JP5311246B2 - Method and apparatus for changing the redox potential of an aqueous liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

This method is a method for altering the oxidation reduction potential of an aqueous fluid (30) that flows through a flow path (14). The method comprises: (i) a step of immersing first and second electrodes ((21) and (22)), which are respectively arranged in first and second vessels ((11) and (12)) that are partitioned from each other by a separator (13), in the aqueous liquid (30); and (ii) a step of applying a voltage between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) to cause the electrolysis of water contained in the aqueous liquid (30). The second vessel (12) forms a part of the flow path (14). The first vessel (11) is connected to the flow path (14) through the separator (13).

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for changing the redox potential of an aqueous liquid.

  Water having a high oxidation-reduction potential and water having a low potential are expected to have various applications due to their characteristics. For example, they are expected to be applied to health promotion, beauty, washing, sterilization, and the like.

  Conventionally, a method for preparing a liquid having a low oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) has been proposed. For example, a method has been proposed in which hydrogen gas or nitrogen gas is blown into water to change the amount of dissolved hydrogen or dissolved oxygen in the liquid, thereby reducing the redox potential of water (for example, JP-A-2005-901). Issue gazette). However, the conventional method of blowing gas from the outside requires a gas supply source, which is costly and troublesome.

  A method of changing the oxidation-reduction potential of water by electrolyzing water has also been proposed (for example, JP-A-11-57715). JP-A-11-57715 describes a method for adjusting pH together with ORP.

JP-A-2005-901 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-57715

  In the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-57715, the voltage application direction is reversed between the first electrolysis and the next electrolysis. Therefore, the change in ORP in the first electrolysis is canceled out by the change in ORP in the next electrolysis, so that the efficiency is poor and the ORP cannot be changed greatly. If the ORP is to be changed greatly by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-57715, it is necessary to increase the amount of electrolysis in the second stage, and eventually the pH will change greatly.

  Under such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for changing the redox potential of an aqueous liquid.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for changing the redox potential of an aqueous liquid flowing in a flow path. This method is a method of changing the oxidation-reduction potential of an aqueous liquid flowing in a flow path, and (i) the first and second electrodes disposed in the first and second tanks partitioned by the separator, respectively. Immersing in the aqueous liquid, and (ii) electrolyzing water in the aqueous liquid by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, The second tank constitutes a part of the flow path, and the first tank is connected to the flow path via the separator.

  Moreover, this invention provides the apparatus for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of the aqueous liquid which flows through a flow path. This device is a device that changes the oxidation-reduction potential of an aqueous liquid flowing in a flow path, and a container in which the aqueous liquid is disposed, a separator that partitions the container into a first tank and a second tank, A voltage is applied between the first electrode disposed in the first tank, the second electrode disposed in the second tank, and the first electrode and the second electrode. The second tank is formed with an inlet and an outlet connected to the flow path so that the second tank forms a part of the flow path, A first tank is connected to the flow path via the separator.

  According to the present invention, the redox potential of an aqueous liquid can be easily changed. Further, when changing the oxidation-reduction potential, the change in pH of the aqueous liquid can be controlled as necessary. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to simplify and downsize the apparatus.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows another example of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the operating state of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 schematically shows another example of the operating state of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5A schematically shows another example of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5B schematically shows an example of the operating state of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of the operating state of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 schematically shows an example of the usage state of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 9 schematically shows another example of the usage state of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 10 schematically shows another example of an apparatus for changing the ORP of an aqueous liquid. FIG. 11 schematically shows another example of an apparatus for changing the ORP of an aqueous liquid. FIG. 12A schematically shows the shape of the first electrode of the apparatus used in the example. FIG. 12B schematically shows the arrangement of the first electrode and the separator in the apparatus used in the example. FIG. 13 schematically shows another example of the apparatus of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values and specific materials may be exemplified, but other numerical values and other materials may be applied as long as the effect of the present invention is obtained. Hereinafter, the redox potential may be described as “ORP”. In this specification, the term “amount of aqueous liquid” means the volume of the aqueous liquid unless otherwise specified.

[Method of changing ORP of aqueous liquid]
Below, the method of this invention for changing ORP of the aqueous liquid which flows through a flow path is demonstrated. According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to reduce ORP and increase ORP.

  The method of the present invention includes steps (i) and (ii). In the step (i), the first and second electrodes respectively disposed in the first and second tanks partitioned by the separator are immersed in the aqueous liquid. Hereinafter, the aqueous liquid may be referred to as “aqueous liquid (A)”. The first electrode is disposed in the first tank, and the second electrode is disposed in the second tank.

  The second tank constitutes a part of the flow path through which the aqueous liquid (A) flows. On the other hand, the first tank is connected to the flow path via a separator. That is, the flow path is not directly connected to the first tank. In other words, the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank is mixed with or replaced by the aqueous liquid (A) outside the second tank as the aqueous liquid (A) flows through the flow path. It is done. On the other hand, the aqueous liquid (A) in the first tank is the aqueous liquid (A) outside the first tank only when the aqueous liquid (A) passes through the separator (that is, the aqueous liquid in the second tank). Liquid (A)) or mixed with it. This example includes a case where the aqueous liquid (A) in the first tank is discharged from the drainage passage, and the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank is moved into the first tank accordingly. It is.

  The second tank includes two connection parts connected to the flow path. Specifically, the second tank includes an inflow port and an outflow port. The inflow port and the outflow port are connected to the flow path such that the second tank forms a part of the flow path. The aqueous liquid (A) flows into the second tank from the inlet connected to the flow path. The aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank flows out from the outlet connected to the channel to the channel. The inflow port and the flow path, and the outflow port and the flow path may be fixed. Alternatively, the inflow port and the flow channel, and the outflow port and the flow channel may be connected in a detachable state. There is no limitation on the connection method between the inlet and outlet and the flow path, and for example, a known part for piping can be used. The first tank may include a connection portion connected to the flow path, but usually does not include a connection portion connected to the flow path.

  The device used in the present invention may further include a water tank to which a flow path is connected. And the flow path may comprise the circulation path (annular path) containing a water storage tank and a 2nd tank.

  The first and second tanks are partitioned by a separator. Examples of the first and second tanks partitioned by the separator were partitioned not only by the first and second tanks partitioned only by the separator but also by a separator and a partition wall that does not allow liquid and gas to pass through. First and second tanks are included.

  As the separator, it is possible to use a separator that can suppress a short circuit between the electrodes and suppress passage of gas generated on the surface of the electrode. The separator allows liquids and ions (both positive and negative ions) to pass through. On the other hand, the separator suppresses and preferably prevents the passage of gas (bubbles) in the aqueous liquid (A). The separator has an insulating property. However, as long as the short circuit of the electrode can be prevented, a part of the separator (for example, the inside) may not be insulative. That is, the separator may be insulative when viewed as a whole. In another aspect, the separator is a diaphragm that allows both cations and anions to pass therethrough (that is, a diaphragm that does not have ion exchange capacity), and is a porous and insulating diaphragm.

  The separator preferably has hydrophilicity. By using a separator having hydrophilicity, gas permeation can be more effectively suppressed. Examples of the separator include a separator made of a resin (for example, resin fiber). Resins include natural resins and synthetic resins. Examples of the form of the separator include a cloth (woven fabric or non-woven fabric) and a membrane (porous membrane). Examples of the separator having hydrophilicity include a separator containing or made of a resin containing a hydrophilic group. Examples of the separator having hydrophilicity include a separator made of or made of a hydrophilic resin. The separator may be a cloth or a film formed of cotton, hemp, rayon, hair, silk, or the like. Usually, the separator does not contain an ion exchange material. That is, normally, the separator is not an ion exchange membrane, but allows both cations and anions to pass through.

  As a measure of whether or not it is hydrophilic, one of the measures can be whether or not a phenomenon such as a capillary phenomenon occurs. Specifically, a part of the separator is immersed in water, and the remaining part is taken out of the water. At that time, if the water rises against the gravity against the remaining portion, it can be estimated that the separator is hydrophilic.

  The separator preferably suppresses gas permeation while allowing ions to easily permeate. Therefore, an example of a preferable separator is a separator having a high air permeability resistance (Gurley) (that is, difficult to vent) and a high porosity.

  As the first and second electrodes, electrodes capable of causing an electrolysis reaction of water are used. It is preferable that a metal that easily undergoes an electrolysis reaction of water exists on the surfaces of the first and second electrodes. Examples of metals that are susceptible to electrolysis of water include platinum. Examples of the first and second electrodes include a metal electrode, and a metal electrode that can exist stably in the step (ii) is preferably used. A preferred example of the first and second electrodes is a metal electrode having platinum on the surface. Specifically, a platinum electrode or a metal electrode whose surface in contact with a liquid is coated with platinum is preferably used. Examples of metals coated with platinum include niobium, titanium, tantalum, and other metals. The surface of the electrode (anode) where oxygen gas is generated is preferably coated with platinum. An electrode made of a conductive material other than metal (for example, a conductive carbon material) may be used. Alternatively, an electrode obtained by coating the surface of these conductive materials with a metal (platinum or other metal) may be used.

