U.S. patent application number 12/734398 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for combustion system,combustion method, fuel fluid, process for producing the fuel fluid, and apparatus for producing the fuel fluid.
Invention is credited to Yusho Arai.
Application Number | 20110008736 12/734398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40590997 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110008736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arai; Yusho |
January 13, 2011 |
COMBUSTION SYSTEM,COMBUSTION METHOD, FUEL FLUID, PROCESS FOR
PRODUCING THE FUEL FLUID, AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THE FUEL
FLUID
Abstract
A combustion system, a combustion method and a fuel fluid, which
can improve combustion efficiency of fuel while suppressing
consumption of the fuel when the fuel is combusted, are provided as
well as a method for producing the fuel fluid and an apparatus for
producing the fuel fluid are provided. A combustion system 100
includes an electrolyzed water producing section 110 which
electrolyzes water to produce electrolyzed water; a hydrogen mixing
section 120 which mixes the electrolyzed water, which is produced
in the electrolyzed water producing section 110 and in which
hydrogen is dissolved, and gaseous hydrogen generated in the
electrolyzed water producing section 110 with each other; a fuel
storage section 30 which stores fuel therein; a fuel mixing section
140 which mixes the electrolyzed water, which is produced in the
electrolyzed water producing section 110 and in which hydrogen is
dissolved, and the fuel stored in the fuel storage section with
each other; a mist forming section 150 which forms a mixed liquid
obtained in the fuel mixing section 140 into mist; and a combustion
section 160 which combusts the mist produced in the mist forming
section 150.
Inventors: |
Arai; Yusho; (Fuchu-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Family ID: |
40590997 |
Appl. No.: |
12/734398 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 28, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/069573 |
371 Date: |
September 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/8 ; 431/157;
44/436; 44/457; 44/639 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/4618 20130101;
B01F 5/0693 20130101; C10L 1/02 20130101; F02B 43/10 20130101; Y02E
60/36 20130101; C25B 1/04 20130101; Y02T 10/121 20130101; B01F
5/0057 20130101; F02M 25/0228 20130101; B01F 3/0807 20130101; Y02E
60/366 20130101; B01F 2005/0637 20130101; F23K 5/12 20130101; F02M
25/12 20130101; C02F 2201/4618 20130101; Y02T 10/32 20130101; B01F
5/0682 20130101; B01F 5/0451 20130101; B01F 5/0614 20130101; Y02T
10/30 20130101; Y02T 10/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/8 ; 431/157;
44/457; 44/436; 44/639 |
International
Class: |
F23L 7/00 20060101
F23L007/00; C10L 1/00 20060101 C10L001/00; C10L 1/18 20060101
C10L001/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 2007 |
JP |
2007-286812 |
Nov 26, 2007 |
JP |
2007-305132 |
Aug 7, 2008 |
JP |
2008-203828 |
Oct 13, 2008 |
JP |
2008-264707 |
Claims
1. A combustion system comprising: an electrolyzed water producing
section which electrolyzes water or an aqueous electrolytic
solution to produce electrolyzed water; a fuel storage section
which stores fuel therein; a fuel mixing section which mixes the
electrolyzed water, which is produced in the electrolyzed water
producing section and in which hydrogen is dissolved, and the fuel
stored in the fuel storage section with each other; and a
combustion section which combusts a mixed fluid obtained in the
fuel mixing section.
2. The combustion system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a mist forming section which forms the mixed liquid obtained in the
fuel mixing section into mist, wherein the mist formed in the mist
forming section is combusted in the combustion section.
3. The combustion system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a hydrogen mixing section which mixes the electrolyzed water, which
is produced in the electrolyzed water producing section and in
which hydrogen is dissolved, and gaseous hydrogen generated in the
electrolyzed water producing section with each other, before the
electrolyzed water and the fuel are mixed with each other in the
fuel mixing section.
4. A combustion system comprising a combustion section which
combusts a mixed fluid obtained by mixing electrolyzed water and
fuel with each other.
5. The combustion system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a fluid compressing section which compresses the mixed fluid before
the mixed fluid is supplied to the combustion section.
6. The combustion system according to claim 1, wherein: bubbles of
hydrogen or oxygen are contained in the mixed fluid.
7. The combustion system according to claim 1, wherein: the mixed
fluid is vaporized by combustion heat in the combustion section,
and the mixed fluid vaporized is used for combustion in the
combustion section.
8. The combustion system according to claim 1, wherein: the fuel
contains an oil fuel and alcohol.
9. A combustion method comprising steps of: (A) electrolyzing water
in an electrolyzed water producing section to produce electrolyzed
water; (B) mixing the electrolyzed water, which is produced in the
electrolyzed water producing section and in which hydrogen is
dissolved, and fuel stored in a fuel storage section with each
other; and (C) combusting a mixed fluid obtained at the step (B) in
a combustion section.
10. The combustion method according to claim 4, wherein: the mixed
fluid obtained at the step (B) is formed into mist before the step
(C), and the mixed fluid formed into mist is combusted at the step
(C).
11. The combustion method according to claim 3, further comprising
a step of: mixing the electrolyzed water, which is produced in the
electrolyzed water producing section and in which hydrogen is
dissolved, and gaseous hydrogen generated in the electrolyzed water
producing section with each other before the electrolyzed water and
the fuel are mixed with each other at the step (B).
12. A combustion method comprising a step of combusting a mixed
fluid obtained by mixing electrolyzed water and fuel with each
other in a combustion section.
13. The combustion method according to claim 9, further comprising
a step of: compressing the mixed fluid in a fluid compressing
section before the mixed fluid is supplied to the combustion
section.
14. The combustion method according to claim 9, wherein: hydrogen
or oxygen bubbles are contained in the mixed fluid.
15. The combustion method according to claim 9, wherein: the mixed
fluid is vaporized by combustion heat in the combustion section,
and the mixed fluid vaporized is used for combustion in the
combustion section.
16. (canceled)
17. A fuel fluid comprising a fuel composed of an organic compound,
and electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing water or an
aqueous electrolytic solution.
18. The fuel fluid according to claim 17, wherein: the electrolyzed
water is produced by an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water,
the apparatus for producing electrolyzed water comprising: an anode
chamber provided with an anode; a cathode chamber provided with a
cathode; a middle chamber containing an aqueous electrolytic
solution, provided between the anode chamber and the cathode
chamber; a first partitioning membrane, made of an anion exchange
membrane, for separating the anode chamber and the middle chamber
from each other; and a second partitioning membrane, made of a
cation exchange membrane, for separating the cathode chamber and
the middle chamber from each other.
19. The fuel fluid according to claim 18, wherein: the anode
chamber and the cathode chamber are communicated with each other in
the apparatus for producing electrolyzed water; and water can move
bidirectionally between the anode chamber and the cathode
chamber.
20. The fuel fluid according to claim 17, wherein: the electrolyzed
water comprises electrolyzed water produced on the cathode side and
electrolyzed water produced on the anode side.
21. The fuel fluid according to claim 17, wherein: the percentage
of the electrolyzed water in the fuel fluid is 70 percent by weight
or less.
22. The fuel fluid according to claim 17, wherein: the fuel
composed of an organic compound contains an oil fuel and
alcohol.
23. A method for producing a fuel fluid, including a step of mixing
a fuel composed of an organic compound, and electrolyzed water
obtained by electrolyzing water or an aqueous electrolytic solution
with each other.
24. An apparatus for producing a fuel fluid, including a mixing
section for mixing a fuel composed of an organic compound, and
electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing water or an aqueous
electrolytic solution with each other.
25. The combustion system according to claim 4, further comprising:
a fluid compressing section which compresses the mixed fluid before
the mixed fluid is supplied to the combustion section.
26. The combustion system according to claim 4, wherein: bubbles of
hydrogen or oxygen are contained in the mixed fluid.
27. The combustion system according to claim 4, wherein: the mixed
fluid is vaporized by combustion heat in the combustion section,
and the mixed fluid vaporized is used for combustion in the
combustion section.
28. The combustion system according to claim 4, wherein: the fuel
contains an oil fuel and alcohol.
29. The combustion method according to claim 12, further comprising
a step of: compressing the mixed fluid in a fluid compressing
section before the mixed fluid is supplied to the combustion
section.
30. The combustion method according to claim 12, wherein: hydrogen
or oxygen bubbles are contained in the mixed fluid.
31. The combustion method according to claim 12, wherein: the mixed
fluid is vaporized by combustion heat in the combustion section,
and the mixed fluid vaporized is used for combustion in the
combustion section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a combustion system, a
combustion method, a fuel fluid, a method for producing the fuel
fluid, and an apparatus for producing the fuel fluid.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] When petroleum is used as power source, oil is sprayed and
combusted to obtain the power source. A technique of mixing oil in
the form of emulsion with gaseous hydrogen and combusting the same
has been proposed (see Patent Literature 1.) [0005] Patent
Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 2005-77017
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
combustion system, a combustion method and a fuel fluid, which can
improve combustion efficiency of fuel while suppressing consumption
of the fuel, as well as a method for producing the fuel fluid and
an apparatus for producing the fuel fluid.
[0007] 1. Combustion System
[0008] A first combustion system according to a first aspect of the
present invention includes:
[0009] an electrolyzed water producing section for electrolyzing
water or an aqueous electrolytic solution to produce electrolyzed
water;
[0010] a fuel storage section for storing fuel;
[0011] a fuel mixing section for mixing the electrolyzed water in
which hydrogen generated in the electrolyzed water producing
section is dissolved with the fuel stored in the fuel storage
section; and
[0012] a combustion section for combusting a mixed fluid obtained
in the fuel mixing section.
[0013] In the case of dispersing fuel in water, conventionally,
addition of a surfactant is performed to achieve emulsification,
thereby obtaining an emulsified state, however, the present
inventor has found that it is possible to disperse fuel in water by
using electrolyzed water without adding a surfactant. The present
inventor has also found that, when electrolyzed water and fuel are
mixed with each other, combustion efficiency is improved as
compared with that in the case in which simple water and fuel are
mixed with each other. Therefore, the combustion system of the
first aspect of the present invention makes it possible to improve
the combustion efficiency while suppressing fuel consumption.
[0014] In addition, when fuel is mixed with electrolyzed water, the
amount of water vapor generated by combustion is increased as
compared with that in the case in which fuel is not mixed with
electrolyzed water. There is the advantage that, the more the
amount of water vapor is, the higher thermal conductivity becomes
in the case in which heat is transferred to a heat exchanger.
