U.S. patent application number 10/674669 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for electrolysis cell for generating halogen (and particularly chlorine) dioxide in an appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Collias, Dimitris Ioannis, Mitchell, Michael Donovan, Nesbitt, Daniel Frederick, Rasmussen, Craig Merillat, Tremblay, Mario Elmen.
Application Number | 20040149571 10/674669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32772445 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040149571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tremblay, Mario Elmen ; et
al. |
August 5, 2004 |
Electrolysis cell for generating halogen (and particularly
chlorine) dioxide in an appliance
Abstract
A method for making chlorine dioxide, by passing an aqueous feed
solution comprising sodium chlorite into a non-membrane
electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode, adjacent to
the anode, while flowing electrical current between the anode and
the cathode to electrolyze the aqueous feed solution and convert
the halogen dioxide salt to halogen dioxide. The anode is
preferably a porous anode through which the aqueous feed solution
passes to maximize the conversion of chlorite to chlorine
dioxide.
Inventors: |
Tremblay, Mario Elmen; (West
Chester, OH) ; Rasmussen, Craig Merillat; (Loveland,
OH) ; Collias, Dimitris Ioannis; (Mason, OH) ;
Mitchell, Michael Donovan; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Nesbitt, Daniel Frederick; (Cincinatti, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
32772445 |
Appl. No.: |
10/674669 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10674669 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
|
|
|
09947846 |
Sep 6, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
204/275.1 ;
204/278.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2201/4611 20130101;
C02F 2201/46165 20130101; C02F 2201/4618 20130101; C02F 1/42
20130101; C02F 2001/46161 20130101; C02F 2101/103 20130101; Y02W
10/37 20150501; C02F 1/46104 20130101; C02F 9/00 20130101; C02F
1/283 20130101; C02F 2001/46133 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/275.1 ;
204/278.5 |
International
Class: |
C25D 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A halogen dioxide generating system, comprising: a) a source of
an aqueous feed solution comprising a halogen dioxide salt; b) a
non-membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode,
and having a cell chamber with an inlet and an outlet; c) a means
for passing the aqueous feed solution into the chamber and along a
passage adjacent to the anode, and out of the outlet; and d) an
electric current supply to flow a current through the aqueous feed
solution in the passage, to convert a portion of the halogen
dioxide salt to halogen dioxide, and thereby form an aqueous
effluent comprising halogen dioxide.
2. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 1 wherein the
anode and the cathode are confronting and co-extensive, with a
chamber gap of 0.5 mm or less.
3. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 1 wherein the
anode is a metallic porous anode.
4. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 1, wherein said
system is interfaced with an appliance.
5. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 4, wherein said
appliance is selected from the group consisting of refrigerators,
water chillers, water fountains, soda fountains, oral irrigators,
water purifiers, water coolers, washing machines, dishwashing
machines, coffee makers, faucets and combinations thereof.
6. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 4, wherein said
system is interfaced with said appliance via connection of a water
inlet line to the inlet of said electrolysis cell and connection of
an outlet line from the outlet of said electrolysis cell to an
inlet of said appliance.
7. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 4, wherein said
system is interfaced with said appliance via connection of said
electrolysis cell between an inlet of said appliance and an outlet
of a water-dispensing device of said appliance.
8. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 4, wherein said
system is interfaced with said appliance via connection of said
electrolysis cell between an inlet of said appliance and an outlet
of an ice-dispensing device of said appliance.
9. A halogen dioxide generating and re-circulating system,
comprising: a) a source of an aqueous feed solution comprising a
halogen dioxide salt; b) a non-membrane electrolysis cell
comprising an anode and a cathode, and having a cell chamber with
an inlet and an outlet; c) a means for passing the aqueous feed
solution into the chamber, and along a passage adjacent to the
anode, and out of the outlet; d) an electric current supply to flow
a current through the aqueous solution between the anode and the
cathode, to convert at least a portion of the halogen dioxide salt
in the passage to halogen dioxide, and thereby form an aqueous
effluent comprising halogen dioxide; e) a means for delivering the
aqueous effluent into contact with a halogen dioxide depletion
target, whereby a portion of the halogen dioxide in the aqueous
effluent oxidizes the depletion target and reverts back to a
halogen dioxide salt; and f) a means for returning the depleted
effluent comprising the reverted halogen dioxide salt back to the
source.
10. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 9, wherein said
system is interfaced with an appliance.
11. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 10, wherein said
appliance is selected from the group consisting of refrigerators,
water chillers, water fountains, soda fountains, oral irrigators,
water purifiers, water coolers, washing machines, dishwashing
machines, coffee makers, faucets and combinations thereof.
12. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 10, wherein said
system is interfaced with said appliance via connection of a water
inlet line to the inlet of said electrolysis cell and connection of
an outlet line from the outlet of said electrolysis cell to an
inlet of said appliance.
13. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 10, wherein said
system is interfaced with said appliance via connection of said
electrolysis cell between an inlet of said appliance and an outlet
of a water-dispensing device of said appliance.
14. The halogen dioxide generating system of claim 10, wherein said
system is interfaced with said appliance via connection of said
electrolysis cell between an inlet of said appliance and an outlet
of an ice-dispensing device of said appliance.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/947,846, filed on 06 Sep. 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to devices for generating halogen
dioxide, preferably chlorine dioxide, from aqueous solutions
containing a halogen dioxide salt, preferably chlorite salts,
suitable for interface with an appliance, and particularly a
refrigerator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Chlorine dioxide, ClO.sub.2, is one of the most effective
bleaching agents for use in industrial and domestic process and
services, and for commercial and consumer products. The strong
oxidative potential of the molecule makes it ideal for a wide
variety of uses that include disinfecting, sterilizing, and
bleaching. Concentrations of chlorine dioxide in an aqueous
solution as low as 1 part per million (ppm) or less, are known to
kill a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses,
molds, fungi, and spores. Higher concentrations of chlorine
dioxide, up to several hundred ppms, provide even higher
disinfection, bleaching and oxidation of numerous compounds for a
variety of applications, including the paper and pulp industry,
waste water treatment, industrial water treatment (e.g. cooling
water), fruit-vegetable disinfection, oil industry treatment of
sulfites, textile industry, and medical waste treatment.
[0004] Chlorine dioxide offers advantages over other commonly used
bleaching materials, such as hypochlorite and chlorine. Chlorine
dioxide can react with and break down phenolic compounds, and
thereby removing phenolic-based tastes and odors from water.
