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A water ionizer is an appliance that filters and ionizes water.
How It Works
The Electrolysis device electrolyses the water. This takes place in the electrolysis chamber, which is divided into two compartments by a diaphragm or membrane. One side has positive electrodes (anode) and the other has negative electrodes (cathode). It produces two flows one with a high ORP (at the anode) and the other with a low ORP (at the cathode), it also re-arranges the minerals in the water, according to their electrical charge.
Originally when experiments in Japan began to indicate potential health benefits of reduced water, the original explanations went to the notion of alkalinity, because it was the most obvious property of the cathodic outflow. This theory was advanced among others by Dr. Hidemitsu Hayashi, a cardiologist at Kiowa Hospital. Later, research began to focus on the potential antioxidant properties of the water (Prof. Sanetake Sirahata, of Kyushu University), in collaboration with Dr. Hayashi and others (see also Hydrogen Rich Water Saves Mankind by H. Hayashi M.D. & M. Kawamura M.D., October 1999, Tokyo).
Simultaneously, what happens with the mineral load of the water, is as follows: when the filtered water enters the electrolysis chamber, the negative electrodes attract the positive alkaline minerals to their compartment; while the positive electrodes attract the negative acid minerals to theirs. So one side has only alkaline minerals and the other only acid, at which point alkaline water flows out from the Ionizer’s top outlet, and acid water from the bottom. In the
past it was thought that the alkaline water contains the minerals essential to our health – calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and silicon.
It was thought that the health benefits flowed from the fact that this water was therefore highly beneficial in neutralizing body acids. Modern understanding focuses however on the antioxidant potential of the reduced water. Acid water on the other hand can be used in place of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, e.g. for washing vegetables. It has a shortage of electrons giving it the ability to oxidize and sterilize. It also seems to contain hypochlorous acid, resulting from the oxidation of the chlorine present in the source water, and thus is equally effective for sterilization as water to which a certain proportion of Clorox has been added. You can use a simple pH test kit to assess the alkalinity or acidity of the water. Most Ionizers include this. You can also test alkaline water's oxidation reduction potential, with an ORP meter.
Criticisms
A common manufacturer's claim is that in non-ionized water, water molecules form tightly bound clusters, and that ionizing water breaks up those clusters. Manufacturers claim that ionized water is more readily absorbed by the body than ordinary water, and that minerals in ionized water are more readily available to the body. There is an element of truth to the first part; water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonding, and (especially in the presence
of cations) can form clusters .Critics argue that water ionizers have no permanent effect on water. Water spontaneously self-ionizes to 10-14 M under normal conditions. If the concentration of these ions is increased (hydroxide and hydronium), then they will react with each other to restore the original concentration. The reaction is very rapid (strong acids and strong bases completely react with each other in seconds, so hydronium hydroxide (or ionized water) should have a half life measured in fractions of a second (or, at best, a few seconds). If the water is removed from normal conditions (e.g. heated) the concentrations may be increased slightly, but not very much, and are reversed when the water is returned to standard conditions. Therefore, water ionizers cannot increase the concentrations of these ions for a significant time, without the addition of oppositely-charged ions, to produce an electrostatically neutral solution. The above criticism is based on a misunderstanding of the process of ionization. because electrolysis facilitates a split of molecules into separate HO and OH- (Hydroxyl) streams, the 'instantaneous reversion' mentioned above is not correct. reversion to H2) can be easily measured using an Oxidatioon Reduction Meter (ORP) and this demonstrates
a slow reversion as Hydroxyl Ions begin to reassociate with atmospheric H2O A link is often made between consumption of non-ionized water and a medical condition known as chronic cellular dehydration. Another claim is that ionized water is an antioxidant. Support from Medical Doctors about Safety The most serious research in the field is from Prof. Sirahata of Japan of Kyushu University (c.f. Electrolyzed-reduced water scavenges active oxygen species, and protects DNA against oxydative damage, in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (BBRC) 237/4.1997). Shirahata's research demonstrates that redox potential of the water does have a value as an antioxidant.
Electrolysis of water
Electrolysis of water is an electrolytic process which decomposes water into oxygen and hydrogen gas due to the flow of electric current. A DC voltage source, such as a battery, is commonly used to induce the flow of electrical current. The voltage of the battery creates a current in the water that is equal to the voltage of the battery divided by the resistance of the water, as per Ohm's law. For water to conduct a substantial electric current, an electrolyte is required to reduce resistance. An electrolysis cell can consist of an electrode or parallel plate design. The former utilizes two or more electrodes, (usually an inert metal such as platinum), submerged in water with electrolyte. The latter utilizes two or more plates, also usually an inert metal, with water situated between them, also with an electrolyte added. The electric current disassociates water molecules into hydroxide (OH−) and hydrogen (H+) ions. In the electrolytic cell, at the cathode (negatively charged electrode), hydrogen ions accept electrons in a reduction reaction that forms hydrogen gas: Cathode (reduction): 2H2O(l) + 2e− → H2(g) + 2OH−(aq) At the anode (positively charged electrode), hydroxide ions undergo an oxidation reaction and give up electrons to the anode to complete the circuit and form oxygen gas: Anode (oxidation):
2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e− hence decomposing water into oxygen and hydrogen; Overall reaction: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g) The number of hydrogen molecules produced is therefore twice the amount of oxygen molecules. Assuming equal temperature and pressure for both gases, the hydrogen gas has twice the quantity of moles as oxygen.
