JP2018153781A - Method for producing electrolyzed water - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for producing electrolyzed water that can produce electrolyzed water in a strongly acidic region without having a special structure for the electrolyzer. According to an embodiment, a pair of electrodes 214, 220, at least one diaphragm 216 that partitions the electrodes, an electrolytic chamber that houses at least one electrode, and an electrolytic solution chamber 215a that contains an electrolytic solution, An electrolyzed water generating method for generating electrolyzed water by an electrolyzed water generating device comprising: supplying water to be electrolyzed to an electrolytic chamber; supplying an electrolytic solution having a concentration of 1 to 15% to the electrolytic chamber; An electrolyzed water generating method for applying an electrolysis voltage to an electrode to electrolyze the electrolytic solution. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electrolyzed water generation method.

  In recent years, electrolyzed water having various functions by electrolyzing water is known. For example, an electrolyzed water generating device that generates hypochlorous acid water as electrolyzed water having a function of sterilization and deodorization, or generates alkaline ionized water as electrolyzed water having a function of beverages and washing and rust prevention has been proposed. . Such an electrolyzed water generating apparatus is a two-chamber electrolysis cell having a pair of electrodes in one room, and two chambers that are divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by providing one diaphragm between the pair of electrodes. A type electrolysis cell or a three-chamber electrolysis cell provided with two diaphragms between a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte chamber separated by two diaphragms between an anode chamber and a cathode chamber is used. . The electrolyzed water generating device generates electrolyzed water having various functions by an electrolyzed product obtained by electrolyzing an electrolyte in an electrolytic solution or water.

  Examples of the electrolyte include chlorides, oxides, alkali salts, carbonates, organic acids and the like intentionally added in addition to ionic components contained in water. For example, in a three-chamber electrolysis cell, the electrolytic solution is supplied only to the central electrolytic chamber, and the anode product and the cathode product are discharged from the anode chamber and the cathode chamber in a form separated from the electrolyte.

  In these electrolyzed water generating apparatuses, a flowing water type is generally used in which electrolysis is performed while flowing water or an electrolytic solution into an electrolysis cell. However, in the flowing water type, conditions relating to electrolysis such as flow rate are likely to vary due to various factors such as fluctuations in water pressure of the water supply equipment and fluctuations in pipe conductance over time. For this reason, a flow meter and a hydraulic pressure flow adjustment mechanism are required, and there are problems that a complicated and expensive piping system is required, frequent abnormal shutdown of the apparatus due to environmental fluctuations and changes with time, and water quality fluctuations.

As means for solving this problem, there has been proposed a batch type (static water type) electrolyzed water generating apparatus in which water or an electrolytic solution is supplied to an electrolysis cell having a predetermined capacity and electrolyzed every time. In the batch method, even if the water pressure etc. fluctuate, the amount of water is stabilized only by a slight fluctuation of the time for water supply and drainage. In addition, a piping system for managing the flow rate is not necessary. Since the amount of electrolysis should just adjust the time which supplies with electricity to an electrode, a simple thing can also be used for a power supply. As described above, the batch type can reduce the mass production cost, and can realize an apparatus that is stable in water quality and difficult to stop.
However, in the batch type electrolyzed water generating apparatus, time for supplying or draining water or an electrolytic solution to the electrolysis cell, that is, time other than electrolysis is required, and the generated amount is smaller than that of the flowing water type. It is not suitable for applications that consume a large amount of. Therefore, the batch type electrolyzed water generator is used for a small amount of application or for an application in which water is stored in a tank for a long time.

Japanese Patent No. 3292930 Japanese Patent No. 3500173

  When hypochlorous acid water is generated by the electrolyzed water generating apparatus as described above, the effective chlorine concentration and pH are defined by the hypochlorous acid water standard. For example, the food additive sterilization department defines a strong acidic hypochlorous acid water having an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 60 mg / L and a pH of 2.0 to 2.7, and the Chinese GB 23234-2011 has an effective chlorine concentration of 60 mg. / L, hypochlorous acid water of pH 3 or less is specified.

  In a two-chamber electrolysis cell type electrolyzed water generating apparatus that electrolyzes by supplying 0.1 to 0.2% salt water to both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, if the special configuration is not adopted, the strong acidity within the above specified range is used. Of hypochlorous acid water is produced. However, even in the three-chamber electrolysis cell method and the two-chamber electrolysis cell method, in which the electrolyte solution is not supplied to the anode chamber, when hypochlorous acid water having a specified effective chlorine concentration is generated, the pH does not become 3 or less, Moreover, when the hypochlorous acid water below pH3 is produced | generated, an effective chlorine concentration will exceed 100 mg / L. That is, in these electrolyzed water generating apparatuses, it is difficult to generate hypochlorous acid water within the specified range.

  The problem of the embodiment of the present invention is that the electrolytic cell is specially used in the three-chamber electrolytic cell method and the two-chamber electrolytic cell method, such as a method in which the electrolytic solution is not supplied to the anode chamber, and the generated water is separated from the electrolytic solution. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generation method capable of generating electrolyzed water in a strongly acidic region without using a simple structure.