[0015] Further, there is the advantage that, through mixing
electrolyzed water, the temperature of flame produced by combustion
lowers, and the generation of far infrared radiation is increased
by the amount of reduction in the temperature of flame and the
effect of thermal conductivity becomes high. In the case of
heat-transferring gas generated by combustion, the effect of heat
transfer can be increased, and by an amount corresponding thereto,
the amount of fuel consumption can be reduced.
[0016] In the first aspect of the present invention, a mist forming
section for forming mixed liquid obtained in the fuel mixing
section into mist is included, where the mist produced in the mist
forming section can be combusted in the combustion section. The
combustion efficiency can be improved by mist formation.
[0017] The combustion system may include a hydrogen mixing section
for mixing the electrolyzed water, which is produced in the
electrolyzed water producing section and in which hydrogen is
dissolved, and gaseous hydrogen generated in the electrolyzed water
producing section with each other, before the electrolyzed water
and the fuel are mixed with each other in the fuel mixing
section.
[0018] This makes it possible to increase the percentage of content
of hydrogen included in the mist of the mixed liquid introduced in
the combustion section.
[0019] A second combustion system according to a second aspect of
the present invention includes a combustion section for combusting
a mixed fluid obtained by mixing electrolyzed water and fuel with
each other. Since the electrolyzed water is included in the mixed
fluid, this aspect of the present invention also makes it possible
to obtain an effect of operation similar to that in the first
combustion system.
[0020] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
the mixed fluid may be compressed before the mixed fluid is
supplied to the combustion section. This makes it possible to
further improve the combustion efficiency.
[0021] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
bubbles of hydrogen or oxygen may be included in the mixed fluid.
This makes it possible to further improve the combustion
efficiency.
[0022] In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
the mixed fluid may be vaporized by combustion heat in the
combustion section, and the mixed fluid vaporized may be used for
combustion in the combustion section. This makes it possible to
vaporize the mixed fluid without the need to further provide a
vaporizing section for the mixed fluid.
[0023] The fuel is more effective if it contains an oil fuel and
alcohol.
[0024] 2. Combustion Method
[0025] A first combustion method according to a third aspect of the
present invention includes steps of:
[0026] (A) electrolyzing water in an electrolyzed water producing
section to produce electrolyzed water;
[0027] (B) mixing the electrolyzed water, which is produced in the
electrolyzed water producing section and in which hydrogen is
dissolved, and fuel stored in the fuel storage section with each
other; and
[0028] (C) combusting a mixed fluid obtained at the step (B) in a
combustion section.
[0029] The third aspect of the present invention makes it possible
to improve combustion efficiency while suppressing fuel
consumption.
[0030] In addition, in the third aspect of the present invention,
the mixed fluid obtained at the step (B) maybe formed into mist
before the step (C) to combust the mixed fluid formed into mist.
This makes it possible to further improve the combustion
efficiency.
[0031] The third aspect of the present invention may include a step
of:
[0032] (E) mixing the electrolyzed water, which is produced in the
electrolyzed water producing section and in which hydrogen is
dissolved, and gaseous hydrogen generated in the electrolyzed water
producing section with each other, before mixing the electrolyzed
water and the fuel with each other at the step (B).
[0033] This makes it possible to increase the percentage of content
of hydrogen included in the mist of mixed liquid introduced in the
combustion section.
[0034] A second combustion method according to a fourth aspect of
the present invention includes a step of combusting a mixed fluid
obtained by mixing electrolyzed water and fuel with each other in a
combustion section. This makes it possible to obtain an effect of
operation similar to that in the first combustion method.
[0035] The second combustion method according to the third and
fourth aspects of the invention further includes a step of
compressing the mixed fluid in a fluid compressing section before
the mixed fluid is supplied to the combustion section.
[0036] In the third and fourth aspects of the present invention,
bubbles of hydrogen or oxygen may be included in the mixed fluid.
This makes it possible to further improve the combustion
efficiency.
[0037] In the third and fourth aspects of the present invention,
the mixed fluid may be vaporized by combustion heat in the
combustion section, and the mixed fluid vaporized may be used for
combustion in the combustion section. This makes it possible to
vaporize the mixed fluid without the need to further provide a
vaporizing section.
[0038] The fuel is more effective if it contains an oil fuel and
alcohol.
[0039] 3. Fuel Fluid
[0040] A fuel fluid according to a fifth aspect of the present
invention includes a fuel composed of an organic compound and
electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing water or an aqueous
electrolytic solution.
[0041] In the case of dispersing fuel in water, conventionally,
addition of a surfactant is performed to obtain an emulsified
state, however, the present inventor has found that it is possible
to disperse fuel in water by using electrolyzed water without
adding a surfactant. The present inventor has also found that, when
electrolyzed water and a fuel composed of an organic compound are
mixed with each other, combustion efficiency is improved as
compared with that in the case in which simple water and a fuel
composed of an organic compound are mixed with each other.
Therefore, the fifth aspect of the present invention makes it
possible to improve the combustion efficiency while suppressing
fuel consumption.
[0042] In addition, when fuel is mixed with electrolyzed water, the
amount of water vapor generated by combustion is increased as
compared with that in the case in which fuel is not mixed with
electrolyzed water. There is the advantage that, the more the
amount of water vapor is, the higher thermal conductivity becomes
in the case in which heat is transferred to a heat exchanger.
[0043] Further, there is the advantage that, through mixing
electrolyzed water, the temperature of flame produced by combustion
lowers, and the generation of far infrared radiation is increased
by the amount of reduction in the temperature of flame and the
effect of thermal conductivity becomes high. In the case of
heat-transferring gas generated by combustion, the effect of heat
transfer can be increased, and by an amount corresponding thereto,
the amount of fuel consumption can be reduced.
[0044] In the present invention,
[0045] the electrolyzed water is produced by an apparatus for
producing electrolyzed water, wherein
[0046] the apparatus for producing electrolyzed water may
include:
[0047] an anode chamber provided with an anode;
[0048] a cathode chamber provided with a cathode;
[0049] a middle chamber which contains an aqueous electrolytic
solution, provided between the anode chamber and the cathode
chamber;
[0050] a first partitioning membrane, made of an anion exchange
membrane, for separating the anode chamber and the middle chamber
from each other; and
[0051] a second partitioning membrane, made of a cation exchange
membrane, for separating the cathode chamber and the middle chamber
from each other.
[0052] The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water may be
configured such that the anode chamber and the cathode chamber are
communicated with each other so that water can move bidirectionally
between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. This makes it
possible to suppress buildup of scale to the cathode chamber, so
that continuous operation becomes possible.
[0053] The electrolyzed water may be electrolyzed water produced on
the cathode side or electrolyzed water produced on the anode
side.
[0054] The percentage of the electrolyzed water in the fuel fluid
may be 70% by weight or less.
[0055] The fuel composed of an organic compound may contain an oil
fuel and alcohol. Containing alcohol makes it possible to further
improve the combustion efficiency.
[0056] A method for producing a fuel fluid according to a sixth
aspect of the present invention includes a step of mixing a fuel
composed of an organic compound and electrolyzed water obtained by
electrolyzing water or an aqueous electrolytic solution with each
other.
[0057] An apparatus for producing a fuel fluid according to a
seventh aspect of the present invention includes a mixing section
for mixing a fuel composed of an organic compound and electrolyzed
water obtained by electrolyzing water or an aqueous electrolytic
solution with each other.
[0058] It is preferred that the mist forming section is of a
cyclonic system, in particular, it is preferred that, in a
cyclonic-system air purification apparatus including air sucking
and delivering means adapted to suck air that includes floating
substances and that is to be purified to deliver the same to a
cyclone, an introducing section for introducing the air delivered
from the air sucking and delivering means in the cyclone, and the
cyclone provided with an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, such
an arrangement is adopted that a mist spraying sections for
gas-liquid contact are disposed in the introducing section and an
upper portion of the cyclone, a spiral fin is fixed on the inner
cylinder, a clearance is provided between an outer periphery of the
spiral fin and an inner wall of the outer cylinder in order to
prevent them from contacting each other, a net-like structure for
generating air turbulence is provided near the air introducing
section in an upper portion of the cyclone, a liquid pool is
provided in a lower portion of the cyclone, the spiral fin is not
provided in an approximately upper half of the cyclone for a space
for gas-liquid contact, and the spiral fin is provided in an
approximately lower half of the cyclone for a space giving
centrifugal force to the floating substances put in gas-liquid
contact.
[0059] The fuel composed of an organic compound implies an oil fuel
(petroleum such as heating oil or gasoline, oil such as plant oil
or animal oil), alcohol or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a combustion
system according to a first embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a combustion
system according to a second embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a
cyclone-system spraying apparatus;
[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating another
cyclone-system spraying apparatus;
[0064] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams schematically illustrating
upper cross-sections of other cyclone-system spraying
apparatuses;
[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for vaporizing a
mixed fuel;
[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an electrolysis
apparatus;
[0067] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an apparatus
for producing electrolyzed water;
[0068] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining communication holes;
[0069] FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram of an anion exchange
membrane according to a first modified embodiment;
[0070] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle
relating to the first modified embodiment;
[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an apparatus
for producing electrolyzed water according to a second modified
embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating side faces of a
cathode and a sheet member according to the second modified
embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 14 is a view schematically illustrating the surface of
the cathode and the sheet member according to the second modified
embodiment;
[0074] FIG. 15 is a view schematically illustrating the surface of
the sheet member according to the second modified embodiment;
[0075] FIG. 16 is a view schematically illustrating the surface of
the cathode according to the second modified embodiment;
[0076] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view for explaining the effects of
operation of an electrolysis apparatus according to the second
modified embodiment;
[0077] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to a third modified
embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to a fourth modified
embodiment;
[0079] FIGS. 20A to 20D are diagrams schematically illustrating
electrodes according to a fifth modified embodiment;
[0080] FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to a sixth modified
embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to a seventh modified
embodiment;
[0082] FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to an eighth modified
embodiment;
[0083] FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to a ninth modified
embodiment;
[0084] FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to the ninth modified
embodiment;
[0085] FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating an
electrolysis apparatus according to the ninth modified
embodiment;
[0086] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the
application of the combustion system according to the present
invention to a turbine engine;
[0087] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the
application of the combustion system according to the present
invention to a diesel engine; and
[0088] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of the
application of the combustion system according to the present
invention to a mixed-fuel combustion system.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0089] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
explained below in reference to the drawings.
