WO2005105678A1

WO2005105678A1 - Electrolysis soulution producing device

Info

Publication number: WO2005105678A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/007787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuuichi Ohta
Original assignee: Jws Tecnica Co., Ltd.; Ando, Tatsuya
Priority date: 2004-04-30
Filing date: 2005-04-25
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: JP2007252963A

Abstract

A stream-flow type electrolysis solution producing device (100) comprising an electrolytic bath (10) provided, stacked in three stages, with a hollow, polygonal-prism inner-side electrode (70), a diaphragm (88)-carrying diaphragm support (80) and an outer-side electrode (90). The first side surface (80a) of the diaphragm support facing a water supply port (2a) provided in the first side surface of the outer-side electrode is water-impermeable and performs a flow straightening action when a water stream is fed from the water supply port (2a) to between the outer-side electrode (90) and the diaphragm (88). A high electrolytic efficiency, and a uniform and stabilized electrode current at each side surface at the time of electrolyzing permit the production of strong electrolysis solution in large volume. A large volume of strong electrolysis solution having a desired pH can be produced, and an electrolysis solution producing device with a simple construction is offered.

Description

Electrolyzed water production equipment

Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing strongly acidic water or strongly alkaline water by electrolysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for producing strongly acidic water or strongly alkaline water suitable for washing an endoscope or the like by using low-energy electrolysis conditions. The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water production apparatus which can be mass-produced in a short period of time. Background art

[0002] In recent years, electrolytic water has been used as a disinfectant for drinking water and medical equipment. Depending on the hydrogen ion concentration (pH), the electrolyzed water can be strongly acidic electrolyzed water (pH 2.3 to 2.7), strongly alkaline electrolyzed water (pH11 to L1.5), or weakly acidic electrolyzed water (pH5 to 6). ), Electrolyzed hypochlorite (pH 8-9), and alkaline water (pH 8: LO). Of these, strongly acidic electrolyzed water has been reported to be promising for cleaning in hospitals and for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes in medical institutions from the viewpoint of its sterilizing power and safety (Non-Patent Document 1). ). Strongly acidic electrolyzed water can be used, in particular, for medical devices and the skin and mucous membranes of the human body, and the target for sterilization covers not only general bacteria but also HIV, HBV and spores. It has broader applicability than daltaraldehyde and disinfecting ethanol. Such strongly acidic electrolyzed water is usually generated on the anode side by electrolyzing (electrolyzing) 0.1% or less of a saline solution in an electrolytic cell in which an anode and a cathode are separated by a diaphragm. At the anode, chlorine gas also generates chlorine ion force, which further reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid, resulting in strongly acidic electrolyzed water.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a flow-through type non-diaphragm type electrolyzed water production method in which an electrolytic cell has a double structure including an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, and electrodes are attached to an outer wall of the inner cylinder and an inner wall of the outer cylinder. The device is disclosed. In this device, a flat plate electrode is used. Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about the ability to generate electrolyzed water (particularly the flow rate of electrolyzed water having a predetermined pH).

[0004] Patent Document 2 has a dual container of an outer container and an inner container provided with electrodes for the purpose of miniaturization, prevention of waste water, and the like, and includes an ion exchange membrane outside the inner container. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell provided with an electrolyte inside. In this electrolytic cell, an electrolyte such as sodium salt is stored on the mesh-shaped bottom surface of the internal container. It is said that it is not necessary to flow electrolytic water in which electrolyte is added to tap water as in the above. This document discloses a columnar carbon electrode and a cylindrical electrode arranged around the columnar electrode. This document describes the production capacity of electrolyzed water (especially the production flow rate of electrolyzed water at a specified pH).

V, what is disclosed, what,.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-104956

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-219461

Non-Patent Document 1: “Basic and Effective Utilization of Strongly Acidic Electrolyzed Water: Strongly Acidic Electrolyzed Water in Medicine”, Kunimoto Hotta, 25th Annual Meeting of the Japan Medical Association, Pl, 1999

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In a conventional flowing water type electrolyzed water production apparatus, it has been impossible to generate electrolyzed water having a predetermined pH with a sufficient capacity under electrolysis conditions of low voltage and low current. In particular, large volumes of strongly electrolyzed water are required in a short time when cleaning medical instruments such as endoscopes in hospitals, and in such applications, the performance of conventional flowing electrolyzed water production equipment is not sufficient. I couldn't say. In addition, in the conventional flowing water type electrolyzed water production equipment, the concentration of undecomposed salt water of electrolyzed water is about 600 to 1200 ppm, and this is controlled to 100 ppm (0.01%) or less. There is a problem that an object to be washed with water, for example, a medical device such as an endoscope, is corroded by electrolytic water. Furthermore, it was necessary to prevent the generation of chlorine gas generated during electrolysis. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a concern about hospital-acquired and domestic infections of patients such as influenza and SARS, and there is a demand for a compact and inexpensive electrolyzed water producing apparatus as a means for preventing such infection.

