JP3802580B2

JP3802580B2 - Electrolyzed water generator

Info

Publication number: JP3802580B2
Application number: JP05080095A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 裕鈴木; 由美内田; 和義岡田
Original assignee: Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 1994-10-11
Filing date: 1995-03-10
Publication date: 2006-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-26
Also published as: JPH08164392A

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、次亜塩素酸、次亜塩素酸ナトリウム等を含有し殺菌作用、消毒作用を有するｐＨ３〜７の範囲の弱酸性〜中性の電解水を製造するための電解水生成装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
次亜塩素酸、次亜塩素酸ナトリウム等を含有し殺菌作用、消毒作用を有する電解水を製造するための電解水生成装置の一形式として、特公平４−４２０７７号公報に示されているように、電解槽内をイオン透過能を有する隔膜にて区画して形成された一対の隔室にそれぞれ電極を配置して陽極室と陰極室とを構成し、これら両電極室に供給される希薄食塩水を両電極間で電解する電解水生成装置がある。当該電解水生成装置においては、陽極室内で次亜塩素酸を含む酸性水が生成されるとともに、陰極室内でアルカリ性水が生成される。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、当該電解水生成装置においては、陽極室側生成水はｐＨが２〜３という強い酸性水となる。次亜塩素酸、次亜塩素酸ナトリウム等を含む水溶液ではｐＨが低い程殺菌力は高く、殺菌力の点からすれば低ｐＨ程好ましいが、処理すべき用途により最適なｐＨは異なる。例えば、野菜類では、水溶液が低ｐＨである場合には褐色に変色し易く、その最適ｐＨは６〜７である。また、手等皮膚の殺菌液、消毒液に使用する場合も中性に近いほうが好ましい。従って、当該電解水生成装置においては、陽極室側生成水のｐＨを調整して弱酸性〜中性にする手段が採られている。
【０００４】
すなわち、当該電解水生成装置では、陽極室側生成水のｐＨを調整する手段として、酸性である陽極室側生成水と、アルカリ性である陰極室側生成水と、原水とを、規定された量だけ互いに混合する手段が採られている。しかしながら、かかる混合手段を採用するには、これらの陽極室側生成水、陰極室側生成水、および原水を規定量だけ混合するための各制御バルブが必要であるとともに、これらの各水の混合量を正確に制御するための制御装置、および面倒な制御方法が必要となる。
【０００５】
従って、本発明の目的は、各種の制御バルブ、制御装置、および面倒な制御方法を要することなく、電解時に一方の電極室内にてｐＨ３〜７の弱酸性〜中性の生成水を生成させることにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明に係る電解水生成装置は、電解槽内をイオン透過能を有する隔膜にて区画して形成された一対の隔室のうち、一方の隔室には第１，第２の２枚の電極を互いに対向して配置して第１の電極室を構成するとともに、他方の隔室には第３の１枚の電極を配置して第２の電極室を構成してなり、被電解水の前記第１の電極室内での電解と、同第１の電極室と前記第２の電極室間での電気透析を同時に行うことを特徴とするものである。
【０００７】
当該電解水生成装置においては、前記被電解水として希薄食塩水を採用し、同希薄食塩水を前記両電極室に供給する態様、前記被電解水として希薄食塩水を採用し、前記第１の電極室に同希薄食塩水を供給するとともに、前記第２の電極室には通常の水を供給する態様を採ることができる。
【０００８】
また、当該電解水生成装置においては、前記両電極室に配置されている各電極は２つの直流電源のいずれかの極に接続するようにして、前記両電極室のうち、第１の電極室に配置されている第１電極を一方の直流電源の正極に接続するとともに、第２電極を一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に接続し、かつ、第２の電極室に配置されている第３電極を他方の直流電源の負極に接続する構成とすることができる。また、当該電解生成水装置においては、前記両電極室に配置されている各電極を２つの直流電源のいずれかの極に接続するようにして、前記両電極室のうち、第１の電極室に配置されている第１電極を一方の直流電源の正極に接続し、第２電極を一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に接続するとともに他方の直流電源の負極に接続し、かつ、第２の電極室に配置されている第３電極を一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に接続するとともに他方の直流電源の負極に接続して、一方の直流電源の正極に対する前記第１電極の接続回路には、同第１電極と一方の直流電源との接続を断続する断続スイッチを介装し、一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に対する前記第２電極および前記第３電極の接続回路には、これら両電極と両直流電源の接続を切替動作する第１切替えスイッチを介装し、かつ、他方の直流電源の負極に対する前記第２電極および前記第３電極の接続回路には、これら両電極と他方の直流電源の接続を切替動作する第２切替えスイッチを介装する構成とすることができる。これらの構成においては、第２電極として、水が自由に透過し得る通水性の良好な電極、例えばラスメタル、パンチングメタル等の多孔板の電極を採用することが好ましい。
【０００９】
また、本発明に係る電解水生成装置は、電解槽内をイオン透過能を有する隔膜にて区画して形成された一対の隔室のうち、一方の隔室には第１，第２の２枚の電極を互いに対向して配置して第１の電極室を構成するとともに、他方の隔室には第３，第４の２枚の電極を互いに対向して配置して第２の電極室を構成してなり、被電解水の前記第１の電極室内での電解と同第１の電極室と前記第２の電極室間での電気透析を同時に行う第１の処理と、被電解水の前記第２の電極室内での電解と同第２の電極室と前記第１の電極室間での電気透析とを同時に行う第２の処理とを選択的に行うことを特徴とするものである。
【００１０】
