Microcidal composition

Abstract

An anolyte composition having sufficient strength and stability to be packaged and marketed to consumers is produced in an electrolytic cell having an ionomeric semi-permeable membrane.

1 . A method of producing anolyte having a free available chlorine concentration of at least 1000 ppm, comprising the use of an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, separated by a semi-permeable membrane. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the semi-permeable membrane permits cation transport at a greater rate than anion transport. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the semi-permeable membrane is ionomeric and comprises perfluorocarboxylic acid or perfluorosulfonic acid. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the membrane is a bilayer membrane, comprising one layer comprising perfluorocarboxylic acid and one layer comprising perfluorosulfonic acid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the anolyte produced comprises a free available chlorine concentration of at least 1680 ppm. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the anolyte produced comprises a free available chlorine concentration of at least 2000 ppm. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the anolyte produced comprises a free available chlorine concentration of at least about 4000 ppm. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the anode and cathode compartments are pressurized to about 80 psi. 
     
     
         9 . An anolyte composition produced by the method of  claim 1 , formulated and packaged for general consumer use. 
     
     
         10 . The anolyte composition of  claim 9  which is formulated and packaged in a sealed, dark or opaque container, having a capacity of 1 litre or less. 
     
     
         11 . The anolyte composition of  claim 9  which retains a minimum level of 400 ppm of free available chlorine, after a storage time of one year. 
     
     
         12 . The anolyte composition of  claim 11  in which the free available chlorine degrades at a rate of about 4 ppm per day.