[0006] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water production apparatus having a small and simple electrolytic cell. A second object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water producing apparatus capable of producing strongly acidic water or strongly alkaline water in a large capacity by electrolysis at a low voltage and a low current. A third object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water producing apparatus capable of producing electrolyzed water having an undecomposed salt water concentration of 0.01% or less. Furthermore, a fourth object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope cleaning apparatus capable of supplying a large amount of strongly acidic water or strongly alkaline water. Means for solving the problem

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow-through type electrolyzed water producing apparatus,

An electrolytic cell provided with a hollow polygonal column-shaped inner electrode, a hollow polygonal column-shaped and a diaphragm-supported diaphragm, and a hollow polygonal column-shaped outer electrode in a triple overlapped state;

A water supply device for supplying water to a first space between the outer or inner electrode and the diaphragm support;

An electrolyte water supply device for supplying electrolyte water to the second space between the inner electrode or the outer electrode and the diaphragm support;

A water supply port is formed on the first side surface of the outer electrode or the inner electrode, and at least a portion of the first side surface of the diaphragm support facing the first side surface of the outer electrode or the inner electrode, which faces the water supply port, is impermeable. The present invention provides an electrolyzed water producing apparatus which is a rectifying surface of the invention.

[0008] In the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention, the inner electrode, the diaphragm support, and the outer electrode, all of which are hollow and polygonal pillar-shaped (a cylindrical section having a polygonal cross section), are stacked so as to form a triple structure. Is configured. In other words, by arranging the electrode pair and the diaphragm support coaxially and forming them in the shape of a polygonal prism such as a quadrangular prism, each side of the electrode functions as a planar electrode, and electrolysis is performed between the opposed planar electrodes. Done in According to experiments by the inventors, it has been found that electrolysis is performed more stably with the polygonal columnar electrode than with the cylindrical electrode. This is because, for cylindrical electrodes, it is difficult to maintain the distance between the electrodes in the circumferential direction with high accuracy, and the control of water flow between the electrodes is complicated. It is considered that The polygonal column electrode employed in the present invention can improve the electrolysis efficiency because water molecules and electrolyte ions have a higher chance of coming into contact with the electrodes (longer residence time between the electrodes) than a pair of flat electrodes. it can. In addition, since the polygonal column electrode can completely cover the electrolysis chamber, the outer cylinder and the Z or inner cylinder of the electrolyzer are not required, the number of parts of the electrolyzer is reduced, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the apparatus is reduced. Contributes to the lighter and more compact.

[0009] Further, in the present invention, a rectifying plate (surface) is provided on a portion of the first side surface of the diaphragm support facing the water supply port. Since the current plate is impermeable to water, it receives water flowing from the water supply port and rectifies the water so as to be evenly distributed along the first side surface of the diaphragm support. Adjustment The flowed water stream is bisected toward two sides adjacent to the first side, and exchanges ions on a membrane supported on those sides. Due to the rectifying action of the rectifying plate, an extremely stable water flow is generated on the side surfaces other than the first side surface, so that the electrolytic voltage and the current become uniform and stable between the side surfaces of the polygonal prism.

[0010] In the apparatus for producing electrolyzed water of the present invention, it is advantageous that the entire first side surface of the diaphragm support is formed of a water-impermeable flow regulating plate (surface). This facilitates production of the membrane support, and rectification is performed more effectively. In this case, in order to maintain high electrolysis efficiency, it is desirable that the diaphragm is supported on all side surfaces except the first side surface of the diaphragm support.

[0011] In the apparatus for producing electrolyzed water of the present invention, a plurality of permeation holes may be formed on the side surface of the inner electrode, and the electrolyte water supply apparatus may first supply the electrolyte water to the inside of the inner electrode. By adopting such a flowing water structure, there is an advantage that the apparatus configuration which does not require the supply of the electrolyte water to the narrow interelectrode space is simplified and the electrolysis is further stabilized.

[0012] In the present invention, the inner electrode, the diaphragm support, and the outer electrode can be formed by a hollow polygonal prism having a shape such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, a heptagonal prism, and an octagonal prism. It is not preferable to have too many side surfaces because it becomes closer to a cylinder. Therefore, in the present application, “polygonal prism” means a polygonal prism having an octagon or less. In particular, it is preferable that the inner electrode and the outer electrode have a quadrangular prism shape. The quadrangular prism has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, and the four side surfaces can function as relatively large flat electrodes, which is considered to contribute to the stability of the electrolytic voltage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow-through type electrolyzed water producing apparatus,

A first electrolytic cell provided with a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped inner electrode, a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped diaphragm-supporting diaphragm, and a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped outer electrode in a triple overlapped state;

A hollow quadrangular prism-shaped inner electrode, which is connected in series with the first electrolytic cell, and a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped outer electrode, which is hollow and square prism-shaped and supports a diaphragm, and a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped outer electrode are triple-laid. A second electrolytic cell provided;

A water supply device for supplying water to a space between the outer electrode of the first electrolytic cell and the membrane support; An electrolyte water supply device for supplying electrolyte water to a space between the inner electrodes of the first and second electrolytic cells and the membrane support.

In the first electrolytic cell and the second electrolytic cell, a water supply port is formed on the first side surface of the outer electrode, and the first side surface of the diaphragm support facing the first side surface of the outer electrode is a water-impermeable rectifying surface. In addition, a diaphragm is provided on each of the second to fourth side surfaces of the diaphragm support to provide an electrolyzed water producing apparatus.

[0014] The electrolytic water production apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention has a structure in which two of the electrolytic cells described in the first aspect are connected in series. The electrolyzed water generated in the first electrolyzer, for example, acidic electrolyzed water, is supplied to the space between the outer electrode of the second electrolyzer and the diaphragm, where it is further electrolyzed, so that it has a higher concentration (lower pH). Acidic electrolyzed water is obtained in the second electrolyzer. The space between the outer electrode of the first electrolytic cell and the diaphragm can be connected to the space between the outer electrode of the second electrolytic cell and the diaphragm by a tank connecting tube or the like.