当該電解水生成装置においては、前記両電極室に配置されている各電極を２つの直流電源のいずれかの極に接続するようにし、前記両電極室のうち、第１の電極室に配置されている第１電極を一方の直流電源の正極と他方の直通電源の負極に接続するとともに、第２電極を一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に接続し、かつ、第２の電極室に配置されている第３電極を一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に接続するとともに、第４電極を一方の直流電源の正極と他方の直通電源の負極に接続し、一方の直流電源の正極に対する前記第１電極および前記第４電極の接続回路には、これら両電極と一方の直流電源の接続を切替動作する第１切替スイッチを介装し、一方の直流電源の負極と他方の直流電源の正極に対する前記第２電極および前記第３電極の接続回路には、これら両電極と両直流電源の接続を切替動作する第２切替スイッチを介装し、かつ、他方の直流電源の負極に対する前記第１電極および前記第４電極の接続回路には、これら両電極と他方の直流電源の接続を切替動作する第３切替スイッチを介装するように構成することができる。
【００１１】
【発明の作用・効果】
このように構成した各電解水生成装置のうち、前者の電解水生成装置においては、２枚の電極が配置されている第１の電極室内で被電解水を電解することができ、同時に電解生成水を第１の電極室と第２の電極室間で電気透析することができる。この場合、これら両電極間の電流および／または電圧を調整することにより第１の電極室内で生成される生成水のｐＨを３〜７の範囲に調整することができる。
【００１２】
当該電解水生成装置においては被電解水として希薄食塩水が採用されるが、この希薄食塩水は第１，第２の両電極室に同様に供給してもよく、またこの希薄食塩水を第１の電極室に供給するとともに第２の電極室には通常の水を供給するようにしてもよい。当該電解水生成装置においては、電解は主として第１の電極室内の第１電極と第２電極間でなされ、第２電極と第２の電極室の第３電極間では主としてナトリウムイオン等陽イオン成分の電気透析がなされることから、前者のごとく第２の電極室にも希薄食塩水を供給する場合には同食塩水はさほど有効には利用されない。これに対して、当該電解水生成装置において、後者のごとく第１の電極室には希薄食塩水を供給するとともに第２の電極室には通常の水を供給するようにした場合には、第１の電極室での電解生成水の生成には影響を及ぼすことがないとともに、第２の電極室へ供給する分の希薄食塩水の使用を節約することができて、希薄食塩水を有効に利用することができる。
【００１３】
また、当該電解水生成装置において、第１の電極室の第２電極と第２の電極室の第３電極が第１の電極室の第１電極が非通電時に、極性を互いに選択的に切替え可能に構成すれば、電解水生成水の生成運転の途中または終了後に第２電極と第３電極を正、負各極性に交互に切替えて運転することでができて、各電極および各電極室内に付着する電解時に発生したスケールを除去することができる。これにより、電解生成装置を効率よく洗浄することができる。この場合、電解時に陽極専用として使用する第１電極には通電しないため負荷がかからず、第１電極として電解効率のよい白金イリジウム系の焼成電極を使用しても、イリジウムの溶出による第１電極の劣化が抑制され、第１電極の寿命を向上させることができる。また、第２電極および第３電極については、これら両電極間での電解を行わないことから、電解効率が低いが耐久性が高くてコストの低い白金鍍金チタン系の電極を採用することができて、有利である。
【００１４】
また、上記した各電解水生成装置のうちの後者の電解水生成装置においては、被電解水の第１の電極室内での電解と同第１の電極室と第２の電極室間での電気透析を同時に行う第１の処理と、被電解水の第２の電極室内での電解と同第２の電極室と前記第１の電極室間での電気透析とを同時に行う第２の処理とを選択的に行うことができる。これらの各処理においては、前者の電解水生成装置の場合と同様に、電解生成水のｐＨを３〜７の弱酸性〜中性の範囲に調整することができるとともに、各処理を交互に行うことにより、両電極室が陽極室と陰極室に交互に切替えられて、これにより各電極室および各電極上のスケールが除去され、電解水生成装置を清浄な状態に保持し得て長時間の連続運転が可能となる。
【００１５】
【実施例】
（第１実施例）
図１は本発明の第１実施例に係る電解水生成装置１０を示しており、電解槽１１は隔膜１２にて内部を２つの隔室に区画されている。各隔室のうち、一方の隔室には２枚の電極１３ａ，１３ｂが配設されかつ他方の隔室には１枚の電極１３ｃが配置されて、一方の隔室が第１電極室１４ａに、他方の隔室が第２電極室１４ｂに構成されている。隔膜１２はイオン透過性を有する半透膜である。各電極のうち、第１電極１３ａおよび第３電極１３ｃは平板状あり、また第２電極１３ｂはラスメタルからなる通水性の良好なものである。第１電極１３ａと第２電極１３ｂは第１電極室１４ａ内にて互いに対向しており、また第２電極１３ｂと第３電極１３ｃは隔膜１２を挟んで互いに対向している。
【００１６】
これらの電極１３ａ，１３ｂ，１３ｃは２個の直流電源１５ａ，１５ｂに接続されている。これらの直流電源１５ａ，１５ｂは互いに直列的に接続されており、第１電極１３ａは第１電源１５ａの陽極に接続され、第２電極１３ｂは両電源１５ａ，１５ｂの陰極、陽極を接続する接続線に接続され、第３電極１３ｃは第２電源１５ｂの陰極に接続されている。当該電解水生成装置１０においては、供給ポンプ１６ａの駆動により貯溜タンク１６ｂから希薄食塩水が両電極室１４ａ，１４ｂに供給され、同食塩水は第１電極室１４ａ内にて電解され、かつ第１電極室１４ａと第２電極室１４ｂ間では電気透析がなされて、電解生成されて電気透析された一方の生成水が第１電極室１４ａから第１流出管１７ａを通して流出され、かつ他方の生成水が第２電極室１４ｂから第２流出管１７ｂを通して流出される。
【００１７】
このように構成した電解水生成装置１０においては、第１電極１３ａおよび第２電極１３ｂが配置されている第１電極室１４ａが電解槽として機能するとともに、第３電極１３ｃが配置されている第２電極室１４ｂと第１電極室１４ａ間が電気透析槽として機能し、供給される希薄食塩水は第１電極室内の第１電極１３ａと第２電極１３ｂ間で電解され、電解生成水は隔膜１２を介して対向する第２電極１３ｂと第３電極１３ｃ間で電気透析される。この場合、第１電極室１４ａで生成されるナトリウムイオン等陽イオン成分が第２電極室１４ｂ側へ透過して、第１電極室１４ａで生成される電解水を弱アルカリ性から中性〜酸性に移行させる。このため、第２電極１３ｂと第３電極１３ｃ間の電流および／または電圧を調整することにより、第１電極室１４ａ内で生成される陽イオン成分の透過量を制御し得て、第１電極室側生成水のｐＨを３〜７の範囲に容易に調整することができる。
【００１８】
当該電解水生成装置１０を使用して希薄食塩水の電解実験１および電解実験２を行った。電解実験１においては、被電解水として０．１０ｗｔ％の希薄食塩水を採用し、第１電極１３ａと第２電極１３ｂ間の電流，電圧を２０Ａ，５Ｖに、第２電極１３ｂと第３電極１３ｃ間の電流、電圧を表１に示す値に、各流出管１７ａ，１７ｂからの生成水の流出量を２．０Ｌ／ｍｉｎにそれぞれ設定して行い、各電極室１４ａ，１４ｂから流出する生成水として表１に示す特性の第１電極室側生成水と、第２電極室側生成水を得た。また、電解実験２においては、被電解水として０．１５ｗｔ％の希薄食塩水を採用し、第１電極１３ａと第２電極１３ｂ間の電流，電圧を３０Ａ，６Ｖに、第２電極１３ｂと第３電極１３ｃ間の電流，電圧を表２に示す値に、各流出管１７ａ，１７ｂからの生成水の流出量を０．５Ｌ／ｍｉｎにそれぞれ設定して行い、各電極室１４ａ，１４ｂから流出する生成水として表２に示す特性の第１電極室側生成水および第２電極室側生成水を得た。
【００１９】
【表１】