1. First Embodiment
[0090] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of a first combustion
system.
[0091] A combustion system 100 includes an electrolyzed water
producing section 110, a hydrogen mixing section 120, a fuel
storage section 130, a fuel mixing section 140, a mist forming
section 150, and a combustion section 160.
[0092] The electrolyzed water producing section 110 is an
electrolysis section for electrolyzing water or an aqueous
electrolytic solution. The electrolyzed water producing section 110
may electrolyze water or an aqueous electrolytic solution such as
sodium chloride or potassium chloride to produce electrolyzed
water. The following reaction occurs in a cathode chamber of the
electrolyzed water producing section 110
H.sub.2O+2e.sup.-.fwdarw.1/2H.sub.2+OH.sup.-
[0093] The electrolyzed water producing section 110 may be a
three-chamber electrolysis apparatus (electrolysis apparatus in
which an anode chamber is provided on one side of a middle chamber
storing an aqueous electrolytic solution via an anion exchange
membrane and a cathode chamber is provided on the other side
thereof via a cation exchange membrane) or a two-chamber
electrolysis apparatus (electrolysis apparatus in which separating
into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber is performed by a
partitioning membrane). It is preferred that the pH of the
electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber is around
12.
[0094] The aqueous electrolytic solution also includes an aqueous
solution only with cations or anions. That is, in the tree-chamber
electrolysis apparatus, anions in the middle chamber move to the
anode chamber, and cations in the middle chamber move to the
cathode chamber. Therefore, an aqueous solution in the anode
chamber becomes an aqueous solution containing anions originated
from the middle chamber, and an aqueous solution in the cathode
chamber becomes an aqueous solution containing cations originated
from the middle chamber.
[0095] The hydrogen mixing section 120 is for mixing electrolyzed
water, which is produced in the electrolyzed water producing
section 110 and in which hydrogen is dissolved, and gaseous
hydrogen generated in the electrolyzed water producing section 110
with each other. The hydrogen mixing section 120 may be a known
gas-liquid mixer.
[0096] The fuel storage section 130 stores fuel therein. It is
preferred that the fuel stored in the fuel storage section 130 is a
hydrocarbon fuel, for example, petroleum, plant oil, animal oil, or
alcohol. The fuel storage section 130 may be configured using a
known tank.
[0097] The fuel mixing section 140 is for mixing the electrolyzed
water, which is produced in the electrolyzed water producing
section 110 and in which hydrogen is dissolved, and the fuel stored
in the fuel storage section 130 with each other. The fuel mixing
section 140 may be a known one for mixing fuel with water. The fuel
mixing section 140 serves as an apparatus for producing a fuel
fluid according to the embodiment.
[0098] It is preferred that the mist forming section 150 is
configured according to the technique disclosed in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-141864 whose
inventor is the present inventor or the technique disclosed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-320856.
In particular, the mist forming section 150 may be a
cyclonic-system air purification apparatus including air sucking
and delivering means adapted to suck air that contains floating
substances and that is to be purified to deliver the same to a
cyclone, an introducing section for introducing the air delivered
from the air sucking and delivering means in the cyclone, and the
cyclone provided with an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder,
wherein such an arrangement can be adopted that mist spraying
sections for gas-liquid contact are disposed in the introducing
section and an upper portion of the cyclone, a spiral fin is fixed
on the inner cylinder, a clearance is provided between an outer
periphery of the spiral fin and an inner wall of the outer cylinder
in order to prevent them from contacting each other, a net-like
structure for generating air turbulence is provided near the air
introducing section in an upper portion of the cyclone, a liquid
pool is provided in a lower portion of the cyclone, the spiral fin
is not provided in an approximately upper half of the cyclone for a
space for gas-liquid contact, and the spiral fin is provided in an
approximately lower half of the cyclone for a space giving
centrifugal force to the floating substances put in gas-liquid
contact.
[0099] The combustion section 160 may be a known combustion
apparatus. A wide variety of combustion apparatuses used as an
internal combustion engine, such as a combustion apparatus used in
a thermal power plant or a combustion apparatus such as a gasoline
engine or a diesel engine, is applied to the combustion section
160. It is preferred that the combustion section 160 has a pilot
burner for ignition. As a fuel for the pilot burner, a mixed fluid
may be used, or only an oil fuel maybe used. In addition, it is
preferred that the combustion section 160 has a spray nozzle for
spraying the mist formed in the mist forming section 150. The mist
forming section 150 may function as a spray nozzle.
[0100] (Combustion Method)
[0101] Next, a combustion method will be explained.
[0102] First, water is electrolyzed in the electrolyzed water
producing section 110 to produce electrolyzed water in which
hydrogen is dissolved. The electrolyzed water is introduced in the
hydrogen mixing section 120 and gaseous hydrogen generated in the
electrolyzed water producing section 110 is introduced in the
hydrogen mixing section 120 to mix the electrolyzed water with the
gaseous hydrogen.
[0103] Next, in the fuel mixing section 140, fuel stored in the
fuel storage section 130 is mixed with the electrolyzed water mixed
with the gaseous hydrogen in the hydrogen mixing section 120.
Thereby, a fuel fluid according to the embodiment is produced.
[0104] Next, a mixed liquid mixed in the fuel mixing section 140 is
introduced in the mist forming section 150 to form the mixed liquid
into mist.
[0105] Next, the mixed liquid in the form of mist is introduced in
the combustion section 150 to combust the same.
[0106] In the case of dispersing fuel in water, conventionally,
addition of a surfactant is performed to achieve emulsification,
thereby obtaining an emulsified state, however, it is possible to
disperse fuel in water by using electrolyzed water without adding a
surfactant. In addition, a mixed liquid of fuel and electrolyzed
water can reliably and easily be formed into mist without
emulsifying the fuel to mix the same with the electrolyzed water.
Therefore, it is possible to introduce the mixed liquid reliably in
the combustion section.
[0107] In addition, when fuel is mixed with electrolyzed water, the
amount of water vapor generated by combustion is increased as
compared with that in the case in which fuel is not mixed with
electrolyzed water. There is the advantage that, the more the
amount of water vapor is, the higher thermal conductivity becomes
in the case in which heat is transferred to a heat exchanger.
[0108] Further, there is the advantage that, through mixing
electrolyzed water, the temperature of flame produced by combustion
lowers, and the generation of far infrared radiation is increased
by the amount of reduction in the temperature of flame and the
effect of thermal conductivity becomes high. In the case of
heat-transferring gas generated by combustion, the effect of heat
transfer can be increased, and by an amount corresponding thereto,
the amount of fuel consumption can be reduced.
2. Second Embodiment
[0109] FIG. 2 illustrates a combustion system according to a second
embodiment.
[0110] A combustion system 200 includes an electrolyzed water
producing section 210, an electrolyzed water storage section 220, a
fuel storage section 230 for an oil fuel, an alcohol storage
section 240, a fuel mixing section 250, a mist forming section 260,
and a combustion section 270. That is, since the functions of the
respective components are basically unchanged, except that the fuel
storage section 230 for an oil fuel and the alcohol storage section
240 are provided as fuel storage sections, detailed explanations
about them will be omitted.
[0111] Two lines A1 and A2 may be provided between the electrolyzed
water storage section 220 and the fuel mixing section 250. One line
A1 is a line for directing the electrolyzed water to the fuel
mixing section 250. The other line A2 is a line for directing
gaseous hydrogen existing in the electrolyzed water storage section
220 to the fuel mixing section 250. If needed, a supply pump P1 and
a flowmeter S1 maybe provided between the electrolyzed water
storage section 220 and the fuel mixing section 250. Likewise, if
needed, supply pumps P2 and P3 and flowmeters S2 and S3 may be
provided between the fuel mixing section 250 and the fuel storage
section 230 for an oil fuel and between the fuel mixing section 250
and the alcohol storage section 240, respectively.
[0112] Two lines D1 and D2 may also be provided between the fuel
mixing section 250 and the mist forming section 260. One line D1 is
a line for directing gas of fuel mixed in the fuel mixing section
250 to the mist forming section 260. The other line D2 is a line
for directing liquid of the fuel mixed in the fuel mixing section
250 to the mist forming section 260. If needed a supply blower U1
may be provided in the line D1 for directing the gas to the mist
forming section 260. A supply pump P4 may be provided in the line
D2 for directing the liquid fuel to the mist forming section
260.
[0113] Two lines E1 and E2 may also be provided between the mist
forming section 260 and the combustion section 270. One line El is
a line for directing the fuel in the form of mist or gas to the
combustion section 270. The other line E2 is a line for directing
the fuel in the form of liquid to the combustion section 270. If
needed, a supply pump P5 may be provided in the line for directing
the fuel in the form of liquid to the combustion section 270.
[0114] According to this embodiment, the electrolyzed water
produced in the electrolyzed water producing section 210 is stored
in the electrolyzed water storage section 220. The electrolyzed
water and the gaseous hydrogen is sent from the electrolyzed water
storage section 220 to the fuel mixing section 250, and an oil fuel
sent from the fuel storage section 230 for an oil fuel and alcohol
sent from the alcohol storage section 240 are mixed with each other
in the fuel mixing section 250. A fuel fluid mixed in the fuel
mixing section 250 is formed into mist and vaporized in the mist
forming section 260, and is sent to the combustion section 270 to
be combusted.
[0115] By adding alcohol in water and fuel additionally, dispersion
of the oil fuel in the water is facilitated, and combustion
efficiency is improved.
[0116] In addition, when fuel is mixed with electrolyzed water, the
amount of water vapor generated by combustion is increased as
compared with that in the case in which fuel is not mixed with
electrolyzed water. There is the advantage that, the more the
amount of water vapor is, the higher thermal conductivity becomes
in the case in which heat is transferred to a heat exchanger.
[0117] Further, there is the advantage that, through mixing
electrolyzed water, the temperature of flame produced by combustion
lowers, and the generation of far infrared radiation is increased
by the amount of reduction in the temperature of flame and the
effect of thermal conductivity becomes high. In the case of
heat-transferring gas generated by combustion, the effect of heat
transfer can be increased, and by an amount corresponding thereto,
the amount of fuel consumption can be reduced.
[0118] Incidentally, the oil fuel may be petroleum such as heating
oil or gasoline, animal oil, plant oil, or the like. The fuel
mixing section serves as an apparatus for producing a fuel fluid
according to the embodiment.