[0015] The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water of the present invention has low energy, that is, under electrolysis conditions of 10V or less and 30A or less, preferably 7V or less and 26A or less, pH 2.3 or less, and ORP (redox potential) of 1170mV or more. We succeeded in producing highly acidic water with a residual chlorine concentration of 50 mgZ liters or more and undecomposed salt concentration of 0.01% or less in a large volume of 3.0 liters or more.

[0016] The electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention may further include a blender for mixing water with strongly acidic water produced by electrolysis. The device of the present invention can provide strongly acidic water having a pH of 2.3 or less in a large capacity of 3.0 liters or more under low electrolysis conditions of 10 V or less and 30 A or less, preferably 7 V or less and 26 A or less. . Therefore, for applications requiring strong acid water with a pH of 2.7, an ORP (redox potential) of 1 100 mV, and a residual chlorine concentration of about 20 mgZ liters, for example, for cleaning endoscopes, the strong acid generated by the apparatus of the present invention is sufficient. By diluting the water with a blender, it becomes possible to produce a strongly acidic water having a suitable pH in a larger volume (for example, 5.2 liters of strongly acidic water having a pH of 2.6). The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water of the present invention can include a circulation path for returning some or all of the electrolyzed water discharged from the electrolysis tank to the electrolysis tank. In this case, the circulation path can include a tank.

According to the present invention, there is provided an endoscope cleaning apparatus including the electrolytic water production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention is a low-energy electrolyzer that is suitable for endoscope cleaning. Since H electrolyzed water can be supplied in a large capacity, by incorporating it into an endoscope cleaning device, an endoscope cleaning device with extremely high cleaning ability can be provided. In this specification, the term “electrolyzed water” refers to acidic electrolyzed water or alkaline electrolyzed water, and the electrolyzed water production apparatus can generate any electrolyzed water by changing the polarity of its electrode. The term “strongly electrolyzed water” refers to strongly acidic electrolyzed water or strongly alkaline electrolyzed water.

The invention's effect

[0018] In the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention, the electrode and the diaphragm support are both hollow, similarly shaped (similar) polygonal columns, and have a rectifying plate. However, it is possible to produce a large volume of strong electrolytic water at a low voltage and a low current with stable stability and uniformity between electrode surfaces. In particular, by circulating the electrolyzed water through the electrolysis tank, it becomes possible to generate strongly electrolyzed water with higher efficiency. Since the electrolytic cell of the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention is basically composed of hollow polygonal column-shaped electrodes, an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder for arranging the electrodes are particularly unnecessary, and the structure is simple and the production is simple. Has the advantage that it is easy and low cost. The endoscope cleaning apparatus provided with the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention can supply a large volume of strongly electrolyzed water in a short time, and thus can perform high-speed cleaning.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a structure of an electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded conceptual view showing a structure of an electrolytic cell of the apparatus for producing electrolyzed water of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the electrolytic water production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a structure of an electrolytic cell in another embodiment of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of a circulating electrolyzed water production apparatus which is another embodiment of the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0020] 2 First electrolytic cell 4 Second electrolytic cell

6, 7, 8 Support plate

10, 301 electrolyzer

20, 60 Flow valve

20a, 20b constant voltage power supply

30 Salt water supply device

34, 310 tanks

36, 320 pump

40, 340a, 340b Water supply pipe

50, 330 Brenda

55 OPR sensor

70 Inner electrode

80 Diaphragm support

80a Rectifier plate

82 Upper Frame

84 Lower frame

86 Support Guide

88 diaphragm

90 Outer electrode

100, 110 Electrolyzed water production equipment

200 Endoscope cleaning device

400 Circulating electrolyzed water production equipment

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]

First, the schematic structure of the electrolyzed water producing apparatus will be described, and then, the structure of the electrolytic cell will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water producing apparatus 100 mainly includes an electrolytic cell 10 and a constant voltage device 25a, 25b, a salt water supply device 30, a water supply pipe 40, a blender 50, and flow control valves (or mass flow controllers) 20, 60. The electrolytic cell 10 includes a first electrolytic cell 2 and a second electrolytic cell 4 connected in series, which are supported by support plates 6, 7, and 8. The first electrolytic cell 2 and the second electrolytic cell 4 have water supply ports 2a and 4a and electrolytic water discharge ports 2b and 4b, respectively. Further, constant voltage devices 25a and 25b are attached to the first electrolytic cell 2 and the second electrolytic cell 4, respectively. The constant voltage devices 25a and 25b are connected to the electrodes 92 of the first and second electrolytic cells and apply a controlled constant voltage between the electrodes. In this example, a case where strongly acidic electrolyzed water is generated in the first electrolytic cell 2 and the second electrolytic cell 4 will be described as an example. The first electrolytic cell 2 and the second electrolytic cell 4 are disposed between the upper lid 3a and the lower lid 3b.

The salt water supply device 30 includes a salt water tank 34 for generating salt water to be supplied to the electrolytic cell 10, a salt tank 32 provided at the bottom of the salt water tank 32, and a circulation pump for circulating salt water. 36. When the salt water in the salt water tank 34 comes into contact with the salt stored in the salt tank 32, the salt solution in the salt water tank 34 is always maintained at the saturated concentration.

