance, operating current, and voltage at the anode are adjusted via a Bluetooth interface. The operating voltage, conductance, currents, and voltage at the anode 3 can also be displayed. Furthermore, the electrolysis processes are logged, and an error report is generated if necessary. If sufficient conductivity exists in the electrolysis chamber or anode compartment 9, an electric field is created between the cathode and anode 3 when a voltage is applied. The incoming electrolysis current leads to the electrolysis of table salt (NaCl) to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). The hydrogen _H2 produced during the first chemical reaction is simultaneously mixed with the chlorine produced by the turbulence occurring in the anode compartment 9, producing the desired sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). The simultaneously rising hydrogen gas creates a slight overpressure in the anode chamber 9, which ensures that the resulting disinfectant, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), can escape through the side openings 10 and enter the drinking water to be disinfected and sterilized. The electrolysis process is initiated via the microprocessor, so that after a total exposure time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the electrolysis process ends and the disinfection and sterilization of the water is completed. The water is thus hygienically perfect and can, if necessary, be poured through a separate activated carbon filter, making it safe for human consumption.

The microprocessor can be programmed via an operating device 12, which can be, for example, a smartphone or the like.

2 shows in a side view the anode 3, which has a cylindrical shaft 15 in the upper area, with a bore 16 in which, for example, an electrical connection of the supply line can be accommodated. In the embodiment shown, the anode 3 has six coils 17 which merge into a rounded end piece 18. The anode 3 is placed in the housing shell 2 with the aid of the insulator 4 in such a way that there is sufficient distance from the housing wall 2 so that no short circuit can occur. If the immersion electrolysis cell 1 is immersed in a container with water, the water can penetrate into the anode chamber 9 in which the anode 3 is located. The electrolysis process is carried out by applying a supply voltage between the cathode and the anode. The container with contaminated water can be designed to be relatively small, holding 1 to 4 liters. However, it is also possible to provide a larger container, while simultaneously adapting the size of the immersion electrolysis cell. Small containers can also be designed in the form of a portable backpack.

List of reference symbols

1

Immersion electrolysis cell

2

Housing shell

3

anode

4

insulator

5

Sealing element

6

Sealing element

7

supply line

8

cable gland

9

Anode compartment

10

opening

11

Electronics unit

12

Control device

15

shaft

16

drilling

17

Wendel

18

end piece

Claims (4)

A method for operating a portable immersion electrolysis cell (1) for sterilizing and disinfecting a water container, comprising a cathode and anode (3) in the form of an Archimedean screw, a sensor for detecting the conductivity of the liquid, optical display elements for displaying the functional sequences, and a microprocessor as the central element, comprising at least the following microprocessor functions: - Monitoring the operating voltage - Monitoring the voltage and current of the anode (3) - Monitoring the electrolysis duration as a function of the conductivity - Monitoring the maximum operating voltage and the maximum current flow - Display of the operating voltage, the conductivity, the currents, and the voltage at the anode (3) - Use of a Bluetooth interface, via which the operating voltage, the minimum conductivity, the operating current, and the voltage at the anode (3) are adjusted - Logging of the electrolysis processes and generation of an error report, wherein the microprocessor automatically applies a defined voltage to the electrodes upon reaching a defined conductivity, and the current flow during the electrolysis process is controlled via a LED is displayed. Portable immersion electrolysis cell (1) for a water tank with a cathode and anode (3) and a microprocessor, characterized in that the electrolysis cell (1) has an Archimedean screw as anode (3). Immersion electrolysis cell (1) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the cathode and anode (3) are arranged parallel to one another at a defined distance. Immersion electrolysis cell (1) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that the spiral anode (3) consists of titanium group 2 with coating.

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