U.S. patent application number 15/570293 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-17 for electrolysis device.
The applicant listed for this patent is SHARP LIFE SCIENCE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to HIROYUKI AKUZAWA, NOBUTOSHI ARAI, NOBUHIRO HAYASHI, KEIICHIRO WATANABE.
Application Number | 20180135192 15/570293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56820030 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180135192 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ARAI; NOBUTOSHI ; et
al. |
May 17, 2018 |
ELECTROLYSIS DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention provides an electrolyzing apparatus that
includes a detector configured to detect an abnormality in a
electrolytic bath and thereby enables a quick detection of the
occurrence of the abnormality and that is less prone to a
malfunction in which, due to an environmental change, a normal
state is misjudged as abnormal and electrolysis is stopped. An
electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention includes an
electrolyzing section and a detecting section, the electrolyzing
section being configured to receive an electrolytic substance,
electrolyze the electrolytic substance to obtain an electrolysis
product, and discharge the electrolysis product. The electrolyzing
section includes electrolysis electrodes. The detecting section
includes a detection electrode configured to measure an electrical
property of either one of or a mixture of both of the electrolytic
substance and the electrolysis product and is configured to detect
a decrease in amount of the electrolytic substance supplied to the
electrolyzing section or a decrease in amount of the electrolysis
product discharged from the electrolyzing section.
Inventors: |
ARAI; NOBUTOSHI; (Kobe City,
JP) ; HAYASHI; NOBUHIRO; (Kobe City, JP) ;
WATANABE; KEIICHIRO; (Kobe City, JP) ; AKUZAWA;
HIROYUKI; (Kobe City, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHARP LIFE SCIENCE CORPORATION |
Kobe City, Hyogo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
56820030 |
Appl. No.: |
15/570293 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 21, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2015/073563 |
371 Date: |
October 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/4674 20130101;
C25B 9/06 20130101; C25B 15/02 20130101; C25B 1/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C25B 15/02 20060101
C25B015/02; C25B 1/26 20060101 C25B001/26; C25B 9/06 20060101
C25B009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2015 |
JP |
2015-091729 |
Claims
1. An electrolyzing apparatus comprising an electrolyzing section
and a detecting section, the electrolyzing section being configured
to receive an electrolytic substance, electrolyze the electrolytic
substance to obtain an electrolysis product, and discharge the
electrolysis product, the electrolyzing section including
electrolysis electrodes, and the detecting section including a
detection electrode configured to measure an electrical property of
either one of or a mixture of both of the electrolytic substance
and the electrolysis product and being configured to detect a
decrease in amount of the electrolytic substance received by the
electrolyzing section or a decrease in amount of the electrolysis
product discharged from the electrolyzing section.
2. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection electrode is positioned higher than the electrolysis
electrodes.
3. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection electrode is positioned upstream of the electrolysis
electrodes.
4. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection electrode is disposed in, on, or at the electrolyzing
section or a pipe connected to the electrolyzing section so as to
be downstream of the electrolysis electrodes.
5. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection electrode includes at least one pair of electrodes, and
one of the at least one pair of electrodes of the detection
electrode is electrically connected to either one of the
electrolysis electrodes.
6. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection electrode includes at least one pair of electrodes, and
one of the at least one pair of electrodes of the detection
electrode is integral with either one of the electrolysis
electrodes.
7. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
electrolysis electrodes and the detection electrode are
inclined.
8. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
electrolytic substance is an electrolytic solution, and the
electrolyzing section is configured to electrolyze the electrolytic
solution to produce electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous
acids.
9. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
detection electrode is arranged to measure an electrical property
of a gas-liquid mixture fluid composed of the electrolyzed water
and a gas which are produced from electrolysis of the electrolytic
solution.
10. An electrolyzing apparatus comprising an electrolyzing section
and a detecting section, the electrolyzing section being configured
to electrolyze an electrolytic substance, the electrolyzing section
including electrolysis electrodes, and the detecting section being
configured to detect, on a basis of an amount of change over time
in a relationship between a current through the electrolysis
electrodes and a voltage across the electrolysis electrodes, a
decrease in amount of the electrolytic substance received by the
electrolyzing section.
11. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
detecting section is configured to detect, on the basis of a
derivative value of the amount of change in the voltage across the
electrolysis electrodes or on the basis of a derivative value of
the amount of change in the current through the electrolysis
electrodes, a decrease in amount of the electrolytic substance
received by the electrolyzing section.
12. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
electrolytic substance is an electrolytic solution, and the
electrolyzing section is configured to electrolyze the electrolytic
solution to produce electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous
acids.
13. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 12, further
comprising an electrolytic solution supplying section, the
electrolytic solution supplying section being configured to supply
the electrolytic solution from a tank to the electrolyzing
section.
14. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 12, further
comprising a diluting section configured to dilute the electrolyzed
water produced by the electrolyzing section.
15. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 14, further
comprising a cooling section configured to cool the electrolyzing
section, the cooling section being configured to cool the
electrolyzing section with water that is for use in diluting the
electrolyzed water.
16. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution containing an acidic
substance and an alkali metal chloride.
17. The electrolyzing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
acidic substance is hydrochloric acid, and the alkali metal
chloride is at least one of sodium chloride and potassium chloride.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolyzing
apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Electrolyzing apparatuses are capable of converting various
electrolytes into different substances through electrochemical
reactions. For instance, electrolysis of an aqueous solution
containing chloride ions gives an aqueous solution containing
hypochlorous acids, i.e., so-called electrolyzed water. The
electrolyzed water has the ability to eliminate bacteria and thus
has been used for the purposes of preventing infectious diseases,
keeping perishable food fresh, deodorizing laundry, and the
like.
[0003] Electrolyzing apparatuses for producing electrolyzed water
are known (refer to Patent Literatures 1 to 6, for example).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] [Patent Literature 1]
[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukaihei, No.
4-74879
[0006] [Patent Literature 2]
[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukaihei, No.
5-237478
[0008] [Patent Literature 3]
[0009] Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukaihei, No.
6-292892
[0010] [Patent Literature 4]
[0011] Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukaihei, No.
9-253650
[0012] [Patent Literature 5]
[0013] Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukai, No.
2001-29955
[0014] [Patent Literature 6]
[0015] Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukai, No.
2001-48199
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0016] Electrolyzing apparatuses are capable of producing
functional substances more easily and safely than chemical plants
or the like which use normal chemical reactions. However, if an
irregular electrolyte is accidentally supplied or the supply of an
electrolyte stops for some reason, an unexpected substance may
generate. To address this issue, there has been an electrolyzing
apparatus designed to monitor voltage and current applied to
electrolysis electrodes and, upon detecting a value other than a
predetermined value, stop electrolysis. For instance, an
abnormality can be detected in the following manner.
[0017] Provided that the electrolyzing apparatus is supplied with a
constant voltage and the other parameters are kept constant, the
resulting current value should be always the same. Therefore, if
the current value has become larger or smaller than a certain
value, then this can be determined as abnormal.
[0018] However, even with the same electrolyte and the same applied
voltage, the current value may vary with changes in environmental
temperature, i.e., changes in the temperature of the electrolyte.
The current value may also be different between the initial stage
of electrolysis and some point in time after the initial stage of
the electrolysis. Therefore, it is necessary to set a relatively
large allowable range for current value fluctuation.
[0019] In a case where the allowable range of current value is
large like above, if the supply of solution has stopped for some
reason, the following may occur before the current value exceeds
the allowable range and the electrolysis stops. The liquid
temperature may rise to around the heatresistant temperature of the
electrolytic bath and cause deformation and, in the worst case, the
electrolytic bath, which stores therein liquid and electrodes and
the like, may be broken and may cause leakage of very hot
electrolyzed water or leakage of gas generated in the electrolytic
bath.
[0020] Especially in a case of an electrolytic bath for producing
hypochlorous acid, the electrolytic bath is composed of resin and
therefore has a relatively low heatresistant temperature, and thus
is at high risk of deformation and breakage.
[0021] Furthermore, in a case of an apparatus designed to supply an
undiluted solution (electrolyte) substantially continuously to the
electrolytic bath to thereby continuously produce electrolyzed
water, the inner volume of the electrolytic bath is smaller and
current density is greater than a so-called reservoir electrolytic
bath designed to reserve diluted electrolyte therein and perform
electrolysis over time, and therefore the liquid temperature rises
rapidly after the supply of the solution has stopped and
overheating is likely to occur.
[0022] Especially in a case where the amount of an undiluted
solution supplied to the electrolytic bath per unit time is kept
small for the purpose of saving the undiluted solution, the liquid
temperature becomes relatively high even in the steady state and
therefore the temperature readily exceeds the heatresistant
temperature of the electrolytic bath, resulting in lack of
safety.
[0023] In view of the circumstances, the present invention provides
an electrolyzing apparatus that includes a detecting section
configured to detect an abnormality in a electrolytic bath and
thereby enables a quick detection of the occurrence of the
abnormality and that is less prone to a malfunction in which, due
to an environmental change, a normal state is misjudged as abnormal
and electrolysis is stopped.
