US20090283417A1 - Electrolytic Cell with Gas Driven Pumping - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrolytic cell that draws electrolyte from an electrolyte storage container to the inlet of the cell. The inlet of the cell preferably comprises a back flow prevention device that restricts flow of electrolyte from flowing back through the inlet of the cell. Gasses generated by the electrolysis operation, typically primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, forces electrolytic products such as oxidants out of the discharge port of the electrolytic cell, preferably in a continuous flow process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to and the benefit of filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/054,415, entitled “Electrolytic Cell with Gas Driven Pumping,” filed on May 19, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
• The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell that preferably operates in continuous flow mode and preferably utilizes gas generated within the cell as the motive force to transfer fluid out of the cell.
• 2. Description of Related Art
• Note that the following discussion refers to a number of publications and references. Discussion of such publications herein is given for more complete background of the scientific principles and is not to be construed as an admission that such publications are prior art for patentability determination purposes.
• Electrolytic technology utilizing dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) has been used for years for the production of chlorine and other mixed-oxidant solutions. Dimensionally stable anodes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,234,110 to Beer, entitled “Electrode and Method of Making Same,” whereby a noble metal coating is applied over a titanium substrate.
• An example of an electrolytic cell with membranes is described in U.S. Patent RE 32,077 to deNora, et al., entitled “Electrode Cell with Membrane and Method for Making Same,” whereby a circular dimensionally stable anode is utilized with a membrane wrapped around the anode, and a cathode concentrically located around the anode/membrane assembly. An electrolytic cell with dimensionally stable anodes without membranes is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,208 to Gram, et al., entitled “Electrolytic Method and Cell for Sterilizing Water.”
• Commercial electrolytic cells have been used routinely for oxidant production utilize a flow-through configuration that may or may not be under pressure that is adequate to create flow through the electrolytic device. Examples of cells of this configuration are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,523 to Prasnikar, et al., entitled “Electrode and Electrolytic Cell Containing Same,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,711 to Baker, et al., entitled “Electrolytic Cell for Generating Sterilization Solutions Having Increased Ozone Content,” and many other membrane-type cells.
• In other configurations, the oxidant is produced in an open-type cell or drawn into the cell with a syringe or pump-type device, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,475 to Herrington, et al., entitled “Portable Water Disinfection System.”
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/907,092 to Herrington, et al., entitled “Portable Water Disinfection System,” the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes disinfection devices that utilize, in one instance, a cell chamber whereby hydrogen gas is generated during electrolysis of an electrolyte, and provides the driving force to expel oxidant from the cell chamber through restrictive check valve type devices. In this configuration, unconverted electrolyte is also expelled from the body of the cell as hydrogen gas is generated. In an alternate configuration in the same application, hydrogen gas pressure is contained in a cell chamber during electrolysis, but the pressure within the cell chamber is limited by the action of a spring loaded piston that continues to increase the volume of the cell chamber as gas volume increases. Ultimately, a valve mechanism opens, and the spring-loaded piston fills the complete volume of the cell chamber forcing the oxidant out of the cell chamber.
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,075 to Herrington, et al., entitled “Gas Drive Electrolytic Cell,” the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches a disinfection device that incorporates an electrolyte solution and a gas head space within a closed electrolytic cell chamber. During electrolysis of electrolyte to a disinfectant solution, hydrogen gas is generated within the closed electrolytic cell thereby generating pressure within the closed cell. Upon completion of electrolysis of the electrolyte solution to produce the disinfectant solution, a discharge port on the electrolytic cell housing is opened. Gas pressure within the cell housing provides the motive force to expel all or most of the disinfectant out of the cell housing to such a point where the disinfectant solution is utilized. By definition, this device operates in batch mode.