【００２０】
【表２】

【００２１】
（第２実施例）
図２は本発明の第２実施例に係る電解水生成装置２０を示しており、当該電解水生成装置２０において、電解槽２１は第１実施例に係る電解水生成装置１０の電解槽１１と同一の構成のもので、隔膜２２にて区画された各区画室のうち一方の隔室は第１電極２３ａと第２電極２３ｂを配置されて第１電極室２４ａに構成され、かつ他方の隔室は第３電極２３ｃを配置されて第２電極室２４ｂに構成されている。各電極２３ａ，２３ｂ，２３ｃは各直流電源２５ａ，２５ｂに対して、第１実施例の各電極１３ａ，１３ｂ，１３ｃと同様に直列的に接続されている。しかして、当該電解水生成装置２０においては、供給ポンプ２６ａの駆動により、第１電極室２４ａに貯溜タンク２６ｂから希薄食塩水が供給され、かつ第２電極室２４ｂには通常の水である水道水が供給される。
【００２２】
このように構成した電解水生成装置２０においては、第１電極２３ａおよび第２電極２３ｂが配置されている第１電極室２４ａが電解槽として機能するとともに、第３電極２３ｃが配置されている第２電極室２４ｂと第１電極室２４ａ間が電気透析槽として機能し、供給される希薄食塩水は第１電極室２４ａ内の第１電極２３ａと第２電極２３ｂ間で行われ、隔膜２２を介して対向する第２電極２３ｂと第３電極２３ｃ間では電気透析が行われる。この電気透析においては、第１電極室２４ａで生成されるナトリウムイオン等陽イオン成分が第２電極室２４ｂ側へ透過して、第１電極室２４ａで生成される生成水を弱アルカリ性から中性〜酸性に移行させる。
【００２３】
従って、第２電極２３ｂと第３電極２３ｃ間の電流および／または電圧を調整することにより第１電極室２４ａ内で生成される陽イオン成分の透過量を制御し得て、第１電極室側生成水のｐＨを３〜７の範囲に容易に調整することができる。この場合、第１電極室２４ａのみに希薄食塩水を供給しているにすぎないが、第１電極室側生成水の生成には何等の影響も及ぼすことがないとともに、第２電極室２４ｂへは水道水を供給することにより希薄食塩水の使用を節約することができて、希薄食塩水を有効に利用することができる。
【００２４】
当該電解水生成装置２０を使用して希薄食塩水の電解実験を行った。電解実験においては、被電解水として０．１０ｗｔ％の希薄食塩水（水温２６℃）を採用して、この希薄食塩水を第１電極室２４ａに流量２．５Ｌ／ｍｉｎで供給するとともに、第２電極室２４ｂには水道水（水温２６℃）を流量２．０Ｌ／ｍｉｎで供給して電解、および電気透析を行った。また、第１電極２３ａと第２電極２３ｂ間、および第２電極２３ｂと第３電極２３ｃ間の電流，電圧は表３に示す値に設定した。各電極室２４ａ，２４ｂから流出する生成水として表３に示す特性の第１電極室側生成水と第２電極室側生成水が得られ、かかる特性に基づく第２電極２３ｂと第３電極２３ｃ間の電圧と第１電極室側生成水のｐＨ、有効塩素量との関係を図５および図６のグラフに示す。
【００２５】
【表３】