The salt water supply device 30 is connected to the first electrolytic tank 2 by a salt water supply pipe 38, and is connected to the second electrolytic tank 2 by a salt water return pipe 39. The salt water generated by the salt water supply device 30 is supplied to the first electrolytic cell 2 through the salt water supply pipe 38, passes through the first electrolytic cell 2, and then passes through a salt water passage (not shown) formed in the support plate 7. (Shown) to the second electrolytic cell 4. The salt water discharged from the second electrolytic cell 4 is discharged from the discharge rocker formed on the support plate 8 and returns to the salt water supply device 30 through the salt water return pipe 39. That is, the salt water circulates between the salt water supply device 30 and the electrolytic cell 10.

[0025] A water supply pipe 40 is connected to the water supply port 2a of the first electrolytic cell 2, and the water supply pipe 40 is connected to a water pipe (not shown). That is, in this example, water is supplied to the first electrolytic cell 2 through a water supply pipe 40 using a water pipe as a water source. The electrolytic water discharge outlet 2b of the first electrolytic cell 2 and the water supply port 4a of the second electrolytic cell 4 are connected by a tank connecting pipe 12, and the strongly acidic water generated in the first electrolytic cell 2 is supplied to the tank connecting pipe 12. To the second electrolytic cell 4. In the water supply device used in the present invention, a water pipe may be used as a water source, or a water tank for storing purified water may be separately used as a water source and supplied to the first electrolytic cell 2 by a pump or the like.

The second electrolytic cell 4 is connected to a blender 50 through an electrolytic water discharge pipe 14. Blender 50 appropriately dilutes the electrolytic water (strongly acidic electrolytic water) generated in the second electrolytic cell 4. For this reason, the electrolyzed water generated in the second electrolytic cell 4 flows into one inlet 50a of the blender 50, and the water for dilution flows into the other inlet 50b of the blender 50 from the water supply pipe 40b. An ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) sensor 55 is attached to the blender 50, and the ORP sensor 55 and the flow control valve 20 provided in the water supply pipe 40b are used to dilute the electrolytic water to a predetermined pH in the blender 50. Is done. Electrolyzed water of a desired pH diluted with the blender 50 is taken out from the blender outlet 50c.

Next, the structures of the first electrolytic cell 2 and the second electrolytic cell 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the second electrolytic cell 4 has substantially the same structure as the first electrolytic cell 2, only the first electrolytic cell 2 is shown in FIG. 2, and illustration and description of the second electrolytic cell 4 are omitted. The first electrolytic cell 2 includes a cylindrical inner electrode 70, a diaphragm support 80, and an outer electrode 90 each having a rectangular cross section, which are overlapped coaxially (on the X axis in FIG. 2). The side surfaces 70a to 70d of the inner electrode 70 are formed by coating a titanium plate having a thickness of 2 mm with platinum to a thickness of 2 m. Except for the first side surface 70a, the side surfaces 70b, 70c, and 70d are formed with holes of φ8 mm dispersed at regular intervals. The inner electrode 70 is connected to the inner electrode 70 of the second electrolytic cell 4 and the constant voltage device (25a) through a wire (not shown).

[0028] The diaphragm support 80 includes an upper frame 82, a lower frame 84, a grid-like guide frame 86 sandwiched therebetween, and a diaphragm 88. The upper frame 82 and the lower frame 84 have a predetermined thickness larger than the diaphragm support 80, and maintain the inter-electrode distance between the inner electrode 70 and the outer electrode 90 at a predetermined value by the thickness. Guide frames 86 made of butyl chloride are provided on the three side surfaces 80b, 80c, and 80d of the diaphragm support 80, and a diaphragm 88 in which resin such as polyvinylidene fluoride is coated with titanium oxide is used as a guide frame. Supported by 86. For this reason, the diaphragm 88 is exposed at the opening of the guide frame 86, and ion exchange is performed at the exposed diaphragm portion. The side surface (first surface) 80a of the diaphragm support 80 is formed of a vinyl chloride plate having no opening, and this vinyl chloride plate is formed integrally with the guide frame 86. Since the vinyl chloride plate is impermeable to water, ion exchange is not performed through the side surface 80a of the membrane support 80.However, a water supply rocker provided on the outer electrode, which will be described later, receives the supplied water, It plays a role in rectifying water going to the second side 80b and the fourth side 80d. In order to perform rectification efficiently, the side face 80a as a rectifier plate is installed perpendicular to the direction of water flow from the water supply port. Therefore, ion exchange by electrolysis The exchange takes place only on the diaphragm 88 on the three sides 80b, 80c, 80d of the diaphragm support 80.

The outer electrode 90 has a quadrangular (square) cross section cut perpendicularly to the axial direction, and is disposed outside the inner electrode 70 and the diaphragm support 80. Each of the four side surfaces 90a to 90d of the outer electrode 90 is formed by coating a 2-mm-thick titanium flat plate with a 2-m-thick platinum film. A water supply port 2a is provided below the first side face 90a of the outer electrode 90, and an electrolytic water discharge port 2b is provided above the third side face 90c. Since the water supply port 2a and the electrolyzed water discharge port 2b are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the outer electrode 90 in the form of a square pole, the staying time of the supplied water in the electrolyzer becomes longer. It is considered that the electrolysis efficiency is improved. A plurality of electrode terminals 92 are provided on the side surface of the outer electrode 90 in order to perform electrolysis uniformly. The electrode terminals 92 are electrically connected by wires, and their ends are connected to a constant voltage device (25a) (see FIG. 1).