3. Fuel Fluid
[0119] A fuel fluid according to an embodiment includes a fuel
composed of an organic compound, and electrolyzed water obtained by
electrolyzing water or an aqueous electrolytic solution. The
electrolyzed water is produced by an apparatus for producing
electrolyzed water (hereafter referred as to "electrolysis
apparatus"), and may be electrolyzed water produced on a cathode
side or electrolyzed water produced on an anode side. The
electrolyzed water produced on the anode side contains hydrogen
ions in abundance. The electrolyzed water produced on the cathode
side contains hydrogen molecules in abundance. In view of the
combustion efficiency, the electrolyzed water produced on the
cathode side is preferable. It is preferred that the percentage of
the electrolyzed water in the fuel fluid is 70% by weight or less.
The fuel composed of an organic compound may be an oil fuel or
alcohol, but it is preferred that the fuel contains both an oil
fuel and alcohol. The oil fuel may be petroleum such as heating oil
or gasoline, animal oil, plant oil, or the like. A wide variety of
alcohol, such as methyl alcohol, methanol, propanol or butyl
alcohol, may be utilized as the alcohol.
[0120] According to the fuel fluid, hydrogen or oxygen in a bubble
state contained in the electrolyzed water is contained in the fuel
fluid. The present inventor has found that the fuel fluid
containing hydrogen or oxygen in a bubble state improves the
combustion efficiency further, and has further found that, the
smaller the bubbles of gas mixed are, the further the combustion
efficiency is improved. In particular, the present inventor has
found that the combustion efficiency is superior when the diameters
of the bubbles are 10 .mu.m or less. Incidentally, the lower limit
of the diameters of the bubbles is a minimum value which can form a
bubble, for example, 100 nm or more. In particular, the combustion
efficiency is improved when hydrogen is contained in the
electrolyzed water.
4. Mist Forming Section
[0121] It is preferred that the following cyclone-system spray
apparatus is utilized as the mist forming section according to the
above embodiments.
[0122] FIGS. 5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams of a main part of a
cyclone-system spray apparatus, where a dotted arrow indicates
airflow. The reference numeral 1 denotes air sucking and delivering
means adapted to suck air to be purified and blowing the air toward
a cyclone, such as a blower, a fan or a pump. The reference numeral
2 denotes an introducing section positioned just before the air is
introduced in the cyclone. A mist spraying section for gas-liquid
contact 7 is provided in an upper portion of the introducing
section 2. The mist spraying section for gas-liquid contact 7 is
supplied with liquid through a pipe (not shown) so that mist of the
liquid is sprayed from the mist spraying section for gas-liquid
contact 7. The reference numeral 3 denotes a cyclone main body, and
the cyclone main body 3 is mainly formed of an outer cylinder 4 and
an inner cylinder 5. Floating substances are cause to attach to an
inner wall of the outer cylinder by centrifugal force, and the
inner cylinder also serves as a discharge section for discharging
the air purified. A lower portion of the cyclone is configured as a
liquid pool 10, into which the floating substances flows down as
well as fine water droplets. The reference numeral 6 denotes a mist
spraying section for gas-liquid contact provided in an upper
portion of the cyclone, and the mist spraying section for
gas-liquid contact 6 is also supplied with liquid through a pipe
(not shown) so that mist of the liquid is also sprayed from the
mist spraying section for gas-liquid contact 6.
[0123] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a configuration in which the mist
spraying sections for gas-liquid contact are provided in both the
introducing section 2 positioned just before the air is introduced
in the cyclone and the upper portion of the cyclone, but a
configuration for disposing the mist spraying section for
gas-liquid contact is not limited thereto, and such a configuration
can be adopted that the mist spraying section for gas-liquid
contact is provided either in the introducing section 2 positioned
just before the air is introducing in the cyclone or in the upper
portion of the cyclone. In the following explanation, only the
configuration provided with two mist spraying sections for
gas-liquid contact will be explained.
[0124] Incidentally, the liquid in the formed of mist sprayed from
the mist spraying sections for gas-liquid contact 6 and 7 is not
limited to water, but it may be alkaline liquid or acidic liquid.
When contaminated air to be cleaned is acidic, the liquid sprayed
from the mist spraying sections for gas-liquid contact 6 and 7 is
alkaline, and when contaminated air to be cleaned is alkaline, the
liquid sprayed from the mist spraying sections for gas-liquid
contact 6 and 7 is acidic. The following explanation assumes that
the liquid is water for ease of explanation.
[0125] The reference numeral 8 denotes a spiral fin, an inner
periphery of which is fixed on the inner cylinder. A predetermined
clearance is provided between an outer periphery of the spiral fin
and an inner wall of the outer cylinder. The clearance is for
causing the fine water droplets and floating substances to attach
to the inner wall of the outer cylinder of the cyclone to flow down
efficiently.
[0126] The principle of air purification of the cyclone-system air
purification apparatus thus configured will be explained. First,
the air sucking and delivering means 1 sucks air to be purified to
blow the same toward the cyclone. The air blown is mixed with mist
sprayed from the mist spraying section 7 for gas-liquid contact
provided in an upper face of the introducing section 2 positioned
just before the air is introduced in the cyclone. At this stage, an
opportunity for floating substances in the air to come into contact
with fine water droplets is provided. Since the air is introduced
in the cyclone and mist is also sprayed from the mist spraying
section 6 for gas-liquid contact provided in the upper portion of
the cyclone, an opportunity for the floating substances to come
into contact with the fine water droplets can be provided inside
the cyclone.
[0127] Since the spiral fin 8 which is likely to induce a spiral
descending air current is provided inside the cyclone, a shortcut
air current other than the spirally descending air current is
harder to occur than in a cyclone without a spiral fin. Since the
shortcut air current does not occur, the fine water droplets are
attached to the floating substances to increase particle sizes of
the floating substances, so that the floating substances can rotate
to obtain the centrifugal force enough to adhere to the inner wall
face of the cyclone.
[0128] In this manner, since the introducing section to the cyclone
and the upper portion of the cyclone serve as spaces for bringing
floating substances into contact with fine water droplets, and the
portion provided with the spiral fin in the cyclone serves as a
space for floating substances and fine water droplets to receive
centrifugal force, a process for capturing floating substances,
which includes two stages, one stage that the floating substances
are brought into contact with the fine water droplets to be united
therewith and the other stage that the floating substances united
with the fine water droplets then receive the centrifugal force to
attach to the inner wall face of the cyclone, is divided into two
respective stages so that the process is performed more
efficiently.
[0129] In addition, the spirally descending air current can freely
be controlled by adjusting the width of the spiral fin or a pitch
of spiral. Therefore, without following the conventional design
rule that the diameter of an outer cylinder of a cyclone must be
twice that of an inner cylinder of the cyclone, it becomes possible
to design the dimension of a cyclone freely by changing the width
of the spiral fin or the pitch of spiral.
[0130] The floating substances and the fine water droplets caused
to attach to the inner wall face of the outer cylinder of the
cyclone by sufficient centrifugal force produced by the above
configuration finally flow down on the inner wall face by gravity
to accumulate in the liquid pool.
[0131] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the
cyclone-system air purification apparatus according to the present
invention. A modification to the cyclone-system air purification
apparatus according to FIGS. 5A and 5B lies in that means adapted
to generate air turbulence for gas-liquid agitation 9 is provided
near the introducing section 2 in the upper portion of the cyclone.
FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional diagram of an upper portion
of the cyclone provided with the means adapted to generate air
turbulence for gas-liquid agitation 9. As seen in FIG. 5A, the
means adapted to generate air turbulence for gas-liquid agitation 9
may be provided at a portion in the upper portion of the cyclone on
the circumference thereof, but, if needed, it may also be provided
at each of plural portions in the upper portion of the cyclone on
the circumference thereof, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0132] For example, a net-like structure such as a porous material
or a scrubber is used as the means adapted to generate air
turbulence for gas-liquid agitation 9. In this embodiment, the air
introduced in the upper portion of the cyclone hits against the
means adapted to generate air turbulence for gas-liquid agitation 9
to become air turbulence, and the air turbulence makes it possible
to further increase opportunities for the floating substances to
come into contact with the fine water droplets as compared with
that in a cyclone which does not include means adapted to generate
air turbulence for gas-liquid agitation.
[0133] Incidentally, if there is no special limitation on a space,
a multistage cyclone may be adopted. The multistage cyclone is
provided with a plurality of cyclones, for example, in a two-stage
cyclone, an introducing section of a cyclone at the first stage is
the same as described above, but the air discharged from an inner
cylinder of the cyclone at the first stage is introduced in an
introducing section of a cyclone at the second stage, and the air
discharged from an inner cylinder of the cyclone at the second
stage is utilized as air finally purified.
[0134] When such a multistage cyclone is used, a mist spraying
section for gas-liquid contact and means adapted to generate air
turbulence for gas-liquid agitation are provided in a cyclone at a
first stage, so that the cyclone at the first stage serves as a
space for providing an opportunity for prompting contact between
floating substances and fine water droplets sufficiently, and a
mist spraying section for gas-liquid contact and means adapted to
generate air turbulence for gas-liquid agitation are not provided
in a cyclone at a second stage, so that the cyclone at the second
stage serves as a space for the floating substances and the fine
water droplets to only receive sufficient centrifugal force. By
adopting such a configuration, in the process for capturing
floating substances, which includes two stages, one stage that the
floating substances are brought into contact with the fine water
droplets to be united therewith and the other stage that the
floating substances united with the fine water droplets then
receive the centrifugal force to attach to the inner wall face of
the cyclone, the stages can be implemented in the respective
cyclones, so that it is made possible to capture the floating
substances more efficiently.
5. Modified Embodiment
[0135] (1) A fluid compressing section for compressing a mixed
fluid before the mixed fluid is supplied to the combustion section
270 may be provided. If the mixed fluid is compressed, for example,
under 1 MPa or more in the fluid compressing section, when the
mixed fluid is released through a nozzle, fine particles of the
mixed fluid is sprayed. This mixed fluid is gaseous or subcritical.
The upper limit of pressure when the mixed fluid is compressed in
the fluid compressing section is, for example, 22 MPa.