【００２６】
（実施例３）
図３は本発明の第３実施例に係る電解水生成装置３０を示しており、電解槽３１は隔膜３２にて内部を２つの隔室に区画されている。各隔室のうち、一方の隔室には２枚の電極３３ａ，３３ｂが配設されかつ他方の隔室にも２枚の電極３３ｃ，３３ｄが配置されて、一方の隔室が第１電極室３４ａに構成され、かつ他方の隔室が第２電極室３４ｂに構成されている。隔膜３２はイオン透過性を有する半透膜である。各電極のうち、第１電極３３ａおよび第４電極３３ｄは平板状あり、また第２電極３３ｂおよび第３電極３３ｃはラスメタルからなる通水性の良好なものである。第１電極３３ａと第２電極３３ｂは第１電極室３４ａ内にて互いに対向し、第３電極３３ｃと第４電極３３ｄは第２電極室３４ｂ内にて互いに対向しており、また第２電極３３ｂと第３電極３３ｃは隔膜３２を挟んで互いに対向している。
【００２７】
これらの電極３３ａ，３３ｂ，３３ｃ，３３ｄは２個の直流電源３５ａ，３５ｂに接続されている。これらの直流電源３５ａ，３５ｂは互いに直列的に接続されており、第１，第４電極３３ａ，３３ｄは第１電源３５ａの陽極と第２電源３５ｂの陰極に第１，第２切替スイッチ３６ａ，３６ｂを介して接続され、第２，第３電極３３ｂ，３３ｃは第３切替えスイッチ３６ｃを介して両電源３５ａ，３５ｂの陰極、陽極を接続する接続線に接続されている。
【００２８】
各切替えスイッチ３６ａ，３６ｂ，３６ｃは互いに連動して動作するもので、図３に示す接続状態においては、第１電極室３４ａを電解槽に構成するとともに第２電極室３４ｂと第１電極室２４ａ間を電気透析槽に構成し、連動して切替え動作することにより、第１電極室３４ａと第２電極室３４ｂ間を電気透析槽に構成するとともに第２電極室３４ｂを電解槽に構成する。本実施例においては以下、前者を第１の処理態様と称するとともに、後者を第２の処理態様を称する。
【００２９】
当該電解水生成装置３０においては、供給ポンプ３７ａの駆動により貯溜タンク３７ｂから希薄食塩水が両電極室３４ａ，３４ｂに供給され、同食塩水は両電極室３４ａ，３４ｂにて処理され、各処理水は切替えバルブ３８ａを介して第１流出管３８ｂ、第２流出管３８ｃから流出される。切替えバルブ３８ａは各切替えスイッチ３６ａ，３６ｂ，３６ｃと連動して切替え動作するもので、図示の状態においては第１流出管３８ｂを第１電極室３４ａに接続するとともに、第２流出管３８ｃを第２電極室３４ｂに接続し、切替え動作によりこれとは逆の接続状態を構成する。
【００３０】
このように構成した電解水生成装置３０においては、図３に示す第１の処理態様においては、第１電極室３４ａが電解槽として機能するとともに第２電極室３４ｂと第１電極室３４ａ間が電気透析槽として機能し、供給される希薄食塩水は第１電極室３４ａ内の第１電極３３ａと第２電極３３ｂ間で電解が行われ、第２電極３３ｂと第２電極室３４ｂ内の第４電極３３ｄ間で電気透析が行われる。この電気透析においては、第１電極室３４ａで生成されるナトリウムイオン等の陽イオン成分が第２電極室３４ｂ側へ透過して、第１電極室３４ａで生成される第１電極室側生成水を弱アルカリ性から中性〜酸性に移行させる。
【００３１】
従って、第２電極３３ｂと第４電極３３ｄ間の電流および／または電圧を調整することにより第１電極室３４ａ内で生成される陽イオン成分の透過量を制御し得て、第１電極室側生成水のｐＨを３〜７の範囲に容易に調整することができる。第１電極室３４ａにて生成される第１電極室側生成水は第１流出管３８ｂから流出され、第２電極室３４ｂ内で生成される第２電極室側生成水は第２流出管３８ｃから流出される。
【００３２】
また、当該電解水生成装置３０の図３に示す第１の処理態様において、各切替えスイッチ３６ａ，３６ｂ，３６ｃおよび切替えバルブ３８ａを切替え動作させると、第２の処理態様が構成される。この第２の処理態様においては、第１電解室３４ａと第２電極室３４ｂ間が電気透析槽として機能するとともに第２電極室３４ｂが電解槽として機能し、供給される希薄食塩水は第２電極室３４ｂ内の第３電極３３ｃと第４電極３３ｄ間で電解が行われ、第３電極３３ｃと第１電極室３４ａ内の第１電極３３ａ間で電気透析が行われる。この電気透析においては、第２電極室３４ｂで生成されるナトリウムイオンが第１電極室３４ａ側へ透過して、第２電極室３４ｂで生成される第２電極側生成水を弱アルカリ性から中性〜酸性に移行させる。
【００３３】
従って、第３電極３３ｃと第１電極３３ａ間の電流および／または電圧を調整することにより第２電極室３４ｂ内で生成される陽イオンの透過量を制御し得て、第２電極室側生成水のｐＨを３〜７の範囲に容易に調整することができる。第２電極室３４ｂにて生成される第２電極室側生成水は第１流出管３８ｂから流出され、第１電極室３４ａ内で生成される第１電極室側生成水は第２流出管３８ｃから流出される。
【００３４】
このように、当該電解水生成装置３０においては、第１，第２のいずれの処理態様においても、電解生成水のｐＨを３〜７を弱酸性〜中性の範囲に調整することができるが、特に第１，第２の処理態様を交互に切換えて行うことにより、両電極室３４ａ，３４ｂが電解槽に交互に切替えられて、各電極室３４ａ，３４ｂおよび各電極３３ａ〜３３ｄ上のスケールが除去され、電解水生成装置３０を清浄な状態に保持し得て長時間の連続運転が可能となる。
【００３５】
（実施例４）
図４には本発明の第４実施例に係る電解水生成装置４０が示されている。当該電解水生成装置４０において、電解槽４１は基本的には図１に示す第１実施例に係る電解生成装置１０の電解槽１１と同一であり、第２電極４３ｂと第３電極４３ｃの直流電源４５ａ，４５ｂに対する接続関係がわずかに相違する。従って、以下にはかかる相違について詳細に説明するとともに、同一の構成部材および構成部位については、４０番台の類似の符号を付してその詳細な説明を省略する。
【００３６】
しかして、当該電解水生成装置４０において、各電極４３ａ，４３ｂ，４３ｃは２個の直流電源４５ａ，４５ｂに接続されている。これらの直流電源４５ａ，４５ｂは互いに直列的に接続されており、第１電極４３ａは第１スイッチ４８ａを介して第１電源４５ａの陽極に接続され、かつ第２電極４３ｂと第３電極４３ｃは第２スイッチ４８ｂを介して両電源４５ａ，４５ｂの陰極、陽極を接続する接続線に接続されているとともに、第３スイッチ４８ｃを介して第２電源４５ｂの陰極に接続されている。第１スイッチ４８ａは開閉スイッチであり、また第２，第３スイッチ４８ｂ，４８ｃは切替えスイッチであって、これら両スイッチ４８ｂ，４８ｃは互いに連動して動作する。
【００３７】
各電極４３ａ〜４３ｃが図４に示す接続状態にある場合には、第１電極室４４ａが電解槽を構成するとともに第２電極室４４ｂと第１電極室４４ａ間が電気透析槽を構成する。従って、当該電解水生成装置４０はこの接続状態においては、第１実施例に係る電解水生成装置１０と同様に電解、および電気透析が行われ、第１電極室４４ａからはｐＨ３〜７の生成水が流出する。
【００３８】
一方、当該電解水生成装置４０においては、電解水の生成運転途中または終了後に第１電極４３ａへの通電を停止した状態で第２電極４３ｂと第３電極４３ｃへ通電するとともに、所定時間通電した後、両切替えスイッチ４８ｂ，４８ｃにより両電極４３ｂ，４３ｃの電源に対する接続を切替えて所定時間通電する。これにより、両電極４３ｂ，４３ｃを正、負各極性に交互に切替えることでができて、各電極４３ａ〜４３ｃおよび各電極室４４ａ，４４ｂ内に付着する電解時に発生したスケールを除去することができて、電解水生成装置を効率よく洗浄することができる。当該電解水生成装置４０の運転では例えば、電解水の生成運転を２０時間行い、次いで洗浄運転を１０分間おこなう。この洗浄運転では、両電極４３ｂ，４３ｃの正負の切替えを５分後に行う。
【００３９】
ところで、この洗浄運転では、電解時に陽極専用として使用する第１電極４３ａには通電しないため負荷がかからず、第１電極４３ａとして電解効率のよい白金イリジウム系の焼成電極を使用しても、イリジウムの溶出による第１電極４３ａの劣化が防止され、第１電極４３ａの寿命を向上させることができる。また、第２電極４３ｂおよび第３電極４３ｃについては、これら両電極間では電解を行わないことから、電解効率は低いが耐久性が高くてコストの低い白金鍍金チタン系の電極を採用することができる。このため、当該電解水生成装置４０は電解水生成にとって極めて有利である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例に係る電解水生成装置の概略構成図である。
【図２】同第２実施例に係る電解水生成装置の概略構成図である。
【図３】同第３実施例に係る電解水生成装置の概略構成図である。
【図４】同第４実施例に係る電解水生成装置の概略構成図である。
【図５】同第２実施例に係る電解水生成装置での電解実験における第２，第３電極間の電圧と第１電極室側生成水のｐＨの関係を示すグラフである。
【図６】同第２実施例に係る電解水生成装置での電解実験における第２，第３電極間の電圧と第１電極室側生成水の有効塩素量の関係を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１０，２０，３０，４０…電解水生成装置、１１，２１，３１，４１…電解槽、１２，２２，３２，４２…隔膜、１３ａ，２３ａ，３３ａ，４３ａ…第１電極、１３ｂ，２３ｂ，３３ｂ，４３ｂ…第２電極、１３ｃ，２３ｃ，３３ｃ，４３ｃ…第３電極、３３ｄ…第４電極、１４ａ，２４ａ，３４ａ，４４ａ…第１電極室、１４ｂ，２４ｂ，３４ｂ，４４ｂ…第２電極室、１５ａ，２５ａ，３５ａ，４５ａ…第１電源、１５ｂ，２５ｂ，３５ｂ，４５ｂ…第２電源、３６ａ，３６ｂ，３６ｃ…切替えスイッチ、３８ａ…切替えバルブ、４８ｂ，４８ｃ…切替えスイッチ。[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator for producing weakly acidic to neutral electrolyzed water having a pH of 3 to 7 and containing hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite and the like and having a bactericidal action and a disinfecting action.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 4-42077 as one type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus for producing electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite and the like and having a bactericidal action and a disinfecting action. The electrodes are arranged in a pair of compartments formed by partitioning the inside of the electrolytic cell with a diaphragm having ion permeability to constitute an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. There is an electrolyzed water generator for electrolyzing saline between both electrodes. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, acidic water containing hypochlorous acid is generated in the anode chamber, and alkaline water is generated in the cathode chamber.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the anode chamber side generated water is a strong acidic water having a pH of 2 to 3. In an aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite and the like, the lower the pH, the higher the sterilizing power. From the viewpoint of the sterilizing power, the lower the pH, the more preferable. For example, in the case of vegetables, when the aqueous solution has a low pH, it tends to turn brown, and the optimum pH is 6-7. Moreover, when using it for the disinfection liquid and disinfection liquid of skins, such as a hand, the one close | similar to neutrality is preferable. Therefore, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, means for adjusting the pH of the anode chamber side generated water to make it weakly acidic to neutral is adopted.
[0004]
That is, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, as a means for adjusting the pH of the anode chamber-side generated water, the anode chamber-side generated water that is acidic, the cathode chamber-side generated water that is alkaline, and the raw water are defined in specified amounts. Only means of mixing with each other are taken. However, in order to adopt such a mixing means, each control valve for mixing the anode chamber side generated water, the cathode chamber side generated water, and the raw water by a specified amount is necessary, and mixing of each of these waters is required. A control device for accurately controlling the amount and a troublesome control method are required.
[0005]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to generate slightly acidic to neutral generated water having a pH of 3 to 7 in one electrode chamber during electrolysis without requiring various control valves, control devices, and troublesome control methods. It is in.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a second chamber among a pair of chambers formed by partitioning an inside of an electrolytic cell with a diaphragm having ion permeability. The electrodes are arranged so as to face each other to form a first electrode chamber, and a third electrode is arranged in the other compartment to form a second electrode chamber. The electrolysis in the first electrode chamber and the electrodialysis between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber are simultaneously performed.
[0007]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, a dilute saline solution is used as the electrolyzed water, the dilute saline solution is supplied to both electrode chambers, a dilute saline solution is used as the electrolyzed water, and the first A mode in which the diluted saline solution is supplied to the electrode chamber and normal water is supplied to the second electrode chamber can be employed.
[0008]