Chlorine dioxide is also used in treating drinking water and
wastewater to eliminate cyanides, sulfides, aldehydes and
mercaptans. The oxidation capacity of ClO2, in terms of available
chlorine, is 2.5 times that of chlorine. Also, unlike
chlorine/hypochlorite, the bactericidal efficiency of chlorine
dioxide remains generally effective at pH levels of 6 to 10.
Additionally, chlorine dioxide can inactivate C. parvum oocysts in
water while chlorine/hypochlorite cannot. Hypochlorite and chlorine
both react with the bleached target by inserting the chlorine
molecule into the structure of the target. Though this mode of
reaction can be effective, it can result in the formation of one or
more chlorinated products, or by-products, which can be undesirable
both from a economic sense (to eliminate hydrocarbons from the
reaction media) and a safety and environmental standpoint. In
addition, the step of bleaching by hypochlorite and chlorine
results in the destruction of the bleach species itself, such that
subsequent bleaching requires a fresh supply of the chlorine
bleach. Another disadvantage is that certain microorganisms that
are intended to be killed by these two commonly-used bleach
materials can develop a resistance over time, specifically at lower
concentrations of the chlorine or hypochlorite.
[0005] Chloride dioxide is generally used in an aqueous solution at
levels up to about 35%. It is a troublesome material to transport
and handle at high aqueous concentrations, due to its low stability
and high corrosivity. This has required end users to generate
chlorine dioxide on demand, usually employing a precursor such as
sodium chlorite (NaClO.sub.2) or sodium chlorate (NaClO.sub.3).
[0006] A typical process for generating chlorine dioxide from
sodium chlorate salt is the acid-catalyzed reaction:
NaClO.sub.3+2HCl.fwdarw.NaCl+1/2Cl.sub.2+ClO.sub.2+H.sub.2O
[0007] Sodium chlorite is easier to convert to chlorine dioxide. A
typical process for generating chlorine dioxide from sodium
chlorite salt is the acid-catalyzed reaction:
5NaClO.sub.2+4HCl.fwdarw.4ClO.sub.2+5NaCl+2H.sub.2O
[0008] Further details on the acid-catalyzed reactions of chlorites
and chlorates to produce chlorine dioxide can be found in "Chlorine
Dioxide Generation Chemistry" (A. R. Pitochelli, Rio Linda Chemical
Company), Third International Symposium: Chlorine Dioxide Drinking
Water, Process Water and Wastewater Issues, September 14, 15, 1995,
La Meridian Hotel, New Orleans, La., incorporated herein by
reference.
[0009] A common method of making chlorine dioxide uses a
multi-chamber electrolysis cell that converts the chlorite salt
into chlorine dioxide. This method uses separately an anode
compartment and a cathode compartment that are separated by an ion
permeable membrane. The separate compartments operate with
significantly different reactants, and contain solutions with
different pH values. One example of a multi-compartment
electrolysis cell is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,510, issued
to Murakami et al. on Jun. 26, 1984, which teaches a process for
forming chlorine dioxide by electrolyzing a solution of sodium
chlorite in an electrolysis cell that contains an anode compartment
and a cathode compartment separated by a diaphragm, preferably a
cation exchange membrane. Another example of a two-chamber
electrolysis cell is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,658, issued
to Cawlfield, et al. on Oct. 27, 1992 which describes a continuous
electrochemical process and an electrolytic cell having an anode
chamber having a porous flow-through anode, a cathode chamber, and
a membrane there between.
[0010] While separate-compartment, membrane-containing electrolysis
cells have been used to make chlorine dioxide on a commercial
scale, they have not been completely satisfactory. Even though they
may have convenience advantages over the conventional acid
catalysis production of chlorine dioxide, the electrochemical
approach has proven to be more expensive to produce large volumes
of chlorine dioxide. The electrolysis cells in commercial use, and
disclosed in the prior art that utilize ion permeable membranes or
diaphragms, require that the anolyte solution be substantially free
of divalent cations, such as magnesium and calcium, to avoid the
formation of precipitated calcium or magnesium salts that would
quickly block and cover the membrane, and significantly reduce or
stop the electrolysis reaction.
[0011] There remains a need for a simple, safe method and apparatus
for manufacturing chlorine dioxide to meet a wide variety of
commercial and domestic uses, under a wide variety of situations.
This need was substantially met via the filing of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/947,846, filed on 06 Sep. 2001, directed to
an Electrolysis Cell for Generating Chlorine Dioxide. Nevertheless,
there remains a significant need to identify electrolysis devices
and/or cells suitable for interface with common household
appliances. Such electrolysis devices and/or cells can be used to
disinfect water that is employed and/or dispensed by an appliance,
thereby reducing the need for upstream and/or downstream water
purification and/or sanitization devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to apparatuses for making
halogen dioxide from an aqueous solution comprising a halogen
dioxide salt, using a non-membrane electrolysis cell, in an
appliance. A non-membrane electrolysis cell is an electrolysis cell
that comprises an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and
having a cell chamber, and which does not have an ion permeable
membrane that divides the cell passage into two (or more) distinct
anode and cathode chambers. The halogen dioxide salt is converted
to the halogen dioxide as electricity passes through the aqueous
feed solution in a passage that forms a portion of the cell chamber
adjacent to the surface of the anode.
[0013] In present invention further relates to electrolysis
apparatuses and/or cells suitable for interface with an appliance.
The interface of the electrolytic apparatuses and/or cells
disclosed herein with an appliance serves to disinfect and/or
sterilize one or more parts of said appliance, the contents of said
appliance, and/or water delivered to and/or from said appliance.
For purposes of the present disclosure, an appliance is defined as
a device designed for home use, comprising a source of electrical
or other power necessary for executing the defined functions of the
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The various advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to skilled artisans after studying the following
specification and by reference to the drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an electrolysis cell used in the practice of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the electrolysis cell of
FIG. 1 though line 2-2.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an alternative electrolysis
cell used in the practice of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another electrolysis cell
having a porous anode.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of yet another electrolysis cell
having a porous anode.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another electrolysis cell
having a porous anode and a porous flow barrier.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of yet another electrolysis cell
having a porous anode and a porous flow barrier.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of still another electrolysis
cell having a porous anode and a porous flow barrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention employs an electrical current passing
through an aqueous feed solution between an anode and a cathode to
convert the halogen dioxide salt precursor dissolved within the
solution into a halogen dioxide. When an aqueous solution flows
through the chamber of the electrolysis cell, and electrical
current is passed between the anode and the cathode, several
chemical reactions occur that involve the water, as well as one or
more of the other salts or ions contained in the aqueous
solution.