  The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode may be in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm (for example, a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm). The shorter the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode, the lower the voltage required for water electrolysis. Also, the shorter the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode, the easier it is for hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions to move from one tank to the other, so the aqueous liquid in the first tank The difference between the pH of the aqueous liquid and the pH of the aqueous liquid in the second tank can be reduced. Unless the first electrode and the second electrode are short-circuited, the first electrode and the second electrode may be in contact with the separator. The distance between the first electrode and the separator and the distance between the second electrode and the separator may be in the range of 0 mm to 5 mm (for example, in the range of 0 mm to 1 mm), respectively.

  Each of the first and second electrodes may have a shape that extends two-dimensionally. For example, the first and second electrodes may be flat electrodes. A through hole may be formed in the flat electrode. Further, each of the first and second electrodes may be composed of a plurality of linear electrodes arranged on a virtual plane. An example of such an electrode is shown in FIG. 12A. When the first and second electrodes have a shape that expands two-dimensionally, it is preferable that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other in parallel with the separator interposed therebetween. Further, the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be opposed to each other with the separator interposed therebetween.

  Each of the first electrode and the second electrode may include a plurality of linear electrodes arranged in a stripe shape along the vertical direction. By using such an electrode, the gas generated on the surface of the electrode is likely to rise in the vertical direction and is less likely to stay on the surface of the electrode.

  The smaller the area where the gas (bubbles) generated on the surface of the electrode comes into contact with the electrode surface, the less likely the bubbles will adhere and stay on the electrode surface. Therefore, the surface of the linear electrode is preferably curved rather than flat. Therefore, the cross section of the linear electrode is preferably circular rather than rectangular.

  The distance D between two adjacent linear electrodes may be 1.5 mm or less. The distance D may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, for example. The smaller the distance D, the smaller the influence of the voltage drop. Further, by setting the distance D to 1.5 mm or less, it is possible to suppress the gas generated on the electrode surface from staying on the electrode surface.

  As the first and second tanks, tanks that can stably hold an aqueous liquid can be used. In a typical example, one container is partitioned by a separator (or a separator and a partition) to form first and second tanks. Examples of the first tank and the second tank include a resin tank and a tank whose inner surface is made of resin.

  The inner surface of the tank may have hydrophilicity. Since the inner surface of the tank has hydrophilicity, the gas can easily move upward. Examples of the inner surface having hydrophilicity include an inner surface made of a hydrophilic resin and an inner surface that has been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. Moreover, in order to prevent the gas generated on the surface of the electrode from staying on the upper surface of the tank, the upper surface of the tank may be inclined.

  In the next step (ii), by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode while the first electrode and the second electrode are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A), an aqueous solution is obtained. The water in the liquid (A) is electrolyzed. The electrolysis is performed in a state where the aqueous liquid (A) is flowing through the flow path (including the second tank).

In the anode (anode), hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) and oxygen gas are generated according to the reaction of the following formula (1). On the other hand, at the cathode (cathode), hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) and hydrogen gas are generated according to the reaction of the following formula (2).

(Anode) 2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻ (1)
(Cathode) 4H ₂ O + 4e ⁻ → 4OH ⁻ + 2H ₂ (2)

  The reaction at the anode and the cathode can be considered as in the following formulas (3) and (4), but in this specification, they are described as the reactions in the above formulas (1) and (2).

(Anode) 4OH ⁻ → 2H ₂ O + O ₂ + 4e ⁻ (3)
(Cathode) 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ → 2H ₂ (4)

  When water is electrolyzed by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so that one electrode becomes an anode (the other electrode becomes a cathode), an electrode on the anode side The aqueous liquid in the tank in which the dissolved oxygen concentration increases, and as a result, the ORP increases. On the other hand, the aqueous liquid in the tank in which the cathode is present has an increased dissolved hydrogen concentration, resulting in a decrease in ORP. At this time, the pH of the aqueous liquid in the tank in which the anode exists is lowered. On the other hand, the pH of the aqueous liquid in the tank in which the cathode exists increases.

  In this specification, “aqueous liquid” means a liquid containing water. Examples of the aqueous liquid (A) include water such as tap water and an aqueous solution. The aqueous liquid (A) may be an aqueous solution in which a salt is dissolved. Further, the aqueous liquid (A) may contain an organic solvent (for example, alcohol) other than water. Usually, the proportion of water in the solvent of the aqueous liquid (A) is 50% by weight or more (for example, 80% by weight or more, 90% by weight or more, or 95% by weight or more), and 100% by weight or less. Typically, the solvent of the aqueous liquid (A) is water. If the ion concentration in the aqueous liquid (A) is too low, it becomes difficult for current to flow. On the other hand, if the ion concentration is too high, the efficiency is lowered or the pH change is increased. The conductivity of the aqueous liquid (A) may be in the range of 100 μS / cm to 50 mS / cm (for example, 140 μS / cm to 2 mS / cm). In general, when the ion concentration is low, the ORP hardly changes. If necessary, ions may be added to the aqueous liquid (A). For example, a salt may be dissolved in the aqueous liquid (A). There is no limitation in particular in the salt to dissolve, A sulfate and phosphate may be sufficient.

  The voltage (DC voltage) applied between the electrodes is set so that oxygen gas is generated from the anode and hydrogen gas is generated from the cathode. The applied voltage may be in the range of 3 to 30 volts (for example, in the range of 6 to 20 volts).

  Step (ii) may be performed under the condition that the gas generated on the surface of the second electrode tends to remain in the aqueous liquid (A) as compared with the gas generated on the surface of the first electrode. Thereby, the ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank can be changed efficiently. However, even when this condition is not satisfied, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. When the water treated in the second tank is used in a use place (for example, a bathtub) that is open to the atmosphere, the path from the second tank to the use place is not open to the atmosphere and the longer one is , ORP is easily changed efficiently. The length of the path connecting the second tank and the place of use (the path not opened to the atmosphere) may be, for example, 50 cm or more, or may be in the range of 50 cm to 500 cm.

  In order to avoid an increase in the pressure of the gas generated at the second electrode, the gas generated at the second electrode may be released. The gas may be released periodically or irregularly. The release of the gas may be performed by a valve disposed in any of the second tank, the water tank connected to the second tank, and the path connecting the second tank and the water tank.

  Step (ii) may be performed in a state where the first tank is open to the atmosphere and no air flows into the second tank. The “state in which the atmosphere does not flow into the second tank” includes a state in which the gas generated in the second electrode is released from the second tank while the air does not flow into the second tank. By opening the first tank to the atmosphere, the gas generated on the surface of the first electrode is released to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the gas generated on the surface of the second electrode is likely to remain in the aqueous liquid (A) by releasing the gas only when the pressure of the gas generated at the second electrode becomes too high. .

In step (ii), the amount of aqueous liquid (A) to be treated in the first tank (volume V1 (cm ³ )) and the amount of aqueous liquid (A) to be treated in the second tank (volume V2 (cm ³ )) and the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank may be adjusted. The larger the value of (V2 / V1), the smaller the pH change of the aqueous liquid treated in the second tank. The value of (V2 / V1) may be in the range of 10-2 × 10 ⁶ (for example, the range of 10-50000 or the range of 200-15000).

  The amount (volume V1) of the aqueous liquid (A) processed in the first tank is the amount of the aqueous liquid (A) disposed in the first tank, and is usually approximated by the internal volume of the first tank. it can. When the second tank is not connected to the flow path, the amount (volume V2) of the aqueous liquid (A) processed in the second tank can be normally replaced with the internal volume of the second tank. it can.

  On the other hand, when the second tank constitutes a part of the flow path, the following three approximations are possible. Therefore, the preferable value of (V2 / V1) is preferable even when the following three approximations are performed. The first approximation is an approximation when the flow path is not a circulation path. The volume V2 in this case can be replaced with the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) processed in the second tank and discharged from the second tank. The second approximation is an approximation when the second tank constitutes a part of a flow path that is a circulation path. In this case, assuming that the aqueous liquid (A) is sufficiently circulated in the circulation path, the volume V2 can be replaced with the total amount of the aqueous liquid (A) present in the circulation path. For example, when the second tank and the water storage tank are connected by a flow path and the aqueous liquid (A) circulates between the second tank and the water storage tank, the volume V2 is equal to the internal volume of the second tank. The total of the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) arranged in the flow path connecting the second tank and the water storage tank and the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) arranged in the water storage tank can be replaced. In the second approximation, when the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) arranged in the water storage tank is much larger than the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) arranged in the second tank and the flow path, the volume V2 Can be replaced by the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) placed in the water tank. The third approximation is another approximation in the case where the second tank constitutes a part of a flow path that is a circulation path. In the third approximation, the volume V2 can be approximated by the volume in the circulation path. For example, when the circulation path is composed of a second tank, a water storage tank, and a flow path connecting them, it is possible to regard the sum of the internal volumes as the volume V2. In the third approximation, if the internal volume of the water tank is much larger than the internal volume of the second tank and the flow path, the volume V2 can be replaced with the internal volume of the water tank.

