ECA TECHNOLOGY

Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA): A Revolutionary Approach to Disinfection

Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) is a breakthrough technology that generates safe, effective, and environmentally friendly disinfectants and cleaners. This process involves passing ordinary water containing dissolved sodium chloride through an electrolytic cell.

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Traditional vs. Advanced Electrolysis Technology

Traditional electrolysis cells produce only small volumes of unstable, low pH oxidized water, which leads to the formation of hypochlorite (bleach). However, AQUAOX™ utilizes advanced electrolytic cells with a unidirectional permeable membrane that separates the anode and cathode chambers. This separation prevents the production of gaseous chlorine (Cl2) while generating large volumes of neutral pH hypochlorous acid (HOCL), a highly biocidal solution with a significantly lower chemical load compared to sodium hypochlorite.

 

 

 

 How It Works   
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Ordinary tap water with a low concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) flows through an electrolysis chamber containing an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode), separated by a unidirectional, permeable diaphragm.

  • At the Cathode: Positive ions (cations) move towards the cathode, gaining electrons to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a powerful cleaning agent that reduces bacteria and pathogens.
  • At the Anode: Negative ions (anions) are drawn to the anode, where they lose electrons to form hypochlorous acid (HOCL), a potent disinfectant with superior germicidal, biocidal, and sporicidal properties.

HOCL is highly effective against pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1).

 

Chemical Reactions in Electrolysis

Various chemical reactions occur during electrolysis, leading to the production of multiple compounds. Some key reactions include:

  •   O2 + H + e- HO2 E0 = – 0.13 V
  •   2H+ + 2e- H2 E0 = 0.00 V
  •   HO2 + H+ + e- H2O2 E0 = +1.50 V
  •   O3 + 2H+ + 2e- O2 + H2O E0 = +2.07 V
  •   OH- + H+ + e- H2O E0 = +2.85 V
  •   H2O + e- H+ OH- E0 = – 2.93 V
  •   OH+ e- OH- E0 = +2.02 V

The above equations are not a complete list, but give examples of some of the reactions that take place. Notably, they show that electrolysis of water produces H+ and OH ions, H and OH radicals, H2, O2, HO2, O3 and the like due to redox reactions. As a direct result of electrolysis, hydrogen and ozone gas are released and a percentage of hydroxides which remain in the solution in various forms including but not limited to hydrogen peroxide.

The addition of sodium chloride (table salt) leads to the following additional reactions:

CATHODE

  •   Na+ + e- Na
  •   2Na + 2H2O 2Na+ + 2OH- + H2

ANODE

  •   2Cl- – 2e- Cl2

It should further be noted that the Cl2 and OH- reacts as follows:

  •   Cl2 + 2OH- ClO- + Cl- + H2O
  •   Cl2 + OH- HClO + Cl-

AQUAOX™ HOCL Chemistry and Stability

AQUAOX™-generated HOCL is produced using validated devices that comply with EPA and ISO standards.

Specifications:

  • pH: 6 – 7.5
  • Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): > 900mV
  • Free Available Chlorine (FAC): 50-1,000 ppm
  • EC: 100-10,000mS

Composition:

  • Purified Water (H2O): >99.848%
  • Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL): <0.050%
  • Hypochlorite Ion (OCL-): <0.002%
  • Sodium Chloride (NaCl): <0.100%

Unlike many HOCL solutions, AQUAOX™ maintains stability over months, reducing chlorine evaporation and ensuring long-term effectiveness.

 

Microbial Efficacy and Mode of Action

AQUAOX™ HOCL achieves a Log 6 reduction, effectively eliminating MRSA, VRE, HIV-1, Swine Influenza Virus (H1V1), and Salmonella enterica. Microorganisms cannot develop resistance to HOCL, unlike traditional chemical disinfectants.

Mechanism of Action:

  • Free ions in HOCL rapidly react with and denature proteins.
  • HOCL destroys bacterial proteins in cell membranes, leading to cell rupture due to osmotic imbalance.
  • HOCL is highly effective against antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA and VRE.

    Safety and Toxicity

    No toxicity has been observed in independent laboratory testing. Based on extensive research, HOCL is deemed non-toxic and safe for industrial and commercial applications.

    Summary

    AQUAOX™-generated HOCL is a pH-neutral, super-oxidized water solution created through electrolysis of a dilute salt solution. This gentle yet powerful antimicrobial solution offers rapid bacterial, viral, and biofilm reduction.

    Key Advantages:

    • Environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
    • Highly stable for extended storage and use.
    • More effective than traditional chemicals, without toxicity risks.
    • Eliminates biofilm and scale, reducing contamination in manufacturing processes.
    • Prevents microbial resistance, unlike conventional disinfectants.

    Effect of pH on Free Available Chlorine HOCL is 80 to 300 times more effective as a disinfectant than sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with the same free available chlorine concentration. Its oxidizing power ensures continuous microbial elimination without hyperchlorination.

    By leveraging advanced electrolysis, AQUAOX™ provides a superior, sustainable alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants, making it an ideal choice for industries seeking safe, effective, and eco-friendly solutions.