Abstract A swimming pool water sterilizer and the method involved in the operation are disclosed employing a two electrode compartment electrolytic cell with said compartments being separated by a cation selective membrane. A concentrated alkali metal chloride salt solution is fed to the anode compartment wherein on application of a decomposition voltage there is formed therein essentially chlorine gas and hypochlorous acid. The migration of water from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment as a result of the solvation of the alkali metal ions (Na ) which passes to the cathode compartment through the cation membrane allows the formation of a caustic solution and hydrogen gas within the cathode compartment. The effluents resulting from both compartments are fed into the recirculated pool water for sterilization. The pH of said water can be controlled by discharging to waste any excess basic catholyte at predetermined intervals at pre-set periods of time.
The system of claim 1 wherein the mixing zone section is substantially larger in cross section than the pool recirculating conduit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 wherein at least the side of said cation selective membrane facing the anode is protected from attack by the products of the anodic reaction by a porous, substantially inert diaphragm in contact therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said cooling means comprise a confined space located in the wall of said cell and in association with the back side of an electrode, said space being in communication with means for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the cooling fluid is water obtained through conduit means communicating with the said pool water recirculation conduit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the said gas-liquid conduit tubes measure internally about three-sixteenth inch in diameter and between 9 to 12 inches in length.