[0024] At the anode, within a narrow layer of the aqueous solution
in the passage adjacent to the anode surface, the following
reaction occurs:
6H.sub.2OO.sub.2(g)+4H.sub.3O.sup.++4e.sup.-.
[0025] Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed
that the anode electrode withdraws electrons from the water
adjacent to the anode, which results in the formation of
H.sub.3O.sup.+ species in the narrow surface layer of aqueous feed
solution. The H.sub.3O.sup.+ species react with the chlorine
dioxide salt, for example, sodium chlorite, to generate chlorine
dioxide in the aqueous solution within the passage at the anode
surface region. This surface layer is believed to be about 100
nanometers in thickness. Flow dynamics, which include the movement
of molecules in a flowing solution by turbulence, predict that the
conversion of chlorite salts to chlorine dioxide will increase as
the solution flow path nears the anode surface layer. Consequently,
electrolysis cells and electrolysis systems of the present
invention preferably maximize the flow of the aqueous feed solution
through this surface layer adjacent the anode, in order to maximize
the conversion of chlorite to chlorine dioxide.
[0026] Although the present invention relates to halogen dioxide
product and can include iodine dioxide, bromine dioxide and
fluorine dioxide, the more common and most preferred product is
chlorine dioxide.
[0027] The precursor material from which the halogen dioxide is
formed is referred to as a halogen dioxide salt. The more common
and most preferred halogen dioxide salt is the corresponding halite
salt of the general formula MXO.sub.2, wherein M is selected from
alkali and alkali-metal earth metal, and is more commonly selected
from sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, and is most
preferably sodium; and wherein X is halogen and is selected from
Cl, Br, I and F, and is preferably Cl. The halogen dioxide salt can
comprise two or more salts in various mixtures.
[0028] The aqueous feed solution comprises the halogen dioxide
salt, which for simplicity will be exemplified herein after by the
most preferred halite salt, sodium chlorite. Sodium chlorite is not
a salt ordinarily found in tap water, well water, and other water
sources. Consequently, an amount of the sodium chlorite salt is
added into the aqueous feed solution at a desired concentration
generally of at least 0.1 ppm.
[0029] The level of chlorite salt comprised in the aqueous feed
solution can be selected based on the required bleaching or
disinfection required by the chlorine dioxide, in addition to the
conversion efficiency of the electrolysis cell to convert the
sodium chlorite to the product chloride dioxide. The level of
sodium chlorite is generally from about 1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm.
For disinfection of a water source, a sodium chlorite level is
preferably from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm, and more preferably
about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm. The resulting halogen dioxide
product level is from about 0.1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, preferably
from about 1 ppm to about 200 ppm. For bleaching purposes, a sodium
chlorite level of from about 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm is
preferred.
[0030] The range of chlorine dioxide conversion that is achievable
in the electrolysis cells of the present invention generally ranges
from less than about 1% to about 99%. The level of conversion is
dependent most significantly on the design of the electrolysis
cell, herein after described, as well as on the electrical current
properties used in the electrolysis cell.
[0031] The aqueous feed solution can comprise de-ionized water, and
substantially no chloride (Cl.sup.-) or other halide ions, which
upon electrolysis can form chlorine or a mixed oxidant, including
hypochlorite. Preferably, aqueous effluent comprises less than
about 1.0 ppm, and more preferably less than 0.1 ppm, of
chlorine.
[0032] The aqueous feed solution can optionally comprise one or
more other salts in addition to the sodium chlorite. These optional
salts can be used to enhance the disinfection and bleaching
performance of the effluent that is discharged from the
electrolysis cell, or to provide other mixed oxidants in response
to the passing of electrical current through the electrolysis cell.
A preferred other salt is an alkali halide, that is most preferably
a sodium chloride. A preferred apparatus and method for
electrolyzing aqueous solutions comprising alkali halides is
disclosed in co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S. provisional patent
application 60/280,913 (Docket 8492P), filed on Apr. 2, 2001.
[0033] The aqueous feed solution comprising the sodium chlorite can
be provided in a variety of ways. A solid, preferably powdered,
form of the sodium chlorite can be mixed into an aqueous solution
to form a dissolved solution, which can be used as-is as the
aqueous feed solution or, if in a concentrated solution can be
subsequently diluted with water. Preferably, a concentrated
solution of about 2% to about 35% sodium chlorite can be used.
[0034] The present invention can optionally use a local source of
halogen dioxide salt, and a means for delivering the halogen
dioxide salt to the aqueous feed solution. This embodiment is
advantageously used in those situations when the target water to be
treated with the electrolysis cell does not contain a sufficient
amount, or any, of the halogen dioxide salt. The local source of
halogen dioxide salt can be released into a stream of the aqueous
solution, which then passes through the electrolysis cell. The
local source of halogen dioxide salt can also be released into a
portion of a reservoir of aqueous solution, which portion is then
drawn into the electrolysis cell. Preferably, all the local source
of halogen dioxide salt passes through the electrolysis cell, to
maximize the conversion to halogen dioxide, and to limit the
addition of salts to the reservoir generally. The local source of
halogen dioxide salt can also supplement any residual levels of
halogen dioxide salt already contained in the aqueous solution.
[0035] The local source of halogen dioxide salt can be a
concentrated brine solution, a salt tablet in fluid contact with
the reservoir of electrolytic solution, or both. A preferred local
source of halogen dioxide salt is a solid or powdered material. The
means for delivering the local source of halogen dioxide salt can
comprise a salt chamber comprising the halogen dioxide salt,
preferably a pill or tablet, through which a portion of the aqueous
solution passes, thereby dissolving a portion of the halogen
dioxide salt to form the aqueous feed solution. The salt chamber
can comprise a salt void formed in the body of the device that
holds the electrolysis cell, which is positioned in fluid
communication with the portion of aqueous solution that will pass
through the electrolysis cell.
[0036] In certain circumstances, a preferred halogen dioxide salt
has a reduced solubility in water, compared to sodium chlorite, to
control the rate of dissolution of the halogen dioxide salt.
Examples of preferred halogen dioxide salts are the less soluble
calcium chlorite and magnesium chlorite salts. A pill or tablet can
also be formulated with other organic and inorganic materials to
control the rate of dissolution of the halogen dioxide salt.