[0030] To assemble the first electrolytic cell 2, the diaphragm support 80 is inserted into the outer electrode 90 around the axis X, and the inner electrode 70 is inserted into the diaphragm support 80, They are coaxially arranged so as to overlap threefold. Next, the supporting plates 6 and 7 are fitted to the open ends on both sides of the inner electrode 70, the diaphragm support 80 and the outer electrode 90 as an upper lid and a lower lid, respectively. The support plate 6 has a gas vent hole 6a and a salt water inlet 66, and an exhaust pipe can be connected to the hole 6a. A salt water supply pipe (38) is connected to the salt water inlet 66. Preferably, the salt water supply pipe extends through the support plate 6 and into the inner electrode 70 in order to equalize the salt water concentration. For the fitting, as shown in FIG. 2, on the bottom surface of the support plate 7, a frame-shaped projection 7b fitted to the inner periphery of the inner electrode 70 and the inner periphery of the outer electrode 90 outside the salt water passage 7a between the tanks, and 7c is provided.

The operation of the apparatus for producing strongly electrolyzed water of the present invention having the above-described structure will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, in order to generate a strongly acidic electrolyte, the outer electrode 90 was an anode (+) and the inner electrode was a cathode (1). The salt water having a saturated salt concentration, which is sent from the salt water supply device 30 through the pump 36, is supplied to the inside of the inner electrode 70 of the first electrolytic cell 2 through the salt water supply pipe 38. As described above, since a plurality of holes are formed in the inner electrode 70, the salt water passes through the side wall of the inner electrode 70, flows into the space between the diaphragm 88 and the inner electrode 70, and flows through the salt water passage 7a. It passes through and flows into the inside electrode 70 of the second electrolytic cell 4. This Again, since the inner electrode 70 has a plurality of holes, the salt water passes through the side wall of the inner electrode 70 and flows into the space between the diaphragm 88 and the inner electrode 70, and the second electrolytic cell 4 After flowing out, the water returns to the salt water supply device 30 through the salt water return pipe 39. Thus, the salt water circulates through the salt water supply device 30 and the first and second electrolytic cells 2 and 4.

On the other hand, the water flow supplied from the water supply pipe 40 such as a water pipe through the water supply pipe 40 is branched into pipes 40a and 40b. After the flow rate of the water flowing through the pipe 40a is controlled to a predetermined flow rate by the flow valve 60, the water flows into the space between the outer electrode 90 of the first electrolytic cell 2 and the rectifying plate (first surface) 80a. . Then, the water flow is rectified by the rectifying plate 80a and flows on the diaphragm 88 provided on the second to fourth side surfaces of the diaphragm support 80. At this time, the chlorine ions (Cl_) in the salt water by electrolysis react with water in a space between the diaphragm 88 and the outer electrode 90 by a reaction described later to form hypochloric acid (HCIO). Therefore, the water flows out of the first electrolytic cell 2 as electrolyzed water containing hypochloric acid (HCIO). The electrolytic water flowing out of the first electrolytic cell 2 flows through the cell connecting pipe 12 into the space between the outer electrode 90 of the second electrolytic cell 4 and the rectifier plate 80a, where it is rectified, and then the first electrolytic cell 2 Similarly to the above, the concentration of hypochloric acid (HCIO) is increased by flowing over the diaphragm 88 and being electrolyzed. The electrolyzed water thus strongly acidized flows out of the second electrolysis tank 4 and flows into the blender 50 through the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 14. The water from the branched water supply pipe 40b flows into the blender 50. The amount of water supplied from the water supply pipe 40b is controlled by the flow valve 20. Therefore, in the blender 50, the strongly acidic electrolyzed water is diluted with water, adjusted to an appropriate pH, and discharged from the blender 50.

[0033] The electrochemical reaction in the electrolytic cell will be briefly described. Oxygen and hydrogen ions (H +) are generated from water on the outer electrode 90, that is, on the anode side by electrolysis, and chlorine ions in the salt water supplied between the inner electrode 70 and the diaphragm 88 (CD is the diaphragm 88). Through the space, and in the space between the diaphragm 88 and the outer electrode 90, becomes chlorine gas (C1) via chlorine (C1), and the chlorine gas reacts with water.

2

In response, it becomes hypochloric acid (HCIO) and hydrochloric acid (HC1). Therefore, the water flows out of the space between the outer electrode 90 and the diaphragm 88 of the first electrolytic cell 2 including hypochloric acid (HCIO) having a high sterilizing effect. The electrolyzed water flowing out of the first electrolyzer 2 contains high-concentration hydrogen ions, so that it becomes strongly acidic water with a low pH.