  According to the embodiment, the electrolyzed water generating method includes a pair of electrodes, at least one diaphragm partitioning the electrodes, an electrolysis chamber containing at least one electrode, and an electrolyte solution chamber containing an electrolyte solution. An electrolyzed water generating method for generating electrolyzed water by using an electrolyzed water generating device, wherein water to be electrolyzed is supplied to the electrolytic chamber, an electrolytic solution having a concentration of 1 to 15% is supplied to the electrolytic chamber, and the pair of water is supplied. The electrolytic solution is electrolyzed by applying an electrolytic voltage to the electrode.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electrolyzed water generating device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the quality of hypochlorous acid water in terms of effective chlorine concentration (vertical axis) and pH (horizontal axis). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the effect of effective chlorine concentration when salt concentration of salt water is changed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the influence of efficiency (generation efficiency) when the salt concentration of salt water is changed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the quality of hypochlorous acid water generated from salt water having various salt concentrations. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a calibration curve of the amount of salt water supplied (saline discharge amount) when the work rate (duty) of the liquid feed pump is changed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in the salinity concentration of salt water discharged from the electrolytic cell when the work rate (duty) of the liquid feed pump is changed in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the modification. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the third embodiment.

  Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected to a common structure through embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram for promoting the embodiment and its understanding, and its shape, dimensions, ratio, etc. are different from the actual device, but these are considered in consideration of the following description and known techniques. The design can be changed as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flowing water type electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 uses a so-called three-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 211. The electrolytic cell 211 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, and the inside thereof includes an intermediate chamber 215a and an intermediate chamber 215a by a first diaphragm (anion exchange membrane) 216 and a second diaphragm (cation exchange membrane) 218. The chamber is divided into three chambers, an anode chamber 215b and a cathode chamber 215c located on both sides. An anode 14 is provided in the anode chamber 215 b and faces the first diaphragm 216. A cathode 220 is provided in the cathode chamber 215 c and faces the second diaphragm 218. The anode 214 and the cathode 220 are formed in a rectangular plate shape having substantially the same size, and face each other with the intermediate chamber 215a interposed therebetween.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 includes an electrolytic solution supply unit 219 that supplies an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, to the intermediate chamber 215a of the electrolytic cell 211, and a water supply unit that supplies raw electrolytic water, for example, water, to the anode chamber 215b and the cathode chamber 215c. 221 and a power source 223 for applying a positive voltage and a negative voltage to the anode 214 and the cathode 220, respectively.

  The electrolyte supply unit 219 is provided in a salt water tank (electrolyte tank) 225 that stores salt water as an electrolyte, a supply pipe 219a that guides the salt water from the salt water tank 225 to the lower portion of the intermediate chamber 215a, and a supply pipe 219a. A liquid feed pump 229 and a drain pipe 219b for draining the electrolyte flowing through the intermediate chamber 215a from the upper portion of the intermediate chamber 215a are provided.

  The water supply unit 221 includes a water supply source (not shown) that supplies water, a water supply pipe 221a that guides water from the water supply source to the lower portions of the anode chamber 215b and the cathode chamber 215c, and water that flows through the anode chamber 215b from the upper portion of the anode chamber 215b. A first drain pipe 221b for discharging, a second drain pipe 221c for discharging water flowing through the cathode chamber 215c from the upper part of the cathode chamber 215c, and a gas-liquid separator 227 provided in the second drain pipe 221c. I have. In addition, an open / close valve 228 or a flow rate adjustment valve may be provided in each pipe.

  A description will be given of an operation in which the salt water is actually electrolyzed to generate acidic water (hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid) and alkaline water (sodium hydroxide) by the electrolyzed water generating apparatus configured as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid feed pump 229 is operated to supply salt water from the salt water tank 225 to the intermediate chamber 215 a of the electrolytic cell 211. In the present embodiment, the concentration of salt water supplied to the intermediate chamber 215a is strictly adjusted to a salt concentration range of 1 to 15% in advance. Then, an appropriate amount of salt water is supplied to the intermediate chamber 215a by the liquid feed pump 229. Further, water is supplied from the water supply facility to the anode chamber 215b and the cathode chamber 215c.

  A positive voltage and a negative voltage are applied from the power source 223 to the anode 214 and the cathode 220, respectively. Sodium ions ionized in the salt water flowing into the intermediate chamber 215a are attracted to the cathode 220, pass through the second diaphragm 218, and flow into the cathode chamber 215c. In the cathode chamber 215c, water is electrolyzed at the cathode 220 to generate hydrogen gas and a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. The sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and hydrogen gas thus generated flow out from the cathode chamber 215c to the second drain pipe 221c, and are separated into the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and hydrogen gas by the gas-liquid separator 227. The separated sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (alkaline water) is discharged through the second drain pipe 221c.

Further, the chlorine ions ionized in the salt water in the intermediate chamber 215a are attracted to the anode 214, pass through the first diaphragm 216, and flow into the anode chamber 215b. Then, chlorine ions are reduced at the anode 214 to generate chlorine gas. Thereafter, the chlorine gas reacts with water in the anode chamber 215b to produce hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. The acidic water (hypochlorous acid water and hydrochloric acid) thus generated flows out from the anode chamber 215b through the first drain pipe 221b.
By controlling the salinity of the salt water supplied as described above within a range of 1 to 15%, an aqueous solution of hypozinc acid having an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 100 mg / L, for example, 60 mg / L, and a pH of 3 or less is generated. The

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the quality of hypochlorous acid water in terms of effective chlorine concentration (vertical axis) and pH (horizontal axis). In the figure, the range of strong acidic hypochlorous acid water (solid line), the range of medium acidic hypochlorous acid water (broken line), and the range of weak acidic hypochlorous acid water (two-dot chain line) are shown. As described above, the range of strongly acidic / weakly acidic / slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water is defined in the food additive sterilization department, and although not shown, in China GB23234-2011, as hypochlorous acid water, Water quality of 60 mg / L, pH 3 or less is specified.

