EP1444169A2 - Systeme d'activation electrochimique permettant de produire des solutions activees electrochimiquement au moyen d'un module d'echange pour cellules electrolytiques - Google Patents
Systeme d'activation electrochimique permettant de produire des solutions activees electrochimiquement au moyen d'un module d'echange pour cellules electrolytiquesInfo
- Publication number
- EP1444169A2 EP1444169A2 EP02782415A EP02782415A EP1444169A2 EP 1444169 A2 EP1444169 A2 EP 1444169A2 EP 02782415 A EP02782415 A EP 02782415A EP 02782415 A EP02782415 A EP 02782415A EP 1444169 A2 EP1444169 A2 EP 1444169A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electrolytic cell
- exchange module
- cell exchange
- eca system
- eca
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
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- 150000001450 anions Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 claims description 74
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 101000799969 Escherichia coli (strain K12) Alpha-2-macroglobulin Proteins 0.000 claims description 23
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000012527 feed solution Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
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- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
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- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 2
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- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
- C02F1/4618—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing for producing "ionised" acidic or basic water
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
- C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
- C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
- C02F1/46109—Electrodes
- C02F2001/46119—Cleaning the electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/008—Mobile apparatus and plants, e.g. mounted on a vehicle
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
- C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
- C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
- C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
- C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
- C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
- C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
- C02F2201/46145—Fluid flow
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
- C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
- C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
- C02F2201/4616—Power supply
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
- C02F2209/008—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC] comprising telecommunication features, e.g. modems or antennas
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/04—Oxidation reduction potential [ORP]
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/05—Conductivity or salinity
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/06—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment pH
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/42—Liquid level
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
- C02F2301/02—Fluid flow conditions
- C02F2301/024—Turbulent
Definitions
- An electrochemical activation system suitable for producing electrochemically-
- This invention relates to an electrochemical activation system, adapted for production of
- electrolytic cell exchange module suitable for use within the system.
- electrolysis cells cannot be used by themselves for producing electrochemically-activated preparations on a continuous and/or industrial scale. In order to enable continuous and industrial scale use, these electrolysis cells must be incorporated into systems that support their functioning and allow them to operate reliably by providing, for example, electricity and suitable feed stock and continuously removing products and waste streams.
- electrolytic cells have a limited lifespan in that foreign matter deposits on electrodes and membranes, eventually coating the electrodes and blocking the membranes beyond operational limits. These deposits are dissolved and cleaned from the electrodes a number of times to extend the lifetime of the electrolytic cells until the electrolytic cells are no longer able to produce activated solutions with the required efficacy, at which time the electrolytic cells are discarded. These deposits also form in other parts of the system, such as connecting tubing and valves.
- an electrochemical activation operation is periodically interrupted at relatively frequent intervals to clean the electrodes, particularly the cathode, of scale and precipitates that accumulate and form a deposit on it.
- This deposited scale or precipitate which has entirely different conductivity and dielectric and surface characteristics to the clean, usually coated surface of the electrode, behaves very differently to what was intended to be achieved and prevents continued successful operation of the electrolytic cell.
- Electrode cleaning Polarity reversal
- the anode In electrochemical and electrolytic processes, the anode is prone to dissolution, while the cathode is not. Accordingly, in order to prolong electrode life and avoid premature failure, the anodes are often coated with platinum group metal oxides. However, due to the high costs of such coatings, the cathodes are generally not coated or if so, then normally with a lighter or sub-standard grade coating compared to that of the anode. For this reason many electrode manufacturers do not recommend polarity reversal, as it could cause dissolution of the cathode or deterioration in the quality of the cathode coating.
- Electrochemical activation devices are dependent on
- a further disadvantage of known electrochemical activation devices is that power supply units utilised in the same often experience inefficiencies in power conversion and rectification, which are generally manifested as heat. This inefficiency not only wastes electricity, but also creates a further problem in that the heat must be channelled away. Also, where two or more units are used together, they have to be "balanced” against one another, often due to slight variations in output voltage and current. This is not always easy to achieve and differences between these units often arise, which causes further heat generation and an associated reduction in efficiency and reliability of the system as a whole.
- electrochemical activation devices are complex, suffering from having many components that are not built for easy maintenance or replacement. This adds to increased complexity and reduced reliability of these devices.
