Development of “PURESTER”, Slightly Acidified Hypochlorous Acid Water Generator

Abstract

Slightly acidified hypochlorous acid water (SAHW), prepared by means of hydrochloric acid electrolysis, was developed. Purpose of that development was to resolve some problems associated with other currently available disinfectants. The SAHW is now officially recognized as a food additive because of its proven biological safety. Bactericidal component of the SAHW is hypochlorous acid, the same as chlorine solution or sodium hypochlorite, but most of the chlorine in the SAHW exists as free hypochlorous acid owing to strictly controlled pH between 5 and 6.5. Thus, the SAHW has strong bactericidal effect even if its chlorine concentration is much lower than that of traditional chloric bactericides. As electrolytic conditions are selected to generate only hypochlorous acid, the SAHW contains little or no harmful by-products. The SAHW, being close to tap water having little taste and odor, has many advantages over traditional disinfectants. The SAHW, because of having few limitations with regard to its applications, is being used increasingly in various industries.