Preferred is a slow dissolving salt tablet, to release sufficient
halogen dioxide salt to form an effective amount of halogen dioxide
product. The release amount of the halogen dioxide salt is
typically, between 1 milligram to 10 grams halogen dioxide salt,
for each liter of solution passed through the electrolysis cell.
The halide pill can be a simple admixture of the halogen dioxide
salt with the dissolution control materials, which can be selected
from various well-known encapsulating materials, including but not
limited to fatty alcohol, fatty acids, and waxes.
[0037] Any water source can be used to form the aqueous feed
solution, including well water, tap water, softened water, and
industrial process water, and waste waters. However, for many
applications of the invention, distilled or de-ionized water is
most preferred to form an effluent solution with essentially only
chlorine dioxide active. Since distilled and de-ionized water do
not contain any of a variety of other salts, including sodium
chloride, appreciable amounts of other mixed oxidants will not be
formed. Even in those situations where one prefers to include other
salts, including sodium chloride, in solution with the sodium
chlorite, de-ionized water is more preferred, as it allows for
better control of the types and amounts of the salts being passed
through the electrolysis cell.
[0038] The addition of other salts or electrolytes into the
selected water source will increase the conductivity of the water,
which will increase the amount of chlorine dioxide, and any mixed
oxidants, produced. However, the increase in conductivity may not
result in a higher productivity efficiency, since the increase in
conductivity will increase the current draw. Therefore, while more
chlorine dioxide will be produced, more power will be drawn. A
suitable chlorine dioxide productivity equation is expressed by
equation I,
.eta.=(CClO.sub.2Q)/(I*V) (I)
[0039] wherein:
[0040] .eta. units are micrograms of chlorine dioxide per minute,
per watt of power used;
[0041] CClO.sub.2 is the concentration of the generated chlorine
dioxide in milligrams per liter (mg/l);
[0042] I is the electric current in amps;
[0043] Q is the volumetric flow rate in milliliters per minute
(ml/m); and
[0044] V is electric potential across the cell in volts.
[0045] The pH of the aqueous feed solution containing the halogen
dioxide salt is preferably above about 3, and more preferably above
about 5. If the pH of the aqueous feed solution is too low, the
sodium chlorite, for example, can begin to react with the hydronium
ions in the feed solution and convert to chlorine dioxide, even
before entering the electrolysis cell. The aqueous feed solution is
preferably maintained at a pH of less than 10, and more preferably
at a pH of less than 8. Most preferably, the pH of the feed
solution is between about 6 and 8.
[0046] The present invention is particularly well suited for the
preparation of aqueous effluents containing chlorine dioxide when
the aqueous feed solution is a water source that contains calcium
and other divalent salts that can precipitate salts as a by-product
of the water electrolysis. Because the present electrolysis cell
does not have an ion permeable membrane separating the cell into
separate anode and cathode chambers, there is reduced risk that the
precipitation of calcium or other divalent salt will inhibit or
stop the electrical current flow and the conversion of halite to
halogen dioxide.
[0047] The aqueous feed solution containing the sodium chlorite can
be fed to the electrolysis cell from a batch storage container.
Alternatively, the feed solution can be prepared continuously by
admixing a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chlorite with a
second water source, and passing continuously the admixture to the
electrolysis cell. Optionally, a portion of the aqueous feed
solution can comprise a recycled portion of the effluent from the
electrolysis cell. And, the aqueous feed solution can comprise a
combination of any of the forgoing sources. The aqueous feed
solution can flow continuously or periodically through the
electrolysis cell.
[0048] Electrolysis Cell
[0049] The electrolysis cell generates chlorine dioxide from the
sodium chlorite by flowing electrical current through the aqueous
feed solution that passes through the cell chamber. The
electrolysis cell comprises at least a pair of electrodes, an anode
and a cathode. The cell also comprises a cell chamber through which
the aqueous feed solution passes, and includes a passage that is
adjacent to the anode. The passage includes the narrow surface
layer adjacent to the anode surface where the conversion reaction
occurs. It is preferred to pass as much of the mass of the aqueous
effluent solution through the passage and its narrow anode surface
region as possible.
[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell
comprises an anode and a confronting (and preferably, co-extensive)
cathode that are separated by a cell chamber that has a shape
defined by the confronting surfaces of the pair of electrodes. The
cell chamber has a cell gap, which is the perpendicular distance
between the two confronting electrodes. Typically, the cell gap
will be substantially constant across the confronting surfaces of
the electrodes. The cell gap is preferably 0.5 mm or less, more
preferably 0.2 mm or less.
[0051] The electrolysis cell can also comprise two or more anodes,
or two or more cathodes. The anode and cathode plates are
alternated so that an anode is confronted by a cathode on each
face, with a cell chamber there between. Examples of electrolysis
cells that can comprise a plurality of anodes and cathodes are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,120, issued to Ando et al. on Jul.
9, 1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,754, issued to Eibl on Dec. 13,
1977, which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0052] Generally, the electrolysis cell will have one or more inlet
openings in fluid communication with each cell chamber, and one or
more outlet openings in fluid communication with the chambers. The
inlet opening is also in fluid communication with the source of
aqueous feed solution, such that the aqueous feed solution can flow
into the inlet, through the chamber, and from the outlet of the
electrolysis cell. The effluent solution (the electrolyzed aqueous
feed solution that exits from the electrolysis cell) comprises an
amount of chlorine dioxide that was converted within the cell
passage in response to the flow of electrical current through the
solution. The effluent solution can be used as a source of chlorine
dioxide, for example, for disinfecting or bleaching articles, or
for treating other volumes of water or aqueous solutions. The
effluent can itself be a treated solution, where the feed solution
contains microorganisms or some other oxidizable source material
that can be oxidized in situ by the chlorine dioxide that is
formed.
[0053] The present invention also provides a halogen dioxide
generating system, comprising:
[0054] a) a source of an aqueous feed solution comprising a halogen
dioxide salt;
[0055] b) a non-membrane electrolysis cell having a cell chamber,
and comprising an anode and a cathode, the cell chamber having a
passage adjacent to the anode, and an inlet and an outlet in fluid
communication with the cell chamber;
[0056] c) a means for passing the aqueous feed solution into the
cell chamber, along the passage, and out of the outlet; and
[0057] d) an electric current supply to flow a current through the
aqueous solution in the chamber, to convert a portion of the
halogen dioxide salt in the passage to halogen dioxide, and thereby
form an aqueous effluent comprising halogen dioxide.