[0136] (2) The example of forming the mixed fluid into mist has
been described above, however, the mixed fluid may be vaporized. An
example of vaporizing the mixed fluid is illustrated in FIG. 6. A
vaporizing method can be performed in the following manner. Fuel is
supplied through an auxiliary fuel supply pipe 272a to ignite an
auxiliary burner 272b. Therewith, fuel is supplied to a main fuel
supply pipe 274a to vaporize the fuel by heat from the auxiliary
burner 272b, and the fuel vaporized is supplied to a main burner
274b to ignite the main burner 274b. After the main burner 274b is
ignited, the fuel in the main fuel supply pipe 274a is vaporized by
heat from the main burner 274b, and fuel supply to the auxiliary
fuel supply pipe 272a is stopped to turn the auxiliary burner 274b
off. Incidentally, it is preferred that the main fuel supply pipe
274a extends through a place where flame of the main burner is
generated and returns to the main burner 274b. Incidentally,
whether or not the main burner 276 has been ignited may be detected
by a sensor (for example, an optical sensor) or the like. The mixed
fuel in the form of liquid may be present in a narrow pipe of the
main fuel supply pipe 274a in FIG. 6 to be vaporized in a thick
pipe thereof. This makes it possible to vaporize the mixed fluid
without the need to provide a vaporizing section additionally.
6. Electrolysis Apparatus
(1) Configuration of Electrolysis Apparatus
[0137] FIG. 7 is an illustrative diagram of a three-chamber
electrolysis apparatus.
[0138] An electrolysis apparatus 12 includes an anode chamber 320,
a cathode chamber 330, and a middle chamber 340. The middle chamber
340 is provided between the anode chamber 320 and the cathode
chamber 330. Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, communication
holes 52 may be provided in a partitioning wall 50 that separates
the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30 from each other.
The communication holes 52 may be provided around the middle
chamber 40. The communication holes 52 enables water to move
bidirectionally between the anode chamber 20 and the cathode
chamber 30.
[0139] An aqueous electrolytic solution is filled in the middle
chamber 340. The aqueous electrolytic solution supplied to the
middle chamber 340 supplies cations (for example, sodium ions) to
the cathode chamber 330 and supplies anions (for example, chloride
ions) to the anode chamber 320. The aqueous solution that has
passed through the middle chamber 340 may be returned to a supply
source 380 for the aqueous electrolytic solution to reuse and cycle
the aqueous electrolytic solution, or an electrolyte may be added
in the middle chamber 340 by an amount that has been consumed. The
aqueous electrolytic solution may be, for example, an aqueous
chloride salt solution (an aqueous sodium chloride solution or an
aqueous potassium chloride solution.) The concentration of the
aqueous electrolytic solution may be, for example, the saturating
concentration of an electrolyte.
[0140] The middle chamber 340 and the anode chamber 320 are
separated from each other by a first partitioning membrane 324 made
of an anion exchange membrane. Since the first partitioning
membrane 324 is made of the anion exchange membrane, cations in the
middle chamber 340 do not pass through the first partitioning
membrane 324, but only anions therein selectively pass through the
first partitioning membrane 324. The anion exchange membrane
applied as the first partitioning membrane 324 may be a known
one.
[0141] The middle chamber 340 and the cathode chamber 330 are
separated from each other by a second partitioning membrane 334
made of a cation exchange membrane. Since the second partitioning
membrane 334 is made of the cation exchange membrane, anions in the
middle chamber 340 do not pass through the second partitioning
membrane 334, but only cations therein selectively pass through the
second partitioning membrane 334. The cation exchange membrane
applied as the second partitioning membrane 334 may be a known
one.
[0142] A cathode 332 is connected to the negative side of a DC
power supply 370, and an anode 322 is connected to the positive
side of the DC power supply 370. The DC power supply 370 is
configured to allow its voltage or current to be arbitrarily set.
The DC power supply 370 may be the one whose voltage is arbitrarily
selectable from about 5 V to 20 V and whose current is arbitrarily
selectable from 3 A to 26 A. The anode 22 and the cathode 32 may be
mesh-shaped electrodes, or maybe electrodes where holes with a size
of, for example, about 1.5 mm are made by punching process.
Incidentally, the electrodes can be subjected to the punching
process such that their areas removed by the punching process are,
for example, 50% of the areas used as the electrodes. Known
materials may be applied as materials for the electrodes.
[0143] The sizes of the anode 22 and the cathode 32 may be
asymmetrical, that is, the electrode areas of the anode 22 and the
cathode 32 may be made different from each other. Thereby, the
amount of electrolysis at the anode 22 and the amount thereof at
the cathode 32 can be changed. In addition, by making the electrode
areas of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode different
from each other, the acidity of electrolyzed water mixed can
arbitrarily be adjusted. That is, when the electrode area of the
anode 22 is larger than that of the cathode 32, the amount of
generation of acidic electrolyzed water is larger than that of
alkaline electrolyzed water, therefore the acidity of the
electrolyzed water can be increased. On the other hand, by making
the electrode area of the cathode 32 larger than that of the anode
22, the amount of generation of alkaline electrolyzed water is made
larger than that of acidic electrolyzed water, so that the
alkalinity of the electrolyzed water can be increased.
[0144] The electrolysis apparatus 12 is provided with a first water
supply port 326 for supplying water to the anode chamber 320, and a
second water supply port 336 for supplying water to the cathode
chamber 330. A single flow path is branched to connect to the first
water supply port 26 and the second water supply port 36. A
distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 for adjusting the amounts of
water distributed to the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber
30 is provided at the branching point of the flow path. The
distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 may have a supply amount
adjusting function of adjusting the amount of water supplied to the
electrolysis apparatus 12.
[0145] The electrolysis apparatus 12 is provided with a first
expelling opening 28a for discharging liquid in the anode chamber
320, and a second expelling opening 338a for discharging liquid in
the cathode chamber 330. Further, the electrolysis apparatus 12 has
a first expelling valve 28b for adjusting the amount of liquid
discharged from the first expelling opening 28a, and a second
expelling valve 28b for adjusting the amount of liquid discharged
from the second expelling opening 28a.
[0146] It is preferred that such an electrolysis apparatus as
described above is applied to the present invention. Though
electrolyzed water produced in the anode chamber may be used or
electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber may be used in
this case, the electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber
is more effective.
[0147] It is preferred that the first expelling opening 28a is
provided at a lower portion of the anode chamber 20, and the first
water supply port 26 is provided at an upper portion of the anode
chamber 20. Thereby, the water supplied from the first water supply
port 26 is caused to flow downward. Therefore, bubbles made of gas
(chlorine in the case in which the aqueous electrolytic solution is
sodium chloride or potassium chloride) generated at the anode 22 is
pushed by the water to become hard to move up, by a corresponding
amount, a time for gas-liquid contact between the gas (chlorine)
and the water is extended, so that a reaction into hypochlorous
acid can be caused more reliably.
[0148] It is preferred that the anode chamber 20 is vertically
long. Specifically, it is preferred that the height of anode
chamber 20 is larger than the width of the anode chamber 20 in a
direction orthogonal to the anode 22. The ratio of the height of
the anode chamber to the width of the anode chamber (height/width)
may be, for example, 1.5 or more, preferably between 1.5 and 5.0.
Such a vertically-long anode chamber 20 can extend the time for the
gas (chlorine) generated therein to be in contact with the water,
so that the reaction between the chlorine and the water can
reliably take place. It is preferred that the same design is
applied to the cathode 30.
(2) Operation
[0149] Next, the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 12 will be
explained.
[0150] First, the distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 is adjusted
and water is supplied to the anode chamber 20 and the cathode
chamber 30. The amount of the water is set, for example, in a range
from 0.5 to 1.5 l/min.
[0151] While the water is supplied, a voltage is applied to between
the anode 22 and the cathode 32 to perform electrolysis. For
example, the voltage at the electrolysis is set in a range from 5
to 10 V, and the current thereof is set in a range from 3 to 10 A.
In particular, scale buildup hardly occurs at 1500 C, preferably,
2000 C per liter of the aqueous solution supplied to the cathode
chamber 30. When the voltage is applied to between the anode 22 and
the cathode 32, the cations (for example, sodium ions in the case
of the electrolyte being sodium chloride) in the middle chamber 40
pass through the second partitioning membrane 34 to move to the
cathode chamber 30, while the anions (for example, chloride ions in
the case of the electrolyte being sodium chloride) in the middle
chamber 40 pass through the first partitioning membrane 24 to move
to the anode chamber 20.
[0152] In the anode chamber 20, the chloride ions cause the
following reaction at the anode 22 to generate chlorine:
2Cl.sup.-.fwdarw.Cl.sub.2+2e.sup.-
[0153] The chlorine further reacts with water to generate
hypochlorous acid:
Cl.sub.2+H.sub.2O.fwdarw.HClO+HCl
[0154] On the other hand, in the cathode chamber 30, the following
reaction occurs at the cathode chamber 30:
H.sub.2O+2e.sup.-.fwdarw.1/2H.sub.2+OH.sup.-
[0155] During this electrolysis, acidic electrolyzed water that is
produced in the anode chamber 20 moves to the cathode chamber
through the communication holes 52 provided in the partitioning
wall 50 that separates the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber
30 from each other, alkaline electrolyzed water that is produced in
the cathode chamber 30 moves to the anode chamber 20. Thereby, the
acidic water produced in the anode chamber 20 and the alkaline
electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber 30 are mixed
with each other. In addition, the acidic water that is produced in
the anode chamber 20 moving to the cathode chamber 30 can prevent
the buildup of scale generated at the cathode 32.
[0156] In addition, during this electrolysis, the first expelling
valve 28b and the second expelling valve 38b are adjusted to
control the amounts of the electrolyzed water discharged from the
anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30.
[0157] By mixing the electrolyzed water discharged from the first
expelling opening 28a and the electrolyzed water discharged from
the second expelling opening 38a with each other, electrolyzed
water that contains weakly alkaline, neutral, or weakly acidic
hypochlorous acid according to this embodiment is produced.
[0158] Incidentally, the first expelling valve 28b or the second
expelling valve 38b may completely be closed to discharge the
electrolyzed water from only the first expelling opening 28a or the
second expelling opening 28b. In this case, the mixed water is
produced within the anode chamber 20 or the cathode chamber 30.
(3) Effects of the Operation
[0159] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be
obtained.
[0160] (a) Typically the cations supplied from the middle chamber
40 adhere to the cathode 32 in the cathode chamber 20, causing
scale. However, the present inventor has found that the scale
buildup on the cathode 32 is prevented in the electrolysis
apparatus 10 according to this embodiment by introducing the acidic
water produced within the anode chamber 20 in the cathode chamber
30 in a mixing manner. Since the scale buildup on the cathode 32 is
prevented as described above, it is possible to eliminate or reduce
a process for removing the scale buildup on the cathode 32 (reverse
cleaning), enabling continuous operation.
