Electrolyzed water technology

Electrolyzed water is a basic mixture of tap water and salt which is transformed by an electric current into a special water which can be used as an effective and completely non-toxic cleaner. The water salt mixture gives two different cleaners. One is an alkaline liquid that cleans and degreases, and the other is a potent disinfectant which is claimed to be 10 times more effective than bleach in killing bacteria.

Why should I be aware of this?

• Though its usage is currently limited, there is tremendous potentiality to make electrolytic water treatment both a practical and economical process for a wide range of commercial, industrial, medical, dental and possibly drinking water applications.
• Even now in Russia electrolyzed water is used in wells to kill pesky microbes. In Europe it is used to treat burn victims. Electrolyzing equipment is helping to sanitize drinking water in parts of Latin American and Africa.

All about electrolyzed water technology

The electrolytic treatment of water has been promoted in the United States, Japan and Russia as a highly promising water treatment solution for several decades. However its use is limited to a very narrow range of industrial applications due to some practical limitations or economic unfeasibility.

The process

Zapping salt water with low-voltage electricity creates a couple of powerful yet nontoxic cleaning agents. Sodium ions are converted into sodium hydroxide, an alkaline liquid that cleans and degreases like detergent, but without the scrubbing bubbles. Chloride ions become hypochlorous acid, a potent disinfectant known as acid water.

It's 10 times more effective than bleach in killing bacteria, according to researchers at the University of Georgia-Griffin, who have been researching electrolyzed water for more than a decade. And it's safe.

For food industry

Experts see great potential for electrolyzed water in the food industry. This system is unique because it produces a pH-neutral solution that will not cause deterioration or off-flavors when sprayed on food. The system is also environmentally friendly as its only outputs are water and salt.

Earlier electrolyzed water has been promoted as a way of reducing the amount of chemicals needed for cleaning in plants. It may be an advantage to vegetable producers and processors, who were hit by the public reaction to an E. coli outbreak due to contaminated spinach in the US.

The technology can replace many of the traditional methods in the processing sector now used to clean, disinfect, hydrate and moisturise foods. The non-toxic water cuts down on existing bacteria, virus and mold proliferation. Special generators create acidic and alkaline fluids with the cleaning and sanitising properties.

The water eliminates pathogens in processing plants by treating not only surface contamination but also the plant and animal foods directly.

Disadvantage

Electrolyzed water loses its potency fairly quickly, so it can't be stored long. Machines are pricey and geared mainly for industrial use. The process also needs to be monitored frequently for the right strength.

90 degrees

In research carried out by scientists at Penn State University it was found that electrolyzed water technology can be used as a replacement for the chemicals used to clean and disinfect milking equipment.

References:

• Electrolyzed water
• Electrolyzed Water: Miracle Cleaning Fluid Made From Water & Salt
• Simple elixir called a 'miracle liquid'
• Bacteria-killing water replaces chemical cleaners