CORE PRINCIPLE

Electrochemical​

Activation

KEY SYSTEM

Components

Envirolyte systems operate on electrolysis of a dilute salt solution (brine) using the following key components:

ELECTROCHEMICAL

Reactions

Redox reaction - Electrons are transferred between atoms.

AT THE
Anode

Chloride ions are oxidized (losing electrons), chlorine reacts with water, and Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is formed.

AT THE
Cathode

Water is reduced (gaining electrons), alkaline solution is formed, and hydrogen gas is vented safely.

C

Electrolyzed Water Generators

Solution Types Produced

Oxidizing Solution (Anolyte)

Strong disinfectant, High oxidation-reduction potential, Neutral or slightly acidic pH

Alkaline Solution (Catholyte)

High pH, Good degreasing / cleaning ability

Control Parameters

01


Current Density

Determines rate of chlorine species production

02


Flow Rate

Controls contact time in reactor and concentration of output solution

03


Salt Concentrotion

Affects conductivity, efficiency, and production composition

04


pH Control

Determines the dominant species in HOCI, (5-6) Most Effective; (>8) Least Effective


Electrolyzed Water Applications​

Detailed Technical Business Guide​

Envirolyte USA – Electrolyzed Water Solutions​


Electrolyzed Water Generators​

Core Principle: Electrochemical Activation​
Envirolyte systems operate on electrolysis of a dilute salt solution (brine).​
NaCl + H2O + electricity -> oxidizing and alkaline solutions​
The process occurs inside a specially designed electrochemical reactor​
Key System Components​
Envirolyte systems operate on electrolysis of a dilute salt solution (brine).​
Electrolytic Cell – Anode, Cathode, and Diaphragm​
Electrochemical Reactions​
Redox reaction – Electrons are transferred between atoms​
At the Anode – Chloride Ions are oxidized (losing electrons), chlorine reacts with water, Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is formed​
At the Cathode – Water is reduced (gaining electrons), alkaline solution is formed, hydrogen gas is vented safely​
Solution Types Produced​
Oxidizing Solution (Anolyte) – Strong disinfectant, High oxidation-reduction potential, Neutral or slightly acidic pH​
Alkaline Solution (Catholyte) – High pH, Good degreasing / cleaning ability​
Control Parameters​
Current Density – Determines rate of chlorine species production​
Flow Rate – Controls contact time in reactor and concentration of output solution​
Salt Concentration – Affects conductivity, efficiency, and production composition​
pH Control – Determines the dominant species in HOCl, (5-6) Most Effective; (>8) Least Effective​

Electrochemical Reactor​


Generator Component Close up (Exterior)​

Exterior components protect internal systems and operators

Mounting and enclosure integrity are safety-critical​

Adequate spacing and ventilation around the unit is required​

All standard operator control functions are performed on the exterior of the machine​


Generator Brine Tank Close up​

The brine tank is a controlled chemical feed system

Brine delivered to the reactor must have stable salinity, minimal particulates, and predictable conductivity​

The brine grid separates undissolved salt from the usable brine​

The brine well provides a controlled, clean brine pickup point​

The fabric mesh is the final protection against fine particles and debris​


Generator Brine Tank Salt​

Approved Salt Only​

Must be LOW Calcium and Magnesium content to minimize scaling in the reactor​

Looking for VERY HIGH Sodium Chloride content​


Generator System Filtration & Water Softening​

Sediment Filtration protects mechanical components and flow integrity​

Carbon Filtration protects the electromechanical process and internal materials​

Water Softening ensures stable electrolysis and prevents scale formation​

Water pretreatment is not optional ​

Many generator problems are actually water quality problems​


Generator System Pressure & Flow Control​

Envirolyte generators are electromechanical devices, but performance is governed as much by the hydraulic system as by electricity or chemistry​

Pressure regulation maintains inlet pressure within the design range and provides the foundation for repeatable system performance​

Water flow metering quantifies delivery to the electromechanical system​

Electrolysis performance is dependent on flow rate and it must match the design flow​

Spring loaded check valve prevents unintended backflow and protects system integrity​