Example 1 [0034] An example of an electrolysis operation using the electrolyzed water production apparatus shown in Figs. 1 to 3 will be described. The outer electrode was used as the anode (+), the inner electrode was used as the cathode (1), and the electrolysis was performed under the electrolysis conditions of 6 V and 16 A by controlling the constant voltage device. The amount of water supplied to the first electrolytic cell was 3.2 liters Z minutes. In this example, water was not supplied to the blender. The supply amount of salt water (circulation amount) was set to 300 ccZ. The distance between the electrodes was 2. Omm. By this electrolysis, a strongly acidic electrolyzed water having a pH of 2.30, an ORP (redox potential) of 1180 mV, and a residual chlorine concentration of 60 mgZ liter (Ppm) was obtained at a flow rate of 3.2 liters Z. The concentration of the undecomposed salt of the generated strongly acidic electrolyzed water was measured with TOWA DKK-HM2 OT (Toa DKK-IKK), and was found to be 0.0096% (96 ppm). When the current values at the second to fourth side surfaces of the inner electrode and the outer electrode were measured, it was found that both were uniform and stable at 5A ± 0.2A.

Example 2

In Example 1, electrolysis was performed under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that water was supplied to the blender at 2.0 liters Z minutes. By this electrolysis, strongly acidic electrolyzed water with a pH of 2.60, an ORP of 1130 mV, and a residual chlorine concentration of 20 to 30 mgZ liter was obtained at a flow rate of 5.2 liter Z. Example 3

[0036] In Example 1, electrolysis was performed under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the polarity of the electrodes was changed, and the outer electrode was changed to the cathode (1), and the inner electrode was changed to the positive electrode (+). . By this electrolysis, strongly alkaline electrolyzed water having a pH of 12.0 and an ORP of 950 mV was obtained at a flow rate of 3.2 liters Z. Example 4

[0037] In Example 3, electrolysis was performed under the same conditions as in Example 3, except that water was supplied to the blender at 2.0 liters Z minutes. By this electrolysis, strongly alkaline electrolyzed water with a pH of l.3 and ORP—800 mV was obtained at a flow rate of 5.2 lZ.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of holes were provided on the inner electrode surface, and the salt water was supplied to the inside of the inner electrode. (Membrane).

[Second Embodiment]

As shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible to use an electrolytic cell 110 having a structure in which a hollow triangular prism-shaped outer electrode 190, a diaphragm support 180, and an inner electrode 170 are all stacked in three layers. this In this case, the side surface 180a of the diaphragm support 180 opposite to the side surface 190a of the outer electrode 190 where the water supply port 2a is provided is formed of a water-impermeable resin plate and functions as a rectifying plate, and the other side surfaces 180b and 180c Is provided with a water-permeable diaphragm. Accordingly, electrolysis is performed in the space between the side surface 190b of the outer electrode 190 and the side surface 180b of the diaphragm support 180 and the space between the side surface 190c of the outer electrode 190 and the side surface 180c of the diaphragm support 180. That is, since the electrolysis is performed between the planar electrodes having a relatively large area, the electrolysis voltage and current are considered to be stable and uniform. The strongly electrolyzed water obtained by the electrolysis is discharged from an electrolyzed water outlet 2b provided on the intersection of the side surfaces 190b and 190c of the two outer electrodes 190. An electrode 92 is provided on the side surfaces 190b and 190c of the outer electrode 190.

FIG. 4 shows an electrolytic cell including a hollow triangular prism-shaped outer electrode, a diaphragm support, and an inner electrode. The outer electrode in the form of a hollow pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, octagonal prism, etc. A relatively wide flat electrode can be secured even in an electrolytic cell equipped with a membrane support and inner electrodes, and the residence time of water in a flowing water type electrolytic cell is longer, so that the electrolytic voltage and current are more stable than in the case of a flat electrode. And uniformity, and the electrolysis efficiency is increased.

[Third Embodiment]

FIG. 5 shows an example of an endoscope cleaning apparatus incorporating the electrolytic water production apparatus of the present invention. The endoscope cleaning apparatus 200 includes a cleaning tank 102 having a water storage of 9.0 liters, the electrolytic water producing apparatus 100 described in the above embodiment, and a control apparatus 106 for controlling the operation of the electrolytic water producing apparatus 100. Is provided. The cleaning tank 102 includes a circulation pump 104 that circulates the strongly electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolyzed water production device 100, and a drain pipe 107 that drains the electrolyzed water after the cleaning. The control device 106 adjusts the concentration of the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzed water production device 100, and switches the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes of the electrolyzed water production device 100 to the cleaning tank 102 so that the strong acid Controls the timing of supplying strongly alkaline electrolyzed water. To clean an endoscope with the endoscope cleaning apparatus 200, first, an object to be cleaned such as an endoscope is put into the cleaning tank 102, and then the strongly alkaline electrolyzed water is removed from the electrolyzed water producing apparatus 100 to the cleaning tank. Supply to 102. The supplied strongly alkaline electrolyzed water is circulated for a predetermined time by a pump 104 and then drained by a drain pipe 107. Next, water is supplied to the washing tank 102 to wash away the washing tank 102 and the object to be washed, and then strongly acidic electrolytic water is supplied from the electrolytic water producing apparatus 100. Thus, strong alkaline electrolysis Water and strongly acidic electrolyzed water can be alternately supplied to sterilize and clean the object to be cleaned. Generally, in order to perform cleaning of the endoscope, a production volume of 4.5 liters per minute and a supply of electrolyzed water having an undecomposed salt concentration of 0.01% or less are required. The endoscope cleaning device satisfies this requirement.

[0042] In the above embodiments and examples, an example was shown in which the first and second electrolytic cells were connected in series as electrolytic cells, but only the first electrolytic cell may be used depending on the application. . Even in this case, strongly acidic electrolyzed water with a pH of about 2.6 can be obtained in 4.5 liters Z at an electrolysis voltage of 8 V and a current of 26 A. Further, the first and second electrolytic cells may be connected in parallel and used.