[0058] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an embodiment of an electrolysis cell
10 of the present invention. The cell comprises an anode 21
electrode, and a cathode 22 electrode. The electrodes are held a
fixed distance away from one another by a pair of opposed
non-conductive electrode holders 30 having electrode spacers 31
that space apart the confronting longitudinal edges of the anode
and cathode to form a cell chamber 23 having a chamber gap. The
chamber 23 has a cell inlet 25 through which the aqueous feed
solution can pass into of the cell, and an opposed cell outlet 26
from which the effluent can pass out of the electrolysis cell. The
assembly of the anode and cathode, and the opposed plate holders
are held tightly together between a non-conductive anode cover 33
(shown partially cut away) and cathode cover 34, by a retaining
means (not shown) that can comprise non-conductive, water-proof
adhesive, bolts, or other means, thereby restricting exposure of
the two electrodes only to the electrolysis solution that flows
through the chamber 23. Anode lead 27 and cathode lead 28 extend
laterally and sealably through channels made in the electrode
holders 30.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows cell chamber 23 and the passage 24 along the
anode 21 surface. The passage 24 is a portion of the cell chamber
23, though it is shown with a boundary 29 only to illustrate its
adjacent to the anode 21, and not to show the relative proportion
or scale relative to the cell chamber.
[0060] Another embodiment of the electrolysis cell of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 3. This electrolysis cell has an anode
outlet 35. The anode outlet removes a portion of the electrolyzed
feed solution flowing in the passage 24 adjacent the anode 21 as an
anode effluent. The remainder of the cell effluent exits from the
cell outlet 26, which hereafter will also be referred to as the
cathode effluent and the cathode outlet, respectively. Similar
electrolysis cells that remove a portion of the electrolyzed
solution flowing adjacent the anode through an anode outlet are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,740, issued to Baker et al. on May
31, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,120 issued to Ando et al. on Jul. 9,
1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,201, issued to Otsuka et al. on Jan.
12, 1999. Particularly preferred is an electrolysis cell as shown
in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,208 that uses a physical barrier
(element 16) positioned between the anode and the cathode adjacent
the outlet, whereby mixing of the solution adjacent the anode with
the solution adjacent the cathode can be minimized or eliminated
prior to removal through the anode outlet. Preferably, the cathode
effluent, which will comprise a low level or no chlorine dioxide
product, is passed back to and mixed into the aqueous feed
solution.
[0061] An electrode can generally have any shape that can
effectively conduct electricity through the aqueous feed solution
between itself and another electrode, and can include, but is not
limited to, a planar electrode, an annular electrode, a spring-type
electrode, and a porous electrode. The anode and cathode electrodes
can be shaped and positioned to provide a substantially uniform gap
between a cathode and an anode electrode pair, as shown in FIG. 2.
On the other hand, the anode and the cathode can have different
shapes, different dimensions, and can be positioned apart from one
another non-uniformly. The important relationship between the anode
and the cathode is for a sufficient flow of current through the
anode at an appropriate voltage to promote the conversion of the
halite salt to halogen dioxide within the cell passage adjacent the
anode.
[0062] Planar electrodes, such as shown in FIG. 2, have a length
along the flow path of the solution, and a width oriented
transverse to the flow path. The aspect ratio of planar electrodes,
defined by the ratio of the length to the width, is generally
between 0.2 and 10, more preferably between 0.1 and 6, and most
preferably between 2 and 4.
[0063] The electrodes, both the anode and the cathode, are commonly
metallic, conductive materials, though non-metallic conducting
materials, such as carbon, can also be used. The materials of the
anode and the cathode can be the same, but can advantageously be
different. To minimize corrosion, chemical resistant metals are
preferably used. Examples of suitable electrodes are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,632,498 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,771,385. Preferred
anode metals are stainless steel, platinum, palladium, iridium,
ruthenium, as well as iron, nickel and chromium, and alloys and
metal oxides thereof. More preferred are electrodes made of a valve
metal such as titanium, tantalum, aluminum, zirconium, tungsten or
alloys thereof, which are coated or layered with a Group VIII metal
that is preferably selected from platinum, iridium, and ruthenium,
and oxides and alloys thereof. One preferred anode is made of
titanium core and coated with, or layered with, ruthenium,
ruthenium oxide, iridium, iridium oxide, and mixtures thereof,
having a thickness of at least 0.1 micron, preferably at least 0.3
micron.
[0064] For many applications, a metal foil having a thickness of
about 0.03 mm to about 0.3 mm can be used. Foil electrodes should
be made stable in the cell so that they do not warp or flex in
response to the flow of liquids through the passage that can
interfere with proper electrolysis operation. The use of foil
electrodes is particularly advantageous when the cost of the device
must be minimized, or when the lifespan of the electrolysis device
is expected or intended to be short, generally about one year or
less. Foil electrodes can be made of any of the metals described
above, and are preferably attached as a laminate to a less
expensive electrically-conductive base metal, such as tantalum,
stainless steel, and others.
[0065] A particularly preferred anode electrode of the present
inventions is a porous, or flow-through anode. The porous anode has
a large surface area and large pore volume sufficient to pass there
through a large volume of aqueous feed solution. The plurality of
pores and flow channels in the porous anode provide a greatly
increased surface area providing a plurality of passages, through
which the aqueous feed solution can pass. Porous media useful in
the present invention are commercially available from Astro Met
Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, Porvair Inc. in Henderson, N.C., or Mott
Metallurgical in Farmington, Conn. Alternately U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,447,774 and 5,937,641 give suitable examples of porous media
processing. Preferably, the porous anode has a ratio of surface
area (in square centimeters) to total volume (in cubic centimeters)
of more than about 5 cm.sup.-1, more preferably of more than about
10 cm.sup.-1, even more preferably more than about 50 cm.sup.-1 and
most preferably of more than about 200 cm.sup.-1. Preferably the
porous anode has a porosity of at least about 10%, more preferably
of about 30% to about 98%, and most preferably of about 40% to
about 70%. Preferably, the porous anode has a combination of high
surface area and electrical conductivity across the entire volume
of the anode, to optimize the solution flow rate through the anode,
and the conversion of chlorite salt contained in the solution to
the chlorine dioxide product.