Further, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, each electrode disposed in both electrode chambers has two DC power supplies. At any pole of The first electrode disposed in the first electrode chamber of the two electrode chambers is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power source, Second electrode Are connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply, and the third electrode arranged in the second electrode chamber is connected to the negative electrode of the other DC power supply. Further, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, each electrode disposed in both electrode chambers has two DC power supplies. At any pole of Of the two electrode chambers, the first electrode arranged in the first electrode chamber is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power source. Shi , Second electrode Connected to the negative pole of one DC power supply and the positive pole of the other DC power supply And connect it to the negative electrode of the other DC power supply. And the third electrode disposed in the second electrode chamber is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply and to the negative electrode of the other DC power supply, The connection circuit of the first electrode with respect to the positive electrode is provided with an intermittent switch for interrupting connection between the first electrode and one of the DC power sources, and the first electrode with respect to the negative electrode of one DC power source and the positive electrode of the other DC power source. The connection circuit between the two electrodes and the third electrode is provided with a first changeover switch for switching the connection between the two electrodes and the two DC power sources, and the second electrode and the second electrode with respect to the negative electrode of the other DC power source. The connection circuit of the third electrode can be configured to include a second changeover switch that switches the connection between these electrodes and the other DC power source. In these configurations, it is preferable to employ, as the second electrode, an electrode with good water permeability through which water can freely pass, for example, a porous plate electrode such as a lath metal or a punching metal.
[0009]
Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a second chamber in a pair of compartments formed by partitioning the inside of an electrolytic cell with a diaphragm having ion permeability. The first electrode chamber is configured by disposing the two electrodes facing each other, and the second and third electrode chambers are configured by disposing the third and fourth electrodes facing each other in the other compartment. A first treatment in which electrolysis of the electrolyzed water in the first electrode chamber and electrodialysis between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber are performed simultaneously; And a second process of simultaneously performing electrolysis in the second electrode chamber and electrodialysis between the second electrode chamber and the first electrode chamber. is there.
[0010]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, each of the electrodes arranged in the two electrode chambers has two DC power supplies. At any pole of And connecting the first electrode disposed in the first electrode chamber of the two electrode chambers to the positive electrode of one DC power source and the negative electrode of the other direct power source, Second electrode Is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply, and the third electrode arranged in the second electrode chamber is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply. In addition, the fourth electrode is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power supply and the negative electrode of the other direct power supply, and the connection circuit of the first electrode and the fourth electrode with respect to the positive electrode of one DC power supply includes both of these electrodes and one A first changeover switch for switching the connection of the DC power supply is interposed, and the connection circuit of the second electrode and the third electrode with respect to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply includes both electrodes. And a second changeover switch for switching the connection of both DC power supplies, and the connection circuit of the first electrode and the fourth electrode with respect to the negative electrode of the other DC power supply includes both the electrodes and the other DC power supply. Switch the power connection It can be configured to disposed a changeover switch.
[0011]
[Operation and effect of the invention]
Among the electrolyzed water generating devices configured as described above, in the former electrolyzed water generating device, the electrolyzed water can be electrolyzed in the first electrode chamber in which two electrodes are arranged, and at the same time, electrolyzed Water can be electrodialyzed between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber. In this case, the pH of the produced water generated in the first electrode chamber can be adjusted to a range of 3 to 7 by adjusting the current and / or voltage between these electrodes.
[0012]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, dilute saline is adopted as water to be electrolyzed, but this dilute saline may be supplied to both the first and second electrode chambers in the same manner. Ordinary water may be supplied to the second electrode chamber while being supplied to the first electrode chamber. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, electrolysis is mainly performed between the first electrode and the second electrode in the first electrode chamber, and sodium ion or the like is mainly performed between the second electrode and the third electrode in the second electrode chamber. Positive ion Since the components are subjected to electrodialysis, the saline solution is not so effectively used when the diluted saline solution is supplied also to the second electrode chamber as in the former case. On the other hand, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, when the dilute saline solution is supplied to the first electrode chamber and the normal water is supplied to the second electrode chamber as in the latter case, The production of electrolyzed water in the first electrode chamber is not affected, and the use of dilute saline for supplying the second electrode chamber can be saved. Can be used.
[0013]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the polarity of the second electrode of the first electrode chamber and the third electrode of the second electrode chamber are selectively switched to each other when the first electrode of the first electrode chamber is not energized. If possible, the second electrode and the third electrode can be alternately switched between positive and negative polarities during or after the operation of generating electrolyzed water, and the operation can be performed in each electrode and each electrode chamber. It is possible to remove the scale generated during the electrolysis that adheres to the substrate. Thereby, an electrolysis production | generation apparatus can be wash | cleaned efficiently. In this case, the first electrode used exclusively for the anode during electrolysis is not energized, so that no load is applied. Even if a platinum iridium-based sintered electrode having high electrolysis efficiency is used as the first electrode, the first electrode due to elution of iridium is used. Deterioration of the electrode is suppressed, and the life of the first electrode can be improved. In addition, since the second electrode and the third electrode are not subjected to electrolysis between these two electrodes, platinum-plated titanium-based electrodes having low electrolysis efficiency but high durability and low cost can be employed. It is advantageous.
[0014]
Further, in the latter electrolyzed water generating device among the above electrolyzed water generating devices, electrolysis in the first electrode chamber of the water to be electrolyzed and electricity between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber are the same. A first process for simultaneously performing dialysis, and a second process for simultaneously performing electrolysis in the second electrode chamber of electrolyzed water and electrodialysis between the second electrode chamber and the first electrode chamber; Can be selectively performed. In each of these treatments, as in the case of the former electrolyzed water generator, the pH of the electrolyzed water can be adjusted to a weakly acidic to neutral range of 3 to 7, and each treatment is performed alternately. Thus, the electrode chambers are alternately switched between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, thereby removing the scales on the electrode chambers and the electrodes, and maintaining the electrolyzed water generating device in a clean state. Continuous operation is possible.
[0015]
【Example】
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which an electrolytic cell 11 is partitioned into two compartments by a diaphragm 12. Of the compartments, two

