Aquaox EC-200 System: First Fully-automatic (remote-controlled) Electrolyzed Water System available on the market.

October 1st, 2009

Photo: A PLC operated Fully-automatic System for onsite generation of Electrolyzed Water.

This Fully-automatic remote-controlled system differs considerably from the Semi-automatic Systems that have been used to generate onsite Electrolyzed Water before.

Whereas Semi-automatic Systems require periodic maintenance, Fully automatic Systems can be operated remotely. This enables the operator to log on to the PLC and check remotely, when and how the system is running. Because the PLC in this Fully-automated System sends an alarm when certain parameters of the generated Electrolyzed Water are incorrect, the operator can remotely adjust the electrolyses process.

The result of this automation is that the manufacturer is better able to service and  maintain the system.  With the Semi-automatic Systems, the manufacturer  basically relies on information given by the operator, as well on feedback obtained during periodically service and maintenance visits.

In order to understand why Semi-automatic Systems need to be sold including a maintenance contract , I hereafter summarize the main issues that cause service calls and/or create a need for periodic service and maintenance visits. All Electrolyzed Water Systems (regardless what company manufactured the System) face the same challenges.

A. Water

The onsite-generated products (Electrolyzed Water solutions) consist 99% of water. It is therefore extremely important that the incoming water quality to these Systems, particularly to the Electrolytic Cell(s) is of good quality. Poor quality of the incoming water result not only in a poor quality product, but causes various problems such as a) scaling of the Cell due to e.g. hard water, b) clogging of the Cell and other hydraulic parts due to e.g. particles, c) wear and tear of the Cell due to e.g. heavy metals and nitrates.

It is therefore crucial that the installation of any Electrolyzed Water System is done correctly, as no warranty can be given if the Cell is subject to:

1) High water pressure or fluctuating water pressure.

2) High volume or low volume.

3) Unfiltered water.

• a) Particles
• b) Manganese (Mn)
• c) Fluoride (F)
• d) Iron (Fe)
• e) Borax/Borate (Bo)
• f) Total Organic Carbon
• g) Nitrate

4) Hard water.

• a) Calcium (Ca):
• b) Magnesium (Mg)

Unfortunately, all of above factors may fluctuate during the different seasons and during the electrolyses process. It is known that certain users of Electrolyzed Water Systems may switch to different wells from time to time, that may influence the quality of the incoming water. Volume and pressure of the incoming water may vary significantly at different times during the day. Hardness of incoming water may vary considerably, as the softener may not work always properly or is simply out of salt.

B. Brine and Brine solution

The second major influence on the quality of Electrolyzed Water is the quality of salt. Most Industrial Electrolyzed Water Systems are set to use a fully saturated brine solution using the purest NACL (salt) with the least amount of additives. No Warranty can be given if the Cell is subject to:

• 1)‘dirty’ NaCl.
• 2) Rock salt, granulates, tablets or salts that contain impurities such as anti-caking substances.

Unfortunately, users of Electrolyzed Water Systems may not follow these guidelines and they may use rock salt or salt with additives to feed these Systems. Moreover, the operator may forget to fill up the brine tank, resulting in a poor electrolyses and a considerably weaker product (in terms of free available chlorine)

C. Electricity

Electrolyzed Water Systems split an aqueous brine solution into a cleaning solution (Alkaline Water or Catholyte) and a sanitation solution (Electrolyzed Water or Anolyte) by means of electrolyses. In order to make a constant product, a constant voltage and constant current is must be applied on the Cell for peak performance.

Unfortunately, we have learned that Electrolyzed Water Systems may be subject to voltage ‘spikes’ and/or fluctuating voltages due to an unstable power grid.

Although this new Fully-automatic System cannot possible monitor and compensate for all of above mentioned issues.  Some of these issues can be prevented by proper installation only.  Having said so, assuming the installation has been executed properly, This new Fully-automatic System stores & reports the electrolyses process. It compensates against most variables as well initiate a shutdown and send alarms that notify the operator on site and/or remotely.

Therefore, the result of this Fully-automated System is that: a) the products generated are of constant quality, b) the operator is immediately alarmed and required to clear the alarm following the instructions provided on the screen or by the manufacturer and  c) the manufacturer can prevent many issues before the operator has even seen or noticed the problem.

As you might understand, this Fully automatic System requires considerable less periodic service and maintenance visits and  a costly maintenance-contract is not really a must, but becomes more of an option.

For more information, visit http://www.aquaox.net/Systems.html

Tags: Electrolyzed Water, Electrolyzed water devices, maintenance, remote control, service