Continuous Hypochlorite Generator

Abstract

A continuous hypochlorite generator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a brine tank 9, a make-up water line 15, a flow controlled electrolysis cell 19 fitted with electrodes 20, a salinity/flow sensor 31, a temperature sensor 27, a dosing line 23 and control means accepting input from each of said salinity/flow and temperature sensors and controlling said brine source and said make up water supply to maintain salinity and flow in said electrolysis cell and apply power to the electrodes within respective preselected ranges.

1 . A continuous hypochlorite generator including
 a brine source,   at least one electrolysis cell, said electrolysis cell having internal recirculation to increase the fluid velocity over the electrodes to increase hypochlorite production efficiency.   
   
   
       2 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the brine source includes a premixed concentrated brine storage tank wherein brine is replenished periodically. 
   
   
       3 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the brine source includes a substantially continuous brine source of a salt mass in a brine tank into which is passed water under the control of level maintenance means. 
   
   
       4 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a meter to meter brine into the electrolysis cell. 
   
   
       5 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the brine is diluted prior to entry into the electrolytic cell by dilution water supplied by a suitable dilution means. 
   
   
       6 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  including multiple electrolysis cells. 
   
   
       7 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the electrolysis cell includes at least two electrodes and the polarity of the electrodes is periodically reversed. 
   
   
       8 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the electrolysis cell is configured so that the brine flow exceeds a minimum flow velocity over the electrodes. 
   
   
       9 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the interior of the electrolytic cell is configured to provide internal recirculation of the electrolyte to increase the fluid velocity over the electrodes to increase hypochlorite production efficiency by creating uniform or equal distribution of concentration within the electrolytic cell. 
   
   
       10 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the internal recirculation of electrolyte is accomplished through providing a circuitous flow pathway through the cell with return channels to circulate electrolyte. 
   
   
       11 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 9  wherein a separate channel or duct is provided inside the cell to recirculate the electrolyte. 
   
   
       12 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 9  wherein electrolyte recirculation provided in more than one direction within the electrolytic cell. 
   
   
       13 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 11  wherein an L-shaped duct is provided with electrolyte circulation occurring between areas with the lower concentration and areas with the higher concentration. 
   
   
       14 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 13  wherein an upper opening of the duct is provided adjacent to an outlet from the electrolytic cell and a lower opening of the duct is provided adjacent to an inlet to the electrolytic cell. 
   
   
       15 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  further including a hypochlorite storage tank. 
   
   
       16 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 1  wherein flow of hypochlorite from the electrolysis cell is introduced to process water and is controlled by the control means and by brine and dilution water pumps or valves. 
   
   
       17 . A continuous hypochlorite generator as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the chemical composition of the salt mass includes a combination of Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium Chlorides in proportions from 0-100%. 
   
   
       18 . A continuous hypochlorite generator including
 a. a concentrated brine source,   b. a water supply,   c. a salinity sensor,   d. a flow sensor,   e. a temperature sensor,   f. an electrolysis cell and a dosing outlet, and   g. control means accepting input from each of said salinity, flow and temperature sensors and controlling level and flow from said brine source and dilution water supply to maintain salinity in said electrolysis cell within respective pre-selected ranges.   
   
   
       19 . A salt mass composition for a hypochlorite generator, the composition including at least two salts from the group including the alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals, the transition metals, the halogens or the rare earth elements. 
   
   
       20 . A salt mass composition for a hypochlorite generator according to  claim 18  wherein the chemical composition and relative amounts of different salts in the salt mass is adjusted to provide additional therapeutic or synergistic effects. 
   
   
       21 . A salt mass composition for a hypochlorite generator according to  claim 18  wherein the chemical composition includes a combination of Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium Chlorides in proportions from 0-100%. 
   
   
       22 . A continuous hypochlorite generator including
 a. a brine source,   b. at least one electrolysis cell, said electrolysis cell having an internal configuration to increase the fluid velocity over the electrodes to increase hypochlorite production efficiency.