compartments

13a and 13b are disposed in one compartment, and one electrode 13c is disposed in the other compartment, and one compartment is the first electrode compartment 14a. In addition, the other compartment is configured as the second electrode chamber 14b. The diaphragm 12 is a semipermeable membrane having ion permeability. Among the electrodes, the first electrode 13a and the third electrode 13c are flat and the second electrode 13b is made of a lath metal and has good water permeability. The first electrode 13a and the second electrode 13b oppose each other in the first electrode chamber 14a, and the second electrode 13b and the third electrode 13c oppose each other with the diaphragm 12 interposed therebetween.
[0016]
These

electrodes

13a, 13b and 13c are connected to two

DC power sources

15a and 15b. These

DC power supplies

15a and 15b are connected in series, the first electrode 13a is connected to the anode of the first power supply 15a, and the second electrode 13b is a connection that connects the cathodes and anodes of both

power supplies

15a and 15b. The third electrode 13c is connected to the cathode of the second power supply 15b. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10, dilute saline solution is supplied from the storage tank 16b to both the electrode chambers 14a and 14b by driving the supply pump 16a, and the saline solution is electrolyzed in the first electrode chamber 14a. Electrodialysis is performed between the first electrode chamber 14a and the second electrode chamber 14b, and one of the generated water electrolyzed and electrodialyzed flows out from the first electrode chamber 14a through the first outlet pipe 17a, and the other generation Water flows out from the second electrode chamber 14b through the second outflow pipe 17b.
[0017]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 configured as described above, the first electrode chamber 14a in which the first electrode 13a and the second electrode 13b are disposed functions as an electrolytic cell, and the third electrode 13c is disposed in the first electrode chamber 14a. The space between the two electrode chamber 14b and the first electrode chamber 14a functions as an electrodialysis tank, and the supplied diluted saline is electrolyzed between the first electrode 13a and the second electrode 13b in the first electrode chamber, and the electrolytically generated water is separated from the diaphragm. Electrodialysis is performed between the second electrode 13 b and the third electrode 13 c that are opposed to each other through the electrode 12. In this case, a cation component such as sodium ion generated in the first electrode chamber 14a permeates to the second electrode chamber 14b side, and the electrolyzed water generated in the first electrode chamber 14a is changed from weak alkaline to neutral to acidic. Transition. For this reason, by adjusting the current and / or voltage between the second electrode 13b and the third electrode 13c, the transmission amount of the cation component generated in the first electrode chamber 14a can be controlled, and the first electrode The pH of the room side product water can be easily adjusted in the range of 3-7.
[0018]
Using the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10, electrolysis experiment 1 and electrolysis experiment 2 of dilute saline were conducted. In the electrolysis experiment 1, 0.10 wt% dilute saline was adopted as the electrolyzed water, the current and voltage between the first electrode 13a and the second electrode 13b were set to 20A and 5V, and the second electrode 13b and the third electrode were used. The current and voltage between 13c are set to the values shown in Table 1, and the outflow amount of the generated water from each

outflow pipe

17a, 17b is set to 2.0 L / min. As water, first electrode chamber side generated water and second electrode chamber side generated water having the characteristics shown in Table 1 were obtained. Further, in the electrolysis experiment 2, 0.15 wt% dilute saline is used as the electrolyzed water, the current and voltage between the first electrode 13a and the second electrode 13b are set to 30A and 6V, and the second electrode 13b and the second electrode 13b are used. The current and voltage between the three electrodes 13c are set to the values shown in Table 2, and the outflow amount of the generated water from each

outflow pipe

17a, 17b is set to 0.5 L / min, respectively, and the outflow from each electrode chamber 14a, 14b. As the generated water, the first electrode chamber side generated water and the second electrode chamber side generated water having the characteristics shown in Table 2 were obtained.
[0019]
[Table 1]

[0020]
[Table 2]

[0021]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 20, an electrolyzer 21 is an electrolyzer 11 of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Of the compartments having the same configuration, one of the compartments partitioned by the diaphragm 22 is configured as the first electrode compartment 24a by arranging the first electrode 23a and the second electrode 23b, and the other compartment The third electrode 23c is disposed in the second electrode chamber 24b. The electrodes 23a, 23b, and 23c are connected in series to the DC power sources 25a and 25b in the same manner as the

electrodes

13a, 13b, and 13c of the first embodiment. Thus, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 20, the supply pump 26a is driven to supply diluted saline to the first electrode chamber 24a from the storage tank 26b, and the second electrode chamber 24b is a normal water supply. Water is supplied.
[0022]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 20 configured as described above, the first electrode chamber 24a in which the first electrode 23a and the second electrode 23b are disposed functions as an electrolytic cell, and the third electrode 23c is disposed in the first electrode chamber 24a. The space between the two electrode chambers 24b and the first electrode chamber 24a functions as an electrodialysis tank, and the supplied diluted saline is performed between the first electrode 23a and the second electrode 23b in the first electrode chamber 24a. Electrodialysis is performed between the second electrode 23b and the third electrode 23c facing each other. In this electrodialysis, cation components such as sodium ions generated in the first electrode chamber 24a permeate to the second electrode chamber 24b side, and the generated water generated in the first electrode chamber 24a is weakly alkaline to neutral. ~ Move to acidic.
[0023]
Therefore, by adjusting the current and / or voltage between the second electrode 23b and the third electrode 23c, the amount of transmission of the cation component generated in the first electrode chamber 24a can be controlled, and the first electrode chamber side The pH of the produced water can be easily adjusted to a range of 3-7. In this case, the diluted saline is only supplied to the first electrode chamber 24a, but it does not have any influence on the generation of the first electrode chamber-side generated water, and is supplied to the second electrode chamber 24b. By supplying tap water, the use of dilute saline can be saved, and dilute saline can be used effectively.
[0024]
Using the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 20, an electrolysis experiment of dilute saline was conducted. In the electrolysis experiment, a 0.10 wt% diluted saline solution (water temperature 26 ° C.) was adopted as the electrolyzed water, and this diluted saline solution was supplied to the first electrode chamber 24a at a flow rate of 2.5 L / min. In the two-electrode chamber 24b, tap water (water temperature 26 ° C.) was supplied at a flow rate of 2.0 L / min to perform electrolysis and electrodialysis. The current and voltage between the first electrode 23a and the second electrode 23b and between the second electrode 23b and the third electrode 23c were set to the values shown in Table 3. The first electrode chamber side generated water and the second electrode chamber side generated water having the characteristics shown in Table 3 are obtained as the generated water flowing out from the electrode chambers 24a and 24b, and the second electrode 23b and the third electrode 23c based on the characteristics are obtained. The graph of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the voltage between them, the pH of the first electrode chamber side generated water, and the effective chlorine amount.
[0025]
[Table 3]