  From the second approximation, in step (ii), the internal volume of the first tank (or the amount of the aqueous liquid (A) disposed in the first tank) and the aqueous liquid (A ), The pH of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank may be adjusted. Further, from the above third approximation, in step (ii), the ratio between the internal volume of the first tank (or the amount of the aqueous liquid (A) arranged in the first tank) and the internal volume of the water storage tank. The pH of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank may be adjusted.

In either case where the second tank forms part of the circulation path and when the second tank does not form part of the circulation path, the aqueous liquid that flows in the second tank per minute The amount of (A) is in the range of 1 to 10 ⁶ times (for example, 10 to 10 ⁵ times) the amount of the aqueous liquid (A) (or the internal volume of the first tank) disposed in the first tank Range or 100 times to 10 ⁵ times). When the second tank does not constitute a part of the circulation path (for example, when the aqueous liquid processed in the second tank is used as it is), the higher this magnification is, the higher the ratio is processed in the second tank. The fluctuation of the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is reduced. In addition, the aqueous liquid processed by a 2nd tank by making this magnification into the said range and shortening the distance of an electrode (1st and 2nd electrode) and a separator (it is set as the distance mentioned above, for example). The change in pH of (A) can be particularly suppressed.

When the flow path is a circulation path, that is, when the second tank constitutes a part of the circulation path, in step (ii), the amount of the aqueous liquid (A) present in the circulation path is the first amount. The amount of the aqueous liquid (A) disposed in the tank (or the internal volume of the first tank) may be in the range of 10 to 10 ⁶ times (for example, in the range of 100 to 10 ⁵ times). The higher this magnification, the smaller the fluctuation of the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank (that is, the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) present in the circulation path). In addition, the aqueous liquid processed by a 2nd tank by making this magnification into the said range and shortening the distance of an electrode (1st and 2nd electrode) and a separator (it is set as the distance mentioned above, for example). The change in pH of (A) can be particularly suppressed.

There is no particular limitation to the internal volume of the first tank may be in the range of 1cm ³ ~1000cm ³ (such as in the range of 3cm ³ ~200cm ³ range and 3cm ³ ~20cm ^3). Similarly, the internal volume of the second tank may be in these ranges. In a preferred example, the internal volume of the second tank is equal to or greater than the internal volume of the first tank.

  In the step (ii), it was processed in the second tank according to the ratio of the amount of electricity flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode per unit time and the amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time. The pH of the aqueous liquid (A) may be adjusted. As the amount of electricity flowing between the electrodes per unit time increases, the pH change of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank tends to increase. On the other hand, the larger the amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time, the smaller the pH change of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank. The amount of electricity flowing between the electrodes per unit time can be increased as the voltage applied between the electrodes is increased. Further, the amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time can be increased as the area of the separator through which ions can pass is increased. Also, the shorter the distance between the electrode and the separator, the greater the amount of ions that pass through the separator per unit time. In addition, the smaller the internal volume of the tank, the larger the amount of ions that pass through the separator per unit time.

  Step (ii) is performed in a state where the aqueous liquid (A) in the first tank is not in a liquid-permeable state and the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank is in a liquid-permeable state. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the change in pH of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank. The “liquid passing state” means a state in which liquid continuously flows into and out of the tank.

  In the method of the present invention, in the state immediately after step (ii) is performed, the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) in the first tank and the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank are , Often very different. Therefore, in order to keep the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank at a value immediately after the step (ii) is performed so as not to approach neutrality, after the step (ii), The aqueous liquid (A) and ions in the first tank may be prevented from moving and diffusing into the second tank. For example, the water in the first tank may be discharged after step (ii). Alternatively, after the step (ii), the first tank and the second tank may be partitioned by a shielding plate to prevent the movement and diffusion of the aqueous liquid (A) and ions. After changing the ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank and then returning the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank to neutral, the pH becomes a substantially constant value after voltage application. The aqueous liquid (A) in the tank may be allowed to stand. By passing hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions through the separator, the pH approaches neutrality. At this time, it can accelerate | stimulate that pH returns to neutrality by circulating the aqueous liquid (A) in a 2nd tank in the state which does not apply a voltage.

  In the method of the present invention, the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) flowing in the second tank may be controlled by discharging a part of the aqueous liquid (A) arranged in the first tank.

  Moreover, even if the drainage path is arrange | positioned to one or both of a 1st tank and a 2nd tank, and the aqueous liquid (A) is discharged | emitted from one tank, pH of aqueous liquid (A) may be adjusted. Good. For example, when neutral water is electrolyzed, the aqueous liquid (A) on the anode side becomes acidic, and the aqueous liquid (A) on the cathode side becomes alkaline. Therefore, it is possible to change the pH of the entire aqueous liquid (A) by discharging the aqueous liquid (A) of either the first tank or the second tank during voltage application or after voltage application. It is.

  In addition, you may use combining the method mentioned above as a method of changing pH of aqueous liquid (A) in combination of 2 or more.

  Since the aqueous liquid 30 in the cathode side tank is alkaline, a scale such as calcium may be deposited in the cathode side tank. In that case, a voltage may be applied in the reverse direction while the flow of the aqueous liquid 30 is stopped. By doing so, the alkaline aqueous liquid can be made acidic and the scale can be dissolved.

[Apparatus for changing ORP of aqueous liquid]
The apparatus of the present invention for changing the ORP of the aqueous liquid flowing in the flow path will be described below. According to the apparatus of the present invention, the method of the present invention can be easily implemented. In addition, since the matter which demonstrated the method of this invention is applicable to the apparatus of this invention, the overlapping description may be abbreviate | omitted. Further, the matters described for the apparatus of the present invention can be applied to the method of the present invention.

  The apparatus of the present invention includes a container, a separator, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a power source. An aqueous liquid (namely, aqueous liquid (A)) is arrange | positioned at a container. The separator partitions the container into a first tank and a second tank. The first electrode is disposed in the first tank, and the second electrode is disposed in the second tank. The power source applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the apparatus of the present invention, an aqueous liquid (A) is obtained by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first electrode and the second electrode are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A). ) The process of electrolyzing the water inside is performed. Hereinafter, this process may be referred to as an “electrolysis process”.

  The electrolysis step performed in the apparatus of the present invention corresponds to step (ii) of the method of the present invention. Since the container (first and second tanks), the separator, the first and second electrodes, and the aqueous liquid (A) have been described above, overlapping descriptions may be omitted. As described above, the second tank constitutes a part of the flow path. That is, the second tank is formed with an inlet and an outlet that are connected to the flow path so that the second tank forms a part of the flow path. Further, the first tank is connected to the flow path via a separator.

  A direct current power source can be used as the power source. The power source may be an AC-DC converter that converts an AC voltage obtained from an outlet into a DC voltage. The power source may be a power generation device such as a solar cell or a fuel cell, or a battery (for example, a secondary battery). By using a power generation device or a battery as a power source, the device of the present invention can be used in regions and situations where power is not supplied.

  The device of the present invention can be controlled manually. However, the device of the present invention may comprise a controller. The controller includes an arithmetic processing unit and storage means. Note that the storage means may be integrated with the arithmetic processing unit. Examples of the storage means include an internal memory, an external memory, and a magnetic disk (for example, a hard disk drive) of the arithmetic processing unit. A program for executing a necessary process (for example, an electrolysis process) is recorded in the storage means. An example of the controller includes a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). The apparatus of the present invention includes various devices (power supply, pump, valve, filter, etc.) and various measuring instruments (ORP meter, ammeter, pH meter, ion concentration meter, conductivity meter, dissolved oxygen meter, dissolved hydrogen meter, etc.) May be included. The controller may be connected to these devices and measuring instruments. The controller may perform the electrolysis process by controlling the device based on the output of the measuring instrument.

  In order to determine the voltage applied to the electrode, the device of the present invention is a conductivity meter for measuring the conductivity of an aqueous liquid or a device for confirming gas generation from a counter electrode (for example, a light emitting device such as an LED or a laser diode). And a combination of a light receiving element such as a photodiode). Moreover, the apparatus of this invention may be equipped with the voltmeter for measuring the voltage applied between electrodes, and the ammeter for measuring the electric current which flows between electrodes.

  The controller may control the voltage application and / or the flow rate of the aqueous liquid (A) based on data obtained from various measuring instruments and a target value of the ORP set by the user of the apparatus. Furthermore, the controller applies the voltage, the flow rate of the aqueous liquid (A), and the aqueous liquid (A) discharged from the first and second tanks based on the target value of pH set by the user of the apparatus. At least one selected from these amounts may be controlled.

  The apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a membrane (for example, an ion exchange membrane) or an ion exchange material that selectively allows a cation or an anion to pass therethrough. However, the apparatus of the present invention typically does not include such membranes (eg, ion exchange membranes) or ion exchange materials.

  The pipe | tube for the aqueous liquid (A) in a tank to move according to the raise of the pressure in a tank may be connected to the tank. For example, the pipe | tube for the aqueous liquid (A) in a 1st tank to move according to the raise of the pressure in a 1st tank may be connected to the 1st tank. Hereinafter, the tube may be referred to as “tube (T)”. By using the tube (T), it is possible to prevent the aqueous liquid (A) from leaking outside the apparatus even when the pressure in the first tank is increased. There is no limitation in particular in the shape of a pipe | tube (T), A cross section may be circular and a cross section may be a square. In one example, the tube (T) extends upward from the first tank. In another example, the tube (T) repeats descending and ascending alternately. For example, the pipe (T) may repeat meandering in the downward direction and the upward direction. Alternatively, the tube (T) may be a tube wound in a coil shape. Alternatively, the tube (T) may have a structure in which a plurality of linear tubes arranged in parallel to the vertical direction are connected in series.