Spontaneity of the process
Decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen at standard temperature and pressure is not favorable in thermodynamical terms, as half of the reaction's standard potential are negative values... ... On the other hand, Gibbs free energy for the process at standard conditions is a higher positive value, about . Those considerations makes the process "impossible" to occur without adding electrolytes in the solution.
Electrolyte selection Main article:
Electrolyte As pure water conducts electricity very poorly, a water-soluble electrolyte must be added to establish substantial conductivity. The electrolyte dissolves and disassociates into cations and anions (positive and negative ions) that carry the current. Electrolytes are normally acids, bases, or salts. Care must be taken in choosing an electrolyte, since an anion from the electrolyte is in competition with the hydroxide ions to give up an electron. An electrolyte anion with less standard electrode potential than hydroxide will be oxidized instead of the hydroxide, and no oxygen gas will be produced. A cation with a greater standard electrode potential than a hydrogen ion will be reduced in its stead, and no hydrogen gas will be produced. The following cations have lower electrode potential than H+ and are therefore suitable for use as electrolyte cations: Li+, Rb+, K+, Cs+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, Na+, and Mg2+. Sodium and lithium are frequently used, as they form inexpensive, soluble salts. If an acid is used as the electrolyte,the cation is H+, and there is no competitor for the H+ created by disassociating water.
The most commonly used anion is SO42-, as it is very difficult to oxidize. Standard potential for oxidation of this ion to the peroxydisulfate ion is −0.22 volts. Frequently used electrolytes: Strong acids such as Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), and strong bases such as Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) are frequently used as electrolytes. Techniques Fundamental Application Two leads, running from the terminals of a battery, are placed in a cup of water with a quantity of electrolyte added to establish conductivity. Hydrogen and Oxygen gases will stream from the oppositely charged electrode. Oxygen will collect at the anode and hydrogen will collect at the cathode. Hofmann voltameter Main article: Hofmann voltameter The Hofmann voltameter is often used as a small-scale electrolytic cell. It consists of three joined upright cylinders. The inner cylinder is open at the top to allow the addition of water and the electrolyte. A platinum electrode is placed at the bottom of each of the two side cylinders, connected to the positive and negative terminals of a source of electricity. When current is run through the hofmann voltameter, gaseous oxygen forms at the anode and gaseous hydrogen at the cathode. Each gas displaces water and collects at the top of the two outer tubes, where it can be drawn off with a stopcock. Industrial electrolysis Many industrial electrolysis cells are very similar to Hofmann voltameters, with complex platinum plates or honeycombs as electrodes. Hydrogen gas is usually created and collected on site for use in other chemical processes, although in case of refineries it then makes more sense to produce it from natural gas. It can also be produced as a by-product, for example
in brine electrolysis. Electrolysis could be used in a hydrogen economy to produce hydrogen from e.g. solar power. Electrolysis in nature Plants electrolyze water in the process of photosynthesis utilizing a naturally occurring catalyst. 2 H2O + 2 NADP+ + 2 ADP + 2 Pi + light → 2 NADPH + 2 H+ + 2 ATP + O2 High-temperature electrolysis Main article: High-temperature electrolysis High-temperature electrolysis (also HTE or steam electrolysis) is a method currently being investigated for water electrolysis with a heat engine. High temperature electrolysis is more efficient than traditional room-temperature electrolysis because some of the energy is supplied as heat, which is cheaper than electricity, and because the electrolysis reaction is more efficient at higher temperatures. Applications About four percent of hydrogen gas produced worldwide is created by electrolysis, and normally used onsite. Hydrogen is used for the creation of ammonia for fertilizer via the Haber process, and converting heavy petroleum sources to lighter fractions via hydrocracking. There is some speculation about future development of hydrogen as an energy carrier, although the rapid evolution of electric battery technology makes overall efficiency a major consideration. Hydrogen fuel injection is also a potentially viable application. [citation needed] Efficiency The energy efficiency of water electrolysis varies widely. Some report 50–70%, while others report 80–94%.These values refer only to the efficiency of converting electrical energy into hydrogen's chemical energy. The energy lost in generating the electricity is not included. For instance, when considering a power plant that converts the heat of nuclear reactions into hydrogen via electrolysis, the total efficiency may be closer to 25–45%.