• Other inventions that utilize gas pressure generated from electrolysis are also described in the literature. U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,210, to Avedissian, entitled “Controlling the Pressure of a Gas Generator,” describes a gas torch that utilizes an electrolytic mechanism for generating and controlling pressure of hydrogen gas that is used as the feed gas for the torch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,451 to Seneff, et al., entitled “Automatic Chlorinating Apparatus,” describes a chlorine gas generating cell that operates at the same pressure as the treated water flow stream. Water under pressure flows through the closed cell and replenishes the electrolyte level in the cell. Partitions within the electrolytic cell maintain separation of the chlorine gas that is aspirated in the water stream. Chlorine and hydrogen gas generated within the cell maintain a pressure balance between the chlorine gas phase and the pressure of the liquid water flowing through the cell so that unconverted electrolyte is not drawn into the flowing water stream. U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,264 to Bae, et al., entitled “Gas Pressure Driven Infusion System by Hydrogel Electrolysis,” describes a system that generates and controls the production of oxygen and hydrogen gas in an electrolytic hydrogel process for the purpose of closely regulating the amount of liquid drugs that are delivered under gas pressure to the human body.
• Inventions that use a gas bubble lift mechanism from boiling water, as in coffee makers, are also described in the literature. U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,067 to Mysicka et al., entitled “Coffeemaker”, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,291 to Wallin, entitled “Electric Coffee Maker” describe electric percolator type of coffee makers that utilize an electric heating coil with a check valve in the suction side of the coil. As water is boiled in the coil at the bottom of the coffee maker, the water vapor bubbles lift the liquid water up a tube to the top of the coffee maker. The check valve prevents back flow of the water in the coil. As the water is boiled out of the tube, water from a reservoir is gravity fed past the check valve to the heating coil thereby repeating or continuing the water heating cycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is a method for increasing an oxidant concentration in a solution, the method comprising the steps of transferring electrolyte from an electrolyte source to an electrolytic cell, electrolyzing the electrolyte to form one or more oxidants and gas the gas transferring the oxidants to a container, and increasing a concentration of oxidants in the container. The concentration of oxidants in the container is preferably between approximately three grams per liter of free available chlorine and approximately 15 grams per liter of free available chlorine. The container is preferably the electrolyte source. The outlet of the electrolytic cell is optionally disposed within the container, in which case the container is preferably configured so that the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell do not contact the electrolyte or oxidant outside the electrolytic cell. The increasing step preferably comprises recirculating the oxidants in the container back through the electrolytic cell, thereby increasing an amount of oxidants in the container relative to an amount of electrolyte in the container. The method optionally further comprises the step of separating the oxidant from the electrolyte in the container, for example by flowing the oxidant along a winding path, thereby ejecting most of the electrolyte from the container before it is mixed with the oxidant. The method preferably further comprises the step of preventing the oxidants and gas from flowing through an inlet of the electrolytic cell back to the electrolyte source. The method preferably further comprises the step of controlling a volumetric flow rate and a concentration of oxidant transferred from the electrolytic cell, for example by flowing the electrolyte through the electrolytic cell vertically, horizontally, or at an angle therebetween. The method is preferably performed in a continuous flow mode.
• The present invention is also a system for increasing oxidant strength, the system comprising an electrolyte source, an electrolytic cell for producing one or more oxidants and gas; the electrolytic cell comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a connection between the outlet and the electrolyte source for transferring the oxidants from the electrolytic cell to the electrolyte source. The system preferably further comprises a check valve preventing the oxidants and gas from flowing back through the inlet. The connection is formed by disposing the outlet within the electrolyte source, in which case the electrolyte source is preferably configured so that the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell do not contact electrolyte or oxidant outside the electrolytic cell. The electrolyte source optionally comprises one or more weirs or a floating membrane for separating the oxidant and the electrolyte. The electrolytic cell is optionally disposed at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The system is preferably operated in a continuous flow mode. The concentration of oxidants in the electrolyte source is preferably between approximately three grams per liter of free available chlorine and approximately 15 grams per liter of free available chlorine.
• Objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
• FIG. 1 is a view of an electrolytic cell in a vertical orientation that cycles oxidant to a reservoir.
• FIG. 2 is a system configuration with an electrolytic cell in a slanted orientation that cycles oxidant to a reservoir.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship of oxidant concentration and flow rate with varying orientation angles of an electrolytic cell.