[0066] The flow path of the aqueous feed solution through the
porous anode should be sufficient, in terms of the exposure time of
the solution to the surface of the anode, to convert the chlorite
salt to the chlorine dioxide. The flow path can be selected to pass
the feed solution in parallel with the flow of electricity through
the anode (in either the same direction or in the opposite
direction to the flow of electricity), or in a cross direction with
the flow of electricity. The porous anode permits a larger portion
of the aqueous feed solution to pass through the passages adjacent
to the anode surface, thereby increasing the proportion of the
halogen dioxide salt that can be converted to the halogen dioxide
product.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows an electrolysis cell comprising a porous anode
21. The porous anode has a multiplicity of capillary-like flow
passages 24 through which the aqueous feed solution can pass
adjacent to the anode surfaces within the porous electrode. In the
electrolysis cell of FIG. 4, the aqueous feed solution flows in a
parallel direction to the flow of electricity between the anode and
the cathode.
[0068] Another embodiment of an electrolysis cell having a porous
anode is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the flow of aqueous
feed solution is in a cross direction to the flow of electricity
between the anode and the cathode. Because the flow passages
through the porous anode are generally small (less than 0.2 mm),
the flow of a unit of solution through a porous anode will require
substantially more pressure that the same quantity flowing through
an open cell chamber. Consequently, if aqueous feed solution is
introduced into an electrolysis cell having a porous anode and an
open chamber, generally the amount of solution flowing through the
porous anode and across its surfaces will be significantly
diminished, since the solution will flow preferentially through the
open cell chamber.
[0069] To address the above problem where the aqueous feed solution
can by-pass the porous anode, the cell chamber is preferably
provided, as shown in FIG. 6, with a non-conducting, porous flow
barrier 40, within the volume of the cell chamber 24 between the
cathode 22 and the porous anode 21. The porous barrier 40 is
non-conducting, to prevent electricity from short-circuiting
between the anode and the cathode via the chamber material. The
porous barrier exerts a solution pressure drop as the aqueous feed
solution flows through the cell chamber. The porous barrier should
not absorb or retain water, and should not react with the aqueous
solution and chemical ingredients therein, including the halogen
dioxide products. The porous barrier 40 can be made of a
non-conducting material selected from, but not limited to, plastics
such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyolefin, glass or other
siliceous material, and silicon. The porous barrier can comprise a
plurality of spheres, ovals, and other shaped objects of the same
size or of different sizes, that can be packed loosely, or as a
unified matrix of articles, into the chamber. FIG. 6 shows the
porous barrier 40 as a matrix of spherical objects of varying
diameters. The porous barrier 40 can also be a one or more baffles,
which substantially restrict the flow of the solution through the
cell chamber 24. As shown in FIG. 7, such baffles can comprise a
series of vertical barriers having apertures therein for
restricting the flow of solution. The restricted flow of aqueous
feed solution through the non-conducting, porous barrier
significantly reduces the proportion of aqueous feed solution that
can pass through cell chamber, thereby increasing the proportion of
halogen dioxide salt that is converted in the passages 23 within
the porous anode 21.
[0070] While the solution flowing through the porous anode and the
cell chamber 24 containing the porous barrier 40 can mix and flow
back and forth somewhat between each other, the effluents exiting
from the different areas of the outlet end 26 of the cell have
substantially different solution compositions. The effluent 38
exiting the porous anode will have a significantly lower pH and
higher conversion of halogen dioxide product than the effluent 39
exiting the cell chamber adjacent to the cathode. The effluent 38
exiting the porous anode can be separated from the effluent 39 and
removed from the cell by placing a barrier 37 as shown in FIG.
8.
[0071] Another embodiment of the present invention uses an
electrolysis cell that has an open chamber. The open-chamber
electrolysis cell is particularly useful in the practice of the
invention in reservoirs of aqueous feed solution, including pools,
bath tubs, spas, tanks, and other open bodies of water. The aqueous
feed solution can flow into the cell and to the anode from various
directions. The halogen dioxide salt in the aqueous feed solution
can be contained in the reservoir solution, or can be delivered
into the reservoir solution locally as a local source of halogen
dioxide salt, as herein before described. Examples of open-chamber
electrolysis cells include those described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,337,136 (Dahlgren), U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,417 (Judd), U.S. Pat. No.
5,059,296 (Sherman), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,753 (Sherman).
[0072] An alternative system for generating halogen dioxide
comprises a batch container containing the aqueous feed solution. A
re-circulating pump circulates the feed solution from the container
through an electrolysis cell, and discharges the effluent back to
the batch container. In time, the concentration of the un-reacted
chlorite salt in the solution will be reduced to essentially zero,
whereby the charged amount of sodium chlorite in the aqueous feed
solution will have been nearly completely converted to chlorine
dioxide product. In a slightly different system, the electrolysis
cell can be positioned within the batch container, submerged within
the aqueous solution comprising the sodium chlorite. A pump or
mixer within the container forces the solution through the
electrolysis cell, and re-circulates the solution until the target
conversion of sodium chlorite to chlorine dioxide is achieved.
[0073] The electrolysis cell can also comprise a batch-type cell
that electrolyses a volume of the aqueous feed solution. The
batch-type cell comprises a batch chamber having a pair of
electrodes. The batch chamber is filled with aqueous feed solution
comprising the sodium chlorite salt, which is then electrolyzed to
form a batch of effluent solution containing chlorine dioxide. The
electrodes preferably comprise an outer annular anode and a
concentric inner cathode. An example of a suitable batch cell, for
use with a sodium chlorite salt supply in accordance with the
present invention, is disclosed in WO 00/71783-A1, published Nov.
30, 2000, incorporated herein by reference.
[0074] Electrical Current Supply
[0075] An electrical current supply provides a flow of electrical
current between the electrodes and across the passage of aqueous
feed solution passing across the anode. For many applications, the
preferred electrical current supply is a rectifier of household (or
industrial) current that converts common 100-230 volt AC current to
DC current.
[0076] For applications involving portable or small, personal use
systems, a preferred electrical current supply is a battery or set
of batteries, preferably selected from an alkaline, lithium, silver
oxide, manganese oxide, or carbon zinc battery. The batteries can
have a nominal voltage potential of 1.5 volts, 3 volts, 4.5 volts,
6 volts, or any other voltage that meets the power requirements of
the electrolysis device. Most preferred are common-type batteries
such as "AA" size, "AAA" size, "C" size, and "D" size batteries
having a voltage potential of 1.5 V. Two or more batteries can be
wired in series (to add their voltage potentials) or in parallel
(to add their current capacities), or both (to increase both the
potential and the current). Re-chargeable batteries and mechanical
wound-spring devices can also be advantageously employed.
[0077] Another alternative is a solar cell that can convert (and
store) solar power into electrical power. Solar-powered
photovoltaic panels can be used advantageously when the power
requirements of the electrolysis cell draws currents below 2000
milliamps across voltage potentials between 1.5 and 9 volts.