When the tube (T) repeats descending and rising alternately, it is preferable that the bubbles in the tube (T) can move in the aqueous liquid (A) in the tube (T). Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the inside (flow path) of the tube (T) is preferably large enough to allow bubbles to move inside the tube (T). Sectional area of the interior of the tube (T) is preferably 3 cm ² or more, for example in the range and 3cm ² ~10cm ^2, in the range of 5cm ² ~30cm ^2. In one example, the inside of the pipe (T) where the aqueous liquid (A) moving from the first tank to the downstream side of the pipe (T) moves upward is made hydrophilic, and the pipe (T The inside of the tube (T) where the aqueous liquid (A) moving downstream of T) moves downward may be water repellent.

A thin tube may be connected to the end of the tube (T). The cross-sectional area of the inside (channel) of the narrow tube is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inside (channel) of the tube (T). Sectional area of the interior of the capillary, the scope and 0.7cm ² ~3.5cm ^2, may be in the range of 0.5 cm ² 1 cm ^2. Since the fluid resistance in the narrow tube is large, even if the pressure in the tank changes suddenly, the water level gradually changes until the pressure in the tank reaches equilibrium without greatly changing the water level in the tank. Moreover, rapid movement of the aqueous liquid (A) in the tube (T) can be suppressed by connecting the thin tube to the tube (T). In this specification, the phrase “cross-sectional area of the tube” means a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the flow path (the direction in which the aqueous liquid (A) flows).

  The electrolysis step may be performed under the condition that the gas generated on the surface of the second electrode tends to remain in the aqueous liquid (A) as compared with the gas generated on the surface of the first electrode. For example, the electrolysis process may be performed in a state where the first tank is open to the atmosphere and the atmosphere does not flow into the second tank.

  The apparatus of the present invention may further include a shielding plate that is movably disposed between the first tank and the second tank. By moving the shielding plate, it is possible to adjust the amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time.

  The electrolysis step is performed in a state where the aqueous liquid (A) in the first tank is not in a liquid-permeable state and the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank is in a liquid-permeable state.

  The second tank may be connected to a water storage tank that holds the aqueous liquid (A). In the electrolysis step, the aqueous liquid (A) may be circulated between the second tank and the water storage tank. According to such an apparatus, a large amount of aqueous liquid (A) can be processed. Moreover, according to such an apparatus, the value of (V2 / V1) mentioned above can be enlarged, As a result, the fluctuation | variation of pH of the aqueous liquid processed by the 2nd tank can be suppressed.

  In the method and apparatus of the present invention, the water tank may be a water tank (for example, a bathtub) that is open to the atmosphere. For example, the flow path on the downstream side of the second tank may be connected to a bathtub or a shower head. In this case, the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank is used as water in the bathtub (for example, hot water) or shower water (for example, hot water). When the flow path is connected to the bathtub, the flow path may form a circulation path including the bathtub and the second tank. In these cases, hot water may be supplied to the second tank as the aqueous liquid (A) to be treated in the second tank.

  A 2nd tank, a water storage tank, and the path | route which connects them may comprise a circulation path. A valve for releasing the gas existing in the circulation path may be arranged in the circulation path. By opening the valve, the gas generated in the second electrode can be released into the atmosphere. This can prevent the pressure of the gas in the circulation path from becoming too high.

  A plurality of devices of the present invention may be connected in series or in parallel. In other words, the apparatus of the present invention may include a plurality of processing apparatuses connected in series or in parallel. Each processing apparatus has the configuration of the apparatus of the present invention described above. That is, each processing apparatus includes a first tank, a second tank, a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator, and a power source.

  In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing an aqueous liquid having an ORP and pH in a predetermined range. According to the present invention, generally obtained water such as tap water (specifically, water having an ORP in the range of 200 mV to 780 mV and a pH in the range of 5.8 to 8.6) is treated. To obtain water whose ORP is 200 mV or more higher than that before the treatment, and whose pH change before and after the treatment is 2 or less, or water whose ORP is 200 mV or more lower than that before the treatment and whose pH change before and after the treatment is 2 or less. Is possible.

  Examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings referred to in the following description are schematic diagrams, and the hatching of the aqueous liquid may be omitted in order to make the drawings easy to see.

[Embodiment 1]
An example of the apparatus and method of Embodiment 1 will be described below. The configuration of the apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. The apparatus 100 includes a container 10, a separator 13, a first electrode 21, a second electrode 22, and a power source 23. The apparatus 100 may include a controller.

  The container 10 is partitioned into a first tank 11 and a second tank 12 by a separator 13. A flow path 14 a and a flow path 14 b are connected to the second tank 12. The flow path 14 a, the flow path 14 b, and the second tank 12 form one flow path 14. The second tank 12 has two inlets 12c and outlets 12d. The inflow port 12c and the outflow port 12d are connected to the flow paths 14a and 14b by the connection component 12e in a state where the connection can be released. In FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, illustration of the connection component 12e is omitted. In the device of the present invention, the inflow port 12c and the outflow port 12d may be directly connected to the flow path without using connection parts.

  In one example, the flow path 14 a is connected to the lower side of the second tank 12, the flow path 14 b is connected to the upper side of the second tank, the aqueous liquid 30 is introduced from the flow path 14 a, and the treatment is performed in the second tank 12. The aqueous liquid 30 is discharged from the flow path 14b. In this case, the aqueous liquid 30 flows into the second tank 12 through the inlet 12c, and the aqueous liquid 30 flows out into the flow path 14b through the outlet 12d. In this case, since the aqueous liquid flows upward from below the second tank 12, it is possible to suppress the gas generated on the surface of the second electrode 22 from staying on the surface of the second electrode 22. A pump and / or a valve is installed in the flow path 14a and / or the flow path 14b as necessary. Further, in the second tank 12 and / or the flow path 14 (usually, the flow path on the downstream side of the second tank 12), measuring instruments (ORP meter, pH meter, ion concentration meter, conductivity meter, dissolved meter) An oxygen meter, a dissolved hydrogen meter, etc.) may be installed. The first tank 11 is opened to the atmosphere by the opening 11a. On the other hand, the second tank 12 is cut off from the atmosphere. An aqueous liquid 30 is disposed in the tanks 11 and 12. Means for preventing the aqueous liquid 30 from leaking outside from the opening 11a may be provided in the opening 11a. For example, a gas-liquid separation membrane may be disposed in the opening 11a. A well-known thing can be used for a gas-liquid separation membrane.

  As shown in FIG. 1, drainage paths 15 and 16 may be connected to the tank 11 and the tank 12, respectively. A valve 15a and a valve 16a are provided in each of the drainage passages 15 and 16. The aqueous liquid 30 in the tank 11 can be discharged by opening the valve 15a. The aqueous liquid 30 in the tank 12 can be discharged by opening the valve 16a. The pH of the aqueous liquid 30 can be adjusted by discharging the aqueous liquid 30 in the tank 11 or the aqueous liquid 30 in the tank 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus of the present invention may include a water tank 24. The 2nd tank 12 and the water storage tank 24 are connected by the flow path 14a and the flow path 14b. The 2nd tank 12, the water storage tank 24, the flow path 14a, and the flow path 14b form one circulation path. The aqueous liquid 30 in the water storage tank 24 is sent to the second tank 12 by a pump (not shown) disposed in the flow path 14a and / or the flow path 14b, and is returned to the water storage tank 24 after being processed. That is, the aqueous liquid 30 circulates in the circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24. This circuit is isolated from the atmosphere. The water storage tank 24 is provided with a valve 24a. When the pressure of the gas in the water storage tank 24 becomes too high, the valve 24a may be opened. Thereby, the pressure of the gas in the water storage tank 24 can be lowered without causing the air to flow into the water storage tank 24. It is also possible to replace the water tank 24 with a bathtub. In this case, the aqueous liquid 30 in the bathtub is opened to the atmosphere.

  Next, the operation of the apparatus 100 will be described. The electrodes 21 and 22 are immersed in the liquid 30. The electrolysis process is performed in a state where the aqueous liquid 30 is continuously supplied from the flow path 14a and the aqueous liquid 30 is continuously discharged from the flow path 14b. That is, in the electrolysis process, the aqueous liquid 30 in the second tank 12 is in a liquid-permeable state, while the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 is not in a liquid-permeable state. However, the aqueous liquid 30 in the tanks 11 and 12 and the ions (cations and anions) contained therein can pass through the separator 13.