Generator System Maintenance​

Reactor acid flush

Inspect for leaks and brittle hoses​

Verify cooling components are operational​

Change sediment filters or verify backwashing is operational​

Change carbon filters or verify backwashing is operational​

Test water hardness before and after softener​

Inspect softener tank and salt quality​

Verify backwashing of softener is operational​

Verify water pressure remains within generator design limits​

Confirm water flow rate matches design specifications​

Inspect brine tank for unobstructed / intact brine well​

Verify consistent brine concentration​


Benefits of Catholyte (NaOH)​

High pH (Alkalinity)​
Typical pH: 10-12​
Provides classic alkaline cleaning mechanisms: ​
Saponification of fats​
Protein denaturation (breaks down Yeast residues, Protein films, Wort fouling)​
Enhanced Wetting & Penetration​
Lower surface tension than standard water/caustic solutions​
Better spreading on stainless steel surfaces​
Improved penetration into biofilms, microscopic surface defects, and gasket interfaces​
Electrochemical Activation Effects​
Not just alkaline, but activated water​
Increased reactivity​
Altered ionic structure​
Improved ability to loosen deposits and disrupt organic films​
Emulsification of Organic Soils​
Catholyte breaks down and disperses protein-carbohydrate matrices, hop resins, and yeast residues​
Strong Performance on Certain Types of Soils​
Yeast films, Protein deposits, Sugars and carbohydrates, Light biofilms​

Benefits of Anolyte(HOCl)​

The Core Advantage​
HOCl is electrically neutral, unlike hypochlorite or many ionic disinfectants​
It easily penetrates microbial cell walls, resulting in faster and deeper intracellular attack​
HOCl is ~80-100x more effective than hypochlorite at the same chlorine level​
Multi-Mechanism Oxidation​
Peracetic Acid’s dominant mechanism is Oxidation; Quats is Membrane Disruption; Chlorine (alkaline) is Oxidation (limited penetration)​
Anolyte (HOCl) acts simultaneously on multiple cellular targets:​
Cell membrane destruction – Oxidizes lipids; Increases permeability​
Protein denaturation – Oxidizes sulfhydryl groups; Disables enzymes​
DNA damage – Interferes with replication​
Superior Biofilm Penetration​
The neutral charge allows HOCl to penetrate biofilm matrix more effectively than charged disinfectants​
HOCl attacks polysaccharides and proteins that hold biofilms together​
HOCl disrupts the cells inside the biofilm, not just surface killing​
Faster Kill Kinetics​
Rapid log reductions (3-6 log) in seconds to minutes​
Effectiveness at Lower Concentrations​
Typical concentration of PAA: 100 – 300 ppm​
Typical concentration of chlorine (traditional): 50 – 200 ppm​
Anolyte (HOCl) effective at 10 – 80 ppm​
Low Resistance Development​
HOCl attacks multiple cellular targets simultaneously which leaves little opportunity for adaptation​

How to Maximize Effectiveness​

Catholyte
Benefits significantly from heat: Ideal range is 40-60° C​
Improves fat dissolution, reaction kinetics, and soil removal​
Relies more on physical removal + chemistry vs. pure chemical strength​
Critical factors: Flow velocity, Spray ball performance, and turbulent flow​
Remove bulk soils before Catholyte step which reduces organic load​
Boost with traditional caustic​
Anolyte
Ensure excellent Catholyte / caustic cleaning and rinsing first​
Maintain pH in optimal range (5-7)​
Well-controlled generators
Avoid alkaline carryover
Maintain sufficient Free Available Chlorine​
Effective range: 20 – 80 ppm​
Use proper flow and turbulence​
Ensure full surface wetting – Verify spray ball coverage and no shadowed areas​
Control Temperature: Ambient to ~40° C​
Optimize Contact Time – Ensure continuous contact for 1-5 minutes
Freshness – Light, Heat, and Storage Time all degrade the product​