[0078] In one embodiment, the electrolysis cell can comprise a
single pair of electrodes having the anode connected to the
positive lead and the cathode connected to the negative lead of the
battery or batteries. A series of two or more electrodes, or two or
more cells (each a pair of electrodes) can be wired to the
electrical current source. Arranging the cells in parallel, by
connecting each cell anode to the positive terminal(s) and each
cell cathode to the negative terminal(s), provides the same
electrical potential (voltage) across each cell, and divides
(evenly or unevenly) the total current between the two or more
electrode pairs. Arranging two cells (for example) in series, by
connecting the first cell anode to the positive terminal, the first
cell cathode to the second cell anode, and the second cell cathode
to the negative terminal, provides the same electrical current
across each cell, and divides the total voltage potential (evenly
or unevenly) between the two cells.
[0079] The electrical current supply can further comprise a circuit
for periodically reversing the output polarity of the battery or
batteries in order to maintain a high level of electrical efficacy
over time. The polarity reversal minimizes or prevents the deposit
of scale and the plating of any charged chemical species onto the
electrode surfaces. Polarity reversal functions particularly well
when using confronting anode and cathode electrodes.
[0080] Chlorine Dioxide Effluent
[0081] The discharged effluent containing the converted chlorine
dioxide is removed from the electrolysis cell and is used, for
example, as an aqueous disinfection or an aqueous bleaching
solution. The effluent can be used as-made by direct delivery to an
oxidizable source that is oxidized by the chlorine dioxide. The
oxidizable source can be a second source of water or other aqueous
solution comprising microorganisms are destroyed when mixed or
contacted with the effluent solution. Microorganisms contained
within the aqueous feed solution would also be destroyed. The
oxidizable source can also be an article or object on which
oxidizable material is affixed or positioned, such as a kitchen or
bathroom surface, including utensils, flatware, plates, sinks,
countertops, and the tub and shower areas, appliance surfaces, as
well as stains on clothing.
[0082] The concentrated effluent containing a high concentration of
chlorine dioxide can be achieved and maintained by holding the
effluent at temperatures below about 5 degrees centigrade, and/or
reducing or eliminating sunlight. The effluent can be stored in
glass-lined and chemically-resistant plastic surfaced
containers.
[0083] When chlorine dioxide oxidizes an oxidizable material, such
as a microorganism or a bleachable stain, the chlorine dioxide
releases one of its electron pair and, in the presence of sodium
ions, reverts back to sodium chlorite. Because the method and
apparatus of the present invention can convert chlorite into
chlorine dioxide in simple, non-membrane electrolysis cells, a
preferred system for forming chlorine dioxide from an aqueous
solution comprises a means for returning the reverted chlorite
salts back to the aqueous feed solution, for subsequent
re-conversion to chlorine dioxide.
[0084] The method of making halogen dioxide, according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps
of:
[0085] (1) providing an aqueous supply solution comprising halogen
dioxide salt;
[0086] (2) passing a portion of the aqueous supply solution a
chamber of an electrolysis cell, preferably a non-membrane
electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode, and along a
passage adjacent to the anode; and
[0087] (3) flowing an electrical current between the anode and the
cathode, thereby electrolyzing the aqueous feed solution in the
passage, whereby a portion of the halogen dioxide salt is converted
to halogen dioxide, and forming an aqueous effluent comprising
halogen dioxide;
[0088] (4) oxidizing an oxidizable material with the converted
halogen dioxide in the aqueous effluent, whereby the halogen
dioxide reverts back to a halogen dioxide salt; and
[0089] (5) returning the used effluent solution comprising the
reverted halogen dioxide salt back to the aqueous supply
solution.
[0090] The oxidizable material can be contacted with the aqueous
effluent containing the halogen dioxide in various ways, such as by
pouring or spraying the aqueous effluent onto an oxidizable
material or an object having an oxidizable material, or by emerging
the material or object into the aqueous effluent. The used effluent
solution comprising the reverted halogen dioxide salt can be passed
through a filter or other type of separator to remove insoluble or
particulate matter, before being returned to be used as, or mixed
with, the aqueous feed solution.
[0091] A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises
halogen dioxide generating and re-cycling system, comprising:
[0092] a) a source of an aqueous feed solution comprising a halogen
dioxide salt;
[0093] b) a non-membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anode and
a cathode, and having a cell chamber with an inlet and an
outlet;
[0094] c) a means for passing the aqueous feed solution into the
chamber and along a passage adjacent to the anode, and out of the
outlet;
[0095] d) an electric current supply to flow a current through the
aqueous solution between the anode and the cathode, to convert a
portion of the halogen dioxide salt in the passage to halogen
dioxide, and thereby form an aqueous effluent comprising halogen
dioxide;
[0096] e) a means for delivering the aqueous effluent into contact
with a halogen dioxide depletion target, whereby a portion of the
halogen dioxide in the aqueous effluent oxidizes the depletion
target and reverts back to a halogen dioxide salt; and
[0097] f) a means for returning the depleted effluent comprising
the reverted halogen dioxide salt back to the source.
[0098] The means for passing the aqueous feed solution (herein
after, "feed means") into the cell can be a pump, or an arrangement
where gravity or pressure forces aqueous feed solution from a
storage container into the cell. The means for delivering the
aqueous effluent into contact with the halogen depletion target can
be the feed means, or can be a separate pump or gravity/[pressure
arrangement.
[0099] The system can also comprise a re-circulation line through
which a portion of the effluent solution is returned back to the
inlet of the electrolysis cell. As herein before described,
re-circulating the effluent back to the cell increases the total
conversion of the halogen dioxide salt to the halogen dioxide
product.
[0100] The means for returning the depleted effluent can be a
collection tank with a means, such as any of the feed means, for
recycling the depleted effluent back to the source.