• FIG. 4 is a plan view of a weir system in the electrolyte reservoir.
• FIG. 5 is a system configuration of an electrolytic cell that transfers oxidant to a separate storage container.
• FIG. 6 is a system configuration with the electrolytic cell immersed in the electrolyte reservoir.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention comprises an electrolytic cell and method for generation of electrolytic products preferably comprising oxidants that can be utilized to disinfect materials, surfaces, liquids, or airborne contaminants. An embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus to produce a disinfecting solution. The apparatus preferably comprises at least one electrolytic cell. The cell preferably comprises at least two electrodes wherein at least one electrode comprises at least one cathode and at least one electrode comprises at least one anode. The apparatus preferably comprises a control circuit for providing an electrical potential between at least one cathode and at least one anode, wherein the control circuit is in electrical contact with at least one cathode and at least one anode. The apparatus further preferably comprises a check valve on or in line with the inlet of the electrolytic cell to prevent backward flow of disinfectant solution.
• During generation of oxidants, electrolyte is located within the cell housing between the anode and cathode, and a controlled electrical charge passes through the electrolytic solution from at least one cathode and at least one anode, thereby generating at least one oxidant in the electrolyte. It is well known to those versed in the industry that a single anode and a single cathode electrolytic cell configuration comprises a mono-polar electrolytic cell. In an alternative embodiment of the electrolytic cell, one primary anode and one primary cathode are opposed to each other, and intermediate electrodes are placed between the primary anode and primary cathode. With any number of intermediate electrodes, the electrolytic cell configuration is known as a bi-polar electrolytic cell configuration. An energy source in electrical contact with the primary anode and primary cathode and an optional control circuit deliver a controlled electrical charge preferably having a predetermined charge value.
• An electrolytic cell housing preferably encloses the anode and a cathode, and electrolyte solution flows into the inlet of the cell. The source of electrolyte preferably comprises a storage container located at an elevation higher than the electrolytic cell. In this configuration, electrolyte from the storage container will gravity flow from the storage container to the electrolytic cell housing. Alternatively, electrolyte may be pumped into the cell either continuously or in batches.
• In addition to liquid electrolyte, the electrolysis process typically also produces hydrogen gas at the cathode electrode. The fluid entering the electrolytic cell typically comprises a liquid such as a dissolved salt solution—typically sodium chloride brine. During electrolysis, hydrogen gas is formed. Subsequently, the discharge solution from the electrolytic cell typically comprises a two phase solution, the two phases being liquid and gas. With a back flow preventer, for example a check valve, on the inlet of the electrolytic cell, fluid cannot flow back through the inlet of the electrolytic cell. Flow can only go in one direction, to the outlet of the electrolytic cell. As gas is mixed with liquid in the discharge pipe exiting the cell, the mass density of the two phase discharge solution is lower than the mass density of the single phase fluid (liquid) entering the cell. If, for example, the source of the electrolyte solution is located at an elevation greater than the electrolytic cell, gravity will cause the liquid solution to flow in to the electrolytic cell since the force of gravity on the outlet port of the cell will be lower due to the lower mass density of the solution in the discharge column from the cell. Thus gas bubbles formed in the electrolysis process preferably create a gas lift effect in a tube or pipe connected to the outlet of the electrolytic cell. The effectiveness of this gas lift effect is a function of the gas generation rate, the specific gravity of the fluid in solution, the viscosity and surface tension of the fluid in the system, and the diameter of the discharge pipe or tube from the electrolytic cell.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, oxidants produced within the electrolytic cell are preferably discharged from the outlet port of the electrolytic cell, through a tube or pipe, and then return back to the electrolyte storage tank. In this configuration, the electrolyte is continually re-circulated to the electrolytic cell whereby the electrolyte is converted to oxidants, and the oxidants are circulated back to the electrolyte storage tank, thereby gradually increasing the concentration of the oxidants in the storage tank. In this configuration, which preferably operates in a continuous flow mode, the duration of the re-circulating process determines the ultimate concentration of the oxidants in the storage tank. A high concentration oxidant can thus be created in the process. In an alternative embodiment of this configuration, the electrolytic cell can be immersed in the electrolyte solution with inlet and outlet ports on the cell housing immersed in the electrolyte solution.