  In order to reduce the ORP of the aqueous liquid 30 by the treatment in the second tank 12, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 becomes an anode. . By this voltage application, as shown in FIG. 3, oxygen gas and hydrogen ions are generated on the surface of the first electrode 21 (anode), and hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions are generated on the surface of the second electrode 22 (cathode). Will occur. The separator 13 blocks gas (bubbles). That is, the separator 13 suppresses the gas generated on the surface of the electrode from moving between the tank 11 and the tank 12. Oxygen gas generated in the first electrode 21 is released into the atmosphere from the opening 11a. On the other hand, the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the aqueous liquid 30 in the 2nd tank 12 and the aqueous liquid 30 discharged | emitted from the flow path 14b increases. As a result, an aqueous liquid 30 having a low ORP is obtained. By blocking the second tank 12 from the atmosphere, it is possible to increase the amount of hydrogen gas generated in the second electrode 22 dissolved in the aqueous liquid 30.

  On the other hand, in order to raise the ORP of the aqueous liquid 30 by the treatment in the second tank 12, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 becomes a cathode. Apply. By this voltage application, as shown in FIG. 4, hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions are generated on the surface of the first electrode 21 (cathode), and oxygen gas and hydrogen ions are generated on the surface of the second electrode 22 (anode). Will occur. The separator 13 suppresses the gas generated on the surface of the electrode from moving between the tank 11 and the tank 12. The hydrogen gas generated at the first electrode 21 is released into the atmosphere from the opening 11a. On the other hand, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the aqueous liquid 30 in the 2nd tank 12 and the aqueous liquid 30 discharged | emitted from the flow path 14b increases. As a result, an aqueous liquid 30 having a high ORP is obtained. By blocking the second tank 12 from the atmosphere, it is possible to increase the amount of oxygen gas generated in the second electrode 22 dissolved in the aqueous liquid 30.

  The pH of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the second tank 12 depends on the amount of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions generated per unit time by the electrolysis reaction (hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions per unit time by the electrolysis reaction). Change amount), the amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time, and the volume (volume V2) of the aqueous liquid processed in the second tank 12. As the current flowing between the electrodes (the amount of charge flowing between the electrodes per unit time) increases, the amount of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions generated per unit time increases. Therefore, the pH of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the second tank 12 is adjusted by changing the ratio between the current flowing between the electrode 21 and the electrode 22 and the amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time. It is possible. The current flowing between the electrodes 21 and 22 can be changed, for example, by changing the voltage applied between the electrodes. The amount of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions passing through the separator per unit time can be changed by the value of (volume V2) / (volume V1), the distance between the electrode and the separator, the area of the separator, and the like. The value of the volume V <b> 2 can be changed by changing the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 disposed in the water tank 24.

  When the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 is discharged from the drainage path 15, the amount of hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions moving from the first tank 11 to the second tank 12 decreases. Therefore, when it is desired to increase the change in pH in the second tank 12, the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 may be discharged. The aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 is replenished from the second tank 12 via the separator 13.

  The amount of ions passing through the separator per unit time may be changed by changing the area through which ions can pass using a shielding plate. An example of an apparatus including a shielding plate is shown in FIG. 5A.

  The apparatus 100a of FIG. 5A is different from the apparatus 100 only in that the shielding plate 51 is provided, and thus a duplicate description is omitted. The shielding plate 51 of the device 100a is movable in parallel with the separator 13. When increasing the amount of ions passing through the separator 13 per unit time, the shielding plate 51 is placed at a position where the separator 13 is not shielded or hardly shielded as shown in FIG. 5A. On the other hand, when reducing the amount of ions passing through the separator 13 per unit time, the shielding plate 51 is placed at a position where a part of the separator 13 is shielded, as shown in FIG. 5B.

  The pH of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the second tank 12 changes the ratio between the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 and the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the second tank 12. It is also possible to adjust by.

  In the apparatus of FIG. 2, water having a pH of 7 is electrolyzed by applying a voltage between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 becomes an anode. think of. Here, it is assumed that reactions other than the above formulas (1) and (2) do not occur. It is assumed that no ions pass through the separator 13. Further, the pH of the water in the first tank 11 is uniform, and the pH of the water treated in the second tank 12 (that is, the water in the circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24) is also set. Assume uniform. In this case, the water in the first tank 11 becomes acidic due to an increase in hydrogen ions due to the reaction of the formula (1). On the other hand, the water in the second tank 12 becomes alkaline due to an increase in hydroxide ions due to the reaction of the formula (2). Under the above assumption, the amount of hydrogen ions increased in the first tank 11 and the amount of hydroxide ions increased in the second tank 12 are the same. Therefore, when the amount of water treated in the second tank 12 is the same as the amount of water in the first tank 11, the amount of change in the pH of the water in the first tank 11 and the second The amount of change in pH of the water treated in the tank 12 becomes equal. For example, when the water in the first tank 11 changes from pH 7 to 4, the water in the second tank 12 changes from pH 7 to 10. On the other hand, when the amount of water to be treated in the second tank 12 is 1000 times the amount of water in the first tank 11, even if the water in the first tank 11 changes from pH 7 to 4, The pH of the water in the second tank 12 is 8 or less.

  In an actual apparatus, since the ions pass through the separator 13, the above calculation does not hold. However, even when ions pass through the separator 13, by increasing the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12, the fluctuation of the pH of the aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12 is suppressed. it can. Further, by reducing the volume of the first tank 11, it is possible to reduce the variation in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12. Conversely, by increasing the volume of the first tank 11, it is possible to increase the variation in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the second tank 12. Further, by reducing the amount of the aqueous liquid processed in the second tank 12, it is possible to increase the variation in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12.

[Embodiment 2]
In Embodiment 2, another example of the apparatus of the present invention will be described. The apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is different from the apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment only in that the apparatus 200 includes the tube 210 and the thin tube 220, and therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.

  The configuration of the apparatus 200 is schematically shown in FIG. The device 200 includes a tube 210 and a thin tube 220 connected to the first tank 11 in addition to the device 100. In the example of FIG. 6, the pipe 210 is connected above the first tank 11. The pipe 210 includes a plurality of linear pipes 210a and 210b arranged substantially parallel to the vertical direction, and a pipe 210c connecting them in series. The pipe 210 repeats meandering in the downward direction and the upward direction. When the aqueous liquid 30 flows from the first tank 11 side toward the outlet of the tube 210, the aqueous liquid 30 is directed downward in the portion of the tube 210a, and the aqueous liquid 30 is directed upward in the portion of the tube 210b. The tube 210 is preferably thick enough to allow bubbles to move inside when the interior is filled with the aqueous liquid 30. In one example of the tube 210, the inner surface of the tube 210a is water repellent and the inner surface of the tube 210b is hydrophilic.

  In the configuration of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the inner surface of the tube 210a is water repellent, the inner surface of the tube 210b is hydrophilic, and the inner diameter of the tube 210 is in an appropriate range. In this case, a state is considered in which the collected aqueous liquid (A) having a certain volume moves in the tube (T). When the aqueous liquid (A) moves downward (downstream) through the portion of the tube 210a, the inner surface of the tube 210a is water-repellent, so the aqueous liquid (A) moves in a state that occupies the entire cross section of the tube 210a. It is suppressed. Therefore, as the aqueous liquid (A) moves, the gas below the aqueous liquid (A) rises inside the tube 210a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the siphon effect from occurring in the tube 210a. On the other hand, when the gas generated in the first tank moves upward (downstream) in the portion of the tube 210b, since the inner surface of the tube 210b is hydrophilic, the gas moves while occupying the entire cross section of the tube 210b. Is suppressed. Therefore, as the gas moves, the aqueous liquid (A) above the gas descends inside the tube 210b. As a result, the gas generated in the first tank can be discharged from the pipe 210 while minimizing the movement of the aqueous liquid (A) to the downstream side.

  A narrow tube 220 is connected to the end of the tube 210. The thin tube 220 has an internal cross-sectional area smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of the tube 210. Since the fluid resistance inside the narrow tube 220 is large, rapid movement of the aqueous liquid 30 in the tube 210 is suppressed. Note that the thin tube 220 may be omitted, or a material having a high fluid resistance (for example, porous) may be used instead of the thin tube 220. Moreover, you may arrange | position an activated carbon filter in the middle or the edge part of the pipe | tube 210 or the thin pipe | tube 220. FIG. In the case where an aqueous liquid (reduced water) having a low ORP is generated in the second tank by electrolyzing an aqueous liquid containing chlorine ions, chlorine gas may be generated in the first tank. Even if chlorine gas is generated, it is possible to remove the chlorine odor by the activated carbon filter.

  A drain valve may be formed in the pipe 210c that connects the lower side of the pipe 210a and the lower side of the pipe 210b. The aqueous liquid 30 existing in the pipe 210 can be discharged periodically by the drain valve. This can suppress deterioration of the water quality of the aqueous liquid 30 in the pipe 210.

  When the pressure in the first tank 11 increases, the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 is pushed into the pipe 210 and moves in the pipe 210. When the tube 210a is sufficiently thick, the aqueous liquid 30 falls in the tube 210a, while the gas below the tube 210a rises. Therefore, the siphon effect does not occur when the aqueous liquid 30 falls on the tube 210a. The aqueous liquid 30 in the tube 210 stops at a position where the pressure is balanced. An example in that case is shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the aqueous liquid 30 in the tube 210a is pushed down by the pressure in the first tank 11, and the tube 210a is filled with air. On the other hand, some of the plurality of tubes 210 b are filled with the aqueous liquid 30. There is a balance between the pressure generated by the aqueous liquid 30 filling the tube 210b and the pressure in the first tank 11. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the total gravity generated by the aqueous liquid 30 present in the plurality of tubes 210 b is balanced with the pressure in the first tank 11.