No-Rinse Applications of HOCl​

In the USA, “No-rinse approval” for application” of Anolyte (HOCl) come from (2) different regulatory frameworks – FDA (food contact) and EPA (sanitizers / disinfectants).​
“No-rinse” FDA approval – HOCl is approved as an antimicrobial processing aid used directly on food or food-contact water at concentrations <= 60 ppm without having to rinse after application.​
The EPA regulates HOCl as a disinfectant / sanitizer. Key EPA limit <= 200 ppm for food-contact surface sanitizing.​
Benefits significantly from heat: Ideal range is 40-60° C​
Improves fat dissolution, reaction kinetics, and soil removal​
Relies more on physical removal + chemistry vs. pure chemical strength​
Critical factors: Flow velocity, Spray ball performance, and turbulent flow​
Remove bulk soils before Catholyte step which reduces organic load​
Boost with traditional caustic​
In the EU, HOCl is formally approved as a disinfectant and is explicitly allowed for food-contact surface disinfection.​
“No-rinse” acceptability is determined by regulator assessment:​
Does the use leave residues that could migrate into food or exceed safe exposure thresholds?​
Is it safe for consumers and workers?​
Are there chlorates or chlorinated byproducts?​
Is the intended use surface disinfection (equipment) or direct food contact -> stricter scrutiny?​
To become authorized for “no-rinse” authorization, you must demonstrate that residues break down safely, no taste / odor impact, and no harmful byproducts at use concentration​
In practice, many EU-authorized HOCl systems are used in no-rinse applications but only when concentration is controlled and the specific product authorization includes that claim.​

No-Rinse Applications of HOCl​

In the USA, “No-rinse approval” for application” of Anolyte (HOCl) come from (2) different regulatory frameworks – FDA (food contact) and EPA (sanitizers / disinfectants).​
“No-rinse” FDA approval – HOCl is approved as an antimicrobial processing aid used directly on food or food-contact water at concentrations <= 60 ppm without having to rinse after application.​
The EPA regulates HOCl as a disinfectant / sanitizer. Key EPA limit <= 200 ppm for food-contact surface sanitizing.​
Benefits significantly from heat: Ideal range is 40-60° C​
Improves fat dissolution, reaction kinetics, and soil removal​
Relies more on physical removal + chemistry vs. pure chemical strength​
Critical factors: Flow velocity, Spray ball performance, and turbulent flow​
Remove bulk soils before Catholyte step which reduces organic load​
Boost with traditional caustic​
In the EU, HOCl is formally approved as a disinfectant and is explicitly allowed for food-contact surface disinfection.​
“No-rinse” acceptability is determined by regulator assessment:​
Does the use leave residues that could migrate into food or exceed safe exposure thresholds?​
Is it safe for consumers and workers?​
Are there chlorates or chlorinated byproducts?​
Is the intended use surface disinfection (equipment) or direct food contact -> stricter scrutiny?​
To become authorized for “no-rinse” authorization, you must demonstrate that residues break down safely, no taste / odor impact, and no harmful byproducts at use concentration​
In practice, many EU-authorized HOCl systems are used in no-rinse applications but only when concentration is controlled and the specific product authorization includes that claim.​

EW Product & Process Quality Improvements​

Improved Microbiological Stability​
Reduced Biofilm Formation​
Improved Flavor Consistency​
Reduced Product Variability​
Improved Surface Condition & Hygiene​
Improved Packaging Line Hygiene​
Improved Shelf-Life Stability​
Reduced Quality Incidents
Data & Monitoring Improvements

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Inside the Electrochemical Generator

Hospitals require effective pathogen control without introducing unnecessary toxicity into sensitive environments. On-site generated HOCl provides a powerful solution for routine disinfection while supporting safer environments for patients, staff, and visitors.

Generator Component Close up (Exterior)​

Exterior components protect internal systems and operators

Mounting and enclosure integrity are safety-critical​

Adequate spacing and ventilation around the unit is required​

All standard operator control functions are performed on the exterior of the machine​

Generator Controls

The brine tank is a controlled chemical feed system

Brine delivered to the reactor must have stable salinity, minimal particulates, and predictable conductivity​

The brine grid separates undissolved salt from the usable brine​

The brine well provides a controlled, clean brine pickup point​

The fabric mesh is the final protection against fine particles and debris​

Generator Brine Tank Salt​

Sediment Filtration protects mechanical components and flow integrity​

Carbon Filtration protects the electromechanical process and internal materials​

Water Softening ensures stable electrolysis and prevents scale formation​

Water pretreatment is not optional ​

Many generator problems are actually water quality problems​