• In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the discharge of oxidant from the electrolytic cell can be returned to a separate container and not returned back to the electrolyte storage tank. In this manner, a fixed concentration oxidant can be transferred to a separate oxidant storage tank for subsequent use as a disinfectant or sterilizing solution.
• Referring toFIG. 1,electrolyte solution26, preferably comprising a sodium chloride brine solution, is introduced intocell housing10 which comprisespositive anode12 andnegative cathode13 whereinelectrolyte solution26 is electrolytically converted to an oxidant solution within the confined space ofelectrolytic cell10. Any electrolyte solution for generating an oxidant may be used in accordance with the present invention. The rate of electrolysis inelectrolytic cell10 is preferably controlled bycontroller28.Electrolyte26 is stored incontainer24 and transferred toelectrolytic cell10 where the electrolyte is converted to one ormore oxidants16 and then transferred out ofelectrolytic cell10 back tocontainer24.
• During electrolysis,hydrogen gas14 is liberated atcathode13 and accumulates in the upper spaces ofcell housing10. Ashydrogen gas14 accumulates in the upper portion ofcell housing10, gas pressure increases according to the well known gas equation, PV=nRT wherein P is the pressure of the gas, V is the volume of the chamber, n is the moles of gas, R is the molar gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. The production ofhydrogen gas14 causes a motive force to transferoxidant16 back tocontainer24. Because of the difference in density of the fluid insupply line20 versus the density of the two-phase fluid (liquid plus gas) inreturn line18, gravity causeselectrolyte26 to flow throughinlet pipe20 toelectrolytic cell10. Back flowvalve22 prevents fluid and gas from flowing backwards upinlet pipe20 in the fluid circuit. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,electrolyte26 is gradually converted tooxidant16 incontainer24. Because the system continually circulates fluid, a high concentration ofoxidant16 can be generated incontainer24, preferably greater than 3 grams per liter free available chlorine but less than 15 grams per liter concentration of free available chlorine.
• A variety of variables can impact the rate of oxidant production and concentration. For instance, the amperage or voltage applied to the anode and cathode electrodes will impact the production of oxidants. The size of the electrodes will impact the volume of oxidants produced. The flow rate will impact the concentration of oxidants assuming the energy applied to the anode and cathode electrodes remains constant. The angle of the electrolytic cell (i.e. the elevation difference between the inlet and outlet ports of the cell) will also impact the volume versus oxidant concentration. When the energy applied to the electrolytic cell remains constant, the total production of oxidants produced within the electrolytic cell over time will remain constant. However, as the electrolytic cell is disposed in a more horizontal position, the volumetric flow rate of solution will increase but the concentration of oxidants will decrease. When the orientation of the electrolytic cell is more vertical, the volumetric flow rate will be lower but the oxidant concentration will be higher. In both cases, however, the total mass of oxidants produced will be the same. The product of the volume of oxidants and the concentration of the oxidants will be the same in either case, no matter what the angle of orientation of the electrolytic cell may be.
• In an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 2,electrolytic cell30 is orientated at an angle to horizontal. Preferably,controller48 provides power toanode36 andcathode37 withinelectrolytic cell30.Electrolyte46 is transferred fromcontainer44 viainlet pipe40 throughbackflow valve42 toelectrolytic cell30 whereoxidant34 is produced withinelectrolytic cell30 and then transferred viareturn pipe38 back tocontainer44.Hydrogen gas32 facilitates transfer ofoxidant34 tocontainer44 by means previously discussed.FIG. 3 shows the correlation between volumetric flow ofoxidant34 fromelectrolytic cell30 and the angle of inclination ofelectrolytic cell30 as the cell changes from the horizontal position (0 degree position) to the vertical position (90 degree position). At the horizontal position, gas dynamics cause more volume of fluid to be transferred with each bubble of gas. This results in higher flow rate of fluid throughelectrolytic cell30. Sincecontroller48 applies a constant current to the electrodes inelectrolytic cell30, the total mass production ofoxidants34 remains constant. The mass production ofoxidants34 is the product of the concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L) ofoxidant34 times the volumetric flow rate ofoxidants34. Since the volumetric flow rate ofoxidant34 is higher at the horizontal orientation ofelectrolytic cell30, the concentration ofoxidant34 will be lower. Likewise, if the orientation ofelectrolytic cell30 is in the more vertical direction, the volumetric flow rate ofoxidant34 throughelectrolytic cell30 will be lower but the concentration ofoxidant34 will be higher. The concentration ofoxidant34 can have important consideration when it comes to field applications ofoxidant34. For instance, in drinking water applications, the concentration ofoxidant34 may need to be low to properly dose the water or other fluid to be treated. Likewise, it may be advantageous foroxidant34 to have a higher concentration for applications such as cleaning of hard surfaces such as those in restaurants. In other applications, such as in a medical setting, it may be advantages to have concentrations ofoxidant34 at even higher settings. It should also be noted that other operating parameters can affect the concentration ofoxidants34. These other factors include the concentration of halide salts inelectrolyte46, the size ofanode36 andcathode37, the amount of current applied on the electrodes bycontroller48, and the sizes ofinlet pipe40 and returnpipe38, for example.