[Fourth Embodiment]

FIG. 6 shows an example of a circulating electrolyzed water production apparatus incorporating the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention. In this example, strongly acidic electrolyzed water was used in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that only the electrolyzer was used and the generated electrolyzed water was circulated through the electrolyzer through the tank. Has been generated. The circulation type electrolyzed water production apparatus 400 mainly includes an electrolysis tank 301, a salt water supply apparatus 30, a tank 310, a pump 320 for circulating the electrolyzed water, and a blender 330. The electrolytic cell 301 corresponds to the first electrolytic cell 2 of the electrolytic cell 10 described in the first embodiment. The salt water supply device 30 is connected to the electrolytic cell 301 by a salt water supply pipe 38 and a salt water return pipe 39. The salt water generated by the salt water supply device 30 is supplied to the inside of the inner electrode 70 in the electrolytic cell 301 through the salt water supply pipe 38. Since a plurality of holes are formed in the inner electrode 70 as in the above-described embodiment, the salt water flows through the side wall of the inner electrode 70 and flows into the space between the diaphragm 88 and the inner electrode 70. The salt water that has passed through the electrolytic cell 301 returns to the salt water supply device 30 through a salt water return pipe 39. That is, the salt water circulates between the salt water supply device 30 and the electrolytic cell 301.

[0044] The tank 310 is connected to the electrolytic tank 301 by an electrolytic water supply pipe 350 and an electrolytic water discharge pipe 351. A part of the water or the electrolyzed water stored in the tank 310 is sent out to the electrolysis tank 301 by the pump 320 and flows between the outer electrode 90 of the electrolysis tank 301 and the rectifying plate (first surface) 80a. When the electrolyzed water is circulated through the electrolyzer 301, the electrolyzed water is further electrolyzed in the electrolyzer 301, so that the electrolyzed water becomes more strongly acidic. The electrolytic water thus obtained returns to the tank 310 through the electrolytic water discharge pipe 351. In this way, the electrolyzed water is The circulation between the ink 310 and the electrolytic cell 301 is performed.

[0045] The tank 310 is connected to the blender 330 through a tank discharge pipe 352. The blender 330 appropriately dilutes the electrolyzed water (strongly acidic electrolyzed water) stored in the tank 310. Therefore, the electrolyzed water stored in the tank 310 flows into the one inlet 330a of the blender through the tank discharge pipe 352, and the water for dilution passes through the water supply pipe 340b to the other inlet 330 of the blender 330. flows into b. An ORP (oxidation reduction potential) sensor (not shown) is attached to the blender 330, and the electrolyzed water reaches a predetermined pH in the blender 330 by an ORP sensor and a flow control valve 361 provided in a water supply pipe 340b. Diluted. The electrolyzed water having the desired pH diluted by the blender 330 is taken out from the blender discharge pipe 353 through the blender outlet 330c.

A procedure for obtaining strongly acidic electrolyzed water using the circulating electrolyzed water generator 400 will be described with reference to FIG. First, water supplied from a water source such as a water pipe through the water supply pipes 340 and 340a is stored in the tank 310. After a sufficient amount of water has been stored in the tank 310, the flow control valve 362 is adjusted to stop the water supply. After that, while pump 320 is activated and water in tank 310 is sent to electrolysis tank 301, electric power is supplied to electrolysis tank 301 to start electrolysis. The electrolyzed water generated in the electrolysis tank 301 returns to the tank 310. By circulating the electrolyzed water between the electrolysis tank 301 and the tank 310 in this manner, the pH of the electrolyzed water in the tank 310 can be gradually reduced. When the pH of the electrolyzed water in the tank 310 is sufficiently lowered, the flow rate of the electrolyzed water overflowing from the tank 310 is adjusted by adjusting the flow control valve 362 to supply the water into the tank 310, and the water is supplied to the blender 330 through the tank discharge pipe 352. To supply. At this time, since the pH of the strongly electrolyzed water in the tank has been sufficiently lowered, the pH of the electrolyzed water in the tank hardly changes even if a small amount of water is reduced compared to the capacity of the tank. The electrolyzed water supplied with the power of the tank 310 is diluted with water to a target pH in the blender 330 and discharged from the blender discharge pipe 353.

[0047] By circulating the electrolyzed water and electrolyzing a plurality of times, even when only one electrolyzer is used, a strongly acidic electrolyzed water having a pH of 2.0 or less can be produced in a large capacity and at a high efficiency. Can be generated by Further, by adjusting the flow rate of the electrolyzed water to be circulated to an appropriate value with the flow rate adjustment valve 363, the pH of the electrolyzed water in the tank 310 is kept constant for a long time while the electrolyzed water is supplied from the power in the tank 310 to the blender 330. It is possible to keep. this By diluting the strongly electrolyzed water supplied from the tank 310 with water in the blender 330 as described above, the required strongly acidic electrolyzed water of about pH 2.6 can be stably supplied in a large capacity for a long time.

In FIG. 6, the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 351 is branched, one is connected to the electrolyzed water supply pipe 350, and the other is connected to the tank discharge pipe 352, so that the electrolyzed water is circulated without passing through the tank 310. It can be ringed. At this time, water can be supplied by connecting the water supply pipe 340a to the electrolytic water discharge pipe 351 or the electrolytic water supply pipe 350. Such a circuit configuration can reduce the number of parts and the manufacturing cost because the tank 310 can be omitted.

