Hypochlorous acid has become a major concern in recent years, and various institutions are actively purchasing hypochlorous acid generators. However, most people are unfamiliar with the principles and electrolysis process of hypochlorous acid generators. Regarding consumables, there are two types of hypochlorous acid generators on the market: electrolytic salt (NaCl) and electrolytic dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl). Hypochlorous acid generators that electrolyze salt are more widely used globally. However, these generators generate two liquids, one at the cathode and one at the anode: alkaline and one at the anode. Today, I'll share with you the alkaline liquid produced by the electrolytic salt hypochlorous acid generator, sodium hydroxide.
Hypochlorous acid generators not only produce highly effective, acidic hypochlorous acid disinfectant (HCLO), but their byproduct—alkaline electrolyzed water (primarily composed of sodium hydroxide, NaOH)—is also a valuable resource with significant application value. This is particularly true in food processing, where it can revolutionize both cleaning and disinfection. Promoting the "one machine, two liquids" concept can bring significant economic, safety, and environmental benefits to businesses.
Alkaline Electrolyte: The Underrated "Cleaning Guardian"
When salt water is electrolyzed, alkaline water rich in hydroxide ions (OH⁻) is produced at the cathode. Its core value lies in its excellent cleaning, degreasing, and stripping abilities.
Alkaline Concentration and Applications
The effectiveness of alkaline electrolyzed water is closely related to its pH value (which directly correlates to the concentration of its active ingredients). The following are application scenarios for different concentrations (with pH as the primary indicator):
Principle of Action:
1. Saponification: Sodium hydroxide in alkaline water reacts with oils and fats to form water-soluble fatty acid salts and glycerol, which can be easily washed away.
2. Protein Hydrolysis: The alkaline environment changes the structure of proteins, making them easier to remove and dissolve from the surface of the equipment.
3. Pesticide Degradation: Strong alkaline conditions can promote the hydrolysis of certain chemical pesticides (particularly organophosphorus), breaking them down into less toxic or non-toxic substances.
In short, in food processing and other areas requiring cleaning, degreasing, and pesticide residue removal, alkaline solutions can be effectively utilized as byproducts. The customized equipment we've exported to European fish processing plants uses a 1:1 ratio of acid to alkaline water. This is because after using the anolyte hypochlorous acid solution for cleaning fish and disinfecting processing equipment and the environment, the customer uses the catholyte sodium hydroxide solution for cleaning oil stains on equipment surfaces and floor stains. This seamlessly utilizes both products while also effectively unclogging sewer pipes, achieving two goals at once.
Our hypochlorous acid generators have been exported to 30 countries suchh as Spain, Germany, Canada, etc., covering 17 industries, and are dedicated to serving tens of thousands of customers who benefit from the use of hypochlorous acid. If you have any inquiries regarding this matter, please leave a private message.