Solution to Problem
[0024] The present invention provides an electrolyzing apparatus
including an electrolyzing section and a detecting section, the
electrolyzing section being configured to receive an electrolytic
substance, electrolyze the electrolytic substance to obtain an
electrolysis product, and discharge the electrolysis product, the
electrolyzing section including electrolysis electrodes, and the
detecting section including a detection electrode configured to
measure an electrical property of either one of or a mixture of
both of the electrolytic substance and the electrolysis product and
being configured to detect a decrease in amount of the electrolytic
substance received by the electrolyzing section or a decrease in
amount of the electrolysis product discharged from the
electrolyzing section.
[0025] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the detection electrode is positioned higher than the
electrolysis electrodes.
[0026] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the detection electrode is positioned upstream of the
electrolysis electrodes.
[0027] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the detection electrode is disposed in, on, or at the
electrolyzing section or a pipe connected to the electrolyzing
section so as to be downstream of the electrolysis electrodes.
[0028] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that: the detection electrode includes at least one pair of
electrodes; and one of the at least one pair of electrodes of the
detection electrode is electrically connected to either one of the
electrolysis electrodes.
[0029] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that: the detection electrode includes at least one pair of
electrodes; and one of the at least one pair of electrodes of the
detection electrode is integral with either one of the electrolysis
electrodes.
[0030] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the electrolysis electrodes and the detection electrode
are inclined.
[0031] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that: the electrolytic substance is an electrolytic solution;
and the electrolyzing section is configured to electrolyze the
electrolytic solution to produce electrolyzed water containing
hypochlorous acids.
[0032] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the detection electrode is arranged to measure an
electrical property of a gas-liquid mixture fluid composed of the
electrolyzed water and a gas which are produced from electrolysis
of the electrolytic solution.
[0033] Also provided is an electrolyzing apparatus arranged such
that the detecting section is configured to detect, on the basis of
the amount of change over time in a relationship between a current
through the electrolysis electrodes and a voltage across the
electrolysis electrodes, a decrease in amount of the electrolytic
substance received by the electrolyzing section.
[0034] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the detecting section is configured to detect, on the
basis of a derivative value of the amount of change in the voltage
across the electrolysis electrodes or on the basis of a derivative
value of the amount of change in the current through the
electrolysis electrodes, a decrease in amount of the electrolytic
substance received by the electrolyzing section.
[0035] The present invention provides an electrolyzing apparatus
including an electrolyzing section and a detecting section, the
electrolyzing section being configured to electrolyze an
electrolytic substance, the electrolyzing section including
electrolysis electrodes, and the detecting section being configured
to detect, on the basis of the amount of change over time in a
relationship between a current through the electrolysis electrodes
and a voltage across the electrolysis electrodes, a decrease in
amount of the electrolytic substance supplied to the electrolyzing
section.
[0036] The above-provided electrolyzing apparatus may be arranged
such that the detecting section is configured to detect, on the
basis of a derivative value of the amount of change in the voltage
across the electrolysis electrodes or on the basis of a derivative
value of the amount of change in the current through the
electrolysis electrodes, a decrease in amount of the electrolytic
substance supplied to the electrolyzing section has decreased.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0037] An electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention includes
a detecting section. Therefore, with the detecting section, the
electrolyzing apparatus is capable of detecting a decrease in the
amount of an electrolytic substance received by an electrolyzing
section, and is capable of stopping the application of a voltage to
electrolysis electrodes early. This prevents the situation in which
a voltage is applied to electrolysis electrodes that are not in
contact with the electrolytic substance. This makes it possible to
prevent abnormal overheating of the electrolysis electrodes and
thus possible to improve safety of the electrolyzing apparatus. It
is also possible to reduce damage to the electrolysis electrodes
and thus possible to extend the life of the electrolyzing
apparatus.
[0038] The electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention
includes a detector which is capable of more quickly detecting an
abnormality than before. Therefore, it is possible to provide a
safe, highly-reliable electrolyzing apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an
electrolyzing apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention
(Embodiment 1).
[0040] (a) to (e) of FIG. 2 are partial cross-sectional views
illustrating an electrolyzing apparatus of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates Detection System A (Embodiment 2).
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates Detection System B (Embodiment 3).
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates Detection System B (Embodiment 3).
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates Detection System B (Embodiment 3).
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates Detection System C (Embodiment 4).
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates Detection System C (Embodiment 4).
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates Detection System D (Embodiment 5).
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates Detection System D (Embodiment 5).
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates angles of inclination of an
electrolyzing section and a detection system.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically
illustrating an electrolyzing apparatus of one embodiment of the
present invention (Embodiment 6).
[0051] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the results of a detection
experiment on electrolyzed water.
[0052] FIG. 14 is another graph illustrating the results of a
detection experiment on electrolyzed water.
[0053] FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating the results of measurement
of effective chlorine concentration.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0054] An electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention includes
an electrolyzing section and a detecting section. The electrolyzing
section is configured to receive an electrolytic substance,
electrolyze the electrolytic substance to obtain an electrolysis
product, and discharge the electrolysis product. The electrolyzing
section includes electrolysis electrodes, and the detecting section
includes a detection electrode configured to measure an electrical
property of the electrolytic substance or the electrolysis product
and is configured to detect a decrease in amount of the
electrolytic substance received by the electrolyzing section.
[0055] An electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention includes
an electrolyzing section and a detecting section. The electrolyzing
section is configured to electrolyze an electrolytic substance. The
electrolyzing section includes electrolysis electrodes, and the
detecting section is configured to detect, on the basis of the
amount of change over time in a relationship between a current
through the electrolysis electrodes and a voltage across the
electrolysis electrodes, a decrease in amount of the electrolytic
substance received by the electrolyzing section.
[0056] The electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention is
preferably arranged such that: the electrolytic substance is an
electrolytic solution; and the electrolyzing section is configured
to electrolyze the electrolytic solution to produce electrolyzed
water containing hypochlorous acids.
[0057] It is preferable that the electrolytic solution electrolyzed
in the electrolyzing section is an aqueous solution containing an
acidic substance and an alkali metal chloride.
[0058] This makes it possible to produce electrolyzed water
containing hypochlorous acids. The above configuration also makes
it possible to produce slightly acidic to neutral electrolyzed
water having a great bacteria elimination property.
[0059] It is preferable that the acidic substance contained in the
electrolytic solution electrolyzed in the electrolyzing section is
hydrochloric acid, and that the alkali metal chloride contained in
the electrolytic solution is at least one of sodium chloride and
potassium chloride.
[0060] This makes it possible to produce electrolyzed water
containing hypochlorous acids. The above configuration also makes
it possible to produce slightly acidic to neutral electrolyzed
water having a great bacteria elimination property. The obtained
electrolyzed water also has a high effective chlorine
concentration.
[0061] It is preferable that an electrolyzed water producing
section included in an electrolyzing apparatus of the present
invention includes: an electrolytic solution supplying section; an
electrolyzing section configured to receive an electrolytic
solution from the electrolytic solution supplying section and
electrolyze the electrolytic solution to produce electrolyzed
water; and a diluting section configured to dilute the electrolyzed
water produced by the electrolyzing section.
[0062] Such an arrangement makes it possible to continuously
produce electrolyzed water having an adequate effective chlorine
concentration. Furthermore, since the electrolyzed water produced
by the electrolyzing section is diluted by the diluting section, a
large amount of electrolyzed water can be produced.
[0063] An electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention is
preferably arranged such that: an electrolytic solution supplying
section is configured to supply an electrolytic solution from a
tank to the electrolyzing section; the electrolyzing section
includes an electrolysis electrode pair to electrolyze the
electrolytic solution to produce electrolyzed water; and a
detecting section is positioned downstream of the electrolysis
electrode pair and is configured to detect a decrease in the amount
of the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic
solution supplying section to the electrolyzing section.
[0064] According to such an arrangement, the electrolyzing
apparatus is capable of detecting, with the detecting section, a
situation in which the tank has become empty, and thus is capable
of stopping the application of a voltage to the electrolysis
electrode pair early. This reduces damage to the electrolysis
electrode pair.
[0065] The detecting section included in the electrolyzing
apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a detection
electrode, and the detection electrode is preferably arranged to
measure an electrical property of a gas-liquid mixture fluid
composed of gas and electrolyzed water which are produced from
electrolysis of an electrolytic solution.
[0066] This configuration enables detection of, with the use of the
detection electrode, whether or not the electrolyzed water is being
produced in the electrolyzing section.
[0067] The electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention
preferably further includes a cooling section for cooling the
electrolyzing section, and the cooling section is preferably
configured to cool the electrolyzing section with water for use in
diluting the electrolyzed water.
[0068] Such an arrangement prevents or reduces temperature rise in
the electrolyzing section that would result from the heat of the
electrolysis reaction, and therefore the following cases are
prevented or reduced, for example: electrolysis efficiency varies
and thereby variations occur in concentration; constituents of the
electrolyzing section deform or deteriorate due to overheating of
the electrolyzing section and thus troubles occur such as liquid
leakage; and the like.
[0069] It is preferable that an electrolyzing apparatus of the
present invention includes a detecting section and that an
electrolytic solution supplying section is configured to supply an
electrolytic solution from a tank to the electrolyzing section, the
electrolyzing section includes an electrolysis electrode pair
configured to electrolyze the electrolytic solution to produce
electrolyzed water, and the detecting section is positioned
downstream of the electrolysis electrode pair and is configured to
detect a decrease in the amount of the electrolytic solution
supplied from the electrolytic solution supplying section to the
electrolyzing section.
[0070] According to such an arrangement, the electrolyzing
apparatus is capable of detecting, with the detecting section, a
situation in which the supply of the electrolytic solution to the
electrolytic bath has stopped for some reason or the inside of the
electrolytic bath has entered an abnormal state due to, for
example, liquid leakage, and is thus capable of stopping the
application of a voltage to the electrolysis electrode pair early.
This makes it possible to reduce damage to the electrolysis
electrode pair.
[0071] It is also possible to stop the electrolyzing section early
and notify users of the abnormal condition using a visual indicator
or buzzer. This makes it possible to prevent electrolyzed water
having an undesired concentration or an undesired pH from being
used in bacteria elimination. For example, the following can be
prevented: the amount of the electrolytic solution supplied is too
small and the concentration of the electrolyzed water becomes lower
than desired or the pH of the electrolyzed water becomes higher
(becomes more alkaline) than desired and thus bacteria elimination
becomes not satisfactory; and the amount of the electrolytic
solution supplied is too much and the concentration of the
electrolyzed water becomes higher than desired or the pH of the
electrolyzed water becomes lower (becomes more acidic) than desired
and therefore fibers are damaged or decolored.
[0072] The detecting section included in the electrolyzing
apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a detection
electrode, and the detection electrode is preferably arranged to
measure an electrical property of a gas-liquid mixture fluid
composed of gas and electrolyzed water which are produced from
electrolysis of an electrolytic solution.
[0073] This configuration enables detection of, with the use of the
detection electrode, whether or not the electrolyzed water is being
produced in the electrolyzing section.
[0074] The electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention
preferably further includes a cooling section for cooling the
electrolyzing section, and the cooling section is preferably
configured to cool the electrolyzing section with water for use in
diluting the electrolyzed water.
[0075] Such an arrangement prevents or reduces temperature rise in
the electrolyzing section that would result from the heat of the
electrolysis reaction, and thus the following cases are prevented
or reduced, for example: electrolysis efficiency varies and thereby
variations occur in concentration; the electrolyzing section is
overheated and deformed and thus troubles occur such as liquid
leakage; and the like. Even if, by any chance, a detector is broken
and becomes overheated, cooling of the electrolyzing section
prevents or reduces the occurrence of fire or smoke from the
electrolyzing section and prevents or reduces troubles that would
result from heat transmitted to other constituents around the
electrolyzing section.
[0076] The present invention can be used not only for an
electrolyzing apparatus to electrolyze an aqueous solution but also
for various apparatuses to convert a substance disposed between
electrodes into a different substance by applying a voltage across
the electrodes. For instance, not only a liquid but also a gas can
be converted into a different substance by applying a voltage to
the gas, i.e., by means of so-called electric discharge. In this
specification, such an apparatus for conversion is referred to as a
substance conversion apparatus, electrodes for use in the substance
conversion are referred to as substance conversion electrodes, a
substance to be converted is referred to as a to-be-converted
substance or an unconverted substance, and an produced substance is
referred to as a resultant substance or a converted substance.
[0077] A substance conversion apparatus of the present invention is
an apparatus for converting a substance (unconverted substance)
into a different substance (converted substance) different than the
unconverted substance by supplying the unconverted substance
between a pair of substance conversion electrodes and applying a
voltage. The substance conversion apparatus includes a detection
system configured to detect an abnormality by: applying a constant
voltage across the substance conversion electrodes and monitoring
the value of a current through the substance conversion electrodes;
or carrying out a control so that the current is kept constant and
monitoring the value of the voltage necessary for a certain current
to flow through the electrodes, as well as distinguishing between
abnormal and normal states using a parameter other than the values
of the current and the voltage applied to the substance conversion
electrodes.
[0078] The present invention provides a detector and a detection
system which are for discriminating between normal and abnormal
states by detecting the state of an apparatus (substance conversion
apparatus) for converting a substance into another substance by
applying a voltage to the substance. The substance conversion
apparatus is capable of, for example, converting any of various
substances into a different substance by applying electric energy
to the substance between substance conversion electrodes to thereby
cause any of various chemical reactions, and thereby, for example,
producing a useful substance or rendering toxic substances
harmless. An easy-to-understand example of the substance conversion
apparatus is an electrolyzing apparatus.
[0079] Conventional apparatuses are arranged such that a constant
voltage is applied across the substance conversion (electrolysis)
electrodes and the value of a current through the electrodes is
monitored (alternatively, a current is controlled at a certain
value and the value of a voltage necessary for the current of the
certain value to flow through the electrodes is monitored). The
voltage and current should become constant, provided that the
conditions for substance conversion and outside environmental
conditions are constant. Therefore, by setting a voltage range or a
current range under the normal steady state, it is possible to
determine that an abnormality has occurred when the set range
(allowable range) is exceeded. This method has been used
conventionally. However, this method has an issue in that, if the
set range is too narrow (process window is too narrow), the
apparatus readily stops depending on the environment (outside
environment such as temperature), component tolerance of the
apparatus, changes in conditions as substance conversion proceeds,
and the like and therefore is not practical. In view of such
circumstances, wide allowable ranges have been used. However, with
a wide allowable range, the time from the start of an abnormality
to the detection of the abnormality may become long. This may cause
a trouble in the apparatus or defects in products (resulting
substances).
[0080] The present invention provides a detector and a detection
system which are capable of, when an abnormality has occurred,
quickly and accurately determining that the abnormality has
occurred.
[0081] The detection system of the present invention detects an
abnormality by distinguishing between normal and abnormal states of
a second value that is other than the values of a voltage and a
current applied to substance conversion electrodes.
[0082] A substance conversion electrode may also serve as the
detection electrode. This reduces parts count and leads to cost
reduction, and therefore the apparatus becomes more practical.
[0083] The present invention is more preferably arranged such that
the electrolytic bath is inclined, because this improves
detectability.
[0084] The present invention is more preferably arranged such that
the electrolytic bath includes a cooling system, especially a
water-cooling system.
[0085] The following description will discuss an embodiment of the
present invention with reference to the drawings. The
configurations illustrated in the drawings or described below are
mere examples. The present invention is not limited in scope to the
configurations illustrated in the drawings or described below.
[0086] Examples of an electrolyzing apparatus of the present
embodiment include electrolyzing apparatuses of Embodiments 1 to 6.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrolyzing
apparatus of Embodiment 1.
[0087] An electrolyzing apparatus 60 of the present embodiment
includes: an electrolyzing section 5 configured to receive an
electrolytic substance, electrolyze the electrolytic substance to
obtain an electrolysis product, and discharge the electrolysis
product; and a detecting section 25. The electrolyzing section 5
includes electrolysis electrodes 1. The detecting section 25
includes a detection electrode 26 arranged to measure an electrical
property of the electrolytic substance or the electrolysis product
and is configured to detect a decrease in the amount of the
electrolytic substance supplied to the electrolyzing section 5.
That is, the detecting section 25 is a detection circuit that
includes the detection electrode 26 and other electronic
components.
[0088] Alternatively, the electrolyzing apparatus 60 of the present
embodiment includes: an electrolyzing section 5 configured to
electrolyze an electrolytic substance; and a detecting section 25.
The electrolyzing section 5 includes electrolysis electrodes 1. The
detecting section 25 is configured to detect, on the basis of the
amount of change over time in a relationship between a current
through the electrolysis electrodes 1 and a voltage across the
electrolysis electrodes 1, a decrease in amount of the electrolytic
substance received by the electrolyzing section 5.
[0089] The electrolytic substance may be any substance, provided
that it can be electrolyzed by the electrolyzing section 5. The
electrolytic substance may be an electrolytic solution.
Alternatively, the electrolytic substance may be a gas that can be
electrolyzed by the electrolyzing section 5. The following
describes the electrolyzing apparatus 60 in which the electrolytic
substance is an electrolytic solution 12 and which is configured to
produce electrolyzed water 18 from the electrolytic solution 12 in
the electrolyzing section 5.
[0090] An electrolyzed water producing section 2 serves to produce
the electrolyzed water 18 from the electrolytic solution 12.
[0091] The electrolyzed water producing section 2 may include: an
electrolytic solution supplying section 10; an electrolyzing
section 5 configured to electrolyze an electrolytic solution 12
supplied from the electrolytic solution supplying section 10 to
produce electrolyzed water 18; and a diluting section 20 configured
to dilute the electrolyzed water 18 produced by the electrolyzing
section 5.
[0092] The electrolytic solution supplying section 10 may be
configured to supply the electrolytic solution 12 in an
electrolytic solution tank 7 to the electrolyzing section 5 with
the use of a pump 8. The electrolytic solution tank 7 may be built
in the electrolyzing apparatus 60 or may be external to the
electrolyzing apparatus 60. In a case where the electrolytic
solution tank 7 is external to the electrolyzing apparatus 60, the
electrolyzing apparatus 60 may have an electrolytic solution inlet
42. This enables connection between the electrolytic solution inlet
42 and the externally provided electrolytic solution tank 7 through
a pipe. The electrolytic solution supplying section 10 may include
a large-volume electrolytic solution tank 7 and/or a normal-volume
electrolytic solution tank 7. This makes it possible to change the
volume of the electrolytic solution tank 7 according to the use of
the electrolyzing apparatus 60.
[0093] It is noted that, in a case where the electrolytic solution
tank 7 can be positioned higher than the electrolyzing section 5 so
that the electrolytic solution 12 will be supplied to the
electrolyzing section 5 with the force of gravity, a valve may be
used in place of the pump 8.
[0094] The electrolyzing section 5 serves to electrolyze the
electrolytic solution 12 to thereby produce the electrolyzed water
18. The electrolyzing section 5 may include electrolysis electrodes
1 including a positive electrode 3 and a negative electrode 4. The
electrolyzing section 5 may be provided in such a manner that the
electrolytic solution 12 is supplied between the electrolysis
electrode pair 1 by the electrolytic solution supplying section 10.
This makes it possible to continuously produce the electrolyzed
water 18 from the electrolytic solution 12.
[0095] The electrolytic solution 12, which is supplied to the
electrolyzing section 5 by the electrolytic solution supplying
section 10, may be an aqueous solution containing an acidic
substance and an alkali metal chloride. The electrolytic solution
12 may be an aqueous solution containing hydrochloric acid and at
least one of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. This enables
the electrolyzing section 5 to produce electrolyzed water 18
containing hypochlorous acid (HClO), a hypochlorite (NaClO, KClO,
or the like) and an alkali metal chloride.
[0096] For instance, it is apparent that the electrolysis process
in the electrolyzing section 5 involves an anodic reaction such as
those represented in Reaction Formulae (1) and (3) and a cathodic
reaction such as that represented in Reaction Formula (4). It is
also apparent that the reaction such as that represented in
Reaction Formula (2) proceeds inside the electrolyzing section 5,
the diluting section 20, an electrolyzed water channel, a stirring
section 19, and/or the like. Therefore, the electrolyzed water 18
which has just been produced through electrolysis from the
electrolytic solution in the electrolyzing section 5 is in the form
of a fluid of a mixture of gas and liquid, in which bubbles of
chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and the like are mixed in the
electrolyzed water containing chlorine molecules, hydrogen
molecules, and the like. As a reaction such as that represented in
Reaction Formula (2) proceeds, the number of bubbles decreases, and
the concentration of hypochlorous acids in the electrolyzed water
increases. Since the reaction of Reaction Formula (2) proceeds
relatively rapidly, many of the chlorine molecules generated react
to form hypochlorous acids in the electrolyzing section 5.
Unreacted chlorine molecules are subjected to a large amount of
water (H.sub.2O) in the diluting section 20. Bubbles of chlorine
gas disappear almost entirely during a flow through the
electrolyzed water channel.
2Cl.sup.-->Cl.sub.2+2e.sup.- (1)
Cl.sub.2+H.sub.2O->HCl+HClO (2)
H.sub.2O->1/2O.sub.2+2H.sup.++2e.sup.- (3)
2H.sub.2O+2e.sup.-->H.sub.2+2OH.sup.- (4)
[0097] Electrolyzing an aqueous solution containing an alkali metal
chloride may generate a hypochlorite such as sodium hypochlorite
and/or potassium hypochlorite and make the electrolyzed water 18
alkaline. However, since the electrolytic solution 12 of the
present embodiment contains an acidic substance, the electrolyzed
water 18 is substantially neutral.
[0098] Electrolyzed water 18 produced by the electrolyzing
apparatus 60 may have a pH of, for example, 6.5 to 7.5. The ratio
between an alkali metal chloride and the acidic substance for the
electrolytic solution 12 may be adjusted so that the electrolyzed
water 18 will have a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
[0099] Further, in a case where the pH is to be lower, the pH of
the electrolyzed water 18 may be adjusted by adjusting, for
example, (i) the proportion of the acidic substance in the
electrolytic solution 12, (ii) the amount of the electrolytic
solution 12 supplied to the electrolyzing section 5, (iii) the
voltage applied to the electrolysis electrodes 1, and/or (iv) the
amount of the electric current flowing through the electrolysis
electrodes 1.
[0100] The electrolyzing section 5 may have: an inlet through which
the electrolyzing section 5 receives the electrolytic solution 12
supplied from the electrolytic solution supplying section 10; and
an outlet through which the electrolyzing section 5 discharges the
electrolyzed water 18 produced through electrolysis with the use of
the electrolysis electrode pair 1. This enables the electrolyzing
section 5 to continuously produce the electrolyzed water 18. The
electrolyzed water 18 discharged through the outlet may flow into
the diluting section 20.
[0101] The positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 may be
in the form of a plate, and may be disposed so as to face each
other with no diaphragm in-between. This shortens the distance
between the electrodes and improves electrolysis efficiency. The
positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 may be disposed
in substantially parallel to each other at a distance of 1 mm to 5
mm from each other.
[0102] The electrolysis electrode pair 1 may be constituted by: one
positive electrode 3 and one negative electrode 4 facing each
other; positive electrodes 3 and negative electrodes 4 alternately
stacked together with spaces between them; or a plurality of
electrodes stacked together in which an intermediate electrode has
one surface serving as a positive electrode 3 and the other surface
serving as a negative electrode 4.
[0103] The electrode pair 1 may be inclined in a manner such that
the positive electrode 3 is positioned higher than the negative
electrode 4. FIG. 11 illustrates an inclined electrode pair 1 of
the electrolyzed water producing apparatus 60 of the present
embodiment.
[0104] The electrolytic solution channel defined by an electrode
surface of the positive electrode 3 and an electrode surface of the
negative electrode 4 may be arranged such that the electrolytic
solution 12 flows into the electrolytic solution channel from below
and that the electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acids,
produced through electrolysis of the electrolytic solution 12 with
the use of the electrode pair 1, flows out of the electrolytic
solution channel from an upper portion of the electrolytic solution
channel. It is apparent that, with this configuration, a flow of a
fluid which flow is caused by rising bubbles generated on the
electrode surface of the negative electrode 4 causes a fluid in the
vicinity of the negative electrode 4 and a fluid in the vicinity of
the positive electrode 3 to be stirred and mixed with each other,
presumably accelerating an electrode reaction at the positive
electrode 3. This in turn makes it possible to produce electrolyzed
water containing effective chlorine at a high concentration.
[0105] It is also apparent that the negative electrode 4, which is
positioned lower than the positive electrode 3 to cause a flow from
the negative electrode 4 toward the positive electrode 3, makes it
possible to suppress the oxidation of the electrode surface of the
negative electrode 4 that would occur due to chlorine gas,
oxidizing substances, hypochlorous acid, or the like produced from
the anodic reaction, and thus possible to efficiently produce
electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acids. Furthermore,
since the oxidation of the electrode surface of the negative
electrode 4 is suppressed, a Ti electrode may be used as the
negative electrode 4, and this makes it possible to reduce
production cost of the electrolyzing apparatus 60.
[0106] Furthermore, when the negative electrode 4 is positioned
lower than the positive electrode 3, the hydrogen gas generated
from the cathodic reaction readily detaches from the electrode
surface of the negative electrode 4. This prevents or reduces a
decrease in effective area of the negative electrode that would
occur due to bubbles staying on the electrode surface of the
negative electrode 4, and thus makes it possible to prevent or
reduce a decrease in electrolysis efficiency. Further, in a case
where the negative electrode 4 is a Ti electrode, the above
configuration can prevent the negative electrode 4 (Ti electrode)
from occluding hydrogen molecules and being warped in
consequence.
[0107] The electrode pair 1 may be inclined at an angle of not less
than 10 degrees and not more than 85 degrees relative to the
vertical direction. The electrode pair 1 should preferably be
inclined at an angle of not less than 50 degrees and not more than
80 degrees relative to the vertical direction. This makes it
possible to efficiently produce electrolyzed water containing
hypochlorous acids. This has been substantiated by experiments
conducted by the inventors of the present invention. Since the
electrode pair 1 is inclined sufficiently, it is possible to
produce an electrolyzing apparatus 60 that has a small height and
that can be installed stably. With the above configuration, the
electrolyzing apparatus 60 has a reduced risk of toppling over, for
example.
[0108] The positive electrode 3 should preferably have a
substantially rectangular electrode surface and be oriented in such
a manner that one lengthwise end of the electrode surface is
positioned higher than the other lengthwise end. The negative
electrode 4 should preferably have a substantially rectangular
electrode surface and be oriented in such a manner that one
lengthwise end of the electrode surface is positioned higher than
the other lengthwise end. This configuration provides a long
electrolytic solution channel, thereby increasing the electrolysis
efficiency.
[0109] The electrode pair 1 should preferably be configured such
that the ratio of (i) the distance between the positive electrode 3
and the negative electrode 4 to (ii) the length of the electrode
surface of the positive electrode 3 or the electrode surface of the
negative electrode 4 is within a range of 1:100 to 1:10. This
configuration allows bubbles generated by a cathodic reaction to
rise to be close to the positive electrode 3, thereby increasing
the electrolysis efficiency.
[0110] The electrolysis electrode pair 1 may include, for example,
an electrode constituted by a titanium plate (such an electrode is
referred to as a Ti electrode) and an electrode obtained by coating
a titanium plate with iridium and platinum through a sintering
process (such an electrode is referred to as a Pt--Ir-coated Ti
electrode). The power source section 6 and the electrolysis
electrode pair 1 may be connected in such a manner that the Ti
electrode serves as the negative electrode 4 and the Pt--Ir-coated
Ti electrode serves as the positive electrode 3.
[0111] The electrolyzing apparatus 60 may include a detecting
section 25 on the downstream side of the electrolysis electrode
pair 1. The detecting section 25 serves to detect a decrease in the
amount of the electrolytic solution 12 supplied from the
electrolytic solution supplying section 10 to the electrolyzing
section 5. The detecting section 25 may be disposed at a position
higher than the position of the electrolysis electrode pair 1.
[0112] The detecting section 25 may be in the form of (i) a
detection electrode(s) 26 for measuring electrical properties of
electrolyzed water 18 (such as the current, voltage, resistance,
and/or capacitance) or (ii) a photodetector section configured to
optically detect the state of electrolyzed water 18. However, the
detecting section 25 is preferably a detection electrode(s) because
this achieves a simple system. It may seem easy to use a method for
measuring or optically detecting a capacitance because such a
method will not involve contact with electrolyzed water and thus
eliminate the need to consider the impacts of electrolyzed water.
However, using such a method will require a special component
and/or control circuit as a separate member. In the case of a
detection electrode(s), suitable conditions for the voltage,
current, and the like vary depending on the target. Further, common
knowledge of persons skilled in the art is that in a case where an
electrolytic solution, which contains an electrolyte, is a target
for the present invention, it will be difficult to detect the state
of electrolyzed water with use of electrodes. Using electrodes as
such has not been practiced as a result. Specifically, the
electrolytic solution will be electrolyzed by a voltage or current
for detection, which will in turn make it impossible to measure
electrical properties of the electrolytic solution itself. Further,
in a case where electrolysis produces a reactive liquid as
electrolyzed water (for example, an oxidative liquid such as
hypochlorous acid water and hypochlorite water), the electrodes
themselves will presumably be oxidized and changed. In view of such
observations, a detection electrode(s) was/were regarded as lacking
stability and/or a practical life. It was thus believed to be
difficult to use electrodes as an inexpensive, long-life detector
to be mounted in a producing apparatus for a long-term, constant
use. The inventors actually needed to select an appropriate
position for the electrode(s) and an appropriate size for a channel
at the electrode position, and thus had difficulty arriving at the
present invention. For instance, in order to dispose electrode(s)
on the channel, the inventors secured a detection area in which the
channel had a relatively large cross-sectional area. This
configuration, however, caused the gas and the liquid to be
separated from each other and failed to form a liquid membrane,
with the result that it was impossible to detect a liquid (that is,
a liquid membrane between bubbles) effectively. When the inventors
reduced the channel diameter to a relatively small length to
prevent the liquid membrane from being cut off or disposed the
electrodes with a relatively small distance therebetween, surface
tension kept a liquid membrane between the electrodes, with the
result that no bubbles were detected. In either case, no clear
current peak was detected, and it was impossible to distinguish
between the steady state and an abnormal state early.
[0113] In a case where an electrolytic solution 12 in the tank 7 is
supplied to the electrolyzing section 5 with use of the pump 8 for
production of electrolyzed water 18, continuing the production of
the electrolyzed water 18 gradually decreases the electrolytic
solution 12 in the tank 7 and finally empties the tank 7. The
emptied tank 7 stops the supply of the electrolytic solution 12 to
the electrolyzing section 5, with the possible result that the
electrolytic solution 12 between the electrode pair 1 is decreased
or disappears. The electrolytic solution 12 between the electrode
pair 1 may be decreased or disappear not only in the case where the
tank 7 has been emptied, but also in a case where the pump 8 has
broken down or there is liquid leakage between the tank 7 and the
electrolyzing section 5, so that the electrolytic solution 12 is
not supplied to the electrolyzing section 5 sufficiently. Applying
a voltage to the electrode pair 1 in such a state leads to (i) an
increase in heat in the electrolyzing section 5 as a result of a
lack of a cooling effect by a continuously supplied electrolytic
solution and a lack of heat dissipated together with produced
electrolyzed water and/or (ii) in the case of a constant current,
an increase in electric current density as a result of an electric
current flowing through only a part of the electrodes. As a result,
the electrolyzing section 5 and/or the electrode pair 1 may be
damaged. This indicates the need to detect whether the supply of
the electrolytic solution 12 between the electrode pair 1 is
insufficient and stop applying a voltage to the electrode pair 1 as
necessary.
[0114] By monitoring a voltage and/or a current supplied to the
electrode pair 1, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the
electrolytic solution 12 between the electrode pair 1, and thus
possible to detect stoppage or insufficiency of supply. In a normal
state in which normal supply continues, the voltage and current are
substantially constant, provided that the other parameters are kept
constant.
[0115] Provided that the electrode pair 1 is supplied with power at
a constant voltage from a common power source or from a power
source for electrolysis, the stoppage or insufficiency of supply
will lead to a temperature rise, which accelerates an electrolysis
reaction and increases current value. Then, a boiling state is
reached, in which many bubbles generate and hinder current flow.
This results in lowering of current value. If the electrolytic
solution present between the electrode pair 1 is lost by
evaporation, the current flow will stop. In view of this, the
following arrangement may be employed: current value is monitored
and, if the current value becomes equal to or greater than a
certain value, overheating is determined to have occurred and
voltage application is stopped. Alternatively, the following
arrangement may be employed: voltage application is stopped earlier
by, if the rate of increase in current has become equal to or
greater than a certain value from which the amount of change in
current value can be calculated, determining that an abnormal
temperature rise has started and stopping the voltage
application.
[0116] Provided that power is supplied at a constant current,
stoppage or insufficiency of supply will cause a temperature rise,
which accelerates an electrolysis reaction and lowers voltage
value, and thereafter causes a boiling state in which many bubbles
generate and hinder current flow, resulting in an increase in
voltage value. If the electrolytic solution present between the
electrode pair 1 is lost by evaporation, no current flows even at
the maximum voltage that can be applied by a constant-current
source. In view of this, the following arrangement may be employed:
voltage value is monitored and, if the voltage value becomes equal
to or less than a certain value, overheating is determined to have
occurred and voltage application is stopped. Alternatively, the
following arrangement may be employed: voltage application is
stopped earlier by, if the rate of decrease in voltage becomes
equal to or greater than a certain value from which the amount of
change in voltage value can be calculated, determining that an
abnormal temperature rise has started and stopping the voltage
application.
[0117] It is noted that constant current is more preferred, because
constant current provides stable concentration of the electrolyzed
water even when outside environment changes.
[0118] Including the detecting section 25 makes it possible to
detect whether the tank 7 has been emptied, the pump 8 is
malfunctioning, and/or there is leakage or clogging in the pipe
between the tank and the electrolyzing section. This in turn makes
it possible to stop the application of a voltage to the electrode
pair 1 early. The above configuration thus prevents the electrode
pair 1 from being damaged.
[0119] In a case where the tank 7 has become empty and the supply
of the electrolytic solution 12 to the electrolyzing section 5 has
become insufficient, the electrolytic solution 12 or electrolyzed
water 18 starts to disappear first from a high portion of the
channel. Thus, disposing the detecting section 25 at a position
higher than the position of the electrode pair 1 makes it possible
to detect early whether the supply of the electrolytic solution 12
to the electrolyzing section 5 has become insufficient.
[0120] (a) to (e) of FIG. 2 are partial cross-sectional views each
schematically illustrating an electrolyzing apparatus 60 of the
present embodiment. The detection electrode 26 may be, for example,
(i) an electrode pair disposed in, on, or at a pipe between the
electrolyzing section 5 and the diluting section 20 as illustrated
in (a) of FIG. 2, (ii) an electrode pair disposed in the channel
inside the electrolyzing section 5 as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 2,
or (iii) an electrode pair disposed above the electrode pair 1 as
illustrated in (c) of FIG. 2. The detecting section 25 may be
configured such that one of the electrode pair 1 and a detection
electrode 26 are used to measure electrical properties of
electrolyzed water 18 as illustrated in (d) and (e) of FIG. 2.
[0121] Electrolyzing the electrolytic solution 12 with use of the
electrode pair 1 involves chemical reactions such as those
represented in Reaction Formulae (1) to (4). Electrolyzed water 18
produced with use of the electrode pair 1 is thus a fluid of a
mixture of gas and liquid. In a case where the detection
electrode(s) 26 is/are used to measure electrical properties of a
fluid of a mixture of gas and liquid, bubbles passing by the
detection electrode(s) 26 increase the electric resistance between
the electrodes and thus increase the current flowing between the
electrodes, whereas a liquid passing by the detection electrode(s)
26 decreases the electric resistance between the electrodes and
thus decrease the current flowing between the electrodes. This
indicates that in a case where electrolyzed water 18 is being
produced normally with use of the electrode pair 1, properties
measured with use of the detection electrode(s) 26 such as the
electric resistance fluctuate. Detecting such a fluctuation thus
makes it possible to learn that electrolyzed water 18 is being
produced normally. Further, detecting a lack of such a fluctuation
makes it possible to detect an abnormality such as an empty tank, a
broken liquid flowing pump, a clogged pipe, and liquid leakage.
[0122] The detection electrodes 26 may be separated from each other
by a distance of, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. This configuration
makes it possible to confirm the flow of electrolyzed water 18.
[0123] The example described here involves use of a detection
electrode(s) 26 to detect a flow of electrolyzed water 18. The
detecting section 25 may alternatively be a photodetector section
configured to optically detect a flow of electrolyzed water 18.
[0124] FIG. 3 illustrates Detection System A included in an
electrolyzing apparatus of the second embodiment. The detecting
section 25 may include a system to detect an abnormality, like
Detection System A. Detection System A has not only an allowable
range (set value) for the voltage or current of the electrolysis
electrodes 1, but also an allowable range for the amount of change
over time in the voltage, current, or both of the electrolysis
electrodes 1. The detecting section 25 is capable of detecting an
abnormality on the basis of a derivative value (which refers to the
average change amount per unit of time) of the voltage value or
current value of the electrolysis electrodes 1. The detecting
section 25 is, in this case, included in a control section 6. For
other detection systems as well, including a detecting section in a
control section is preferable because such a configuration can
incorporate both sections in a single plated circuit and thereby
achieve a smaller size and a lower cost.
[0125] For instance, electrodes for sensing are connected to a
constant-current source or constant-voltage source, and are used to
detect an abnormality by distinguishing the amount of change in the
voltage value or current value between a normal state and an
abnormal state within a certain period of time. An allowable range
is set for the amount of change over time of the voltage, the
current, or both. In other words, the detection electrodes are used
to detect a derivative value of the voltage value or current value
(the derivative value refers to the average change amount per unit
of time and may also be expressed as a slope). The voltage value
and the current value may be detected by a conventional method. A
derivative value may be found by sampling the voltage value or
current value at a fixed time interval(s) and calculating the
voltage change over time. Sampling the voltage value or current
value at an excessively short time interval will, however, lead to
a false positive in abnormality detection as a result of noise, for
example. It is thus preferable to (i) sample the voltage value or
current value at a time interval of, for example, 10 seconds to 1
minute and (ii) calculate the difference between those samples.
[0126] The detection system described here includes sensing
electrodes that utilize the derivative value being substantially
zero in the steady state. For instance, disposing detection
electrodes at a position that is closer to the supply opening for
an electrolytic solution than the electrolysis electrodes are to
the supply opening maintains the voltage-current relationship based
on the electrical properties of the electrolytic solution. In a
case where, for instance, the supply of an electrolytic solution
has stopped abnormally, detection electrodes disposed at a position
in the electrolytic bath which position is close to the supply
opening for an electrolytic solution causes the current
voltage-current relationship to become closer to the
voltage-current relationship of electricity of electrolyzed water
resulting from the electrolytic solution being electrolyzed with
use of the electrolysis electrodes. During this process, the
derivative value becomes non-zero. This allows the abnormality to
be detected. In a case where sensing electrodes are disposed at a
position that is even closer to the tank of an electrolytic
solution than the electrolytic bath is to the tank, for instance,
in a case where sensing electrodes are disposed in the pipe or on
the pipe, an electrolytic solution in the vicinity of the sensing
electrodes becomes electrolyzed with the sensing electrodes, and
the derivative value becomes non-zero similarly. This allows the
abnormality to be detected.
[0127] Disposing detection electrodes at a position that is closer
to the discharge opening for an electrolytic solution than the
electrolysis electrodes are to the discharge opening maintains the
voltage-current relationship based on the electrical properties of
the electrolyzed water. In a case where, for instance, the supply
of an electrolytic solution has stopped abnormally, detection
electrodes disposed at a position in the electrolytic bath which
position is close to the discharge opening for an electrolytic
solution causes the current voltage-current relationship to become
closer to the voltage-current relationship of electricity of
electrolyzed water resulting from the electrolytic solution being
excessively electrolyzed with use of the electrolysis electrodes.
During this process, the derivative value becomes non-zero. This
allows the abnormality to be detected. In a case where sensing
electrodes are disposed at a position that is even closer to the
discharge opening for electrolyzed water than the electrolytic bath
is to the tank, for instance, in a case where sensing electrodes
are disposed in the pipe or on the pipe, electrolyzed water in the
vicinity of the sensing electrodes becomes absent or further
electrolyzed with the sensing electrodes, and the derivative value
becomes non-zero similarly. This allows the abnormality to be
detected.
[0128] Disposing detection electrodes at a position that is closer
to the electrolysis electrodes maintains the voltage-current
relationship based on the electrical properties of the electrolytic
solution being electrolyzed. In a case where, for instance, the
supply of an electrolytic solution has stopped abnormally,
detection electrodes disposed at a position that is closer to the
electrolysis electrodes causes the current voltage-current
relationship to become closer to the voltage-current relationship
of electricity of electrolyzed water resulting from the
electrolytic solution being excessively electrolyzed with use of
the electrolysis electrodes. During this process, the derivative
value becomes non-zero. This allows the abnormality to be
detected.
[0129] In a case where sensing electrodes are disposed in the
electrolytic bath, part or all of the sensing electrodes may double
as an electrolysis electrode, and may also be connected to a power
source for electrolysis.
[0130] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate Detection System B included in an
electrolyzing apparatus of the third embodiment. The detecting
section 25 may include a system to detect an abnormality, like
Detection System B. Detection System B includes, as the detecting
section 25, a detection electrode(s) 26 different from the
electrolysis electrodes 1. The detection electrode(s) 26 is/are
disposed above the electrolysis electrodes 1. In a case where the
supply of an electrolytic solution has stopped or become
insufficient, the above configuration makes it possible to detect a
change in, for example, electrical conductivity in the vicinity of
the detection electrode(s) 26. Specifically, the detection
electrode(s) 26 is/are used to detect a decrease in the current
value which decrease has been caused by a lowered level of the
electrolytic solution in the electrolyzing section 5. Although the
detection section 25 may include a pair of electrodes 26 for the
detection, using one of the electrolysis electrodes 1 for both the
electrolysis and the detection reduces the parts count. Further
using the power source section for both the electrolysis and the
detection makes it possible to omit a power source for the
detecting section. A lowered level of the electrolytic solution
influences the electrolysis electrodes 1 as well; it decreases the
current value or increases the voltage value as a result of a
reduced effective area of the electrodes. However, the proportion
of such a change (that is, the proportion of the change value to
the total value), the S/N value, and the like are small. This
causes a problem similar to those with conventional art. An
abnormality can be detected by, for instance, slitting an upper
portion of an electrolysis electrode(s) 1 for a partial separation,
connecting a wire to the separated part, and measuring the value of
the electric current flowing through the wire. The current value
may be measured by any of various conventional methods such as a
method of measuring the voltage of a shunt resistor.
[0131] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate Detection System C included in an
electrolyzing apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The detecting
section 25 may include a system to detect an abnormality, like
Detection System C. In Detection System C, the detecting section 25
includes a detection electrode(s) 26 as a detector similarly to the
above, the detection electrode(s) 26 being disposed at a position
that is closer to the supply opening (that is, the electrolytic
solution supply opening of the electrolyzing section) for an
electrolytic substance (electrolytic solution) than the
electrolysis electrodes 1 are to the supply opening. Using the
above detection electrode(s) 26 to detect a difference between
electrical properties of the electrolytic substance and those of an
electrolysis product (electrolyzed water) makes it possible to
detect whether the supply of the electrolytic substance
(electrolytic solution) has stopped or become insufficient. The
steady state leads the detecting section 25 to obtain values
relatively close to those of the electrical properties of the
electrolytic substance (electrolytic solution), whereas an abnormal
state leads the detecting section 25 to obtain values relatively
close to those of the electrical properties of the electrolysis
product (electrolyzed water). This allows an abnormality to be
detected.
[0132] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate Detection System D included in an
electrolyzing apparatus of the fifth embodiment. The detecting
section 25 may include a system to detect an abnormality, like
Detection System D. In Detection System D, the detecting section 25
includes a detection electrode(s) 26 as a detector similarly to the
above, the detection electrode(s) 26 being disposed (i) at a
position (that is, the discharge opening of the electrolyzing
section 5 for the case of electrolysis) that is closer to the
discharge opening for an electrolysis product than the electrolysis
electrodes are to the discharge opening, (ii) at the discharge
opening, (iii) in or on a pipe connected to the discharge opening,
or (iv) between pipes.