• Empirical data indicates that the rate of oxidant production during the recycling operation, whereby oxidant is transferred back to the electrolyte container, causes a slowdown in the rate of oxidant concentration buildup as time proceeds in the process. Stated alternately, as time progresses the change in concentration slows down as the solution concentration increases. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the depletion of halide salt ions in the electrolyte solution, heating of the electrolyte solution causing increased ion mobility in the electrolytic cell, and other effects. In an effort to reduce these effects, it may be beneficial to create a fluid barrier to avoid rapid mixing of oxidant with electrolyte (such as brine) as the electrolyte enters the electrolyte storage container, thus enabling the utilization of most or all of the electrolyte before the oxidant is mixed with the electrolyte. This will have the effect of maintaining high concentration of halide salts as they enter the electrolytic cell, as well as maintaining lower temperatures entering the electrolytic cell, at least during the first hydraulic pass of the system. Weirs in the bulk storage tank, which create a long return path for the oxidant prior to the oxidant returning back to the storage tank, may be employed. Alternatively, a floating membrane can be used to segregate the two solutions. Or, the oxidant can be returned to a separate container from the electrolyte solution. When the electrolyte solution is depleted, valves or hydraulic mechanisms can be utilized to transfer the contents of the oxidant container to the electrolyte container.
• FIG. 4 demonstrates one method for maintaining such a hydraulic barrier. This figure represents a plan view ofelectrolyte storage container100.Electrolyte storage container100 comprisesweirs104 which preferably provide a tortuous and long path for the fluid to flow. As oxidant is returned toelectrolyte storage container100 viaoxidant inlet port102, the oxidant follows a long path aroundweirs104 within electrolyte storage container100 (although the weirs may also be disposed outside of electrolyte storage container100). This long path creates a “barrier” between the oxidant and the electrolyte as the electrolyte is ejected throughelectrolyte discharge port106. In this manner, the electrolyte will exitdischarge port106 before it is exposed to significant concentrations of oxidant.
• In the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 5,oxidants56 can be transferred to separateoxidant storage container70 rather than returned toelectrolyte storage container64. In this embodiment,electrolyte66 is contained inelectrolyte storage container64 and transferred viainlet pipe60 through backflow control valve62 toelectrolytic cell50 whereelectrolyte66 is converted tooxidants56 as well ashydrogen gas54, and the oxidant is transferred tooxidant storage container70 viaoutlet pipe58. Mass production ofoxidants56 is preferably controlled bycontroller68 by applying the appropriate power toanode52 andcathode53 withinelectrolytic cell50. By controlling the angular orientation ofelectrolytic cell50 as discussed previously, the concentration and flow rate ofoxidants56 can be selected or varied foroxidants56 ultimately stored inoxidant storage container70. Use ofstorage container70 is optional;oxidants56 may alternatively be directly used for a desired application without first being stored.
• In the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 6,electrolytic cell82 can be substantially disposed withinelectrolyte storage container88.Electrolyte86 is drawn via backflow control valve90 intoelectrolytic cell82 wherebyoxidants80 are produced by power applied fromcontroller92 to electrodes withinelectrolytic cell82.Hydrogen gas84 produced withinelectrolytic cell82 provides the motive gasses need to transferoxidants80 back intoelectrolyte storage container88, thereby gradually increasing the concentration ofoxidants80 withinelectrolyte storage container86.Electrolytic cell82 can be configured withinelectrolyte storage container86 in such a manner as to avoid electrical shorting ofanode94 andcathode96 withelectrolyte86. For example,anode94 andcathode96 can extend out of a dry recessedcompartment98 in the bottom ofelectrolyte storage container88.
• Applications of the present invention are especially applicable to low-cost water treatment systems for the home-use and consumer market. However, it will be obvious to those versed in the art that this invention can be utilized in a variety of applications including spray bottle applications for surface cleaning, potable water treatment systems, wastewater treatment systems, swimming pool treatment systems, cooling tower treatment systems, and other applications where a disinfectant is utilized to treat a fluid.
• Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (20)

