Envirolyte systems produce different types of electrolysed water solutions, also known as electrolyzed water, electrochemically activated water or ECA solutions. The main solution types are Acidic Anolyte, Neutral Anolyte and Catholyte.
The exact properties of each solution depend on the working current, flow rate, electrochemical treatment conditions and distribution of the treated water between the anode and cathode chambers of the Envirolyte diaphragmatic cell.
Anolyte solutions are mainly used for disinfection, sanitizing, microbial control and water treatment applications. Catholyte is an alkaline solution that can be evaluated for washing, cleaning support, flocculation, coagulation and pH adjustment where appropriate.
For the technology behind the process, see Electrochemical Activation and Diaphragmatic Cells.
What Is Anolyte?
Anolyte is the oxidizing solution produced in the anode chamber of a diaphragmatic electrolysis cell. Depending on pH and operating conditions, its active chlorine chemistry can include hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ion and, under acidic conditions, dissolved chlorine species. Envirolyte systems can be configured to produce acidic or neutral anolyte for suitable water-treatment, disinfection and process-hygiene applications.
Types of Envirolyte Electrolysed Water Solutions
Envirolyte generators can be configured to produce different solution regimes depending on the application.
| Solution regime | Active chlorine | pH | ORP / redox potential | Typical generator configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acidic Anolyte | Approx. 500–700 mg/L | 2.0–3.5 | Approx. +1000 to +1200 mV | Envirolyte EL or ELA unit designed and set for acidic Anolyte generation |
| ANK Neutral Anolyte | Approx. 500–700 mg/L | 5.5–8.5 | Approx. +700 to +900 mV | Envirolyte EL or ELA unit designed and set for ANK Neutral Anolyte generation |
| Catholyte | 0 mg/L | 11–13 | Approx. -800 to -900 mV | Envirolyte EL or ELA unit configured for Catholyte production |
A – Acidic Anolyte
Acidic Anolyte is an oxidising electrolysed water solution with low pH and high positive ORP. It can be evaluated for applications where strong disinfecting activity is required and where low pH and material compatibility are acceptable.
Acidic Anolyte is described as a colourless, transparent biocidal liquid with a strong chlorine smell. Under the stated regime, it consists predominantly of chlorine-related active species, with low pH and high ORP contributing to its antimicrobial activity.
Because Acidic Anolyte has low pH and strong oxidising properties, customers should confirm material compatibility, corrosion risk, ventilation, dosing rate and local regulatory requirements before use.
| Substance | CAS No. | EC / EINECS No. | Wt/vol % | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium chloride | 7647-14-5 | 231-598-3 | 0.26% | NaCl |
| Chlorine | 7782-50-5 | 231-959-5 | 0.05% | Cl2 |
| Water | 7732-18-5 | 231-791-2 | 99.69% | H2O |
ANK – Neutral Anolyte
ANK Neutral Anolyte is used where pH is important, including applications where corrosion control, active chlorine evaporation and contact with equipment or treated water must be considered.
Neutral Anolyte is commonly evaluated for disinfection of swimming pools, drinking water systems, process water, surfaces, equipment, floors, walls, tools and food-contact environments where the application and local regulations permit.
ANK Anolyte as a colourless, transparent biocidal liquid with a slight chlorine smell. Its active chemistry is mainly associated with hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion, depending on pH and operating conditions.
| Substance | CAS No. | EC / EINECS No. | Wt/vol % | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium chloride | 7647-14-5 | 231-598-3 | 0.26% | NaCl |
| Hypochlorous acid | 7790-92-3 | 232-232-5 | 0.05% | HOCl |
| Water | 7732-18-5 | 231-791-2 | 99.69% | H2O |
For microbiological evidence related to Envirolyte Anolyte, see Microbiological Testing and Legionella Prevention Evidence.
K – Catholyte
Catholyte is an alkaline electrolysed water solution with a typical pH between 11 and 13. It is produced in the cathode chamber of the Envirolyte diaphragmatic cell.
Catholyte can be evaluated for applications such as washing, alkaline cleaning support, extraction, flocculation, coagulation and increasing the pH of treated water where this is appropriate for the process.
The suitability of Catholyte depends on water chemistry, process requirements, material compatibility, discharge conditions and customer validation.
For dedicated equipment information, see CG Catholyte Generators.
Independent Verification
Tests conducted by the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service Ltd. (NIFES) on behalf of Scottish Borders Enterprise confirmed that Anolyte and Catholyte produced by an Envirolyte unit had properties consistent with those claimed by Envirolyte Industries International Ltd.
Customers can request available technical documentation, test references and project-specific information from Envirolyte for evaluation, tendering or regulatory discussions.
Regulatory and Customer Requirements
Electrolysed water solutions used for disinfectant or biocidal applications may be subject to national or regional requirements. In the European Union, relevant biocidal uses should be evaluated under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, the Biocidal Products Regulation.
Requirements may depend on the active substance, product type, supplier-chain documentation, country of use and intended application.
For related information, see ECHA / BPR Information, Customer Requirements and Quality Control.
Typical Applications
Envirolyte electrolysed water solutions may be evaluated for many water treatment, hygiene and industrial applications, including:
- On-site Water Disinfection
- Rural Drinking Water Disinfection
- Legionella Prevention
- Swimming Pools
- Food Processing
- CIP Solutions for Processing Equipment
- Farming and Livestock Applications
- Cooling Towers
Performance Evidence
Customers should review solution parameters together with microbiological, toxicological and by-products testing data where relevant to their application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrolysed water is a solution produced by passing water or diluted saline solution through an electrochemical cell. Envirolyte systems generate Anolyte and Catholyte as separate functional streams.
Anolyte is the oxidizing solution generated in the anode chamber of an electrochemical cell. Its pH and active chlorine composition depend on the generator configuration and operating conditions. Envirolyte systems can produce acidic or neutral anolyte for suitable water-treatment, disinfection and process-hygiene applications.
Acidic Anolyte has a lower pH and higher ORP, while Neutral Anolyte has a pH closer to neutral and is often preferred where pH and corrosion considerations are important.
Catholyte is an alkaline solution that can be evaluated for washing, cleaning support, flocculation, coagulation and pH adjustment applications.
No. Envirolyte Anolyte is generated in a diaphragmatic electrolysis cell and is produced as a separated anodic stream. Depending on pH and operating conditions, it may contain active chlorine species such as hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite ion or chlorine.
Yes. Envirolyte can help customers, distributors and OEM partners select the correct Anolyte or Catholyte regime based on water quality, target application, dosing requirements, regulatory conditions and equipment capacity.
Request Electrolysed Water Solution Support
Envirolyte can support your project with solution selection, generator configuration, technical documentation and application-specific recommendations for Anolyte and Catholyte use.