- ECA Electrochemical Activation
- PLC Programmable Logic Controller
- an electrochemical activation (“ECA”) system adapted for production, and particularly on-site production, of separable and both of an aqueous, mixed oxidant, predominantly anion-containing solution and an aqueous, mixed reductant, predominantly cation-containing solution, the ECA system being characterised therein that it includes at least one electrolytic cell exchange module designed for accommodating one or more electrolytic cells therein, the electrolytic cell exchange module being removably arranged within the ECA system and characterised in either being disposable or reusable within the ECA system.
- the ECA system also may include a power supply unit (“PSU"), suitable for providing required levels of power to the system during operation of the same.
- PSU power supply unit
- the PSU may include an intelligent controller and may either be integrally located within the electrolytic cell exchange module or may be a removable PSU.
- the PSU may be adapted for the ECA system such that a power circuit does not
- the PSU of the ECA system may further be characterised therein that all major heat generating components in the electronics circuitry are positioned and assembled in such a way that the heat is safely conducted away to a liquid medium being electrolysed for always maintaining the circuits at an optimum temperature during operation.
- the ECA system further may include an integral monitoring and control unit (“MCU") that is operatively associated with the PSU and suitable for monitoring power supply status throughout an activation cycle, the MCU being characterised therein that upon occurrence of a fault condition, it automatically switches off certain circuits within the ECA system depending on the error condition. Under these conditions a minimum number of circuits may remain active so as to enable the ECA system to indicate the presence of an error condition to an operator.
- MCU integral monitoring and control unit
- the MCU may be adapted particularly to monitor and control one or more of the following variables, namely anolyte output flow rate; catholyte output flow rate; total system flow rate; pump motor current; PSU output; level of anolyte in an anolyte holding tank and level of catholyte in a catholyte holding tank.
- the MCU provides user control means for switching on and switching off of the ECA system, as well as automatic shutdown capacity after completion of a production cycle.
- the ECA system also may include other disposable or exchangeable components such as pump(s), valve(s), gas separation unit(s), flow meter(s), and condition and quality monitoring devices, including pH, ORP and conductivity meters.
- a feed preparation system arranged in fluid communication with
- the electrolytic cell exchange module for premixing a saline solution of fixed concentration so as to ensure that a consistent feed solution is presented to the
- the feed preparation system may include at least one saline
- activated solutions produced may be achieved, inter alia, by varying the nature and
- This arrangement improves stability (in terms of pH, ORP, etc.) in the activated solutions generated and eliminates the need for sophisticated electronic and hydraulic controls, thereby reducing system costs and making it more affordable to a larger section of the market, particularly where small volumes of activated solutions are required, such as in dental surgery.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module, PSU, MCU and the feed preparation system may all removably be arranged within a single ECA device.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module may be dimensioned for accommodating a
- series of electrolytic cells therein may be modularised to
- the electrolytic cells may be interconnected electrically and/or hydraulically either in series or in parallel.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module may be characterised therein that it includes pH control means incorporated within the same.
- the ECA system also may include water softeners, which may be located in the electrolytic cell exchange module, for reducing the need for de-scaling of electrodes.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module also may include a housing for protecting the enclosed electrolytic cells from impact and mishandling.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module also may include at least one gas separation device adapted for trapping gasses that may be produced during the electrolytic activation reaction.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module may removably be arranged within the ECA system such that it can be taken off-site for de-scaling, servicing and maintenance of the electrolytic cells and subsequent reinstallation in the ECA system after reconditioning.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module incorporates a programmable logic controller (“PLC”) or a central processing unit (“CPU”) to facilitate control and administration of the electrolytic cells.
- PLC programmable logic controller
- CPU central processing unit
- the PLC or CPU may be adapted to control fluid flow through the electrolytic cells, automatically switching off after a predetermined volume of product has been generated and as such obliging a user to dispose of or exchange the electrolytic cell exchange module in order to maintain production efficiency and product quality.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module also may incorporate electronic identification and tracking means (“ITM”) for uniquely identifying and tracking various component parts within the module, facilitating the use only of approved and authorised component parts and for indicating unauthorised tampering with the electrolytic cell exchange module. This would improve safety and prevent the use of sub-standard, pirated or non-serviced component parts or unauthorised components produced by an unlicensed manufacturer.