  Normally, in a three-chamber electrolytic cell system or a two-chamber electrolytic cell system that does not supply electrolyte to the anode chamber, when hypochlorous acid water having an effective chlorine concentration of about 60 mg / L is generated, Becomes 3 or more weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, as shown by the shaded area in FIG. 2, when there is a request for hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region, a special case that lowers the production efficiency of hypochlorous acid with respect to the input charge amount. It is necessary to use an electrolytic cell having a simple structure. As such a special structure, for example, a structure in which a gap is formed between the anode and the diaphragm, or a structure in which a water-permeable spacer is disposed between the anode and the diaphragm is conceivable. According to such a special structure, it is possible to increase the generation amount of oxygen gas that does not generate hypochlorous acid compared to the generation amount of chlorine gas, and to generate hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region. However, when the structure of the electrolytic cell itself is specialized as described above, it is necessary to change the specifications of the electrolytic cell depending on the water quality.

On the other hand, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus and electrolyzed water generating method according to the present embodiment, by controlling the salinity concentration of the supplied salt water in the range of 1 to 15%, without specializing the structure of the electrolytic cell, It becomes possible to easily generate strongly acidic hypochloric acid water.
According to this embodiment, the efficiency is controlled by the concentration of the electrolytic solution (salt water). FIG. 3 shows the effect of effective chlorine concentration when a certain amount of charge is added to a certain amount of generated water when the salt concentration of the salt water that is the electrolyte is changed, and FIG. 4 shows the salt concentration of the salt water. The figure shows the effect of efficiency (generation efficiency of hypochlorous acid generated on the amount of charge input) when the concentration is changed. As can be seen from these figures, decreasing the salinity concentration reduces the chlorine ion concentration around the anode, increases the oxygen gas generation ratio, and reduces the generation of chlorine gas that is the source of hypochlorous acid generation. it can. In particular, it can be seen that it is possible to control the production efficiency with a salinity concentration of 1 to 20%, more preferably a salinity concentration of 1 to 15%.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the quality of hypochlorous acid water generated from salt water having various salt concentrations. The broken line in the figure is a pH fluctuation calibration curve when the effective chlorine concentration is changed at the same salinity concentration, and the hatched portion indicates a strongly acidic region. In the plot in the figure, the leftmost point is a salinity concentration of 26% (saturation concentration), the second point from the left is a salinity degree of 20%, and the other points are a salinity concentration of 15%. There is a correlation that the pH becomes lower when the effective chlorine concentration is higher (broken line in the figure). From FIG. 5, in order to realize hypochlorous acid water having an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 100 mg / L and a pH of 3 or less, It can be seen that 15% is sufficient. In order to achieve a pH of 3 or less even with a lower effective chlorine concentration within the specified range, the salinity concentration may be further reduced.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using an electrolyte whose concentration is controlled to be thin (1 to 15%), the chlorine ion concentration around the anode is reduced without changing the structure of the electrolytic cell. Electrolyzed water generating apparatus and method for generating electrolyzed water capable of reducing hypochlorous acid generation efficiency and generating hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region even with hypochlorous acid water having a predetermined effective chlorine concentration Can be obtained.

In addition, as a method of generating hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region by reducing the generation efficiency of chlorine gas by suppressing the salinity concentration, instead of using low concentration salt water, saturated salt water is used, This can be realized even if the salt concentration in the electrolyte chamber is reduced by electrolytic consumption.
FIG. 6 shows a case where, in the electrolyzed water generator 10 shown in FIG. 1, a constant volume transfer pump is used as the liquid feed pump 229, and the ratio of operation and stop of this pump (described as work rate duty) is changed. Shows the change in the amount of salt water delivered (saline discharge). As shown in the figure, the amount of salt water discharged can be adjusted by changing the power of the pump.
For example, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 in which the electrolysis current is 9.5 A, the saturated salt water of about 0.5 mL / min is consumed by electrolysis. Therefore, when salt water is supplied using a liquid feed pump that can control salt water delivery of about 0.5 mL / min, the salt concentration is controlled in equilibrium with the salt consumed by electrolysis by controlling the amount of salt water delivered. can do.

In the modified example of the first embodiment, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the salt water tank 225 stores saturated saline as an electrolytic solution, and the liquid feeding pump 229 is 4.5 mL / min at 100% operation. A volume transfer pump that feeds the salt water is used. FIG. 6 shows a calibration curve of the salt water supply amount (salt water discharge amount) when the work rate (duty) of the liquid supply pump 229 is changed. As shown in FIG. 6, by controlling the work rate (duty) of the liquid feed pump 229 to 60% or less, the amount of salt supplied to the electrolyte chamber (intermediate chamber 215a) is reduced to 1 to 1 of the salt consumption by electrolysis. It can be suppressed to about 5 times or less. Thereby, salt water supply amount can be made into the water supply amount whose salt concentration becomes thin by the salt consumption by electrolysis, ie, dilutes in the range of 1-15% of density | concentration.
FIG. 7 shows changes in the salinity concentration of salt water discharged from the intermediate chamber 215a of the electrolytic cell 211 when the work rate (duty) of the liquid feed pump 219 is actually changed in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10. From FIG. 7, it can be seen that when the duty of the liquid feeding pump 219 is 60% or less, the salinity concentration is lowered, and when the duty is 35% or less, the salinity concentration is lowered to 15% or less. It was confirmed that when the duty is 35% or less, the generation efficiency of chlorine gas is reduced, and hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region is generated. Further, when the duty is 20%, the salt content is completely depleted due to salt consumption by electrolysis, resulting in a large voltage increase. Therefore, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 according to the modified example, the duty of the liquid feeding pump 229 is set to 25 to 35% (estimated to be about 1 to 15% in the salinity concentration) as the optimum salt water feeding amount. .