[0049] In the present embodiment, only one electrolytic cell is used, but a plurality of electrolytic cells may be connected in series and Z or in parallel depending on the application.

[0050] In the above embodiments and examples, only the region facing the force water supply port or a region including the vicinity thereof is formed of a non-water-permeable material, with the entire first side surface of the diaphragm support being a current plate (surface). Thus, only that portion or region may be used as the rectifying surface. Since the pressure due to the water flow is exerted on the portion or region facing the water supply port and turbulence occurs immediately, the diaphragm is easily deflected by the pressure. It is thought that it can be obtained.

In the above embodiments and examples, water was supplied to the space between the outer electrode and the diaphragm support and salt water was supplied to the space between the inner electrode and the diaphragm support. Electrolyte water, such as salt water, may be supplied to the space between the support and the space between the outer electrode and the diaphragm support. Further, in the above embodiment, the salt water used is a salt solution in which salt is dissolved, but sea water may be used by appropriately adjusting the salt concentration. In addition, the electrolyte is not limited to sodium salt which produces salt water, and potassium salt may be used.

In the above embodiments and examples, the diaphragm support constituted by the upper frame 82, the lower frame 84, the lattice-shaped guide frame 86 interposed therebetween, and the diaphragm 88 was used, In the case of a rigid diaphragm, for example, a ceramic film, the guide frame is omitted and the diaphragm itself is used as a diaphragm support.

[0053] In the above embodiments and examples, the inner electrode is provided in each of the first electrolytic cell and the second electrolytic cell. However, the inner electrode can be extended in the axial direction to form an integral inner electrode that penetrates through the diaphragm support of the first electrolytic cell and the second electrolytic cell and the support (7). Such an inner electrode structure results in a reduction in the number of parts and manufacturing costs.

Industrial applicability

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention is capable of producing electrolyzed water having a desired pH in a large volume while having a low production cost and a compact structure, and is therefore suitable for disinfection in hospitals and homes. It will be extremely useful. In addition, since a large volume of electrolyzed water having a desired pH at a low voltage and a low current can be produced, energy can be saved. In addition, a simple electrolytic cell structure facilitates maintenance and contributes to the safety of the installation environment, such as hospitals and homes, because the amount of chlorine and hydrogen generated is small. Further, the electrolyzed water production apparatus of the present invention can obtain a large amount of strongly acidic electrolyzed water or strongly alkaline electrolyzed water having a suppressed undecomposed salt concentration in a short time, so that a medical instrument such as an endoscope can be obtained. Very useful for cleaning. Since the endoscope cleaning device of the present invention can perform high-speed cleaning, it is extremely useful for the needs of treatment and surgery using an endoscope that have been increasing in recent years.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A flow-through type electrolyzed water producing apparatus,

A water supply port is formed on the first side surface of the outer electrode or the inner electrode, and at least a portion of the first side surface of the diaphragm support facing the first side surface of the outer electrode or the inner electrode, which faces the water supply port, is impermeable. Electrolyzed water production equipment, which is a rectification surface.

[2] The electrolytic water production according to claim 1, wherein the entire first side surface of the diaphragm support is an impermeable rectifying surface, and the diaphragm is supported on a side surface other than the first side surface. apparatus.

3. The electrolytic water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of permeation holes are formed on a side surface of the inner electrode, and the electrolyte water supply device first supplies the electrolyte water inside the inner electrode. .

[4] The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner electrode, the diaphragm support, and the outer electrode are all in the shape of a quadrangular prism.

[5] A flow-through type electrolyzed water producing apparatus,

A first electrolytic cell including a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped inner electrode, a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped diaphragm-supporting diaphragm, and a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped outer electrode in a triple-layered configuration;

A hollow quadrangular prism-shaped inner electrode, which is connected in series with the first electrolytic cell, and a hollow quadrangular prism-shaped outer electrode, which is hollow and square prism-shaped and has a diaphragm supported thereon, are triple-laid. A second electrolytic cell provided;

A water supply device for supplying water to a space between an outer electrode of the first electrolytic cell and the diaphragm support; and a water supply device for supplying electrolyte water to a space between the inner electrodes of the first and second electrolytic cells and the diaphragm support. To A water supply device for supplying electrolyte water;

In the first electrolytic cell and the second electrolytic cell, a water supply port is formed on the first side surface of the outer electrode, and the first side surface of the diaphragm support facing the first side surface of the outer electrode is a water-impermeable rectifying surface. And an electrolytic water producing apparatus, wherein a diaphragm is provided on each of the second to fourth side surfaces of the diaphragm support.

[6] The electrolyzed water according to claim 1 or 5, wherein a strongly acidic water having a pH of not more than 2.3 is produced in a capacity of not less than 3.0 liters Z under electrolysis conditions of not more than 7V and not more than 26A. manufacturing device.

7. The electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a blender for mixing water with electrolyzed water produced by electrolysis.

[8] The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising a circulation path for returning part or all of the electrolyzed water discharged from the electrolyzer to the electrolyzer.

9. The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to claim 8, wherein a tank is provided in the circulation path.

[10] An endoscope cleaning device provided with the electrolyzed water production device according to claim 1 or 5.