[0026]
(Example 3)
FIG. 3 shows an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which an electrolytic cell 31 is partitioned into two compartments by a diaphragm 32. Among each compartment, two electrodes 33a and 33b are arranged in one compartment, and two electrodes 33c and 33d are also arranged in the other compartment, and one compartment is a first electrode. The chamber 34a is configured, and the other compartment is configured as the second electrode chamber 34b. The diaphragm 32 is a semipermeable membrane having ion permeability. Among the electrodes, the first electrode 33a and the fourth electrode 33d are plate-shaped, and the second electrode 33b and the third electrode 33c are made of lath metal and have good water permeability. The first electrode 33a and the second electrode 33b oppose each other in the first electrode chamber 34a, the third electrode 33c and the fourth electrode 33d oppose each other in the second electrode chamber 34b, and the second electrode 33b and the third electrode 33c face each other with the diaphragm 32 interposed therebetween.
[0027]
These

electrodes

33a, 33b, 33c and 33d are connected to two

DC power sources

35a and 35b. These

DC power sources

35a and 35b are connected in series with each other, and the first and fourth electrodes 33a and 33d are connected to the anode of the first power source 35a and the cathode of the second power source 35b, respectively. The second and third electrodes 33b and 33c are connected via a third changeover switch 36c to a connection line that connects the cathodes and anodes of both

power sources

35a and 35b.
[0028]
The changeover switches 36a, 36b, 36c operate in conjunction with each other. In the connected state shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode chamber 34a is configured as an electrolytic cell, and the second electrode chamber 34b and the first electrode chamber 24a are configured. By configuring the gap between the first electrode chamber 34a and the second electrode chamber 34b, the second electrode chamber 34b is configured as an electrolytic cell. In the present embodiment, hereinafter, the former is referred to as a first processing mode and the latter is referred to as a second processing mode.
[0029]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 30, the supply pump 37a is driven to supply dilute saline from the storage tank 37b to both electrode chambers 34a and 34b, and the saline is processed in both electrode chambers 34a and 34b. Water flows out from the first outflow pipe 38b and the second outflow pipe 38c through the switching valve 38a. The switching valve 38a performs switching operation in conjunction with each switching

switch

36a, 36b, 36c. In the state shown in the figure, the first outflow pipe 38b is connected to the first electrode chamber 34a, and the second outflow pipe 38c is connected to the second outflow pipe 38c. Connected to the two-electrode chamber 34b, a reverse connection state is formed by the switching operation.
[0030]
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 30 configured as described above, in the first treatment mode shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode chamber 34a functions as an electrolytic cell and the space between the second electrode chamber 34b and the first electrode chamber 34a. The diluted saline solution that functions as an electrodialysis tank is electrolyzed between the first electrode 33a and the second electrode 33b in the first electrode chamber 34a, and the second saline solution in the second electrode 33b and the second electrode chamber 34b. Electrodialysis is performed between the four electrodes 33d. In this electrodialysis, cation components such as sodium ions generated in the first electrode chamber 34a permeate to the second electrode chamber 34b side, and the first electrode chamber side generated water generated in the first electrode chamber 34a. From weakly alkaline to neutral to acidic.
[0031]
Accordingly, by adjusting the current and / or voltage between the second electrode 33b and the fourth electrode 33d, the transmission amount of the cation component generated in the first electrode chamber 34a can be controlled, and the first electrode chamber side The pH of the produced water can be easily adjusted to a range of 3-7. The first electrode chamber-side generated water generated in the first electrode chamber 34a flows out of the first outflow pipe 38b, and the second electrode chamber-side generated water generated in the second electrode chamber 34b is the second outflow pipe 38c. Spilled from.
[0032]
Moreover, in the 1st process aspect shown in FIG. 3 of the said electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 30, if each switching