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus and the electrolyzed water generating method according to the modified example configured as described above, the salt water itself in the salt water tank 225 uses saturated salt water that does not require concentration control, and reduces the amount of salt water supplied. That is, by reducing the amount of water supplied to 1 to 5 times the amount of salt consumed by electrolysis, the salt content in the electrolytic cell 211 is moderately depleted and the salt concentration is lowered. As a result, the production efficiency of chlorine gas is reduced, and hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region can be produced. Also in the above modification, an electrolyzed water generating device and electrolyzed water capable of generating hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region with an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 100 mg / L and a pH of 3 or less without changing the structure of the electrolytic cell. A generation method can be obtained.

  Next, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus and an electrolyzed water generating method according to another embodiment will be described. In other embodiments described below, the same parts as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified, and the parts different from those of the first embodiment. Will be described in detail.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrolyzed water generating device according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 is configured as a batch type or pot type electrolyzed water generating apparatus that converts static water stored in a container into electrolyzed water. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 is detachably attached to a generated water container (water tank) 112 that stores a liquid such as water and an upper end opening of the generated water container 112, and is placed in the generated water container 112. An electrode unit 116 that is supported and arranged, and a power supply unit 130 that supplies electrolytic power to the electrodes of the electrode unit 16 are provided. The power feeding unit 130 is connected to a DC power source (not shown). The power supply unit 130 may be configured with a battery or the like that supplies a constant voltage.

  The generated water container 112 is formed of, for example, glass or resin excellent in acid resistance and alkali resistance, such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene, and has a truncated cone shape. The generated water container 112 has an upper end opening 112a. The generated water container 112 is formed to have a capacity capable of accommodating 1 L of water, for example.

  The electrode unit 116 includes a support body (lid body) 114 formed in a disk shape, a substantially cylindrical housing 118 supported by the support body and positioned coaxially with the support body, and a lower end portion of the housing 118. And a drainage mechanism 150 provided in the.

  The support 114 is made of a resin having excellent acid resistance and alkali resistance, such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The support body 114 is detachably attached to the upper end opening 112a of the generated water container 112, and also functions as a lid for closing the upper end opening 112a. An injection port 114 a for injecting an electrolytic solution is formed at the center of the support 114. Further, the support body 114 integrally has an injection pipe 114b extending from the lower surface of the support body, and the injection pipe 114b communicates with the injection port 114a.

  The casing 118 is formed of a resin having excellent acid resistance and alkali resistance, such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The casing 118 includes an intermediate frame 121 that forms an intermediate chamber (electrolyte chamber) 120, a cathode case 124 that forms a cathode chamber 122, and a stirring case 128 that forms a stirring chamber (anode chamber) 126. ing. A cathode case 124 and a stirring case 128 are joined to both sides of the intermediate frame 121 to form a cylindrical shape as a whole.

  A rectangular first diaphragm 132 a is provided so as to close one opening of the intermediate chamber 120, and a rectangular second diaphragm 132 b is provided so as to close the other opening of the intermediate chamber 120. The first diaphragm 132a and the second diaphragm 132b are opposed to each other. Thus, the intermediate chamber 120 is partitioned between the first diaphragm 132a and the second diaphragm 132b. The intermediate chamber 120 and the stirring chamber 126 (inside the generated water container 12) are partitioned by a first diaphragm 32a, and the intermediate chamber 120 and the cathode chamber 122 are partitioned by a second diaphragm 132b. The intermediate chamber 120 is formed with a capacity of 10 mL, for example. The upper end of the intermediate chamber 120 communicates with the injection pipe 114b, and an electrolyte drain port (first drain port) 120a is formed at the lower end of the intermediate chamber 120.

  A rectangular plate-like anode 134a is provided adjacent to and opposed to the outside of the first diaphragm 132a. The anode 134 a is located in the stirring chamber 126. A rectangular plate-like cathode 134b is provided adjacent to and opposed to the outside of the second diaphragm 132b. The cathode 134 b is located in the cathode chamber 122. The anode 134a and the cathode 134b are opposed to each other with the intermediate chamber 120 interposed therebetween. The anode 134a and the cathode 134b are electrically connected to the power feeding unit 130 through connection terminals and wiring.

  The cathode chamber 122 is formed with a capacity of about 20 mL, for example. A cathode water drain port (second drain port) 122 a is provided at the lower end of the cathode chamber 122. In addition, an exhaust port 124 b for exhausting gas generated in the cathode chamber 122 and a water intake port 124 c for taking water in the generated water container 112 into the cathode chamber 122 are formed at the upper end of the cathode case 124. Yes.

  The stirring case 128 forming the stirring chamber 126 includes a plurality of water intakes 128a for taking the water in the generated water container 112 into the stirring chamber 126, and the generated water container 12 using the electrolytic water generated in the stirring chamber 126. And a plurality of outlets 28b for discharging into the interior. Further, the stirring case 128 has a plurality of stirring plates (fins) 136 disposed in the stirring chamber 126. Each of the plurality of stirring plates 136 extends substantially horizontally, and is provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction (height direction) of the stirring case 128. The stirring chamber 126 is divided into a plurality of chambers arranged in the longitudinal direction of the stirring case 128 by a plurality of stirring plates 136, and each chamber is in contact with the anode 134a. Each of the plurality of chambers communicates with or opens to the outside (inside the generated water container 12) through an intake port and a discharge port 128b (not shown). The water in the product water container 112 is taken into each chamber of the stirring chamber 126 through the water intake, and is discharged from the discharge port 128b into the product water container 12.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the drainage mechanism 150 has an opening / closing lid 152 that is rotatably provided at the lower end of the housing 118. The opening / closing lid 152 is formed in a cylindrical cap shape whose lower end is closed. The opening / closing lid 52 has a bottom wall 152a facing the lower end of the housing 118, and a circular plate-like packing (sealing member) 158 is attached to the center of the bottom wall 152a, for example. In addition, a plurality of arc-shaped drainage ports 156 are formed at the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 152a. The packing 158 and the bottom wall 152a function as a valve body. A drainage hole 157 is formed through the packing 158 and the bottom wall 152 a, and the drainage hole 157 is located eccentrically with respect to the rotation center axis of the opening / closing lid 152.