  The tube 210 may be wound in a coil shape (for example, an elliptical shape). Further, the tube 210 may extend linearly on the first tank 11. However, the apparatus can be miniaturized by using a tube that alternates between descending and ascending alternately.

  The device of the present invention may be connected to an open water tank (for example, a bathtub). An example in that case is schematically shown in FIG. 8, and another example is schematically shown in FIG. 8 and 9, only the first and second tanks 11 and 12 of the apparatus of the present invention are shown, but the other parts are the above-described configurations (for example, the configurations described in the first and second embodiments). ) Can be applied.

  In the form of FIG. 8, a flow path 81 including the second tank 12 of the apparatus of the present invention is connected to a bathtub 82. The aqueous liquid processed in the second tank 12 is poured into the bathtub 82. The flow path 81 does not form a circulation path. A pump 83 for moving the aqueous liquid is disposed on the flow path 81. In order to prevent sudden pressure fluctuations in the tank, it is preferable to start the pump 83 at a low speed. The aqueous liquid treated in the second tank 12 may be used as shower water or hot water.

  In the form of FIG. 9, the flow path 81 and the bathtub 82 form a circulation path. Note that the second tank 12 constitutes a part of the flow path 81. In the form of FIG. 9, the aqueous liquid processed in the second tank 12 is poured into the bathtub 82, and the aqueous liquid in the bathtub 82 is introduced into the second tank 12 and processed. A pump 83 and a filter 84 are disposed on the flow path 81. The filter 84 prevents dust in the bathtub 82 from being introduced into the pump 83.

  The apparatus of the present invention has a mechanism for preventing hydrogen gas from accumulating in a certain space, a mechanism for safely burning hydrogen gas generated by electrolysis, and an atmosphere after diluting the hydrogen gas to a concentration that does not ignite spontaneously. A mechanism for releasing the battery may be provided. An example having such a mechanism is shown in FIG. The 2nd tank 12 of the apparatus 100b of FIG. 13 is connected to the water storage tank 24 provided with an exhaust means. Since the apparatus 100b can have the same configuration as the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2 except that a part of the water storage tank 24 is different, description and illustration of overlapping parts may be omitted.

  The second tank 12 of the device 100b is connected to the water storage tank 24 by a flow path 14b. The aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12 is stored in the water storage tank 24 through the flow path 14b. The aqueous liquid 30 stored in the water storage tank 24 is taken out from the flow path 24c and used. Various devices (pumps, valves, filters, etc.) are installed in the channels (channel 14a, channel 14b, and channel 24c) as necessary. The flow path 14a may be connected to the water storage tank 24 so as to constitute a circulation path. Moreover, the flow path 24c may be connected to another water storage tank. In that case, the flow path 14a may be connected to the other water storage tank to constitute a circulation path.

  An exhaust pipe 24 b is provided above the water storage tank 24. The exhaust pipe 24 b suppresses air from flowing into the water storage tank 24. On the other hand, when the pressure of the gas existing in the upper space in the water storage tank 24 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure, the gas in the water storage tank 24 is released into the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe 24. The exhaust pipe 24b suppresses air from flowing into the water storage tank 24 at least during electrolysis. In order to suppress the inflow of air into the water storage tank 24, the exhaust pipe 24b may be narrowed, for example, the tip of the exhaust pipe 24b may be narrowed. In order to prevent the atmosphere from flowing into the water storage tank 24, a valve that opens only when the pressure of the gas in the water storage tank 24 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure is provided at the tip or middle of the exhaust pipe 24b. It may be provided.

  When electrolysis is performed using the second electrode 22 as a cathode, the aqueous liquid 30 treated with the second electrode 22 contains hydrogen gas. Therefore, hydrogen gas is stored in the upper part of the water storage tank 24. On the other hand, the exhaust pipe 24b prevents air from flowing into the water storage tank 24. Therefore, the upper part in the water storage tank 24 is maintained in a state where the hydrogen gas concentration is high. As long as the hydrogen gas concentration in the upper part of the water storage tank 24 is high, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the aqueous liquid 30 in the water storage tank 24 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the ORP of the aqueous liquid 30 from rising in the water storage tank 24.

  The exhaust pipe 24b may be formed of a non-combustible material (for example, metal), and the tip of the exhaust pipe 24b may be narrowed. According to this configuration, even if the hydrogen gas released from the exhaust pipe 24b is spontaneously ignited when mixed with the atmosphere, the hydrogen gas can be safely burned. In addition, the apparatus of the present invention may have a mechanism for reducing the concentration of hydrogen gas released from the exhaust pipe 24b to a concentration that does not spontaneously ignite. For example, an apparatus (blower) for forcibly blowing a large amount of air toward the downstream side (atmosphere side) of the exhaust pipe 24b may be connected in the middle of the exhaust pipe 24b. In that case, in order to prevent the air sent from the blower from flowing into the water storage tank 24, the exhaust pipe 24b between the connection part of the blower and the water storage tank 24 is directed downstream (atmosphere side). A valve that only opens may be provided.

[Other methods and apparatuses]
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of an aqueous liquid flowing in a flow path, which includes steps (I) and (II). In the step (I), the first and second electrodes respectively disposed in the first and second tanks partitioned by the separator are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A). In the step (II), water in the aqueous liquid (A) is electrolyzed by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. In this step (II), the amount (volume V2) of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the second tank is 10 times the amount (volume V1) of the aqueous liquid (A) treated in the first tank. That's it. An apparatus for carrying out this method is an apparatus for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of the aqueous liquid (A), the container in which the aqueous liquid (A) is disposed, the container in the first tank and the second tank. A separator between the tank, the first electrode disposed in the first tank, the second electrode disposed in the second tank, and a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. And a power supply for applying. And in one embodiment, the quantity (volume V2) of the aqueous liquid (A) processed by the 2nd tank is 10 of the quantity (volume V1) of the aqueous liquid (A) processed by the 1st tank. It is more than double. This embodiment includes the above-described embodiment of the present invention in which the volume V2 is 10 times or more the volume V1. Further, this embodiment includes an embodiment shown in FIG. Moreover, the embodiment whose volume V2 is 10 times or more of the volume V1 among embodiments shown in FIG. 11 described later is included. Since the description of the volume V1 and the volume V2 and the approximation thereof have been described above, redundant description will be omitted.

  In another aspect, the present invention is a method for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of an aqueous liquid flowing in a flow path, which includes steps (I) and (II), and in step (II), the first tank This relates to a method in which the ratio of the amount (volume V1) of the aqueous liquid (A) to be treated with the amount (volume V2) of the aqueous liquid (A) to be treated in the second tank is variable. An apparatus for carrying out this method is an apparatus for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of the aqueous liquid (A), the container in which the aqueous liquid (A) is disposed, the container in the first tank and the second tank. A separator between the tank, the first electrode disposed in the first tank, the second electrode disposed in the second tank, and a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. And a power supply for applying. And the structure for making variable the quantity (volume V1) of the aqueous liquid (A) processed by a 1st tank, and the quantity (volume V2) of the aqueous liquid (A) processed by a 2nd tank. Is provided. For example, a flow path connected to the first tank and a flow path connected to the second tank are provided. This embodiment includes an embodiment shown in FIG. 11 described later. Moreover, you may provide the structure which makes the internal volume of a 1st tank and / or the internal volume of a 2nd tank variable. For example, among the side walls of the first tank, a side wall parallel to the flat electrode may be movable. Since the description of the volume V1 and the volume V2 and the approximation thereof have been described above, redundant description will be omitted.

By setting the volume V2 to be 10 times or more the volume V1, the change in pH of the aqueous liquid (A) in the first tank can be increased, and the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) in the second tank can be increased. Change can be reduced. The volume V2 may be in a range of 10 times to 2 × 10 ⁶ times the volume V1 (for example, a range of 10 times to 50000 times or a range of 200 times to 15000 times).

  The apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 10 is different from the apparatuses 100 and 200 in that the second tank 12 does not constitute a part of the flow path of the aqueous liquid (A). Except for this point, the apparatus 300 can have the same configuration as the apparatus 100 or a variation thereof (for example, the apparatus 100a or the apparatus 200), but FIG. 10 shows the simplest configuration.

  The apparatus 300 includes a container 10 (first tank 11 and second tank 12), a separator 13, a first electrode 21, a second electrode 22, and a power source 23. The container 10 is partitioned into a first tank 11 and a second tank 12 by a separator 13 and a partition wall 301 that does not allow liquid and gas to pass through. The first tank 11 and the second tank 12 are provided with openings 11a and 12a, respectively. Each of the openings 11a and 12a may include a valve.

