Method of producing washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution and system using such solution

• US 6,863,798 B2
• Filed: 11/25/2002
• Issued: 03/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Omega S.A. (The Swatch Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Omega S.A. (The Swatch Group AG)
• Inventors: Nakamura, Shinichi, Fukuzuka, Kunihiko
• Primary Examiner(s): Koehler, Robert R.
• Application Number:
  US10/303,480
• Publication Number:
  US 20030146108A1
• Time in Patent Office: 834 Days
• Field of Search: 205/705, 205/687, 205/516, 134/109, 204/232, 204/237
• US Class Current: 205/687
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/035 Electrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/18 Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/1493 Selection of liquid materials for use as absorbents
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/4674 with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2001/46138 Electrodes comprising a substrate and a coating
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2001/46157 Perforated or foraminous electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2101/32 Hydrocarbons, e.g. oil
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/06 Contaminated groundwater or leachate
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/18 from the purification of gaseous effluents
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/4611 Fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2303/04 Disinfection
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 2111/46 applying energy, e.g. irradiation
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 3/3956 Liquid compositions
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 3/48 Medical, disinfecting agents, disinfecting, antibacterial, germicidal or antimicrobial compositions
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 7/06 Hydroxides
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 7/10 Salts

Abstract

A washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution is produced by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution composed of mixed caustic soda and salt in an electrolyzer. The solution is used as it is or diluted with tap water or non-potable water. The solution is applicable to washing, cleaning and sterilizing metal goods, medical instruments, nursing products, foodstuff, farm products, marine products, dishes, cooking utensils, plastic goods, surrounding, facilities, fiber products, machine parts, machine goods, various containers, electrical communication components, vehicles, or the like.

Claims

1. A method of producing a washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution, comprising:

electrolyzing an alkaline electrolyte solution having a pH value of 8 to 13 and composed of mixed caustic soda and sodium chloride using an electrolyzer whereby to produce a concentrated a washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution;

using the produced solution as it is or diluted with tap water or non-potable water; and

returning used washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution to the electrolyzer, where the solution is re-electrolyzed and contaminants contained therein decomposed by anodic oxidation.

2. A method of washing or cleaning metal goods, fiber products, plastic goods or the like, comprising:

filling a washing bath or a washing machine with a washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution which is produced by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution composed of mixed caustic soda and salt as defined in claim 1, the produced washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution being used as it is or diluted with tap water or non-potable water;

immersing and washing items to be cleaned, washed and sterilized in the washing bath or the washing machine; and

returning used washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution to the electrolyzer, where the solution is re-electrolyzed and contaminants contained therein decomposed by anodic oxidation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte solution is selected from the group consisting of an alkali group electrolyte solution containing caustic soda, caustic potash, sodium hypochlorite, a neutral salt group electrolyte solution containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium nitrate, and a mixture including both said alkali group electrolyte solution and said neutral salt group electrolyte solution.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution is sprayed onto metal goods, fiber products or plastic goods to be cleaned, washed and sterilized.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution is injected into contaminated tanks, devices or fluid circulating pipes whereby to clean, wash and sterilize inner surfaces of the tanks, devices or fluid circulating pipes.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, an electrolyzer is employed which includes:

an anode formed of a conductive metal which is covered with a conductive ceramics film, a vacuum-evaporated or flame-sprayed conductive ceramics film, or a diamond film which is made conductive and is vacuum-evaporated or flame-sprayed; and

a cathode formed of a conductive metal.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the metal is comprised of titanium or stainless steel.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution has a pH of 10 to 12.3.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the solution has a pH of 10 to 12.3.

8. A washing, cleaning and sterilizing system for cleaning, washing and sterilizing contaminated metal goods, fiber products, plastics goods or the like, wherein:

contaminated goods are immersed, cleaned, washed and sterilized in a washing bath or a washing machine filled with a washing/cleaning/sterilizing solution which is produced by electrolyzing an alkaline electrolyte solution having a pH value of 8 to 13 and comprising an alkali group electrolyte solution comprising caustic soda, caustic potash or sodium hypochlorite, or a neutral salt group electrolyte solution comprising sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide or potassium bromide, or a solution including both said alkali group electrolyte solution and said neutral salt group electrolyte solution, the washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution being used as it is or diluted by tap water or non-potable water, and used washing, cleaning and sterilizing solution is returned to the electrolyzer where the solution is re-electrolyzed and contaminants contained therein decomposed by anodic oxidation.