  When the opening / closing lid 152 is in the illustrated closed position, the drainage hole 157 is positioned away from the electrolyte drainage port 120a and the cathode water drainage port 122a, and the packing 158 contacts the lower end of the housing 118, The electrolyte drain port 120a and the cathode water drain port 122a are sealed. By rotating the open / close lid 152 to the first open position or the second open position where the drain hole 157 is aligned with the electrolyte drain port 120a or the cathode water drain port 122a, the cathode water drain port 122a or the electrolyte drain port Through 120a, the cathode water in the cathode chamber 122 or the electrolyte solution in the intermediate chamber 120 can be selectively drained.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 includes a detector 160 that detects the amount of water stored in the generated water container 12. In the present embodiment, the detector 160 uses a capacitance sensor 165. The capacitance sensor 165 is provided in the measurement chamber 162 of the electrode unit 116, and is disposed above the anode 134a, particularly at a height position of an appropriate amount of water. The capacitance sensor 165 is electrically connected to the controller 168 via the wiring 167. The electrostatic capacitance sensor 165 detects the electrostatic capacitance of the installed proximity region, but detects whether there is an appropriate amount of water in the generated water container 112 by detecting the electrostatic capacitance difference between air and water. The controller 168 controls energization by the power supply unit 130 in accordance with the detection signal from the capacitance sensor 165, that is, permits energization from the power supply unit 130 only when an appropriate amount of water is detected.

  When the generated water is generated by the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 configured as described above, a predetermined amount of water is placed in the generated water container 112 with the electrode unit 116 removed, and approximately 1 L of water is accommodated. The input water may be generally available water such as tap water. Moreover, as an electrolytic solution containing chlorides such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, salt water having a salt concentration of about 1 to 15% prepared in advance is manually poured into the intermediate chamber 120 of the electrode unit 116 from the inlet 114a. Approximately 10 mL of salt water is injected and the intermediate chamber 120 is filled with salt water. At the time of salt water injection, the opening / closing lid 152 of the drainage mechanism 150 is set at the closed position.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the electrode unit 116 into which salt water has been injected is inserted into the product water container 12, and the support 114 is fitted into the upper end opening 112 a of the product water container 112. As a result, the electrode unit 116 is attached to the generated water container 112 and immersed in the water in the generated water container 112. Part of the water in the generated water container 112 flows into the cathode chamber 122 from the water intake port 124 c of the cathode case 124, and about 20 mL of water is filled in the cathode chamber 122. Further, a part of the water in the generated water container 112 flows into the stirring chamber 126 from the plurality of water intakes of the stirring case 128, and each chamber is filled with water.

  Thus, since the stirring chamber 126 has a structure open to the product water container 112, the entire product water container 112 including the stirring chamber 126 of the electrode unit 116 forms a large anode chamber. Therefore, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 has a two-diaphragm three-chamber structure having an intermediate chamber 120, a cathode chamber 122, and an anode chamber as a whole.

  When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the generated water container 112, the capacitance sensor 165 detects the water surface and sends a detection signal to the controller 168. The controller 168 determines that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the generated water container 112 and allows the power supply unit 130 to energize.

  In the above state, the salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 is electrolyzed by supplying a 1 A electrolysis current from the power supply unit 130 to the anode 134a and the cathode 134b for about 4 minutes. Sodium ions ionized in the salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 are attracted to the cathode 134b and flow into the cathode chamber 122 through the second diaphragm 132b. In the cathode chamber 122, water is electrolyzed by the cathode 134b to generate hydrogen gas, and an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (alkaline water) is generated by the hydrogen gas and sodium ions. As a result, 20 mL of sodium hydroxide water is generated in the cathode chamber 122.