[0161] Additionally, opening only the second expelling valve 38b to
discharge the electrolyzed water from only the second expelling
opening 38a of the cathode chamber 30 enables the acidic water
produced in the anode chamber 20 to flow into the cathode chamber
30 side to produce alkaline electrolyzed water that contains a high
concentration of hypochlorous acid, further preventing scale
buildup on the cathode 32.
[0162] (b) Conventionally, there has been no conception of mixing
the electrolyzed water produced in the anode chamber 20 and the
electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber 30 with each
other. However, the present inventor has found that the
electrolyzed water produced in the anode chamber 20 and the
electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber 30 can be mixed
with each other to cause the mixed water to exhibit weak
alkalinity, neutrality, or weak acidity. Furthermore,
conventionally, only the electrolyzed water from one side is used
and the electrolyzed water from the other side is discarded, but,
since the electrolyzed water from both sides can be used by mixing
them with each other, the water resource can effectively be
used.
[0163] (c) The distribution ratio adjusting valve 60 can be
adjusted to adjust the amount of electric current that flows to the
water per unit amount of water that flows to the cathode 32. That
is, if the amount of electric current is kept constant, reducing
the amount of water increases the amount of electric current that
flows to the water per unit amount of water. The larger the amount
of electric current per unit amount of water that flows to the
cathode 32 is, the less the scale builds up on the cathode 32.
Therefore, since the amount of water supplied to the cathode
chamber 30 is reduced, the scale buildup on the cathode 32 can be
reduced more reliably.
[0164] (d) Since the first and the second water supply ports 26 and
36 are provided in the upper portions of the anode chamber 20 and
the cathode chamber 30 and the first and the second expelling
openings 28a and 28b are provided in the lower portions of the
anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30 to cause the water to
flow downward, the chlorine that is generated at the anode 22 is
hard to move upward, so that the time for the chlorine to be in
contact with the water can be extended. Therefore, the reaction
into hypochlorous acid can be realized more reliably.
[0165] (e) Normally it may be thought that, when the amount of
distribution to the anode chamber 20 is small, the concentration of
hypochlorous acid is largely reduced by mixing the electrolyzed
water produced in the anode chamber 20 and the electrolyzed water
produced in the cathode chamber 30 with each other. However, the
present inventor has found that, in the electrolyzed water obtained
from this embodiment, the concentration of hypochlorous acid
(effective chlorine concentration) is not largely reduced.
Therefore, in this embodiment, since the electrolyzed water
obtained contains a high concentration of hypochlorous acid,
bactericidal power is not reduced.
[0166] Incidentally, it is generally known that hypochlorous acid
is contained in the acidic electrolyzed water that is produced on
the anode side, however, in the case of producing hypochlorous acid
water adjusted so that the pH value is slightly acidic, neutral, or
slightly alkaline, it is thought that the hypochlorous acid water
is produced by adding hydrochloric acid to sodium hypochlorite
(soda) industrially produced to adjust the pH value, or that it is
produced by mixing alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic
electrolyzed water including sodium chloride that is produced
according to the method shown in the above literature 1 with each
other in an appropriate amount, but in both cases adjusting the pH
value alone is not performed without any substantial change in
effective chlorine concentration.
[0167] (f) In this embodiment, by changing a combination of a
magnitude relationship between the amount of water supplied to the
anode chamber 20 and the amount of water supplied to the cathode
chamber 30 and a magnitude relationship between the degree of
opening/closing (degree of throttling) of the first expelling valve
28b and that of the second expelling valve 38b, the pH value can
variously be adjusted in the range from weak acidity to weak
alkalinity, as shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Magnitude of Magnitude discharge of water
amount supply amount Anode = Cathode Anode > Cathode Anode <
Cathode Anode = Contains slightly- Contains neural Contains
slightly- Cathode alkaline or slightly-acidic alkaline hypochlorous
acid hypochlorous acid hypochlorous acid Anode > Contains
slightly- Contains neural Contains slightly- Cathode alkaline or
slightly-acidic alkaline hypochlorous acid hypochlorous acid
hypochlorous acid Anode < Contains slightly- Contains neural
Contains slightly- Cathode alkaline or slightly-acidic alkaline
hypochlorous acid hypochlorous acid hypochlorous acid
[0168] Incidentally, since the mixing ratio between the
electrolyzed water produced on the anode chamber 20 and the
electrolyzed water produced in the cathode chamber 30 is reduced by
opening the first expelling valve 28b to the same degree as the
second expelling valve 38b, the mixing ratio can be adjusted in
particular by the first and second expelling valves 28b and
38b.
[0169] (g) Conventionally only one electrolyzed water is used while
the other is discarded, however, this method makes it possible to
use the valuable water resource without discarding any.
[0170] (h) Conventionally, sodium hypochlorite cannot be produced
by a three-chamber electrolysis apparatus. That is, since sodium
ions do not move to the anode chamber and hypochlorous acid does
not move to the cathode chamber, the sodium ions and the
hypochlorous acid do not react with each other, and thus sodium
hypochlorite is not produced. However, since this embodiment is
provided with the communication holes 42, the hypochlorous acid and
the sodium ions react with each other to generate sodium
hypochlorite, so that mixed water of sodium hypochlorite and
hypochlorous acid can be produced. Thereby, mixed electrolyzed
water having a cleaning effect and a bactericidal effect can be
obtained. Incidentally, sodium hypochlorite is designated as a food
additive by the ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare at the time
of filing this application.
[0171] As a comparative example, using a two-chamber electrolysis
apparatus to produce sodium hypochlorite can be considered. The
two-chamber electrolysis apparatus is an apparatus for
electrolyzing water in which an electrolyte is dissolved, in which
an anode chamber and a cathode chamber are separated from each
other by a partitioning membrane. In the case of producing sodium
hypochlorite by the two-chamber electrolysis apparatus, since
sodium chloride is dissolved in water, there is the restriction
that the concentration of sodium chloride becomes high.
[0172] Additionally, a method of causing chloride ions to react in
an alkaline environment by electrolysis to produce sodium
hypochlorite can be considered, however, in this case, there is the
problem that trihalomethane is generated. According to this
embodiment, however, since hypochlorious acid is produced in the
anode chamber in an acidic environment and the hypochlorous acid is
caused to react with sodium ions to produce hypochlorous acid,
trihalmethane is not generated.
[0173] (i) There is the advantage that the present invention does
not have such an environmental load as environmental pollution,
since it complies with effluent standards or the like without
performing effluent treatment by producing near-neutral
electrolyzed water.
[0174] (j) The electrolytic hypochlorous acid also has such a
feature that it is neutralized easily through contact with an
organic substance.
[0175] (k) When electrolysis is performed in a state in which the
anode chamber and the cathode chamber do not communicate with each
other, electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber
includes a precipitate (calcium carbonate). However, the present
inventor has found that the precipitate is prevented from being
generated by performing electrolysis with the anode chamber 20 and
the cathode chamber 30 communicated with each other, since the
electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode chamber 30 also
contains electrolyzed water that has flowed in the cathode chamber
30 from the anode chamber 20. Thereby, for example, the following
effect is obtained.
[0176] Such a case can be thought that the electrolyzed water
discharged from the cathode chamber is stored in a tank to be used
when needed. In this case, if a precipitate is contained in the
electrolyzed water, the precipitate builds up on the inner wall of
the tank, causing the tank to be frequently cleaned. In addition,
the precipitate accumulates in a water intake, preventing water
flow, which may cause a malfunction. However, with the electrolyzed
water that does not contain a precipitate, the precipitate does not
adhere to the inner wall of the tank, making it possible to reduce
the frequency of cleaning, and the precipitate does not accumulate
in the water intake, making it possible to secure reliable water
flow.
(4) Modified Embodiment
(a) First Modified Embodiment
[0177] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first partitioning membrane
24 made of an anion exchange membrane may be provided with pores.
The diameter of the pore may be, for example, in a range from 30 to
80 .mu.m. In this case, the first partitioning membrane 24 may be
made of a nonwoven fabric.
[0178] The first modified embodiment facilitates movement of sodium
ions or the like contained in an aqueous electrolytic solution into
the anode chamber 20, making it easier to produce mixed water of
sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid.
(b) Second Modified Embodiment
[0179] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the cathode 32 may be covered
with a sheet member 90 that is permeable to water. As the sheet
member 90, a non-woven fabric or a multilayer mesh sheet, for
example, may be used. The following benefits are achieved by
covering the cathode 32 with a sheet member in this manner.
[0180] Covering the cathode 32 with the sheet member 90 causes the
electrolyzed water to be retained near the cathode 32. This
increases the amount of charge relative to the water that is
retained near the cathode 32. By an increased amount of charge
relative to the water, scale buildup due to the cations is further
reduced. As a result, not only is continuous operation facilitated,
but cleaning the cathode 32 is also eliminated or performed less
frequently, so that an electrolysis apparatus that is more
advantageous in an industrial application can be realized. In
addition, since the sheet member can prevents scale from growing on
the cathode 32 to damage the ion exchange membrane 54, the sheet
member can also serve to protect the ion exchange membrane.
Incidentally, the anode 22 may be covered with a sheet member as
well as the cathode 32.
[0181] The effects of operation will be explained more specifically
with reference to FIG. 17. Source water that is supplied to an
electrolysis tank flows over the surface of an electrode plate at
high speed. At this time, scale builds up on the surface of the
electrode especially on the cathode side, however, a mesh sheet
covering the surface of the electrode plate causes the source water
to split into two flows, namely, a high-speed flow and a low-speed
flow. A sufficient current can be applied to the low-speed flow on
the surface of the electrode covered with the mesh sheet. This
simple method of applying a large current to the electrode plate on
the cathode side covered with the simple net sheet member prevents
scale from building up on the surface of the electrode plate.
(c) Third Modified Embodiment
[0182] In the above embodiment, the anode chamber 20 and the
cathode chamber 30 are communicated with each other by the
communication holes 52 in the partitioning wall 50, however, as
shown in FIG. 18, they may be communicated with each other by a
communicating passage 54 provided additionally. The communicating
passage 54 has the advantage of making it easy to figure out the
amount of water moving between the anode chamber 20 and the cathode
chamber 30. An opening/closing-degree adjusting valve 56 may be
provided in the communicating passage 54. The
opening/closing-degree adjusting valve 56 makes it possible to
easily adjust the amount of water moving between the anode chamber
20 and the cathode chamber 30.