- ITM electronic identification and tracking means
- the ITM may be operatively associated with the MCU and may include a unique alphanumerical serial number; a secure communications interface; and a non-volatile memory containing the status and history log of each component part within the electrolytic cell exchange module.
- the ITM also may include a micro-controller.
- the ITM is integrated with each component part, e.g. in the form of an electronic micro-chip, so as to render the component part tamperproof, the arrangement being such that any attempt to divorce the ITM from the component part renders the latter inoperable.
- the ITM may be adapted to capture status information during normal operation of the electrolytic cell exchange module and to keep track of the remaining operational period, the arrangement being such that when a predetermined operating milestone is reached, the ITM sends a signal to the MCU to shut down the system so as to prevent further use of the electrolytic cell exchange module.
- the unique alphanumerical serial number may be verifiable by the CPU, and may be correlated to one or more predetermined criteria such as operational parameters.
- predetermined criteria such as operational parameters.
- One or more of these pre-determined criteria or parameters (e.g. operating hours, allocation to a specific system at a particular site, operating in conjunction with another component equipped with a similar ITM), may be used to isolate specific identifying numbers to be allocated for use by the ECA system at the time of manufacturing and decoded with an identical set of rules by the device performing the validation during normal operation. In this way, at the time of manufacturing, or if required, subsequent servicing, specific components, such as the electrolytic cells, or the PSU, may be coded to operate only under certain desired and defined conditions.
- the secure communications interface may be wired or wireless and data may be communicated by means of a secure communications protocol.
- a physical interface may include one or more data lines that may be driven serially or in parallel.
- the non-volatile memory may contain current and/or history status information pertaining to each component part, to the system and/or the environment within which the component part is used. Thus, measurements or observations may be made internally or externally to the component part and saved to the ITM memory. Specific conditions may apply with regard to the data written to or changed on the non-volatile memory, such as the type of host device interfacing to the component part and the type of status change occurring.
- the history status information stored in the non-volatile ITM memory may be used to provide information to a service centre when performing repairs.
- the history status information may include details regarding identity of a manufacturer; date of manufacture and production date stamp; identity of respective users; identity and access history of individual service technicians, number of de-scale cycles or operation cycles of the electrolytic exchange module; the number of conditionings and hours in service; number of service hours remaining before a reconditioning cycle (default start value is programmable); and the date of the last / previous conditioning.
- ITM interface lines to the ITM may include electrical power supply as well as additional control lines to control either the ITM as a whole or one or more of its component parts or both.
- Intelligent ITM's i.e. an ITM including an on-board micro-controller
- diumb ITM's i.e. an ITM excluding an on-board micro-controller
- Each electrolytic cell arranged within the electrolytic cell exchange module may include two co-axial cylindrical electrodes and a cylindrical diaphragm located co-axially between the two electrodes so as to separate an annular inter-electrode space into a co-axial, annular catholytic and an annular anolytic chamber arrangement.
- the electrolytic cell may have predetermined design and geometrical relationships for ensuring optimum fluid flow and re-circulation patterns. More particularly, the electrolytic cell may have a relatively small, annular, cross-sectional total open area for fluid flow for allowing turbulent fluid flow there through so as to ensure maximum exposure of the solutions to the electric field.
- the electrolytic cell may be adapted to produce an electrolytically, electrically or
- aqueous solution may be prepared from any one of the following solutions, namely an anion-containing solution; a cation- containing solution; a mixture of an anion-containing solution and a cation-containing solution; an anion-containing solution having been prepared from an anion-containing solution, a cation-containing solution or a mixture of an anion-containing solution and a cation-containing solution; and a cation-containing solution having been prepared from an anion-containing solution, a cation-containing solution or a mixture of an anion- containing solution and a cation-containing solution.
- the electrolytic cell may be operated under a relatively low current, preferably of about 5 to 15A, and a relatively high voltage, preferably of about 6 to 48 V, and more preferably between 12V and 36 V, for providing a relatively high voltage gradient or electric field intensity at the interface between the electrode surface and electrolyte, estimated to be about 10 6 V/cm.