Chlorine ions ionized in the salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 are attracted to the anode 134a, pass through the first diaphragm 132a, and flow into the stirring chamber (anode chamber, generation chamber) 126. In the stirring chamber 126, chlorine ions give electrons to the anode 134a to generate chlorine gas. The generated chlorine gas is dissolved in water in the stirring chamber 126 to generate acidic water (hypochlorous acid water and hydrochloric acid). The acidic water generated in this way is stirred and discharged into the water in the generated water container 112 from the flow outlet 128b along the stirring plate 136 due to the retention of bubbles mainly composed of oxygen. Further, the water in the product water container 112 is taken into the stirring chamber 126 at any time, becomes acidic water, and is mixed with the water in the product water container 112. As a result, 1 L of water in the generated water container 112 can be changed, that is, generated into strongly acidic hypochlorous acid water having an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 100 mg / L and a pH of 3 or less.
After the electrolyzed water generation is completed, the electrode unit 116 is removed from the generated water container 112, and hypochlorous acid water generated in the generated water container 112 is drained and used for various purposes. When alkaline water (sodium hydroxide water) generated in the cathode chamber 122 is used, the open / close lid 152 of the drainage mechanism 150 is turned from the closed position to the first open position to open the cathode water drain port 122a. . Thereby, in the state which left the salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 as it is, only alkaline water can be selectively taken out, and it can utilize for washing | cleaning etc.
The salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 may be replaced every time electrolyzed water is generated, or may be replaced every time electrolyzed water is generated a plurality of times.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 configured as described above, the water contained in the generated water container 12 is converted into hypochlorous acid water having bactericidal properties by the electrode unit 16 in which the electrolytic solution chamber is previously filled with salt water. In addition, the cathode chamber 22 can generate sodium hydroxide water having a cleaning function and can extract not only hypochlorous acid water but also sodium hydroxide water. Further, since the salt water is isolated in the intermediate chamber (electrolyte chamber) 20, the salt water is not mixed in a large amount in the above-described two kinds of electrolyzed water, and at the same time, the quality of the salt water is not altered by the electrolytic product. . The drainage mechanism 50 provided at the lower end of the electrode unit 16 can selectively drain salt water (electrolyte) and cathode water. For example, only the cathode water can be selectively drained while leaving the salt water. it can. Thereby, the electrolyzed water produced | generated in the cathode chamber 22 different from the electrolyzed water produced | generated in the produced water container 12 can be utilized effectively. Further, by exchanging only the water in the product water container 12 and the cathode water in the cathode chamber 22, the salt water in the electrolyte chamber can be reused a plurality of times, and the salt water can be consumed effectively without waste.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, by using an electrolytic solution whose concentration is controlled to be thin (1 to 15%), it is possible to reduce the concentration of the strongly acidic region without changing the structure of the electrolytic cell or the electrode unit. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus and an electrolyzed water generating method capable of generating chloric acid water can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generating device 10 is configured as, for example, a batch type or automatic pot type electrolyzed water generating device that generates and drains electrolyzed water (hypochlorous acid water) every time 1 L of water is supplied. Has been. As shown in FIG. 9, the electrolyzed water generating device 10 includes a device body 12 having a substantially rectangular box shape. A salt water tank 16 containing an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, may be installed in the vicinity of the apparatus main body 12. As the salt water, salt water adjusted to a salt concentration of 1 to 15% is used. An electrode unit 20 described later is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 12.

  The apparatus body 12 includes, for example, a rectangular block-shaped base 22, a rectangular box-shaped water storage container 24 disposed or fixed on the base 22, and an outer cover (housing) that covers the base 22 and the water storage container 24. 27). The base 22 includes a manifold block 26 having a plurality of pipes formed therein. The manifold block 26 and the water storage container 24 are made of a material having excellent corrosion resistance such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc. so that it can be safely contacted with hypochlorous acid water. Is formed. The outer cover 27 is made of metal or synthetic resin.

  The manifold block 26 has a flat upper surface (installation surface) 26a. The water storage container 24 is fixed to the upper surface 26 a of the manifold block 26. Thereby, a part of the upper surface 26 a constitutes the bottom surface of the water storage container 24. The water storage container 24 includes a rectangular tubular side wall 22a and a ceiling wall 22b that closes the upper end of the side wall 22a and faces the upper surface 26a of the manifold block 26 in parallel. The lower end edge of the side wall 22a is fixed to the upper surface 26a. The side wall 22a of the water storage container 24, the ceiling wall 22b, and the upper surface 26a of the manifold block 26 constitute a water storage space for storing a predetermined amount of water (for example, 1 L). This water storage space also functions as an anode chamber, as will be described later.

  An intake hole 30 is formed through substantially the center of the ceiling wall 22b and opens to the outer and inner surfaces of the ceiling wall 22b. An intake valve 32 for opening and closing the intake hole 30 is provided on the ceiling wall 22b. The intake valve 32 is, for example, a one-way valve, and opens only when the outside air is sucked into the water storage container 24 to open the intake hole 30, and in the reverse direction, that is, in the direction of exhausting the water from the water storage container 24 to the outside of the apparatus. Regulate ventilation.

An electrode unit (electrolytic cell) 20 is disposed in the water storage container 24. The electrode unit 20 has a cylindrical or square casing 36. The housing 36 is made of a synthetic resin having excellent acid resistance and alkali resistance, such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene. A diaphragm 37 is provided in the housing 36, and the inside of the housing 36 is partitioned into a stirring chamber (anode chamber) 38 a and a cathode chamber (electrolyte chamber) 38 b by the diaphragm 37. As the diaphragm 37, a diaphragm capable of transmitting ions, for example, an ion exchange membrane or a porous membrane can be used.
A plate-like anode 40 a is disposed in the stirring chamber 38 a and faces the diaphragm 37. A plate-like cathode 40b is disposed in the cathode chamber 38b and faces the diaphragm 37 and the anode 40a. In the housing 36, a large number of through holes are formed in a side wall that defines the stirring chamber 38a. Thus, the stirring chamber 38a communicates with the water storage container 24 through a large number of through holes. The space in the water storage container 24 and the stirring chamber 38a can function as an anode chamber. A vent hole 44 is provided in the upper part of the housing 36. The cathode chamber 38 b communicates with the inside of the water storage container 24 through the vent hole 44. The hydrogen gas generated by the cathode 40 b is configured to escape to the anode chamber through the vent hole 44. A water supply / drain port 46 is provided at the bottom of the housing 36. The water supply / drain port 46 communicates with the cathode chamber 38b.

The electrode unit 20 configured in this way is disposed in the water storage container 24 through an opening 48 formed in the ceiling wall 22b of the water storage container 24, for example. The water supply / drain port 46 of the electrode unit 20 is engaged with a water supply port 50 provided on the upper surface 26 a of the manifold block 26. The upper end portion of the electrode unit 20 engages with the opening 48 of the ceiling wall 22b, and the upper end surface of the electrode unit 20 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the ceiling wall 22b.
The electrode unit 20 can be pulled out of the water storage container 24 through the opening 48. The electrode unit 20 is not limited to a detachable type, and may be fixedly disposed in the apparatus main body 12.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 includes a water supply / drainage mechanism 100 that drains water from the water storage container 24 and drains the water from the water storage container 24. The water supply / drainage mechanism 100 includes an electrolyte supply / drainage mechanism that supplies an electrolyte solution, for example, salt water, to the electrolyte chamber (here, the cathode chamber 38b) of the electrode unit 20 and drains the salt water from the electrolyte chamber. The water supply / drainage mechanism 100 is configured as follows.