(d) Fourth Modified Embodiment
[0183] As shown in FIG. 19, a first gas-vent port 28c for venting
gas generated in the anode chamber 20 may be provided. Since this
makes it possible to vent the gas generated in the anode chamber
20, destabilization of flow rate due to the gas can be prevented. A
second gas-vent port 38c for venting gas generated in the cathode
chamber 30 may also be provided. Since this makes it possible to
vent the gas generated in the cathode chamber 30, destabilization
of flow rate due to the gas can be prevented. The first and the
second gas-vent ports 28c and 38c may be plugged if needed.
(e) Fifth Modified Example
[0184] The anode 22 may be an electrode having prong electrode
portions 22a, as shown in FIG. 20. The cathode 32 may also be
provided with prong electrode portions 32a. The prong electrode
portions 22a and 32a are formed so as to extend from edges of holes
22b and 32b formed by punching. The prong electrode portions 22a
and 32a can be formed by punching holes in the electrodes 22 and 32
such that they are not cut out but are left on. Conventionally, in
a punched electrode, portions that are cut out by punching are
discarded and the area of the remaining electrode portion is used,
however, this method reduces the area used for electrolysis to
about 50% of the area before punching to reduce by half the volume
of water that comes in contact with the electrode surface,
resulting in lowered electrolytic efficiency. However, by not
cutting out the punched portion of the electrode but leaving it on,
the whole electrode before punching can be left (the whole area can
be maintained), so that the electrolytic efficiency is not lowered.
In addition, since wing portions that are not cut out by punching
cause smooth water movement on both sides of the electrode, the
electrolytic efficiency is also improved from this point of view.
Further, it has been confirmed that bubbles are generated at
corners of cut pieces on the roots of the wind portions more than
on the flat portion of the electrode, and so that an active
electrolytic reaction is caused. This may be because the water
movement on both sides of the electrode 22 and 32 half-punched
causes a turbulence, resulting in improvement in the electrolytic
efficiency. That is, ion water that has moved to the respective
electrode sides 22 and 32 from the middle chamber 40 moves to the
electrolysis tanks outside the electrodes 22 and 32 through the
punched communication holes 22b and 32b, on the other hand, the
source water passing through the outside of the electrodes 22 and
32 causes a turbulence hitting against the prong electrode portions
22a and 32a, and the source water is mixed with the ion water
coming from the middle chamber 40, finally coming into contact with
the surfaces of the electrode plates as a turbulence, so that the
electrolytic efficiency is achieved.
[0185] Incidentally, a known method may be applied as the punching
method. The shapes of the punched holes may be circular or
rectangular.
(f) Sixth Modified Embodiment
[0186] As shown in FIG. 21, a first opening/closing valve 58a for
determining whether or not to supply water to the anode chamber may
be provided. In an ordinary electrolysis apparatus, electrolysis
cannot be performed without supplying water to both the anode
chamber and the cathode chamber. However, according to this
embodiment, since the anode chamber 20 and the cathode chamber 30
are communicated with each other, the water is supplied to the
anode chamber 20 through the cathode chamber 30 even if the
opening/closing valve 58a is closed, so that electrolysis can be
performed by the way that cannot be employed by an ordinary
electrolysis apparatus. For example, when the first opening/closing
valve 58a is closed to discharge the electrolyzed water from only
the anode chamber 20 side, electrolyzed water having strong acidity
can be produced. Similarly, a second opening/closing valve 58b for
determining whether or not to supply water to the cathode chamber
30 maybe provided. Even if the second opening/closing valve 58b is
closed, as long as the first opening/closing valve 58a is opened,
the water is supplied to the cathode chamber 30 through the anode
chamber 20, so that electrolysis can be performed by the way that
cannot be employed by an ordinary electrolysis apparatus. For
example, when the second opening/closing valve 58b is closed to
discharge the electrolyzed water from only the cathode chamber
side, electrolyzed water having strong alkalinity can be
produced.
(g) Seventh Modified Embodiment
[0187] As shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of electrolysis apparatuses
10 may be connected in parallel with each other. That is, such a
structure may be employed that a plurality of anode chambers 20 and
a plurality of cathode chambers 30 are prepared, the electrolyzed
water that has been discharged from the respective anode chambers
20 is discharged from a common outlet, and the electrolyzed water
that has been discharged from the respective cathode chambers 30 is
discharged from a common outlet. According to this modified
embodiment, since the plurality of anode chambers are connected in
parallel with each other, and the plurality of cathode chambers 30
are connected in parallel with each other, parallel processing of
water electrolysis becomes possible, so that mass production of
electrolyze water is facilitated.
(H) Eighth Modified Embodiment
[0188] As shown in FIG. 23, a first communication hole 52a provided
on the supply side and a second communication hole 52b provided on
the discharge side may be included, the first communication hole
52a being smaller than the second communication hole 52b. The open
area ratio of the first communication hole 52a to the second
communication hole 52b is set, for example, in a range between 0.5
to 9.5 and 1.5 to 8.5.
[0189] When the acidic water produced in the anode chamber enters
the cathode chamber through the communication holes, since the
first communication hole 52a is small, secondary electrolysis of
hypochlorous acid or the like contained in the acidic water can be
prevented in the cathode chamber. That is, while secondary
electrolysis of the acidic water is prevented as much as possible,
the acidic water can be mixed with alkaline water and discharged.
It is preferred that the first communication hole 52a is set so as
to let the acidic water through by such an amount that a scale is
prevented from building up on the cathode. It is experimentally
confirmed that calcium carbonate is not produced in alkaline water
in the cathode when the source water supplied to the cathode
chamber is mixed with 10% or more of acidic water with a pH of
around 3.0.
[0190] Calcium carbonate also causes such a problem, when alkaline
water is used for cleaning or plant activation, that it builds up
on the inside of a pipe or that it builds up on the shaft of a
water pump to block the shaft thereof from rotating. However,
according to this modified embodiment, the effect that such a
precipitate made of calcium carbonate is not generated is
obtained.
[0191] Further, since there is the second communication hole 52b, a
predetermined amount of hypochlorous acid can be moved to the
cathode side.
(i) Ninth Modified Embodiment
[0192] As shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the middle chamber 40 may be
divided into a plurality of compartments in a direction in which
the anode 22 and the cathode 32 extend. The plurality of
compartments of the middle chamber 40 can be separated from one
another by partitions 42. Since the compartments are separated from
one another by the partitions 42, the aqueous electrolytic solution
can be retained, electrolytic ions can move more reliably, so that
a movement and depletion phenomenon of the electrolytic ions can
reliably be caused from the middle chamber 40 to the anode chamber
20 and the cathode chamber 30. Thereby, efficient electrolysis can
be achieved. Each of the plurality of compartments of the middle
chamber 40 may be communicated with an adjacent compartment. In
this case, a supply portion 44 can be provided in each of the
plurality of compartments. A discharge portion 46 of the aqueous
electrolytic solution can also be provided in each of the plurality
of compartments of the middle chamber 40. The supply portion 44 and
the discharge portion 46 can be realized, for example, by
connecting pipes on the side portions of the middle chamber 40.
This modified embodiment may be modified in the following
manner.
[0193] (i) The supply portion 44 may not supply the aqueous
electrolytic solution but supply the electrolyte.
[0194] (ii) The compartments of the middle chamber 40 may
completely be separated from one another by the partitions 42. In
this case, the supply portion 44 that supplies the aqueous
electrolytic solution to each compartment and the discharge portion
46 that discharges the aqueous electrolytic solution from each
compartment are required.
[0195] (iv) The middle chamber 40 may be modified in the following
manner. That is, a primary supply portion for the aqueous
electrolytic solution may be provided at one end (one side in the
direction which the anode 22 and the cathode 32 extend) of the
middle chamber 40, and a primary discharge portion for the aqueous
electrolytic solution may be provided at the other end (the other
side in the direction in which the anode 22 and the cathode 32
extend) of the middle chamber 40. At least one secondary supply
portion for supplying the aqueous electrolytic solution may be
provided between the primary supply portion for the aqueous
electrolytic solution and the primary discharge portion for the
aqueous electrolytic solution.
[0196] In this case, the anode chamber 20 can be provided with a
plurality of compartments corresponding to the compartments of the
middle chamber 40. The compartments of the anode chamber 20 may be
separated from one another by partitions 20a. In addition, each of
the compartments of the anode chamber 20 may be communicated with
an adjacent compartment or may not be communicated therewith.
Furthermore, each of the compartments of the anode chamber 20 may
be provided with a supply portion 20b and a discharge portion 20c
for the source water. Incidentally, when each of the compartments
of the anode chamber 20 is not communicated with an adjacent
compartment, it is preferred that each of the compartments thereof
is provided with the supply portion 20b and the discharge portion
20c. Since the compartments are separated from one another by the
partitions 20a, the aqueous electrolytic solution can be retained,
and electrolytic ions can move more reliably, so that efficient
electrolysis can be achieved.
[0197] If the discharge portion of the anode chamber 20 is provided
at only the last compartment, highly-concentrated electrolyzed
water is produced, which damages the partitioning membrane easily,
so that it is preferred that each of the compartments is provided
with the discharge portion 20c.
[0198] The cathode chamber 30 can also be provided with a plurality
of compartments corresponding to the compartments of the middle
chamber 40. The compartments of the cathode chamber 30 may be
separated from one another by partitions 30a. In addition, each of
the compartments of the cathode chamber 30 may be communicated with
an adjacent compartment or may not be communicated therewith.
Furthermore, each of the compartments of the cathode chamber 30 may
be provided with a supply portion 30b and a discharge portion 30c
for the source water. Incidentally, when each of the compartments
of the cathode chamber 30 is not communicated with an adjacent
compartment, it is preferred that each of the compartments thereof
is provided with the supply portion 30b and the discharge portion
30c. Since the compartments are separated from one another by the
partitions 30a, the aqueous electrolytic solution can be retained,
and electrolytic ions can move more reliably, so that efficient
electrolysis can be achieved.
[0199] If the discharge portion of the cathode chamber 30 is
provided at only the last compartment, highly-concentrated
electrolyzed water is produced, which damages the partitioning
membrane easily, so that it is preferred that each of the
compartments is provided with the discharge portion 30c.
[0200] According to this modified embodiment, the following effects
of operation can be achieved.