switch

36a, 36b, 36c and the switching valve 38a are switched, a 2nd process aspect will be comprised. In this second treatment mode, the space between the first electrolysis chamber 34a and the second electrode chamber 34b functions as an electrodialysis tank, and the second electrode chamber 34b functions as an electrolysis tank. Electrolysis is performed between the third electrode 33c and the fourth electrode 33d in the electrode chamber 34b, and electrodialysis is performed between the third electrode 33c and the first electrode 33a in the first electrode chamber 34a. In this electrodialysis, sodium ions generated in the second electrode chamber 34b permeate to the first electrode chamber 34a side, and the second electrode side generated water generated in the second electrode chamber 34b is changed from weakly alkaline to neutral. ~ Move to acidic.
[0033]
Therefore, by adjusting the current and / or voltage between the third electrode 33c and the first electrode 33a, the amount of cation generated in the second electrode chamber 34b can be controlled, and the second electrode chamber side generation can be controlled. The pH of water can be easily adjusted to the range of 3-7. The second electrode chamber side generated water generated in the second electrode chamber 34b flows out of the first outflow pipe 38b, and the first electrode chamber side generated water generated in the first electrode chamber 34a is the second outflow pipe 38c. Spilled from.
[0034]
Thus, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 30, the pH of the electrolyzed water can be adjusted from 3 to 7 in a weakly acidic to neutral range in both the first and second treatment modes. In particular, by alternately switching the first and second processing modes, both electrode chambers 34a and 34b are alternately switched to the electrolytic cell, and the scales on the electrode chambers 34a and 34b and the electrodes 33a to 33d are changed. Is removed, and the electrolyzed water generating device 30 can be maintained in a clean state, and a continuous operation for a long time becomes possible.
[0035]
(Example 4)
FIG. 4 shows an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 40, the electrolyzer 41 is basically the same as the electrolyzer 11 of the electrolyzer 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the direct current of the second electrode 43b and the third electrode 43c. The connection relationship to the power supplies 45a and 45b is slightly different. Accordingly, in the following, such differences will be described in detail, and the same constituent members and constituent parts will be denoted by similar reference numerals in the 40's and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0036]
Therefore, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 40, each electrode 43a, 43b, 43c is connected to two DC power sources 45a, 45b. These DC power supplies 45a and 45b are connected in series with each other, the first electrode 43a is connected to the anode of the first power supply 45a via the first switch 48a, and the second electrode 43b and the third electrode 43c are The second power supply 45b is connected to a connection line connecting the cathodes and anodes of both power supplies 45a and 45b, and is connected to the cathode of the second power supply 45b via a third switch 48c. The first switch 48a is an open / close switch, and the second and third switches 48b and 48c are changeover switches. Both the switches 48b and 48c operate in conjunction with each other.
[0037]
When the electrodes 43a to 43c are in the connected state shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode chamber 44a constitutes an electrolytic cell, and the second electrode chamber 44b and the first electrode chamber 44a constitute an electrodialysis vessel. Therefore, in this connected state, the electrolyzed water generating device 40 performs electrolysis and electrodialysis in the same manner as the electrolyzed water generating device 10 according to the first embodiment, and generates pH 3 to 7 from the first electrode chamber 44a. Water flows out.
[0038]
On the other hand, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 40, the second electrode 43 b and the third electrode 43 c are energized in a state where energization to the first electrode 43 a is stopped during or after the electrolyzed water generation operation is completed, and energized for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the connection between the electrodes 43b and 43c with respect to the power source is switched by both the changeover switches 48b and 48c, and the power is supplied for a predetermined time. Thereby, both electrodes 43b and 43c can be switched alternately between positive and negative polarities, and the scale generated during electrolysis adhering to each electrode 43a to 43c and each electrode chamber 44a and 44b can be removed. And the electrolyzed water generating device can be efficiently cleaned. In the operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 40, for example, the electrolyzed water generating operation is performed for 20 hours, and then the cleaning operation is performed for 10 minutes. In this cleaning operation, the positive and negative switching of both electrodes 43b and 43c is performed after 5 minutes.
[0039]
By the way, in this cleaning operation, the first electrode 43a used exclusively for the anode during electrolysis is not energized, so no load is applied. Even if a platinum iridium-based fired electrode having high electrolysis efficiency is used as the first electrode 43a, Deterioration of the first electrode 43a due to elution of iridium is prevented, and the life of the first electrode 43a can be improved. In addition, since the second electrode 43b and the third electrode 43c are not subjected to electrolysis between these two electrodes, it is possible to employ a platinum-plated titanium-based electrode with low electrolysis efficiency but high durability and low cost. it can. For this reason, the said electrolyzed water generating apparatus 40 is very advantageous for electrolyzed water production | generation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage between the second and third electrodes and the pH of the first electrode chamber side generated water in the electrolysis experiment in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the second example.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage between the second and third electrodes and the effective chlorine content of the first electrode chamber side generated water in the electrolysis experiment in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the second example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF

SYMBOLS

10, 20, 30, 40 ... Electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus, 11, 21, 31, 41 ... Electrolyzer, 12, 22, 32, 42 ... Diaphragm, 13a, 23a, 33a, 43a ... 1st electrode, 13b, 23b, 33b, 43b ... second electrode, 13c, 23c, 33c, 43c ... third electrode, 33d ... fourth electrode, 14a, 24a, 34a, 44a ... first electrode chamber, 14b, 24b, 34b, 44b ... second electrode Chamber, 15a, 25a, 35a, 45a ... first power source, 15b, 25b, 35b, 45b ... second power source, 36a, 36b, 36c ... changeover switch, 38a ... changeover valve, 48b, 48c ... changeover switch.

Claims

Of the pair of compartments formed by partitioning the inside of the electrolytic cell with a diaphragm having ion permeability, the first and second two electrodes are arranged opposite to each other in one compartment. 1 electrode chamber, and a third electrode is disposed in the other compartment to form a second electrode chamber. Electrolysis of water to be electrolyzed in the first electrode chamber And an electrolyzed water generating apparatus, wherein electrodialysis is simultaneously performed between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber.

The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein dilute saline is adopted as the electrolyzed water, and the dilute saline is supplied to both electrode chambers.

2. The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 1, wherein dilute saline is adopted as the electrolyzed water, the dilute saline is supplied to the first electrode chamber, and a normal electrode is supplied to the second electrode chamber. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized by supplying water.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, each electrode arranged in the two electrode chambers is connected to one of the poles of two DC power supplies, The first electrode disposed in the first electrode chamber is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power supply, the second electrode is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply, and A third electrode disposed in the second electrode chamber is connected to the negative electrode of the other DC power source.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, each electrode arranged in the two electrode chambers is connected to one of the poles of two DC power supplies, The first electrode disposed in the first electrode chamber is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power supply, and the second electrode is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply and the other DC The third electrode connected to the negative electrode of the power source and disposed in the second electrode chamber is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power source and the positive electrode of the other DC power source and to the negative electrode of the other DC power source. The connection circuit of the first electrode with respect to the positive electrode of one DC power source is provided with an intermittent switch for interrupting the connection between the first electrode and the one DC power source, The second electrode with respect to the positive electrode of the other DC power source And the third electrode connection circuit is provided with a first changeover switch for switching the connection between these electrodes and both DC power supplies, and the second electrode and the third electrode with respect to the negative electrode of the other DC power supply. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized in that a second changeover switch for switching the connection between these electrodes and the other DC power source is interposed in the electrode connection circuit.

Of the pair of compartments formed by partitioning the inside of the electrolytic cell with a diaphragm having ion permeability, the first and second two electrodes are arranged opposite to each other in one compartment. 1 electrode chamber, and in the other compartment, the third and fourth electrodes are arranged opposite to each other to form a second electrode chamber, and Electrolysis in the first electrode chamber and electrolysis in the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber at the same time, and electrolysis in the second electrode chamber of water to be electrolyzed. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized by selectively performing a second process for simultaneously performing electrodialysis between a second electrode chamber and the first electrode chamber.

In the electrolytic water generation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each electrode is disposed on the electrodes chamber is connected to one pole of the two DC power supply, one of the two electrodes chamber, a first electrode The first electrode arranged in the chamber is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power supply and the negative electrode of the other direct power supply, and the second electrode is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power supply and the positive electrode of the other DC power supply. The third electrode disposed in the second electrode chamber is connected to the negative electrode of one DC power source and the positive electrode of the other DC power source, and the fourth electrode is connected to the positive electrode of one DC power source and the other DC power source. A first change-over switch that is connected to the negative electrode of the direct power supply and that switches the connection between the two electrodes and the one DC power supply in the connection circuit of the first electrode and the fourth electrode with respect to the positive electrode of one DC power supply. Is installed, the negative electrode of one DC power supply The connection circuit of the second electrode and the third electrode with respect to the positive electrode of the other DC power source is provided with a second changeover switch for switching the connection between these electrodes and both DC power sources, and the other DC power source. A connection circuit between the first electrode and the fourth electrode with respect to the negative electrode is provided with a third changeover switch for switching the connection between these electrodes and the other DC power supply. apparatus.