Modular Cartridge System for Apparatus Producing Cleaning and/or Sanitizing Solutions

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter comprises a method and system for producing cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions using a replaceable cartridge system. Particularly, the consumables needed to electrochemically or chemically produce the cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions can be supplied in a cartridge in a quantity measured to last for the chosen design life of the cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge can comprise cleaning and/or sanitizing precursors that can be pre-prepared and supplied in a highly concentrated form.

1 . An apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution, said apparatus comprising at least one modular component. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution is selected from the group comprising: chlorine dioxide solution, hypochlorous acid solution, sodium hydroxide solution, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said modular component is a replaceable cartridge. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said cartridge comprises an electrolytic cell. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said electrolytic cell comprises:
 a. an anode chamber;   b. a cathode chamber comprising a cathode; and   c. an intermediate chamber comprising electrolyte.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said anode chamber comprises an anode. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising an anode, wherein said cartridge is adapted with an opening to accommodate said anode. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said cartridge comprises at least one chemical precursor. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said precursors is selected from the group comprising sodium chlorite, citric acid, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said cartridge comprises at least cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution concentrate. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said modular component is a sachet. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said sachet comprises:
 a. an outer impermeable package;   b. an inner selectively permeable membrane housed within said package; and   c. chemical precursors housed within said inner membrane.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said sachet is a blister pack sachet comprising:
 a. a forming sheet comprising at least one well;   b. a selectively permeable sheet positioned adjacent to said forming sheet;   c. a barrier sheet positioned adjacent to said selectively permeable sheet;   wherein said well comprises chemical precursors.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said sachet is a blister pack sachet comprising:
 a. a forming sheet comprising at least one well;   b. a selectively permeable sheet positioned adjacent to said forming sheet;   wherein said well comprises chemical precursors; and   wherein at least portion of said forming sheet functions as a barrier sheet.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said sachet comprises at least two compartments. 
     
     
         16 . An electrolyzing cell comprising:
 a. an anode;   b. a cathode;   c. electrolyte; and   d. at least one ion exchange membrane;   wherein said cell is packaged in a replaceable cartridge; and   wherein said cell functions for a pre-determined, limited duration.   
     
     
         17 . The cell of  claim 16 , wherein said cell comprises three chambers and electrolyte is supplied in the center chamber. 
     
     
         18 . The cell of  claim 16 , wherein said duration is between about 10 and about 5000 running hours. 
     
     
         19 . A method of electrolytically producing cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solutions, said method comprising:
 a. providing an apparatus comprising at least one modular component, wherein said modular component comprises an electrolyzing cell;   b. connecting said electrolyzing cell to at least one power source;   whereby a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution is thereby produced.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said cell comprises three chambers and electrolyte is supplied in the center chamber. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said quantity of electrolyte is sized to last for the pre-determined duration. 
     
     
         22 . A method of chemically producing a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution, said method comprising:
 a. providing an apparatus comprising at least one modular component, wherein said modular component comprises a sachet comprising the chemical precursors required to generate said solution;   b. providing an initiating agent;   c. contacting said chemical precursors with said initiating agent to generate a gas;   d. contacting the gas with water to generate said solution.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said quantity of chemical precursor is sized to last for the pre-determined duration. 
     
     
         24 . A method of producing a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution using a chemical concentrate, said method comprising:
 a. providing an apparatus comprising at least one modular component, wherein said modular component comprises a chemical concentrate;   b. diluting said chemical concentrate with water to generate a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution of desired concentration.