  In the apparatus 300, the aqueous liquid 30 arrange | positioned at the container 10 is processed by a batch system. That is, while the aqueous liquid 30 disposed in the container 10 is electrolyzed, the aqueous liquid 30 disposed in the first tank 11 and the second tank 12 does not substantially move. When the electrolysis is completed, the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 and / or the aqueous liquid 30 disposed in the second tank 12 is removed from the tank for use.

  In the apparatus 300 of FIG. 10, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 becomes an anode (the second electrode 22 becomes a cathode). Consider the case. In this case, the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 has an ORP rise and a pH drop. Further, the aqueous liquid in the second tank 12 has a lower ORP and a higher pH. Part of the hydrogen ions generated by the first electrode 21 diffuses into the second tank 12 through the separator 13. On the other hand, part of the hydroxide ions generated at the second electrode 22 diffuses into the first tank 11 through the separator 13. Therefore, the pH of the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 depends on the amount of hydrogen ions generated by the first electrode 21, the amount of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions that permeate the separator 13, and the first It depends on the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 in the tank 11. Further, the pH of the aqueous liquid 30 in the second tank 12 is such that the amount of hydroxide ions generated by the second electrode 21, the amount of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions permeating the separator 13, and the second It depends on the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 in the second tank 12.

  The smaller the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11, the greater the amount of hydrogen ions generated by the first electrode 21 that permeate the separator 13. In addition, as the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 in the second tank 12 increases, the amount of hydroxide ions generated by the second electrode 22 permeates the separator 13 decreases. Moreover, the change of pH of the aqueous liquid 30 in the 2nd tank 12 becomes small, so that the volume V2 is large. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the change in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 in the second tank 12 by increasing the value of (volume V2) / (volume V1).

  On the other hand, a general voltage is applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 becomes a cathode (so that the second electrode 22 becomes an anode). By electrolyzing water (for example, tap water), it is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid 30 having a high ORP and a pH close to neutrality.

  As described above, according to the apparatus 300, it is possible to control a change in pH when changing the ORP of the aqueous liquid.

  An apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the apparatus 100 in that the first tank 11 constitutes a part of the flow path 401 of the aqueous liquid 30. Except for this point, the apparatus 400 can have the same configuration as the apparatus 100 or a variation thereof (for example, the apparatus 100a or the apparatus 200). FIG. 11 shows an example configuration. The first tank 11 of the device 400 includes two connection parts (an inlet and an outlet) for connecting to the flow path 401. About the two connection parts of the 1st tank 11, the structure demonstrated about the 2nd tank 12 is employable. However, in FIG. 11, illustration of connection parts is omitted. In addition, the 1st tank may be directly connected to the flow path, without using a connection component.

  In the apparatus 400, the first tank 11 constitutes a part of the flow path 401 of the aqueous liquid 30, and the second tank 12 constitutes a part of the flow path 14 of the aqueous liquid 30. The aqueous liquid 30 flowing through the flow path 401 does not move to the flow path 14 unless it passes through the separator 13. Similarly, the aqueous liquid 30 flowing through the flow path 14 does not move to the flow path 401 unless it passes through the separator 13.

  By moving the aqueous liquid 30 in the first tank 11 by the flow path 401, the volume V1 of the aqueous liquid (A) to be processed in the first tank 11 can be changed. Moreover, the volume V2 of the aqueous liquid (A) processed by the 2nd tank 12 can be changed by moving the aqueous liquid 30 in the 2nd tank 12 with the flow path 14. FIG. As described above, by increasing the ratio of (volume V2) / (volume V1), it is possible to suppress a change in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12. Moreover, the change in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 processed in the second tank 12 can be suppressed by increasing the volume V2. Conversely, by reducing the ratio of (volume V2) / (volume V1), the change in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the second tank 12 can be increased. Moreover, the change of pH of the aqueous liquid 30 processed by the 2nd tank 12 can be increased by making the volume V2 small. The change in pH of the aqueous liquid 30 treated in the first tank 11 can also be adjusted by the same principle.

  As described above, according to the device 400, the ORP of the aqueous liquid 30 can be changed, and the change in pH can be easily adjusted. For example, on the cathode side of the apparatus 400, the ORP of the aqueous liquid 30 decreases and the pH increases, but the degree of the increase in pH can be reduced or increased. In addition, on the anode side of the apparatus 400, the ORP of the aqueous liquid 30 increases and the pH decreases, but the degree of the decrease in pH can be reduced or increased.

  The volume V1 and the volume V2 can be changed by changing the amount of the aqueous liquid 30 flowing through the flow path 401 and the flow path 14 per unit time, respectively. Specifically, the volumes V1 and V2 can be changed by changing the driving conditions of the pumps provided in the flow paths 401 and 14, respectively. Further, a flow rate control device may be provided in each of the flow path 401 and the flow path 14, and the volumes V1 and V2 may be changed accordingly.

  According to the apparatus of the present invention described above, it is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid 30 having a low ORP and a pH close to neutrality by electrolyzing general water (for example, tap water). For example, by electrolyzing water in which the pH is in the range of 6 to 8 and the ORP is in the range of 300 mV to 600 mV, the ORP is 0 mV or less (for example, in the range of −800 mV to 0 mV or −500 mV to 0 mV), It is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid 30 having a pH of 10 or less (for example, in the range of 6 to 10 or 7 to 9). Moreover, according to the apparatus 400, ORP is 600 mV or more (for example, the range of 600-1100 mV or 600-900 mV) by electrolyzing the water whose pH is in the range of 6-8 and ORP is in the range of 300 mV-600 mV. It is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid 30 having a pH of 3 or more (for example, in the range of 3-8 or 4-8).

  The method and apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail using examples. In addition, except Example 11, the temperature of the liquid processed in the following Examples was in the range of about 10-25 ° C.

Example 1
In Example 1, the ORP of tap water was increased. The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 was used as the apparatus. However, the experiment was conducted in a state where the upper side of the tank 24 was open to the atmosphere. The internal volumes of the first tank 11 and the second tank 12 were each about 3 cm ³ . The amount of tap water (the amount of liquid processed in the second tank 12) disposed in the water storage tank 24 was about 1 liter (1 L).

  A front view of the first electrode 21 used in Example 1 is shown in FIG. 12A. The first electrode 21 includes a plurality of linear electrodes 21a arranged in a stripe shape and a linear electrode 21b connecting them. The linear electrode 21a is arranged in the vertical direction. As a result, the gas generated on the surface of the electrode 21a is suppressed from staying on the surface of the electrode 21a. The first electrode 21 is made of titanium coated with platinum. The second electrode 22 used in Example 1 is the same electrode as the first electrode 21. A cotton cloth was used for the separator 13. FIG. 12B shows a front view when the separator 13 is viewed from the first electrode 21 side. The second electrode 22 is disposed so as to face the first electrode 21 with the separator 13 interposed therebetween.

  The treated tap water had a pH of 7.52, an ORP of 422 mV, and a conductivity of 165.5 μS / cm. The tap water was electrolyzed while circulating the tap water in a circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24. Specifically, a voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 became a cathode. The voltage was 19V. Table 1 shows changes in physical properties of tap water in the water tank 24 due to voltage application. In the following table, “−” indicates that measurement is not performed.

  As shown in Table 1, in Example 1, the ORP of tap water could be increased. Moreover, in Example 1, pH fell.

(Example 2)
In Example 2, the ORP of the KCl aqueous solution was increased. The KCl aqueous solution was treated under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the KCl aqueous solution was treated instead of tap water. The amount of the KCl aqueous solution placed in the first tank 11 was about 3 cm ³ . The amount of the KCl aqueous solution disposed in the water storage tank 24 was about 1 liter.

  The treated KCl aqueous solution (concentration: 0.01 wt%) had a pH of 7.26, an ORP of 458 mV, and a conductivity of 365 μS / cm. Table 1 shows changes in physical properties of the KCl aqueous solution in the water storage tank 24 due to voltage application.

  As shown in Table 2, in Example 2, the ORP of the KCl aqueous solution could be increased to 1000 mV or higher. Moreover, in Example 2, pH fell. Further, when the KCl aqueous solution treated in Example 2 was diluted 100 times with tap water, oxidized water having an ORP of 750 mV and a pH of 4.9 was obtained. Thus, changes in ORP and pH due to dilution of the treated aqueous KCl solution were relatively small.

(Example 3)
In Example 3, the ORP of tap water was reduced. In Example 3, tap water was treated under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the magnitude of the voltage and the direction in which the voltage was applied were different.

  The tap water treated in Example 3 had a pH of 7.41, an ORP of 501 mV, and a conductivity of 166.7 μS / cm. In Example 3, the tap water was electrolyzed by applying a voltage between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode became an anode. The voltage was 19 volts. Table 3 shows changes in physical properties of tap water in the water tank 24 due to voltage application.

  As shown in Table 3, in Example 3, the ORP of tap water could be reduced to −600 mV. Moreover, in Example 3, pH rose.

Example 4
In Example 4, tap water was treated so that the change in pH was small and the ORP was lowered. In Example 4, the amount of liquid disposed in the water storage tank 24 was about 40 liters, and tap water was treated under the same conditions as in Example 1 except for the magnitude of the voltage and the application direction. In Example 4, the value of (V2 / V1) is about 13000.