  A water supply pipe 52 and an overflow pipe (discharge pipe) 54 are provided in the water storage container 24. The water supply pipe 52 is connected to a water supply port formed on the upper surface 26a of the manifold block 26, and extends substantially vertically from the manifold block 26 to the vicinity of the ceiling wall 22b. The upper end of the water supply pipe 52 is located in the vicinity of the ceiling wall 22b and constitutes a water supply port. The overflow pipe 54 is connected to a drain outlet formed on the upper surface 26a of the manifold block 26, and extends substantially vertically from the manifold block 26 to the vicinity of the ceiling wall 22b. The upper end of the overflow pipe 54 is located in the vicinity of the ceiling wall 22 b and slightly lower than the upper end of the water supply pipe 52. The overflow pipe 54 prevents the backflow to the water supply pipe 52 and defines the upper limit of the water surface in the water storage container (anode chamber) 24. When water exceeding a predetermined amount is supplied into the water storage container 24, the excess water is drained from the overflow pipe 54.

  A drain hole 56 for draining the generated electrolyzed water is provided on the upper surface 26 a of the manifold block 26. In the manifold block 26, a water supply pipe 60, a drain pipe (discharge pipe) 62, a transfer pipe 64, and an electrolyte pipe 66 are formed, and a plurality of valves are further provided. Outside the water storage container 24, on the upper surface 26a of the manifold block 26, a solenoid (not shown) for driving the valve, a liquid feed pump P, and a controller 68 for controlling the valve and the pump are provided (in the drawing, for simplification). These are illustrated in the area within the manifold block 26).

  One end of the water supply pipe 60 is connected to the water supply pipe 52, and the other end (outer end) is connected to the water supply equipment through the pipe. The water supply pipe 60 is provided with a water supply valve 70a for switching between water supply and stop. One end of the discharge pipe 62 is connected to the overflow pipe 54, and the other end (outer end) is connected to a drainage facility (not shown) via a drainage tube (discharge pipe) 63. At the end of the drainage tube 63, a U-shaped pipe 71 or a safety valve constituting a liquid reservoir is provided.

  One end of the transfer pipe 64 is connected to the drain hole 56, and the other end (outer end) is connected to an appropriate container, for example, a generated water tank via the pipe. The transfer pipe 64 is provided with a transfer valve 70c for adjusting the transfer of the electrolyzed water. One end of the electrolyte pipe 66 communicates with a water supply port 50 provided on the upper surface 26a of the manifold block 26, and the other end (outer end) is connected to the electrolyte tank, here, the salt water tank 16 through the pipe. ing. The electrolyte pipe 66 includes a pipe branched from the pipe directed to the salt water tank 16 on the way and connected to the discharge pipe 62, and each is provided with a water supply valve 70d and a drain valve 70e for controlling the opening and closing of the pipe. ing. A liquid feed pump P that can change the direction of water supply is connected between the branch portion and the water supply port 50.

  The water supply valve 70a, the transfer valve 70c, the water supply valve 70d, and the drain valve 70e are each configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and the controller 68 controls the opening and closing. The liquid feeding pump P can switch the liquid feeding direction, and the controller 68 controls the operation, stop, and liquid feeding direction switching of the liquid feeding pump P. The controller 68 includes a power source 69 that applies a predetermined electrolytic voltage to the anode 40 a and the cathode 40 b of the electrode unit 20.

Next, the electrolyzed water generating operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described.
In the state of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 before the start of electrolysis, the water storage container 24 has no water, and the cathode chamber 38b of the electrode unit 20 has no electrolyte (for example, salt water).
When electrolyzed water generation is started, first, the liquid feed pump P is driven to the water supply side with the water supply valve 70d opened, and the cathode is supplied from the salt water tank 16 through the electrolyte pipe 66, the water supply port 50, and the water supply / drainage port 46. Salt water having a salt concentration of 1 to 15% is supplied to the chamber 38b. After supplying a predetermined amount of salt water until the cathode 40b is buried in the salt water, the liquid feed pump P is stopped and the water supply valve 70d is closed. The supply amount of the salt water may be controlled by the operation time of the liquid feed pump P, or a liquid amount sensor is provided in the electrode unit 20 and controlled according to the detection of the liquid amount sensor. Also good.

  Next, water as electrolyzed water is supplied to the water storage container 24, that is, the anode chamber. The water supply opens the water supply valve 70a, and a predetermined amount is poured into the water storage container 24 through the water supply pipe 60 and the water supply pipe 52 by the water pressure of the water supply equipment. That is, water is supplied into the water storage container 24 from the water supply port at the upper end of the water supply pipe 52. At this time, for example, 1 L of water is set to be supplied to the water storage container 24, but the air in the water storage container 24 is pushed into the water, and the overflow pipe 54, the discharge pipe 62, the drain tube 63, U It is discharged to the drainage facility through the character tube 71. At the same time, excess water is drained to the drainage facility through the overflow pipe 54, the discharge pipe 62, the drainage tube 63, and the U-shaped pipe 71.

  When water is supplied for a predetermined amount, for example, 1 L, the water supply valve 70a is closed and water supply is stopped. The water supply amount may be controlled by the opening time of the water supply valve 70a, or a liquid amount sensor may be provided in the water storage container 24 and controlled according to the detection of the liquid amount sensor. Good.

  After the supply of the electrolytic solution and the water to be electrolyzed is completed, an electrolytic voltage is applied from the controller 68 to the anode 40a and the cathode 40b to start electrolysis. A positive potential is supplied to the anode 40a and a negative potential is supplied to the cathode 40b, and electrolysis is performed at a predetermined current for a predetermined time. At this time, the anode 40a generates chlorine gas from the chlorine ions that have moved through the diaphragm 37, and this chlorine gas reacts with the water in the stirring chamber 38a and the water storage container 24 to generate hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. . As a result, 1 L of water in the water storage container (anode chamber) 24 is changed to strongly acidic hypochlorous acid water having an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 100 mg / L and a pH of 3 or less, that is, generated.

  After the electrolysis is finished, energization to the anode 40a and the cathode 40b is stopped and the air supply pump P1 is stopped. Next, the hypochlorous acid water generated in the water storage container 24 is transferred to the generated water tank. That is, the transfer valve 70 c is opened, and the hypochlorous acid water in the water storage container 24 is transferred from the drain hole 56 to the generated water tank through the transfer pipe 64. When the hypochlorous acid water in the water storage container 24 disappears due to the transfer of the hypochlorous acid water, the inside of the water storage container 24 is depressurized. Accordingly, the intake valve 32 is opened, and the outside air is stored in the water storage container through the intake hole 30. 24 is inhaled. When all 1 L of hypochlorous acid water is transferred and the water storage container 24 is emptied, outside air equivalent to 1 L is similarly sent from the intake hole 30 into the water storage container 24.

After the transfer of hypochlorous acid water is completed, the transfer valve 70c is closed. With the drain valve 70e opened, the liquid feed pump P is driven to the drain side. The salt water in the cathode chamber 38 b of the electrode unit 20 is drained from the feed / drain port 46 to the drainage facility through the feed port 50, the electrolyte pipe 66, the branch pipe, the discharge pipe 62, and the liquid reservoir 80 by the liquid feed pump P. After draining, the drain valve 70e is closed and the liquid feed pump P is stopped.
Thus, the operation of generating hypochlorous acid water is completed. In addition, it is not necessary to perform the water supply and drain operation of the electrolyte solution to the cathode chamber 38b every time. The cycle of supplying water to be electrolyzed, electrolysis, and transferring hypochlorous acid water may be repeated a plurality of times, and salt water may be drained and supplied at the timing when the salt water is consumed.

According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 and the electrolyzed water generating method configured as described above, the electrode unit or the electrolysis cell has a special structure by using an electrolytic solution whose concentration is strictly controlled to 1 to 15%. Without changing, it is possible to produce hypochlorous acid water in a strongly acidic region.
In the third embodiment, the electrode unit (electrolytic cell) is not limited to a so-called two-chamber type, and a single-chamber or three-chamber electrode unit (electrolytic cell) may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The shape, forming material, dimensions, and the like of each component constituting the electrolyzed water generating device are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously changed as necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus, 12 ... Apparatus main body, 20 ... Electrode unit (electrolysis cell),
24 ... Water storage container, 26 ... Manifold block, 36 ... Housing, 37 ... Diaphragm,
38a ... stirring chamber (anode chamber), 38b ... cathode chamber, 40a ... anode, 40b ... cathode,
52 ... water supply pipe, 54 ... overflow pipe, 60 ... water supply pipe, 62 ... discharge pipe,
63 ... Drain tube, 64 ... Transfer piping, 66 ... Electrolyte piping, 68 ... Controller,
211 ... electrolytic cell, 214 ... anode, 215a ... intermediate chamber, 215b ... anode chamber,
215c ... Cathode chamber, 218 ... Cathode, 229 ... Liquid feed pump

Claims (7)

Electrolysis for generating electrolyzed water by an electrolyzed water generating device having a pair of electrodes, at least one diaphragm partitioning the electrodes, an electrolysis chamber containing at least one electrode, and an electrolysis solution chamber containing an electrolysis solution A water generation method comprising:
Supplying electrolyzed water to the electrolysis chamber;
Supplying an electrolytic solution having a concentration of 1 to 15% to the electrolytic solution chamber;
An electrolyzed water generating method for electrolyzing the electrolytic solution by applying an electrolysis voltage to the pair of electrodes.   2. The electrolyzed water generating method according to claim 1, wherein salt water having a salt concentration of 1 to 15% is supplied as the electrolytic solution to generate hypochlorous acid water having an effective chlorine concentration of 10 to 100 mg / L and a pH of 3 or less.   3. The electrolytic water generating method according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic solution is electrolyzed by the pair of electrodes in a state where the electrolytic solution is poured into the electrolytic chamber and the water to be electrolyzed is poured into the electrolytic chamber.   The electrolyzed water production | generation method of Claim 3 which supplies the electrolyte solution adjusted to 1-15% of density | concentration beforehand to the said electrolyte chamber.   The method for producing electrolyzed water according to claim 3, wherein a saturated electrolytic solution is supplied to the electrolytic solution chamber, and a water supply amount of the saturated electrolytic solution is limited to 5 times or less of an electrolytic mass consumed by the electrolysis.   The electrolyte solution having the concentration of 1 to 15% is stored in the electrolyte chamber, the water to be electrolyzed is stored in the electrolyte chamber, and the electrolyte solution is electrolyzed by the pair of electrodes in a still water state. The electrolyzed water production | generation method of description.   The method for producing electrolyzed water according to claim 6, wherein an electrolytic solution adjusted to a concentration of 1 to 15% in advance is stored in the electrolytic solution chamber.

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