- Levels of saline concentration and mineral content of the feed solution may all be adjustable so as to produce anolyte and catholyte with particular physical and chemical characteristics, with specific conductivity, redox potential and pH, concentration of "activated species" and other characteristics, for different specific applications.
- an electrochemical activation system adapted for producing separable and both of an aqueous, mixed oxidant, predominantly anion-containing solution and an aqueous, mixed reductant, predominantly cation-containing solution, the ECA system being characterised therein that it includes at least one through-flow electrolytic cell; feed preparation means
- distribution means such as
- the hydraulic manifold may also incorporate an integral, alternatively separate,
- the invention also provides for an electrochemical activation management (“ECAM”) system which is adapted to cooperate with the ECA system for managing removal, reconditioning and installation of the electrolytic exchange modules and electrolytic cells of the ECA system, and which keeps track of movement and history of individual electrolytic exchange modules.
- ECAM electrochemical activation management
- the ECAM system may be arranged in communication with one or more components of the ECA system, by means of a direct or remote network or modem connection, the arrangement being such that data is collected from these components at a remote database and communicated through to a centralised master ECAM database for consolidation and correlation.
- a secondary function of the ECAM system is to correlate specific electrolytic cell exchange modules with customer and service centre information. Information on the history of each of these is recorded in the centralised master ECAM database, which enables a manufacturer to manage and plan the manufacturing process better, schedule maintenance and be prepared for receiving electrolytic cell exchange modules that have reached the end of their life cycle.
- the ECAM system includes a cleaning unit adapted for remote cleaning and conditioning of the electrolytic cell exchange modules, the cleaning unit comprising its own power supply means, monitoring and control unit, a cleaning solution dispenser, pump and an electrolytic cell exchange module holder.
- the cleaning solution dispenser is similar in function to that of the saline storage container in the ECA system, but is able to dispense larger volumes of different fluids through to the electrolytic cell exchange module.
- the configuration of the cleaning unit is such that it circulates cleaning solution through the electrolytic cell exchange module a number of times before disposing of the waste fluids.
- the final cycle of the cleaning process is a rinse cycle, which is used to wash out the electrolytic cell exchange module with clean water to remove final traces of deposits, as well as traces of the cleaning solution.
- the cleaning process may be performed without the need for manual intervention.
- the cleaning unit may be adapted to save specific parameters onto the ITM of the electrolytic cell exchange module, for example a unique identification and access code for the service technician, the date of last conditioning, identification of the cleaning unit used, and the number of conditionings and service hours remaining.
- the cleaning unit has its own ITM and also saves operational information in its own status and history log. Specific embodiment of the invention
- FIG 1 shows ECAM and ECA system overview
- FIG. 2 is a schematic flow sheet of the ECA system according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 shows the basic components of the feed preparation system
- FIG 4 is the electrolytic cell with the power supply unit (PSU), with an illustration of the ITM of Figure 8 integrated with the electrolytic cell exchange module;
- Figure 5 shows one example of the hydraulic flow sheet of the activation unit;
- Figure 6 is the wiring circuit of one example of the lay out of indicators / alarms;
- Figure 7 shows a level sensor circuit;
- Figure 8 shows some of the basic wiring of the control circuit incorporating an ITM included in the ECA system of the invention, depicting its external interfaces;
- Figure 9 is the control panel of a typical ECA device; and
- Figure 10 is a diagrammatical illustration of a typical lifecycle of an electrolytic cell exchange module according to the invention.
- the lifecycle of an electrolytic cell exchange module begins with the manufacturing of an electrolytic cell exchange module, which includes allocation of a unique ITM and programming of manufacturing information into its non-volatile memory. A copy of this information is loaded into the ECAM database. As the electrolytic cell exchange module is distributed to a remote service centre, information about the destination is also captured into the ECAM database. Each service centre may update its local database with the information contained in its electrolytic cell exchange modules so as to keep track of stock. When an electrolytic cell exchange module is shipped to a customer, the service centre may capture the customer details and send this information to the ECAM database on a regular basis.