[0101] Specific Embodiments
[0102] In one aspect of the present invention, the electrolytic
devices and/or cells disclosed herein are interfaced with an
appliance. Suitable appliances for use in conjunction with the
present electrolytic devices and/or cells include, but are not
limited to: refrigerators, water chillers, water fountains, soda
fountains, oral irrigators, water purifiers, water coolers, washing
machines, dishwashing machines, coffee makers, faucets and
combinations thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, the
devices and/or electrolytic cells disclosed herein are incorporated
into and/or interfaced with a refrigerator, in which case the water
inlet line connected to said refrigerator is disconnected and
instead connected to the inlet an electrolysis device and/or cell
described herein. In this aspect of the present invention, the
subject electrolytic device may employ an independent source of
power (see "Electrical Current Supply" section of present
disclosure), or alternatively, may be configured to use the
electrical current supply of the refrigerator to which it is
connected. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
there exist several means by which to connect the electrolysis
devices disclosed herein to the power supply of a subject
appliance, and specifically a refrigerator. Upon connecting the
water inlet line to the inlet of the electrolysis device, an outlet
line is connected from the outlet of the subject electrolysis
device to the vacant inlet of the subject refrigerator. The subject
electrolysis device and/or cell may then be operated to electrolyze
the water traveling through the water inlet line and into the
subject appliance. The above-described configuration will function
to eradicate microorganisms present in the water line of the
subject refrigerator. The term "water inlet line" is intended to
refer to a water line that extends from a main water source in a
home or dwelling and is connected to an appliance that uses
water.
[0103] In one aspect, the concentration of mixed oxidants suitable
for use in the context of a refrigerator is from about 0.01 ppm to
about 2 ppm, preferably from about 0.1 ppm to about 1.5 ppm, more
preferably from about 0.1 ppm to about 1.0 ppm. Without wishing to
be bound by theory, it is believed that the aforementioned levels
of mixed oxidants are below the taste threshold for human
consumers, and thus, undetectable upon consumption of water and/or
ice produced from the subject refrigerator.
[0104] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the
electrolysis devices and/or cells disclosed herein are interfaced
with an appliance, and particularly a refrigerator, via placement
of the electrolysis device and/or cell at a point along the water
line of the subject appliance, and particularly a refrigerator,
between the inlet of said appliance and a water dispensing device
of said appliance, and particularly a refrigerator. In yet another
aspect of the present invention, the electrolysis devices and/or
cells described herein are interfaced with a subject appliance, and
particularly a refrigerator, via placement of the subject
electrolytic device and/or cell at a point along the water line of
the subject appliance, and particularly a refrigerator, between the
inlet of the subject appliance and an ice-making and/or dispensing
device of said appliance.
[0105] In one aspect of the present invention, the electrolysis
device and/or cell interfaced with an appliance is physically
located in the subject appliance. In another aspect of the present
invention, the electrolysis device and/or cell interfaced with the
subject appliance is physically located outside the body of the
subject appliance. In yet another aspect of the present invention,
the electrolytic devices and/or cells disclosed herein are
interfaced with a refrigerator, in which case said electrolytic
devices and/or cells are refrigerated. In another aspect of the
present invention, the electrolytic devices and/or cells described
herein are interfaced with a refrigerator via placement of the
electrolysis device and/or cell in the refrigerator, yet the
subject electrolytic device is not refrigerated.
[0106] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the
electrolysis devices and/or cells interfaced with an appliance as
described herein further comprise a sensor device or similar means
for detecting, measuring and/or displaying the level of mixed
oxidants generated by the subject electrolysis device and/or cell.
In one aspect, a sensor device is placed downstream from the
electrolysis device and/or cell. In another aspect of the present
invention, the sensor device further comprises a means for
controlling the generation of mixed oxidants by the subject
electrolysis device and/or cell. In yet another aspect of the
present invention, the sensor device comprises a means for
increasing and/or decreasing the level of mixed oxidants produced
by the interfaced electrolysis device and/or cell. In another
aspect of the present invention, the sensor device or similar means
comprises a means of controlling the generation of mixed oxidants.
Suitable means for controlling the generation of mixed oxidants by
the subject electrolysis device and/or cell, include but are not
limited to: standard filters, carbon filters and combinations
thereof.
[0107] It should be noted and underscored that the above recitation
of specific embodiments is in no way intended to limit the scope of
the present invention. To reiterate, the electrolysis devices
and/or cells of the present invention are suitable for
incorporation into, and interface with, a variety of appliances.
The particular configuration of any such appliance will depend upon
several factors, including but not limited to: the nature of the
appliance in which incorporation of the present electrolysis
devices and/or cells is intended; the specific features and/or
power requirements of the subject electrolysis device and/or cell
for which incorporation is desired; and the needs and/or abilities
of the practitioner. Moreover, although the above disclosure is, in
part, directed to the interface of the present electrolytic devices
and/or cells with a refrigerator, the devices disclosed herein are
suitable for interface with a variety of household appliances. A
specific class of household appliances suitable for use in
conjunction with the electrolysis devices and/or cells disclosed
herein are those appliances associated with a water inlet and/or
outlet. Of course, the electrolysis devices and/or cells disclosed
herein are particularly effective for placement before and/or after
the water inlet of a subject appliance, and are highly effective in
eradicating microorganisms from water entering and/or exiting the
subject appliance. Other appliances comprising a water inlet and/or
water outlet, though not specifically recited herein, are suitable
for use in the context of the present invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Interface of Electrolytic Device and/or Cell with Household
Refrigerator
[0108] The refrigerator includes some form of water inlet whereas
the water may be dispensed for drinking via a water dispenser or
the water may be frozen for ice making in the freezer compartment.
The present electrolysis device and/or cell is placed in line with
the inlet water supply either before or after the water line is
connected to the refrigerator. The present electrolysis device
and/or cell, in or out of the refrigerator, has an inlet port to
which the water supply is connected to and an outlet port to which
is connected to the refrigerator before the ice maker and water
dispenser (see FIG. 1). The present electrolysis device and/or cell
may be placed before the water is chilled, where the water is
chilled or after the water is chilled. The present electrolysis
device and/or cell may be activated by the icemaker or the water
dispenser via an on-off valve. To avoid reducing the volume of
useable space for food storage in the refrigerator compartment, the
present electrolysis device and/or cell may not be put inside the
chilled area of the refrigerator compartment. The present
electrolysis device and/or cell may or may not require periodic
replacement depending on the making of the device. The present
electrolysis device and/or cell may be manually or automatically
activated to produce the desired antimicrobial concentration of
mixed oxidants. In the case where is in automatically activated, a
feedback sensor is placed at or after the outlet port of the
present electrolysis device and/or cell and the concentration of
the mixed oxidant is adjusted based on the outlet concentration.
The adjustment may take place via simple on-off activation, as in a
home heating system, or via active sensing and adjustment of the
overall power feeding into the present electrolysis device and/or
cell. The below diagram illustrates the above-described
configuration. 1
[0109] All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated
herein by reference. The citation of any document herein is not be
construed as an admission that the subject reference is prior art
with respect to any aspect of the present invention.
[0110] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *