WO2022243474A1

WO2022243474A1 - An apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine

Info

Publication number: WO2022243474A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/063640
Authority: WO
Inventors: René MEEUWISSE
Original assignee: Swiss Newater Holding Sàrl
Priority date: 2021-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-19
Publication date: 2022-11-24
Also published as: CH718650B1; CH718650A9; CH718650A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for electrolysing brine. The apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a single chamber electrolyzer defining a fluid inlet for receiving a homogenized diluted brine of a controlled concentration, dilution and temperature, at least one pair of electrodes, wherein each pair defines an anode and a cathode for facilitating electrolysis of the homogenized brine, and a fluid outlet for leading electrolysed water out of the electrolyzer. The apparatus further includes a power source for providing DC power to the electrodes for performing electrolysis, and a control means for sensing the change in voltage being provided to the electrodes.

Description

AN APPARATUS, A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR ELECTROLYSING BRINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for electrolysing brine.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Chlorinated water is a main ingredient of disinfecting and cleaning compositions. Chlorinated water is generally prepared by either adding chlorine gas to water or by mixing bleach to water. However, it is difficult to control the amount of concentration of chlorine being diffused in the water. Further, the conventional methods are unsafe for a person handling the procedure.

[0003] To overcome the above disadvantages, brine is electrolyzed with the help of a conventional dual chambered electrolyzer. Along with chlorinated water, highly reactive caustic soda, chlorine gas and hydrogen gas derived as bi-products of the reaction are extremely unsafe for manual handling. As a result, various precautionary measures are to be taken by the handler.

[0004] Further, the conventional apparatuses for brine electrolysis are configured to produce chlorinated water with a fixed proportion of brine solution. More specifically, once the initial operating conditions are set, they cannot be varied for achieving different concentration of residual chlorine in the electrolysed water.

[0005] There is therefore felt a need for an apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine, which overcomes the above mentioned deficiencies.

OBJECTS

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine. [0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine to produce electrolysed chlorinated water which is safe to handle.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine of different concentrations.

[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine, which allows on-the-spot addition of additives in the electrolysed chlorinated water to enhance the composition of the chlorinated water.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure envisages an apparatus for electrolysing brine. The apparatus comprises a single chamber electrolyzer defining a fluid inlet for receiving a homogenized diluted brine of a controlled concentration, dilution and temperature, at least one pair of electrodes, each pair defining an anode and a cathode for facilitating electrolysis of the homogenized brine, and an outlet for leading out the products of electrolysis from the electrolyzer. The apparatus further includes a power source for providing DC power to the electrodes for performing electrolysis, and a control means for sensing the change in voltage being provided to the electrodes.

[0013] In an embodiment, the electrolyzer is an air-tight chamber.

[0014] In another embodiment, the electrolyzer includes at least one float switch configured to sense the level of brine before the start of electrolysis. The float switch is further configured to sense the level of electrolysed water during and after electrolysis in the chamber.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a first sensor to sense the level of residual chlorine concentration in the electrolyzed water.

[0016] In still another embodiment, a control valve is provided at the outlet of the chamber. The control valve is configured to discharge the products of electrolysis including electrolyzed water having a specified residual chlorine concentration, NaOCl concentration and HOC1 concentration through the outlet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the anode is a boron doped diamond electrode.

[0018] In another embodiment, the cathode is a stainless steel electrode.

[0019] In an embodiment, the control means for checking the voltage is locally controlled.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control means for checking the voltage is remotely controlled.

[0021] In an embodiment, the chamber is of an inert polymeric material, typically polypropylene.

[0022] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a recirculation loop for recirculating electrolyzed water into the chamber.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second electrolyzer chamber wherein the electrolyzed water from the first electrolyser chamber is fed to the second chamber for performing a second electrolysis of the electrolysed water received from the first electrolysing chamber.

[0024] In still another embodiment, the apparatus is portable.

[0025] The present disclosure further envisages a process for electrolyzing brine. The method comprises the following steps:

• providing a single chamber electrolyzer having a fluid inlet, at least one pair of electrodes, an outlet, a power source connected to the electrodes, and a control means;

• feeding a homogenised diluted brine of a controlled concentration, dilution and temperature in the electrolyzer;

• ensuring level of the homogenised diluted brine is at a predetermined level within the electrolyzer; feeding the electrodes with a 12V DC power supply to enable electrolysis of the homogenised diluted brine; • determining the concentration of residual chlorine and free radicles in the electrolyzed water; and

• releasing the products of electrolysis from the outlet when the level of residual chlorine concentration reaches a predetermined value.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of sensing the voltage fluctuations taking place during the process of electrolysis.

[0027] In another embodiment, the method includes the step of altering the concentration of the homogenized brine based on the voltage fluctuations.

[0028] In still another embodiment, the method includes the step of circulating the electrolyzed water back into the chamber for increasing the concentration of residual chlorine therein.

[0029] In another embodiment, the method includes the step of circulating the electrolyzed water into a second chamber for increasing the concentration of residual chlorine therein.

[0030] In one embodiment, the concentration of residual chlorine in the electrolyzed water is about lOOOppm.

[0031] In another embodiment, the pH of the electrolyzed water lies in the range of 7.39 and 8.8.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the electrolyzed water contains 0 to 95% sodium hypochlorite.

[0033] In still another embodiment, the electrolyzed water contains 5% to 10% of hypochlorous acid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] An apparatus and a system for electrolysing brine will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the apparatus in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 apparatus

10 electrolyzer chamber

12 fluid inlet passage

14 outlet passage

18 inlet valve

20 anode

22 cathode

24 DC power source

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0036] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0037] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. [0038] When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.

[0039] A preferred embodiment of an apparatus (100), of the present disclosure, for electrolyzing brine will now be described with reference to Figure 1. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.

[0040] The apparatus (100) is defined by a single electrolyzer chamber (10) having a fluid inlet passage (12), and an outlet passage (14).

[0041] The electrolyzer chamber (10) includes at least one pair of an anode (20) and a cathode (22) placed in the single electrolyzer chamber (10). In one embodiment, the electrolyzer chamber (10) includes a plurality of pairs of anodes (20) and cathodes (22) placed in the electrolyzer chamber (10).

[0042] In an embodiment, the anode (20) is a boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode, while the cathode (22) is a stainless steel electrode.

[0043] The BDD electrode is a stable electrode which has a life of more than 10 years.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, it is desired that the saturated brine is diluted with a predetermined quantities of water to prevent damage of the electrolyzer chamber (10) and the electrodes due to high saline concentration of the brine.

[0045] The fluid inlet passage (12) is configured to receive a diluted brine mixture of a predetermined concentration and quantity. An inlet valve (18) is connected to the fluid inlet passage (12). The inlet valve (18) regulates the flow rate of the diluted brine dispensed into the electrolyzer chamber (10).

[0046] After receiving the brine, current of 12V is passed through the electrodes to facilitate electrolysis of the diluted brine mixture.

[0047] The electrolysis of the diluted brine is described as follows:

[0048] The diluted brine is a conductive fluid that contains free ions. Each electrode attracts ions having a charge opposite to that of the electrode. More specifically, positively charged ions move to the stainless steel cathode (22), whereas negatively charged ions move to the BDD anode (20). The end products of the electrolysis process are almost neutral electrolyzed chlorinated water containing 0 to 95% sodium hypochlorite and 5% to 10% of hypochlorous acid. In an embodiment, the concentration of residual chlorine in the electrolyzed chlorinated water is lOOOppm. The pH of the chlorinated water lies in between 7.39 to 8.95.

[0049] Further, the electrolyzed water includes lightly dissolved free ozone radicles, hydroxyl radicles and other radicles. Additionally, hydrogen gas is released as a by-product of the electrolysis process.

[0050] The outlet passage (14) is configured to lead out the products of electrolysis from the chamber (10).

[0051] In an embodiment, the electrolysed chlorinated water can be recirculated into the electrolyzer chamber (10) to achieve a higher concentration of residual chlorine in the electrolysed water, up to 10,000 ppm.

[0052] The present disclosure further envisages a system which includes the apparatus (100) and a controller (not shown).

[0053] The controller is configured to be connected with the inlet valve (18) and the DC power source (24). The controller is configured to store therein a set of predetermined rules and threshold parameter values corresponding to the flow rate of the diluted brine, salt concentration, and current and voltage of power supplied by the DC power source (24). The controller is configured to generate processing commands based on the rules and the values. The controller is further configured to vary the inflow quantity and concentration of the brine mixture to vary the concentration of residual chlorine in the electrolyzed water. In an embodiment, the controller is configured to vary the concentration of the brine mixture to produce electrolysed water having 100% chlorine diffused therein. In an embodiment, the controller is configured to vary the concentration of the brine mixture to produce electrolysed water having a reduced concentration of residual chlorine diffused therein. The controller is additionally configured to monitor voltage reversal in the apparatus (100) to ensure prolonged life of the electrodes.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present disclosure facilitates on-the-spot addition of additives in the electrolyzed water, which enhances the cleaning properties and aesthetics of a formulation produced using the electrolyzed water formed in the electrolyzer. The additives are selected from a group consisting of stabilizers, surfactants, degreasers, fragrances, thickeners, colours, defoamers or a combination thereof.

[0055] The apparatus (100) and the system facilitate production of electrolyzed chlorinated water which is useful in eliminating 99.99% microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Since, the pH of the electrolysed water is configured to lie between 7.39 to 8.95, it is safe for manual handling, is non-corrosive for human skin, is safe for eyes, and is nontoxic by nature. Further, the apparatus (100) ensures that no highly reactive compositions are produced as by products.

[0056] The electrolyzed chlorinated water is safer than most conventional disinfectant and cleaning compositions. The rate of evaporation of the electrolysed water produced, by the system of the present disclosure, is relatively low and has a relatively higher shelf life.

[0057] The system is further configured to monitor the temperature of the solution, with the help of temperature sensors (not shown), for proper execution of electrolysis and enhancing the life of the electrodes.

[0058] The present disclosure further envisages a method for electrolyzing brine.

[0059] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

[0060] The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus, a system and a method for electrolysing brine, which;

• produces electrolysed chlorinated water which is safe to handle;

• for electrolysing brine of different concentrations; and • allows on-the-spot addition of additives in the electrolysed chlorinated water to enhance the composition of the chlorinated water.

[0061] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0062] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0063] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0064] Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0065] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for electrolysing brine, said apparatus comprising:

• a single chamber electrolyzer defining: o a fluid inlet for receiving a homogenized diluted brine of a controlled concentration, dilution and temperature; o at least one pair of electrodes, each pair defining an anode and a cathode for facilitating electrolysis of the homogenized brine; and o a fluid outlet for leading electrolysed water out of the electrolyzer;

• a power source for providing DC power to the electrodes for performing electrolysis; and

• a control means for sensing the change in voltage being provided to the electrodes.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrolyzer is an air-tight chamber.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrolyzer includes at least one float switch configured to sense the level of brine before the start of electrolysis, and further configured to sense the level of electrolysed water during and after electrolysis in the chamber.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes a first sensor to sense the level of residual chlorine concentration in the electrolyzed water.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control valve is provided at said fluid outlet of said chamber, said control valve being configured to discharge electrolyzed water having a specified residual chlorine concentration, NaOCl concentration and HOC1 concentration through said fluid outlet.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said anode is a boron doped diamond electrode.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cathode is a stainless steel electrode.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control means for checking the voltage is locally controlled.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control means for checking the voltage is remotely controlled.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chamber is of an inert polymeric material, typically polypropylene.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes a recirculation loop for recirculating electrolyzed water into the chamber.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, which includes a second electrolyzer chamber wherein the electrolyzed water from said first electrolyser chamber is fed to said second chamber for performing a second electrolysis of the electrolysed water received from said first electrolysing chamber.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is portable.

14. A process for electrolyzing brine, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a single chamber electrolyzer having a fluid inlet, at least one pair of electrodes, a fluid outlet, a power source connected to said electrodes, and a control means;

• feeding a homogenised diluted brine of a controlled concentration, dilution and temperature in said electrolyzer;

• ensuring level of the homogenised diluted brine is at a predetermined level within said electrolyzer;

• feeding the electrodes with a 12V DC power supply to enable electrolysis of the homogenised diluted brine; • determining the concentration of residual chlorine and free radicles in the electrolyzed water; and

• releasing electrolysed water from the outlet when the level of residual chlorine concentration reaches a predetermined value.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, which includes the step of sensing the voltage fluctuations taking place during the process of electrolysis.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, which includes the step of altering the concentration of the homogenized brine based on the voltage fluctuations.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, which includes the step of circulating the electrolyzed water back into said chamber for increasing the concentration of residual chlorine therein.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, which includes the step of circulating the electrolyzed water into a second chamber for increasing the concentration of residual chlorine therein.

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the concentration of residual chlorine in the electrolyzed water is about 1000 ppm.

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pH of the electrolyzed water lies in the range of 7.39 and 8.8.

21. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the electrolyzed water contains 0 to 95% sodium hypochlorite.

22. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the electrolyzed water contains 5% to 10% of hypochlorous acid.