- the electrolytic cell exchange module When the electrolytic cell exchange module requires maintenance, status information is drawn from the ITM and maintenance information loaded onto the same. This information is also copied to the ECAM database. In the event of total failure of an electrolytic cell exchange module, as well as in those cases where an electrolytic cell exchange module has completed its life cycle, the electrolytic cell exchange module is returned to the manufacturing plant for refurbishment. This information is also captured in the ECAM database.
- the ECA system which is located on-site with a user, will only be able to update specific status information, but not maintenance information.
- Service centres for electrolytic cell exchange modules will have the ability to update maintenance information, but not customer status information other than exchange information pertaining to the electrolytic cell exchange module.
- the manufacturer of the ECA system will have the ability to change or erase all information stored within the electrolytic cell exchange module.
- Data objects incorporated in the ECAM database include electrolytic cell exchange modules, ECA devices, and customers and service centres details.
- the following information would typically be stored with respect to the electrolytic cell exchange modules, namely ITM status, including manufacturing date, deployment date and refurbishment date; ITM history; service details, including service type and date stamp; conditioning history; ECA device type and status, including manufacturing, deployment and refurbishment dates.
- Information that would typically be stored with respect to the customers and service centres include contact details; e.g. commencement and termination dates of the contract, and premiums payable; payment details; ITM details; and exchange history of the particular electrolytic cell exchange module.
- the ECAM system has the ability to generate various reports on demand, including customer history, service centre history, electrolytic cell exchange module history and various statistical reports such as the number of customers per region, failures per region, and current and projected number of exchanges and refurbishments of electrolytic cell exchange module per month.
- a programming unit is used in a manufacturing plant to initialise the electrolytic cell exchange modules and other component parts within the ECA system. This unit interfaces to the electrolytic cell exchange module and is able to program specific parameters into the ITM of new electrolytic cell exchange modules, such as the serial number, manufacturing date, number of conditionings and service hours left. It can also clear the history log.
- Control lines 3 consist of zero, one, or more lines through which control information is sent to the ITM.
- Communication line 4 is referenced to the ground power line and is used to send software control information to and receive status information back from the ITM.
- Control output 5 has one or more lines, each being an enabler to activate specific parts of the component being identified and managed.
- the component part is effectively tracked, data discrepancies avoided and that the
- the ITM according to the invention eliminates the need for
- the need for expensive electronic and other automated de-scaling features within the ECA system is obviated, lowering the cost of the technology.
- the risk of piracy and copies electrolytic cells being used in the ECA system can be reduced through more effective control.
- Another long-term benefit envisaged by the applicant is that increasing levels of intelligence can be built into the electrolytic cell exchange modules for monitoring, management and administrative purposes.
- reusable electrolytic cell exchange modules can be de-scaled, serviced and maintained at a central depot where quality of the electrode coatings, membrane and the like can be checked regularly, thereby increasing quality assurance on the technology and improving the chances of regulatory approvals.
- mobile hand held de-scaling units could be used to de-scale the electrolytic cell exchange modules. These hand-held mobile de-scale units could be supplied to a user or be used by a technician who could visit the user regularly to effect the service of the ECA system. These de-scale units may include sealed acid canisters or another means to reduce the risk of acid spills.