[0133] Using the above detection electrode(s) to detect a
difference in electrical properties between the normal state (in
which an electrolysis product [electrolyzed water] is being flown
to the detector continuously) and a state that is not the normal
state (in which electrolyzed water is not being flown to the
detector continuously) makes it possible to detect whether the
supply of the electrolytic substance (electrolytic solution) has
stopped. The above configuration also makes it possible to detect,
for example, the following abnormality: Although an electrolytic
solution is being flown to the detecting section, a failure such as
a breakage of the electrolyzing section causes the amount of
electrolyzed water discharged from the electrolyzing section to be
smaller than normal or even stops the discharge altogether.
[0134] Detecting a difference in electrical properties between the
normal state (in which an electrolysis product [electrolyzed water]
is being flown to the detector continuously) and a state in which
an electrolytic substance (electrolytic solution) is being flown to
the detector continuously) makes it possible to detect, for
example, the following abnormality: Although an electrolytic
substance (electrolytic solution) is being supplied normally, the
electrolytic substance is electrolyzed insufficiently or is not
electrolyzed.
[0135] The detection electrode(s) may at least partially double(s)
as an electrode for electrolysis. This configuration is preferable
because it reduces the parts count and cost for increased
practicability. Including an inclined detection electrode pair is
preferable because it increases the detectability. The electrolytic
bath may preferably further include a cooling system, in particular
a water-cooling system.
[0136] In a case where a detection electrode pair and an
electrolysis electrode pair are to be included in the electrolyzing
section in such a manner as to be parallel to each other, a holding
section for holding the detection electrode pair and the
electrolysis electrode pair may be formed to also serve as the
electrolyzing section. This can reduce costs. It is preferable to
further incline an electrolyzing section including a detection
electrode pair and an electrolysis electrode pair that are parallel
to each other. This increases both the detectability and
electrolysis efficiency. Further including a water-cooling system
stabilizes the respective temperatures of the detection electrodes
and the electrolysis electrodes, and thereby provides a highly
reliable detection system and electrolysis system. This is because
the electrical properties and chemical reactions of a substance are
typically temperature-dependent. Since a detector including
electrodes utilizes electrical properties of a substance, and
electrolysis utilizes an electrochemical reaction, a stable
temperature is preferable, and including a cooling system is
preferable.
[0137] The diluting section 20 serves to dilute, with water,
electrolyzed water 18 produced by the electrolyzing section 5. This
configuration makes it possible to produce electrolyzed water 18
having an appropriate effective chlorine concentration and to
discharge such electrolyzed water 18 from the discharge opening
14.
[0138] Including the diluting section 20 to dilute electrolyzed
water 18 produced by the electrolyzing section 5 makes it possible
to increase the amount of electrolyzed water 18 produced. The water
for the dilution is, for example, tap water. In a case where the
diluting section 20 dilutes electrolyzed water 18 with tap water,
an electromagnetic valve 23 may be connected to a faucet for supply
of tap water to the diluting section 20. The electrolytic solution
may alternatively be diluted before being electrolyzed. In this
case, however, a mineral and/or the like contained in dilution
water may be deposited on the electrolysis electrodes to decrease
the electrolysis capability, or a component contained in dilution
water may be electrolyzed to cause variations in the concentration,
pH, and/or the like of the electrolyzed water. It is thus
preferable to first electrolyze the electrolytic solution at the
electrolyzing section and then dilute the electrolyzed water with
tap water or the like as in the present embodiment.
[0139] The diluting section 20 may be configured such that
electrolyzed water 18 produced by the electrolyzing section 5 and
dilution water flow into each other. In this case, the diluting
section 20 is configured such that the flow of electrolyzed water
18 produced by the electrolyzing section 5 joins a substantially
horizontal flow of water. The diluting section 20 may also be
configured such that electrolyzed water 18 produced by the
electrolyzing section 5 is attracted to dilution water as a result
of the Venturi effect caused by the flow of the dilution water.
[0140] The diluting section 20 may be configured to dilute
electrolyzed water 18 in a dilution bath configured to receive the
flow of electrolyzed water 18 produced by the electrolyzing section
5 and the flow of dilution water.
[0141] The electrolyzing apparatus 60 may be configured to be
capable of changing the amount of dilution water used by the
diluting section 20. The electrolyzing apparatus 60 may, for
instance, include an electromagnetic valve 23 to be capable of
changing the amount of water to be supplied to the diluting section
20. This configuration makes it possible to produce electrolyzed
water 18 having any of different effective chlorine concentrations
and to produce electrolyzed water 18 having an effective chlorine
concentration customized for the use of the electrolyzed water
18.
[0142] The electrolyzing apparatus 60 may include a control section
6 to enable switching between electrolyzed water 18 having a normal
concentration and electrolyzed water 18 having a high
concentration. The control section 6 controls the electromagnetic
valve 23 to switch concentrations for electrolyzed water 18. For
example, electrolyzed water 18 having a normal concentration may
have an effective chlorine concentration within a range of 15 ppm
to 25 ppm, and electrolyzed water 18 having a high concentration
may have an effective chlorine concentration within a range of 45
ppm to 55 ppm.
[0143] It is further preferable to include an electronically
operated needle valve instead of a switch-type electromagnetic
valve. An electronically operated needle valve is capable of
changing the flow rate continuously, and thus makes it possible to
continuously produce electrolyzed water with any high concentration
from electrolyzed water having a minimum concentration at the time
of a maximum flow rate.
[0144] The electrolyzing apparatus 60 may include a cooling section
54 configured to cool the electrolyzing section 5 with use of water
for dilution of electrolyzed water 18. This configuration makes it
possible to prevent the temperature of the electrolyzing section 5
from being increased by (i) heat generated as a result of electric
resistance of the electrodes and/or solution resistance of the
electrolytic solution and/or (ii) heat of various chemical
reactions occurring in the electrolyzing section. The above
configuration in turn makes it possible to prevent the
concentration from varying as a result of a varying electrolysis
efficiency and also prevent the respective lives of, for example,
the electrolyzing section and the electrodes from being shortened
by heat. The cooling section 54 may, for instance, include a
cooling-water channel 53 through which dilution water flows. This
configuration is preferable because it makes it possible to form a
cooling-water channel together with the electrolyzing section as an
integral part thereof and avoid the need for extra parts or
attachment operation.
[0145] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of an
electrolyzing apparatus 60 of Embodiment 6. The cooling-water
channel 53 may be configured, for example, such that as illustrated
in FIG. 12, tap water flows into the cooling-water channel 53 from
a cooling-water inlet 56 positioned upstream of the diluting
section 20, flows around the electrolysis electrode pair 1, and
then flows out from a cooling-water outlet 57 positioned downstream
of the diluting section 20. Forming a cooling-water channel 53 as
described above makes it possible to use tap water for the dilution
of electrolyzed water 18 to also cool the electrolyzing section
5.
[0146] The cooling-water channel 53 may be formed in the structural
member 52 of the electrolyzing section 5 as illustrated in FIG. 12,
or may be in the form of a pipe disposed around the electrolyzing
section 5.
[0147] The electrolyzing apparatus 60 may include a stirring
section 19. The stirring section 19 is configured to receive the
flow of electrolyzed water 18 diluted by the diluting section 20
and cause the electrolyzed water 18 to flow out toward the
discharge opening 14. Including such a stirring section 19 makes it
possible to convert, into hypochlorous acids, chlorine gas that has
not been converted by the electrolyzing section 5 or the diluting
section 20 into hypochlorous acids. This in turn stabilizes, for
example, the pH and effective chlorine concentration of
electrolyzed water 18 discharged from the discharge opening 14,
thereby making it possible to produce electrolyzed water 18 having
a stable quality. The stirring section 19 may be a water tank in
which a turbulent flow occurs or a stirring tank including a
stirrer.
[0148] The stirring section 19 is not essential. However, with the
stirring section 19, concentration becomes more stable.
Furthermore, even if, by any change, the electrolyzing section 5,
the diluting section 20, and the electrolyzed water channel failed
to convert chlorine molecules into hypochlorous acids for some
reason, the presence of the stirring section 19 facilitates
conversion of chlorine molecules into hypochlorous acids. This
prevents or reduces the release of chlorine gas and increases the
concentration of hypochlorous acid. For instance, unconverted
chlorine gas may be released in a case where the amount of chlorine
gas produced at the electrolyzing section 5 is large relative to
the amount of an aqueous solution in the electrolyzing section 5
and the electrolyzed water channel connecting the diluting section
20 and the discharge opening is very short. In such a case, the
chlorine gas can be efficiently converted into hypochlorous acids
by increasing the effective length of the electrolyzed water
channel with the addition of the stirring section 19 and by
increasing the surface area of bubble per unit amount of chlorine
gas by breaking chlorine gas bubbles into smaller bubbles using
turbulent flows in the stirring section 19, and thereby increasing
the number of times the chlorine gas makes contact with dilution
water molecules. This prevents or reduces the release of chlorine
gas into the atmosphere and increases the effective chlorine
concentration of electrolyzed water.
[0149] The discharge opening 14 may be connected to an outlet
member 24. This makes it possible to supply the electrolyzed water
18 produced at the electrolyzing apparatus 60 to an outlet. By
discharging the electrolyzed water 18 through the outlet into, for
example, a bucket 51, it is possible to use the electrolyzed water
18 for various purposes. The outlet pipe 24 may be, for example, a
flexible hose. Alternatively, the discharge opening 14 may serve as
an outlet.