  The treated tap water had a pH of 7.19, an ORP of 410 mV, and a conductivity of 207.0 μS / cm. The tap water was electrolyzed while circulating the tap water in a circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24. Specifically, a voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode became an anode. The voltage was applied so that a current of 0.35 A flows between the electrodes. Table 4 shows changes in physical properties of tap water in the water tank 24 due to voltage application.

  As shown in Table 4, in Example 4, the change in pH could be suppressed while lowering the ORP of tap water.

(Example 5)
In Example 5, tap water was treated so that the change in pH was small and the ORP was lowered. In Example 5, tap water was treated under the same conditions as in Example 4 except that the applied voltage was different.

  The treated tap water had a pH of 7.52, an ORP of 434 mV, and a conductivity of 168.3 μS / cm. The tap water was electrolyzed while circulating the tap water in a circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24. Specifically, a voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode became an anode. The voltage was applied so that a current of 2.8 A flows between the electrodes. The voltage at that time was about 30 volts. Table 5 shows changes in physical properties of tap water in the water storage tank 24 due to voltage application.

  As shown in Table 5, in Example 5, the change in pH could be suppressed while lowering the ORP of tap water. Further, the amount of decrease in ORP could be increased as compared with Example 4 by increasing the current flowing between the electrodes.

(Example 6)
In Example 6, the ORP of the alkaline aqueous solution was reduced. In Example 6, an experiment was performed using the same apparatus as in Example 1. However, the amount of liquid disposed in the water storage tank 24 was about 50 liters.

  The aqueous solution was electrolyzed while circulating an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH of 11.06 and an ORP of 49 mV in a circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24. Specifically, a voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode became an anode. The voltage was applied so that a current of 2.8 A flows between the electrodes. Table 6 shows changes in physical properties of the aqueous solution in the water storage tank 24 due to voltage application.

  As shown in Table 6, in Example 6, the ORP of the alkaline aqueous solution could be reduced without greatly changing the pH.

(Example 7)
In Example 7, the ORP of the acidic aqueous solution was reduced. In Example 7, an experiment was performed using the same apparatus as in Example 1. However, the amount of liquid disposed in the water storage tank 24 was about 10 liters.

  The aqueous solution was electrolyzed while circulating an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of 3.09 and an ORP of 332 mV in a circulation path including the second tank 12 and the water storage tank 24. Specifically, a voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode became an anode. The voltage was applied so that a current of 2.8 A flows between the electrodes. Table 7 shows changes in physical properties of the aqueous solution in the water storage tank 24 due to voltage application.

  As shown in Table 7, in Example 7, the ORP of the acidic aqueous solution could be reduced without greatly changing the pH.

(Example 8)
In Example 8, an experiment was performed to return the ORP of the acidic aqueous solution with a reduced ORP to 1000 mV or more. First, an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of 3.09 and an ORP of 332 mV was prepared by leaving an aqueous solution having a pH of about 3 and an ORP of 1000 mV or more for 1 month. Next, the experiment which makes ORP 1000 mV or more was performed by processing the acidic aqueous solution on the same conditions as Example 2. Table 8 shows changes in the ORP of the KCl aqueous solution in the water tank 24.

  As shown in Table 8, the ORP could be increased to 1000 mV or more by treating the KCl aqueous solution with a reduced ORP.

Example 9
In Example 9, the ORP of the aqueous liquid in the open state was changed in the circulation mode shown in FIG. The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 was used as an apparatus for changing the ORP. Specifically, the ORP of 100 liters of tap water placed in an open container was changed. The internal volume of the first tank 11 was 4 cm ³ , and the internal volume of the second tank 12 was 4 cm ³ . A cylindrical tube extending in the vertical direction was connected to the opening 11a of the first tank 11 of the apparatus used in Example 9, and its internal volume was 53 cm ³ . A constant current of 1.0 A was passed between the electrodes. At this time, the voltage applied between the electrodes was about 40V. The aqueous liquid was passed through the second tank 12 at a flow rate of about 1.7 L / min. The results at this time are shown in Table 9.

As shown in Table 9, the ORP could be reduced by applying a voltage between the electrodes. Moreover, pH hardly changed. The change in ORP after the voltage application was stopped was gradual. When an aqueous solution in which NaHCO ₃ , Na ₂ SO _{4 and the} like were dissolved instead of tap water was used as the aqueous liquid, the change in ORP after the voltage application was stopped was more gradual.

(Example 10)
In Example 10, the ORP of the aqueous liquid in the open state was changed with the apparatus shown in FIG. The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 was used as an apparatus for changing the ORP. In Example 10, the ORP of tap water was changed. The ORP of tap water before treatment was about 250 mV. The internal volume of the first tank 11 was 4 cm ³ , and the internal volume of the second tank 12 was 4 cm ³ . A voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 became an anode. A constant current of 2.0 A was passed between the electrodes. The aqueous liquid was passed through the second tank 12 at a flow rate of about 0.8 L / min. A steady state was reached in about 10 minutes from the start of the experiment. At that time, the tap water after being treated in the second tank 12 had an ORP of about −300 mV, a dissolved hydrogen concentration of about 750 ppb, and a pH of about 8. In addition, when the flow rate of the tap water processed with the 2nd tank 12 was made small, the change of ORP and the change of dissolved hydrogen concentration became large.

  Further, the same experiment was performed by changing the value of the current flowing between the electrodes and the flow rate of the aqueous liquid flowing in the second tank. Specifically, the current value flowing between the electrodes was set to 2A or 3A. In addition, the flow rate of the aqueous liquid flowing through the second tank was changed between 0.4 to 4.6 L / min. And 30 minutes after the experiment start, ORP of the aqueous liquid processed from the 2nd tank was measured. The results are shown in Table 10.

  As shown in Table 10, when the flow rate was reduced, the change in ORP was increased.

(Example 11)
In Example 11, the hot water arranged in the bathtub was processed with the apparatus shown in FIG. A voltage was applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 so that the first electrode 21 became an anode. Hot water placed in the bathtub was 180 L at 41 ° C. Since the volume of the 2nd tank 12 and a flow path is small, the quantity of the hot water which exists in the circulation path containing the 2nd tank 12 can be regarded as 180L substantially. On the other hand, the internal volume of the first tank 11 (the amount of hot water treated in the first tank) was about 4 cm ³ . A constant current of 6 A was passed between the electrodes. As hot water, hot water obtained by heating tap water to 41 ° C as it is, or hot water obtained by heating salt water (such as NaHCO ₃ or Na ₂ SO ₄ ) dissolved to 41 ° C, is used. Using. The results of measuring ORP are shown in Table 11.

  As shown in Table 11, the treatment of the present invention changed both the tap water ORP and the tap water ORP in which the salt was dissolved.

  The present invention can be used in a method and apparatus for changing the ORP of an aqueous liquid.

Claims (15)

A method of changing the oxidation-reduction potential of an aqueous liquid flowing through a flow path,
(I) immersing the first and second electrodes respectively disposed in the first and second tanks partitioned by the separator in the aqueous liquid;
(Ii) electrolyzing water in the aqueous liquid by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The second tank constitutes a part of the flow path;
Is connected with the flow passage wherein the first tank via the separator,
A method in which a tube for moving the aqueous liquid in the first tank in response to an increase in pressure in the first tank is connected to the first tank .   The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas generated in the first tank is discharged from the pipe. In the step (ii), the amount of the aqueous liquid flowing in the second tank per minute is in the range of 10 to 10 ⁵ times the amount of the aqueous liquid disposed in the first tank. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flow path is a circulation path;
In the step of the (ii), the amount of the aqueous liquid present in the circulation passage is in the range 10 times ^{to 105} times the amount of the aqueous liquid is disposed in the first tank, according to claim 1 Or the method of 2 . The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pH of the aqueous liquid flowing in the second tank is controlled by discharging a part of the aqueous liquid disposed in the first tank. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tube repeats descending and ascending alternately. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step (ii) is performed in a state where the first tank is opened to the atmosphere through the pipe and the second tank is cut off from the atmosphere . An apparatus for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of an aqueous liquid flowing in a flow path,
A container in which the aqueous liquid is disposed;
A separator that partitions the container into a first tank and a second tank;
A first electrode disposed in the first tank;
A second electrode disposed in the second tank;
A power source for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The second tank is formed with an inlet and an outlet connected to the flow path so that the second tank forms part of the flow path,
The first tank is connected to the flow path via the separator ;
An apparatus in which a tube for moving the aqueous liquid in the first tank in response to an increase in pressure in the first tank is connected to the first tank .   The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a drainage path for discharging the aqueous liquid in the first tank is connected to the first tank. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the tube repeats descending and ascending alternately. A narrow tube is connected to the end of the tube,
The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10 , wherein a cross-sectional area inside the thin tube is smaller than a cross-sectional area inside the tube. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the separator has hydrophilicity. Further comprising a water tank to which the flow path is connected,
113. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 112, wherein the flow path constitutes a circulation path including the water storage tank and the second tank. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the flow path on the downstream side of the second tank is connected to a bathtub or a shower head. The flow path is connected to a bathtub;
The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the flow path forms a circulation path including the bathtub and the second tank.

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