1. A method for increasing an oxidant concentration in a solution, the method comprising the steps of:

transferring electrolyte from an electrolyte source to an electrolytic cell;

electrolyzing the electrolyte to form one or more oxidants and gas;

the gas transferring the oxidants to a container; and

increasing a concentration of oxidants in the container.

2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the concentration of oxidants in the container is between approximately three grams per liter of free available chlorine and approximately 15 grams per liter of free available chlorine.

3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the container is the electrolyte source.

4. The method ofclaim 3 wherein an outlet of the electrolytic cell is disposed within the container.

5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the container is configured so that an anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell do not contact the electrolyte or oxidant outside the electrolytic cell.

6. The method ofclaim 3 wherein the increasing step comprises recirculating the oxidants in the container back through the electrolytic cell, thereby increasing an amount of oxidants in the container relative to an amount of electrolyte in the container.

7. The method ofclaim 3 further comprising the step of separating the oxidant from the electrolyte in the container.

8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the separating step comprises flowing the oxidant along a winding path, thereby ejecting most of the electrolyte from the container before it is mixed with the oxidant.

9. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising the step of preventing the oxidants and gas from flowing through an inlet of the electrolytic cell back to the electrolyte source.

10. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising the step of controlling a volumetric flow rate and a concentration of oxidant transferred from the electrolytic cell.

11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the controlling step comprises flowing the electrolyte through the electrolytic cell vertically, horizontally, or at an angle therebetween.

12. The method ofclaim 1 performed in a continuous flow mode.

13. A system for increasing oxidant concentration, the system comprising:

an electrolyte source;

an electrolytic cell for producing one or more oxidants and gas; the electrolytic cell comprising an inlet and an outlet; and

a connection between the outlet and said electrolyte source for transferring the oxidants from said electrolytic cell to said electrolyte source.

14. The system ofclaim 13 further comprising a check valve preventing the oxidants and gas from flowing back through the inlet.

15. The system ofclaim 13 wherein said connection is formed by disposing the outlet within the electrolyte source.

16. The system ofclaim 15 wherein said electrolyte source is configured so that an anode and cathode of said electrolytic cell do not contact electrolyte or oxidant outside said electrolytic cell.

17. The system ofclaim 13 wherein said electrolyte source comprises one or more weirs or a floating membrane for separating the oxidant and the electrolyte.

18. The system ofclaim 13 wherein said electrolytic cell is disposed at an angle between horizontal and vertical.

19. The system ofclaim 13 operated in a continuous flow mode.

20. The system ofclaim 13 wherein a concentration of oxidants in the electrolyte source is between approximately three grams per liter of free available chlorine and approximately 15 grams per liter of free available chlorine.

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