[0150] The control section 6 controls the electrolyzed water
producing section 2. The control section 6 is connectable to the
pump 8, the electrolysis electrode pair 1, the electromagnetic
valve 23, and/or the detection electrode 26 via a signal line or a
power supply line. The control section 6 may include the detecting
section 25. The control section 6 may be connected to the detection
electrode 25 or may be combined with the detection electrode 25 to
constitute the detecting section 25.
[0151] The control section 6 is configured to be able to receive
signals from an operation section 11. The operation section 11 may
be constituted by manual operation buttons or a touchscreen. The
operation section 11 may be connected to the control section 6 via
a signal line or may be configured to remotely control the
electrolyzing apparatus 60.
Electrolyzed Water Detecting Experiment
[0152] An electrolyzing section 5 as shown in (c) of FIG. 2 and
FIG. 10 was prepared, and an experiment was conducted to detect,
with the use of detection electrodes 26, electrolyzed water 18
produced with the use of electrolysis electrodes 1. Each detection
electrode had an effective surface of 3 mm.times.3 mm, and the
distance between the electrodes was 2 mm. The detection electrodes
were made of the same material as that of which the electrolysis
electrodes were made. FIGS. 13 and 14 show the results of the
experiment.
[0153] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating how current detected at the
detection electrodes 26 changed when an electrolytic solution 12
supplied to the electrolyzing section 5 was electrolyzed with the
use of the electrolysis electrodes 1 to obtain electrolyzed water
18. The graph demonstrates that, while the electrolyzed water 18 is
produced normally, the current detected at the detection electrodes
26 fluctuates. The graph also demonstrates that the current
detected may be small for a time period of not more than 5 seconds.
This is presumably due to alternate passage by the detection
electrodes 26 of (i) bubbles of chlorine gas and hydrogen gas
generated as a result of electrolysis and (ii) electrolyzed water.
This demonstrates that, by detecting whether or not such a
fluctuation in detected current has occurred, it is possible to
detect whether or not the electrolyzed water 18 is produced
normally. It was also demonstrated that detecting a small current
continuously for not less than 5 seconds indicates no supply of an
electrolytic solution 12 to the electrolyzing section 5.
[0154] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating how the current detected at
the detection electrodes 26 changed when the supply of the
electrolytic solution 12 to the electrolyzing section 5 stopped.
When the supply of an electrolytic solution 12 stopped, the
fluctuation of the current stopped being measured approximately 5
seconds after the stop of the supply. This shows that using the
detection electrodes 26 makes it possible to detect a stop of the
supply of an electrolytic solution 12 earlier.
[0155] A similar arrangement as described below may alternately be
employed: as shown in (a) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, sensing electrodes
are provided in, on, or at a pipe connecting the electrolyzing
section and the discharge opening. An experiment was conducted with
a pipe having an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm. The results
of this experiment were similar to those described above.
[0156] It is preferable that a terminal post (post) of each
detection electrode be positioned closer to the supply opening.
With such an arrangement, the terminal portions and electrodes near
the terminal portions are relatively less likely to be exposed to
highly reactive gas or high-concentration electrolyzed water, and
therefore less trouble occurs at the terminals and the points of
contact between the terminals and the electrodes.
[0157] The detecting section included in an electrolyzing apparatus
of the present invention is particularly suitable for an
electrolyzing apparatus that includes inclined electrolysis
electrodes. The inclined electrolysis electrodes provide improved
electrolysis efficiency, but the concentration of electrolyzed
water produced using such electrolysis electrodes readily changes
rapidly in response to a change in supply conditions of the
electrolytic solution. Therefore, the use of a detecting section of
the present invention, which enables an early detection of an
abnormality, is preferred. Furthermore, the sensing electrodes in
an inclined state provide better sensitivity. Therefore, an
electrolyzing apparatus including inclined electrolysis electrodes
and inclined sensing electrodes provides high electrolysis
performance and has a high degree of safety and reliability.
Effective Chlorine Concentration Measuring Experiment
[0158] An electrolyzing apparatus was prepared that was similar to
the electrolyzing section 5 of the electrolyzing apparatus 60
illustrated in FIG. 1. An electrolysis experiment was conducted
while the angle at which the electrode pair 1 was inclined relative
to the vertical direction was changed. The electrode pair 1
included (i) an electrode (herein referred to as Ti electrode) made
of a titanium plate with a long side of 8 cm, a short side of 3 cm,
and a thickness of 1 mm and (ii) an electrode (herein referred to
as Pt--Ir-coated Ti electrode) prepared by coating a titanium plate
with a long side of 8 cm, a short side of 3 cm, and a thickness of
1 mm with platinum and iridium through a sintering process. The
electrode pair 1 was fixed to a structural member 20 made of vinyl
chloride resin in such a manner that the Ti electrode and the
Pt--Ir-coated Ti electrode were substantially parallel to each
other and separated from each other by a distance within a range of
1 mm to 5 mm. This prepared an electrolyzing apparatus. The
electrode pair 1 was connected to a power source device in such a
manner that the Ti electrode would serve as a negative electrode
and that the Pt--Ir-coated Ti electrode would serve as a positive
electrode.
[0159] An electrolyzing apparatus was installed while the angle at
which the electrode pair 1 was inclined relative to the vertical
direction was changed between approximately -80 degrees to
approximately +80 degrees. A mixed aqueous solution of 2% to 4%
sodium chloride and 0.3% to 0.4% hydrochloric acid was supplied to
the electrolytic solution channel 7 from below at a fixed flow
rate. The angle of inclination was (i) 0 degrees in a case where
the electrode pair 1 extended vertically, (ii) a positive value in
degree in a case where the electrode pair 1 was inclined in such a
manner that the Pt--Ir-coated Ti electrode (positive electrode) was
positioned higher, and (iii) a negative value in degree in a case
where the electrode pair 1 was inclined in such a manner that the
Pt--Ir-coated Ti electrode was positioned lower.
[0160] The power source device was operated to supply a constant
current of 5 A to the electrode pair 1 for an electrolytic
treatment of a mixed aqueous solution of sodium chloride and
hydrochloric acid. The voltage applied was within a range of
approximately 4 V to 5 V. The effective chlorine concentration
(mg/L) of the aqueous solution after the electrolytic treatment was
measured. The effective chlorine concentration was evaluated on the
basis of color reaction caused by oxidation. The effective chlorine
concentration of this Example thus shows a value indicative of the
amount of all oxidative reactive substances.
[0161] FIG. 15 shows the measurement results of the experiment on
the effective chlorine concentration. The effective chlorine
concentration shown in FIG. 15 is for a case in which electrolyzed
water was diluted with 1 L of water by normalization. The results
show that inclining the electrode pair 1 in such a manner that the
Pt--Ir-coated Ti electrode (positive electrode) was positioned
higher successfully increased the effective chlorine concentration
of an aqueous solution after an electrolytic treatment within a
range of the inclination angle of 20 degrees to 80 degrees. The
effective chlorine concentration was particularly high within a
range of 50 degrees to 80 degrees.
[0162] The results also show that, on the other hand, inclining the
electrode pair 1 in such a manner that the Pt--Ir-coated Ti
electrode (positive electrode) was positioned lower decreased the
effective chlorine concentration of an aqueous solution after an
electrolytic treatment.
[0163] This proves that inclining the electrode pair 1 in such a
manner that the positive electrode is positioned higher than the
negative electrode increases the effective chlorine concentration
of electrolyzed water produced.
[0164] When the inclination angle is less than about 0 degrees and
has a negative value, even a slight change in inclination angle
will result in a significant decrease in effective chlorine
concentration. Therefore, it is preferable for practical use that
the electrode pair 1 be inclined in such a manner that the
inclination angle is greater than 0 degrees and has a positive
value, i.e., in such a manner that the positive electrode is
positioned higher than the negative electrode. This is because,
with this arrangement, the effective chlorine concentration becomes
high and stable with respect to variations in inclination angle of
the electrode pair 1. The inclination angle is more preferably not
less than 20 degrees and not more than 80 degrees.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0165] 1: Electrolysis electrodes or electrolysis electrode pair
[0166] 2: Electrolyzed water producing section [0167] 3: Positive
electrode [0168] 4: Negative electrode [0169] 5: Electrolyzing
section [0170] 6: Control section, power source section [0171] 7:
Electrolytic solution tank [0172] 8: Electrolytic solution pump
[0173] 10: Electrolytic solution supplying section [0174] 11:
Operation section [0175] 12: Electrolytic solution [0176] 14:
Discharge opening [0177] 18: Electrolyzed water [0178] 19: Stirring
section [0179] 20: Diluting section [0180] 23: Electromagnetic
valve [0181] 24: Outlet member [0182] 25: Detecting section [0183]
26: Detection electrode [0184] 28: Housing [0185] 41: Tap water
inlet [0186] 42: Electrolytic solution inlet [0187] 51: Bucket
[0188] 52: Structural member [0189] 53: Cooling water channel
[0190] 54: Cooling section [0191] 56: Cooling water inlet [0192]
57: Cooling water outlet [0193] 60: Electrolyzing apparatus
* * * * *