[0201] Conventionally, in a three-chamber electrolysis apparatus,
mass production of electrolyzed water is not usually performed in a
single electrolytic tank. The present inventor has found the
following cause of the problem that electrolyzed water cannot be
mass-produced in a single electrolytic tank. The distance between
the anode and the cathode via the middle chamber is extremely
important in terms of electric conduction. The shorter the distance
between the anode and the cathode is, the higher the conductivity
is, however, a certain space is required for existence of the
middle chamber between both the electrodes. Therefore, while there
is a limit to the flow rate of the electrolyte that flows in the
middle chamber, electrolysis causes the ions to move from the
middle chamber to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber,
consuming the electrolyte partway through the middle chamber, so
that Na.sup.+ or Cl.sup.- that are necessary for electrolysis
becomes insufficient. That is, the aqueous electrolytic solution
usually flows in such a narrow space as a space of about 3 to 6 mm
for the middle chamber between the anode and the cathode. Though a
saturated saline solution conducts most efficiently as the aqueous
electrolytic solution, Na.sup.+ and Cl.sup.- of the aqueous
electrolytic solution that flows in the narrow middle chamber move
to both the electrodes through the ion exchange membranes, and the
ion concentration in the middle chamber lowers due to consumption
of the ions as the aqueous electrolytic solution passes through the
electrolytic tank. Therefore, the difference in ion concentration
between the vicinities of an inlet and an outlet of the aqueous
electrolytic solution is increased in a single electrolytic
tank.
[0202] A high voltage is required when the electrolyte ion
concentration in the middle chamber falls to a certain
concentration or less. However, electrolysis is necessarily
performed with a certain low voltage in order to reduce consumed
power and to prevent the electrodes or the membranes from being
damaged. Then, in order to maintain a most-efficient voltage,
structurally, there exists naturally an appropriate value for the
electrolytic area. Consequently, the present inventor has
recognized the cause of the problem that it might be impossible to
solve the problem accompanying the mass production of electrolyzed
water.
[0203] The modified embodiment has been made, focusing on the cause
of the problem. That is, since the supply portion 44 for supply of
the electrolyte or the aqueous electrolytic solution is provided
partway through the middle chamber 40, the electrolyte consumed can
be replenished. Therefore, the concentrations of the electrolyte in
the respective compartments of the middle chamber 40 can be made
even. Accordingly, the electrolytic efficiency can be prevented
from becoming uneven among respective electrolysis portions, so
that efficient and effective electrolysis can be achieved. In
addition, since the concentration of the electrolyte can be
equalized, the apparatus can be driven with a low voltage, so that
damaging the electrodes or the ion exchange membranes can be
suppressed.
(5) Experimental Examples
[0204] Experimental examples will be explained below.
[0205] (1) Experimental Results in Various Aspects of the
Electrolysis Apparatus will be Shown.
[0206] Table 2 shows the experimental results of various aspects of
the electrolysis apparatus in which the anode chamber and the
cathode chamber are communicated with each other. An experiment was
made on changes in the property of electrolyzed water due to
differences in conditions of the supply portion, the communication
hole, and the discharge portion in the electrolysis apparatus.
Chloride test papers (10 to 50 ppm) (brand name: ADVANTEC,
manufactured by Toyo Engineering Works) were used when the
concentrations of hypochlorous acid were measured.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 ##STR00001## ##STR00002## ##STR00003##
##STR00004## ##STR00005## ##STR00006## ##STR00007##
##STR00008##
[0207] (2) pH Adjustment
[0208] From Table 2, it was confirmed that, according to the
electrolysis apparatus in which the anode chamber and the cathode
chamber were communicated with each other, the electrolyzed water
with a pH of 3 to 11 could be produced. Specific aspects of
communication between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber and
specific aspects of the supply portion and the discharge portion
are shown in Table 1. As shown in Table 1, the pH of the
electrolyzed water can freely be adjusted by adjusting the aspects
of communication between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber
and the aspects of the supply portion and the discharge
portion.
[0209] It was confirmed that the pH, ORP, and concentration of
hypochlorous acid of the electrolyzed water discharged from the
anode chamber were adjustable at least in the range from 3.2 to
9.6, from 1120 mV to 20 mV, and from 40 ppm to 35 ppm,
respectively.
[0210] It was confirmed that the pH, ORP, and concentration of
hypochlorous acid of the electrolyzed water discharged from the
cathode chamber were adjustable at least in the range from 7.6 to
11.2, from 800 mV to -780 mV, and from 0 ppm to 38 ppm,
respectively.
[0211] (3) Regarding Presence/Absence of Buildup of Scale to
Cathode
[0212] Scale builds up on the cathode in nature. However, buildup
of scale to the cathode could not be visually confirmed even after
50 hours of use of the electrolysis apparatus.
[0213] (4) Regarding Floating Substances (Precipitate)
[0214] Water was electrolyzed with the anode chamber and the
cathode chamber communicated with each other, and electrolyzed
water was discharged from the cathode chamber. It was confirmed
that floating substances (calcium oxide or the like) were not
generated in the electrolyzed water.
[0215] 7. Application Examples
[0216] (1) Turbine Engine
[0217] An application of a combustion system according to an
embodiment to a turbine engine will be explained with reference to
FIG. 27.
[0218] Air is compressed by a compressor 410, and the air
compressed is supplied to a combustion chamber 420. A mixed fluid
is combusted in the combustion chamber 420, and the air that has
become high-temperature and high-pressure (including combustion
gas) is supplied to a turbine 440 to rotate the turbine 440, so
that electricity is generated through a generator 450. In addition,
the air that has passed through the turbine 450 is supplied to a
heat exchanger 460 to transfer its heat to such medium as water. A
part of the electricity generated by the generator 450 can also be
used to drive the compressor.
[0219] (2) Diesel Engine
[0220] An application of a combustion system according to an
embodiment to a diesel engine will be explained with reference to
FIG. 28.
[0221] In a diesel engine 300, electrolyzed water produced by an
electrolysis apparatus (not shown) and stored in an electrolyzed
water tank 312 and fuel (for example, light oil) stored in a fuel
storage section 330 are supplied to a fuel mixing section 340 and
mixed with each other to produce a mixed fuel. A known
liquid-liquid mixing apparatus or gas-liquid mixing apparatus can
be applied to this mixing. The mixed fuel is supplied to a common
rail 370 through a first pump 362 and a second pump 364. A valve
354 is provided between the first pump 362 and the second pump 364
to return the fuel to the fuel mixing section 340 again. Such a
passage for the fuel to return makes it possible to circulate the
fuel, so that the fuel can be sprayed into a tank of the fuel
mixing section 340 to obtain further mix.
[0222] The mixed fuel that has been supplied to the common rail 370
is supplied to a diesel engine chamber 380 through an injector 382
and is combusted. The mixed fuel that has become redundant before
supplied to the diesel engine chamber (cylinder) 380 is returned to
the common rail 370 through the second pump 362.
[0223] The common rail 370 may be provided with a fuel pressure
sensor 372. The pumps 360 and 362, the valve 364, the fuel pressure
sensor 372 and the like can be controlled by a control section (not
shown).
[0224] (3) Mixed Fuel Combustion System
[0225] An application of a combustion system according to an
embodiment to a mixed fuel combustion system will be explained with
reference to FIG. 29.
[0226] Electrolyzed water produced in a cathode chamber of an
electrolysis apparatus 410 is supplied to a fuel mixing section
440. Electrolyzed water produced in an anode chamber is discharged
to another tank (not shown) for another use. Incidentally, the
electrolyzed water may be supplied to the fuel mixing section 440
through an electrolyzed water storage section (not shown).
[0227] Alcohol is supplied from an alcohol storage section 440 to
the fuel mixing section 450 by adjusting a first valve 462a, and
oil fuel is supplied from an oil fuel storage section 430 to the
fuel mixing section 450 by adjusting a second valve 460b. This
mixing can be performed, for example, in the following manner. A
pump 462 is driven while a third valve 460c is opened and a fourth
valve 460d is closed. Thereby, fuel pumped up by the pump 462 is
supplied to above the fuel mixing section 450, and is supplied (for
example, supplied in a sprayed manner) again into the fuel mixing
section 450. By circulating the fuel in this manner, mixing of the
electrolyzed water or the fuel can be achieved.
[0228] When mixing of the fuel is performed in the fuel mixing
section 450, the fuel is supplied to a combustion section 470 by
opening the fourth valve 460d to ignite a primary burner 472.
Incidentally, when the primary burner 472 is ignited, the oil fuel
may be directly supplied from the oil fuel storage section 430 to
the combustion section by opening a fifth valve 460e to ignite a
secondary burner 474 so that the flame of the secondary burner 474
is used to ignite the primary burner 472. Incidentally, a
vaporizing section 480 described above may be provided.
[0229] The fuel mixing section 450 may be provided with a fuel
sensor 452. In addition, the combustion section 470 may be provided
with a primary burner flame sensor 478 or a secondary burner flame
sensor 476.
[0230] The above valves, sensors and the like can be controlled by
a control section (not shown).
[0231] Wastewater stored in a wastewater tank 490 may be supplied
to the fuel mixing section 450. Thereby, the wastewater itself can
be combusted, so that wastewater treatment can easily be
performed.
Examples 1
1. First Example
[0232] When petroleum and the electrolyzed water produced in the
cathode chamber of the above three-chamber electrolysis apparatus
were mixed with each other at a ratio of 75 to 25, it was confirmed
that the petroleum was dispersed in the electrolyzed water. When
the mixed liquid of petroleum and electrolyzed water was combusted,
it was visually confirmed that the mixed liquid combusted with a
larger flame as compared with that obtained by mixing petroleum and
tap water with each other at a ratio of 75 to 25.
2. Second Example
[0233] When petroleum, the electrolyzed water produced in the
cathode chamber of the above three-chamber electrolysis apparatus,
and isobutyl alcohol were mixed with each other at a ratio of 2 to
2 to 1, it was confirmed that the petroleum was dispersed in the
electrolyzed water. When the mixed liquid of these was combusted,
it was visually confirmed that the mixed liquid combusted with a
larger flame as compared with that obtained by mixing petroleum,
tap water, and isobutyl alcohol with each other at a ratio of 2 to
2 to 1. In addition, it was confirmed that the mixed liquid
containing isobutyl alcohol combusted with a larger flame as
compared with that obtained in the First Example.
[0234] The above embodiments may variously be modified within the
scope of the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0235] According to the combustion system of the present invention,
combustion efficiency can be improved while fuel consumption is
suppressed.
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