- the de-scale unit By attaching the de-scale unit to a Steds device or alternatively, detaching the electrolytic cell exchange module from the Steds device and attaching it to the de-scale unit, one could apply the acid through the electrolytic cell exchange module under controlled conditions, in an out-room for example.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
- Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne un système d'activation électrochimique (AEC) convenant pour la production, et plus particulièrement pour la production simultanée, sur place, d'une solution aqueuse, oxydante mixte, à prédominance anionique, et d'une solution aqueuse, réductrice mixte, à prédominance cationique, séparables. Ce système AEC est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un module d'échange pour cellules électrochimiques conçu pour recevoir une ou plusieurs cellules électrochimiques, et installé de manière amovible dans le système d'activation électrochimique, ce module pouvant être soit jetable, soit réutilisable dans le système AEC. L'invention concerne également un module d'échange pour cellules électrolytiques utilisable dans le système décrit.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA200109329 | 2001-11-13 | ||
| ZA200109330 | 2001-11-13 | ||
| ZA200109330 | 2001-11-13 | ||
| ZA200109329 | 2001-11-13 | ||
| PCT/ZA2002/000176 WO2003042111A2 (fr) | 2001-11-13 | 2002-11-13 | Systeme d'activation electrochimique permettant de produire des solutions activees electrochimiquement au moyen d'un module d'echange pour cellules electrolytiques |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1444169A2 true EP1444169A2 (fr) | 2004-08-11 |
Family
ID=27145597
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP02782415A Withdrawn EP1444169A2 (fr) | 2001-11-13 | 2002-11-13 | Systeme d'activation electrochimique permettant de produire des solutions activees electrochimiquement au moyen d'un module d'echange pour cellules electrolytiques |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20050029093A1 (fr) |
| EP (1) | EP1444169A2 (fr) |
| WO (1) | WO2003042111A2 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5140218B2 (ja) | 2001-09-14 | 2013-02-06 | 有限会社コヒーレントテクノロジー | 表面洗浄・表面処理に適した帯電アノード水の製造用電解槽及びその製造法、並びに使用方法 |
| JP3988827B2 (ja) | 2001-12-05 | 2007-10-10 | オキュラス イノヴェイティヴ サイエンシズ、インコーポレイテッド | 負および正の酸化還元電位(orp)水を生成するための方法および装置 |
| US9168318B2 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2015-10-27 | Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. | Oxidative reductive potential water solution and methods of using the same |
| ES2701153T3 (es) | 2005-03-23 | 2019-02-21 | Sonoma Pharmaceuticals Inc | Método para tratar úlceras de piel utilizando una solución con agua de potencial reductivo oxidativo |
| CA2606734C (fr) | 2005-05-02 | 2016-06-21 | Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. | Procede d'utilisation d'une solution aqueuse a potentiel d'oxydoreduction dans des applications dentaires |
| JP5723084B2 (ja) | 2006-01-20 | 2015-05-27 | オキュラス イノヴェイティヴ サイエンシズ、インコーポレイテッド | 酸化還元電位水溶液を用いた副鼻腔炎の予防または治療方法 |
| US20080116144A1 (en) | 2006-10-10 | 2008-05-22 | Spicer Randolph, Llc | Methods and compositions for reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems |
| WO2008089120A2 (fr) * | 2007-01-12 | 2008-07-24 | Integrated Environmental Technologies, Ltd. | Solution aqueuse destinée à la gestion des microbes dans la production de pétrole et de gaz et leur procédé de production |
| US10342825B2 (en) | 2009-06-15 | 2019-07-09 | Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Solution containing hypochlorous acid and methods of using same |
| AU2011204324A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2012-07-26 | Diversey, Inc. | Modular cartridge system for apparatus producing cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions |
| NL2004720C2 (nl) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-11-15 | Watter Holding B V | Inrichting voor het produceren van een electrochemisch geactiveerde oplossing middels een electrolyseproces. |
| US8691154B2 (en) | 2012-02-17 | 2014-04-08 | Diversey, Inc. | Apparatus for the generation of cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions |
| US8617403B1 (en) | 2013-06-25 | 2013-12-31 | Blue Earth Labs, Llc | Methods and stabilized compositions for reducing deposits in water systems |
| GB2601149B (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2024-01-17 | Suretol Ltd | Electrochemical device for producing biocide solutions |
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| JPS56152786A (en) * | 1980-04-30 | 1981-11-26 | Miyakawa Seisakusho:Kk | Water ionizer |
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| US4630163A (en) * | 1982-09-02 | 1986-12-16 | Efi Corporation | Method and apparatus for a transient-suppression network |
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| US4911806A (en) * | 1987-02-27 | 1990-03-27 | Biotronics | Method and apparatus for separating particles in liquid suspension utilizing oscillating electric and magnetic fields |
| GB2253860B (en) * | 1991-03-12 | 1995-10-11 | Kirk And Charashvili Internati | The electrochemical treatment of water and a device for electrochemically treating water |
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- 2002-11-13 WO PCT/ZA2002/000176 patent/WO2003042111A2/fr not_active Ceased
- 2002-11-13 US US10/495,487 patent/US20050029093A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-11-13 EP EP02782415A patent/EP1444169A2/fr not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2003042111A3 (fr) | 2004-02-12 |
| US20050029093A1 (en) | 2005-02-10 |
| WO2003042111A2 (fr) | 2003-05-22 |
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