Electrochemistry and Electrolyzed Water
Electrochemical activation is the core technology behind Envirolyte systems for on-site generation of electrochemically activated solutions. The process converts water, salt and electricity into functional solutions known as anolyte and catholyte.
Anolyte is mainly used as an oxidising disinfectant solution for water treatment, surface hygiene, food processing, agriculture, livestock, cooling towers and industrial applications. Catholyte is an alkaline reducing solution that can be used for cleaning, washing and process-support applications where appropriate.
This technology allows users to generate fresh active solutions on site, reducing dependence on transported chemical disinfectants and supporting controlled dosing close to the point of use.
What Is Electrochemical Activation?
Electrochemical activation is a controlled electrolysis process in which an aqueous saline solution passes through an electrochemical cell. Under the influence of an electric current, the solution is separated into two streams with different physicochemical properties. In the anodic chamber, an oxidising solution called anolyte is generated. Depending on system configuration and operating parameters, anolyte may contain active chlorine species such as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite, which are responsible for its disinfecting activity. In the cathodic chamber, an alkaline reducing solution called catholyte is produced. Catholyte may be used for cleaning and washing applications, depending on the process requirements.How Envirolyte Systems Generate Anolyte and Catholyte
Envirolyte systems use special diaphragmatic electrolysis cells that separate the anodic and cathodic zones. This design makes it possible to produce anolyte and catholyte as separate streams while controlling flow, electrical parameters and solution quality.
Anolyte: Oxidising Solution for Disinfection
Anolyte is the oxidising stream produced in the anodic chamber of the electrochemical cell. It is commonly evaluated for microbial control, water disinfection, biofilm management, surface hygiene and process water applications. Envirolyte anolyte can be generated at different capacities and operating regimes, depending on the application. The required concentration, pH, ORP, contact time and dosing rate should be selected according to the target process and local regulatory requirements. Related performance evidence is available here: Microbiological Testing, Legionella Prevention Evidence and By-products Testing.Catholyte: Alkaline Solution for Cleaning Support
Catholyte is the alkaline reducing stream produced in the cathodic chamber. It can be used in applications where alkaline cleaning, washing or process-support solution is required. The exact use of catholyte depends on the system configuration, water quality, process requirements and customer validation. In many installations, anolyte and catholyte are evaluated together as part of an integrated cleaning and disinfection strategy. For equipment information, see CG Catholyte Generators.Why Use On-site Electrolysed Water Generation?
On-site generation of electrolysed water can provide operational and logistical advantages for facilities that require regular disinfection, cleaning or water treatment.- fresh solution generated close to the point of use;
- reduced transport and storage of concentrated disinfectants;
- controlled dosing according to application requirements;
- scalable equipment for small, medium and industrial installations;
- supporting documentation for microbiological, toxicological and by-products testing;
- possible integration with water treatment, CIP, agriculture and industrial systems.
Typical Applications of Electrochemical Activation
Envirolyte electrochemical activation technology can be evaluated for applications where reliable on-site generation of active solutions is required.- On-site Water Disinfection
- Rural Drinking Water Disinfection
- Legionella Prevention
- Cooling Towers
- Food Processing
- CIP Solutions for Processing Equipment
- Farming and Livestock Applications
Envirolyte Equipment Based on Electrochemical Activation
Envirolyte manufactures several product lines based on electrochemical activation and on-site generation of anolyte, catholyte or related active solutions.- ELA Anolyte Generators
- ANW Anolyte Generators
- HD Anolyte Generators
- Sea Water Anolyte Generators
- CG Catholyte Generators
- CIP Equipment
- Electrolysis Cells
Important Technical Considerations
The performance of electrochemically activated solutions depends on the design of the generator, water quality, salt quality, flow rate, current, pH, ORP, active chlorine concentration, temperature, organic load and contact time. Customers should select equipment and operating parameters according to the intended application, required output capacity, local regulations and monitoring requirements. For regulatory and quality information, see ECHA / BPR Information, Customer Requirements and Quality Control.Frequently Asked Questions
Electrochemical activation is a controlled electrolysis process that changes the physicochemical properties of an aqueous saline solution and produces functional streams such as anolyte and catholyte.
Anolyte is the oxidising solution produced in the anodic chamber of an electrolysis cell. It is commonly used or evaluated for disinfection, water treatment and hygiene applications.
Catholyte is the alkaline reducing solution produced in the cathodic chamber. It can be used for cleaning, washing or process-support applications where suitable.
Envirolyte systems typically use water, salt and electricity to generate electrochemically activated solutions on site.
No. Electrolysed water is generated in an electrochemical cell and may contain active species such as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite depending on operating parameters. Sodium hypochlorite is a different chemical product or on-site generated hypochlorite solution.
Yes. Envirolyte can help customers, distributors and OEM partners evaluate capacity, water quality, dosing requirements, documentation and application-specific operating parameters.
Request Electrochemical Activation Technology Support
Envirolyte can support your project with technology explanation, equipment selection, performance documentation and application-specific recommendations for anolyte and catholyte generation.