The History of Water Ionizers
Alkaline water is made by a water ionizer by electrically splitting filtered tap water into alkaline water and acid water. This ionizer was first developed in Japan in the early 1950’s, and the experiments were first conducted on plants and animals. Full scale development started in 1954 by several Japanese agricultural universities on the effects of ionized water, especially acid water, on plants. Today, nursery farmers that supply cut flowers use acid water to keep flowers fresh longer before delivery to the flower shops. Experiments on the human body took much longer because of the difficulties in maintaining the constancy of the experiments by the medical doctors in Japan, valuable data has been collected and it was concluded that alkaline water made by the water ionizer was non-toxic and alleviated many symptoms of adult diseases. The first commercial water ionizers were available in Japan in 1958. Until then, the only water ionizer available was large units used in hospitals. In 1960, a group of medical doctors and agricultural doctors in Japan formed a special medical and agricultural research institute, and they have annual meetings to report their findings. Finally, on January 15th, 1966, this type of water ionizer was approved as a health improvement medical device by the Health and Rehabilitation Ministry of the Japanese Government. Japanese-made water ionizers were first introduced to Korea in the 70’s, and today they are also approved as medical devices by the government of South Korea. Korean-made household unit water ionizers were introduced in the United States in 1985 and a toxicity test was conducted by an independent testing lab in LA on April 14, 1986. The professional research in Taiwan have been continuing for more than 30 years and improving the water ionizer's manufacturing skill as well as the high performance of electrolysis. Taiwanese computer teniques is leading in the world as well as the new system for water ionizer. Taiwanese products has introduced in North America and Asia in 2003, also been recognized by most advance device in markets. The world largest electrolysis chamber counter top model performs professional requirement. The test found no toxicity in the alkaline water generated by the water ionizer. This testing was done according to FDA specified methods. Sang Whang, Reverse Aging (Miami: Florida, JSP Publishing, 2005), 73.
Why Alkaline Water
There is a growing body of research which indicates that ionized alkaline water is the most superior drinking water available. Ionized alkaline water is electronically enhanced water that has been run over positive and negative electrodes and become ionized, which then is separated into alkaline and acidic water. Many researchers believe that an acidic environment is a haven for disease and that our bodies need to be able to eliminate or buffer these acidic conditions through the electrolysis process, concentrating available alkaline minerals in the source water to aid the buffering systems in the body. Proponents of ionized alkaline water believe that, through electrolysis, large tap mineral clusters are reduced from their original size and that the smaller cluster sizes achieved through this process foster better cell permeation, giving the water excellent hydrating properties. Alkalinity in drinking water as seen by many as a key component in neutralizing acidity caused by diet, stress, physical activity, toxins and other sources.
THE WATER IONIZER & ALKALINE WATER ADVANTAGE (E-power Water Ionizer)
(1) Why not boiled water : Boiled water is "dead" water. Boiling "destroys" oxygen and nutritional minerals in the water. It will not take away the impurities, odor, heavy metals and chlorine. Boiled water tastes flat and makes water acidic too !
(2) Why not bottled water : Quality of bottled water is not always consistent depending on the source. Besides the high costs that accompany the products, it is not very convenient as one has to go out of his own home to purchase bottled water. Good quality water must be in contact with oxygen in the air because it has continuous molecular movements. Bottled water has no fresh activation and destroys oxygen and mineral ions.
(3) Why not bottled water dispensers : Many companies(or heavy users) provide their employees with drinking water from suppliers of bottled water which provide dispensers for as long as they order a minimum quantity of 5-gallon bottled water every week. Unknown to most of them, these dispensers have no mechanism to control bacteria, thus making the drinking water susceptible to bacterial growth. Besides this probable contamination, heavy users of this type of water would need storage space for bulk bottles(with the accompanying difficulty of having to carry or lift these bottles into place) and would need to wait for their regular supply which is usually delayed during summer months. With bottled water dispensers, you do not own the unit and the costs per liter can be very expensive in the long run.
(4) Why not distilled water : Distilled water is water that has essentially all of the dissolved substances within it removed by evaporating it and condensing it back to liquid form. Since 99 percent of all dissolved matter in water is minerals, distilled water is essentially water that has had all of its minerals removed. Water in its natural state always contains minerals and distilled water becomes "aggressive" because de-mineralized water is an unnatural condition. Distilled water then tries to correct this situation by combining wit any other substances it comes in contact with, particularly the container which holds it. As no container is completely "inert"(or chemically inactive), distilled water will combine with whatever the container is made of and absorb it. Good quality water should be fresh, with dissolved minerals, nutrients and oxygen. Tests confirmed that plants and fish do not grow well with distilled or boiled water as they need activated minerals and oxygen to grow. Distilled water is also acidic and tastes flat, the same water intended for your car batteries.
(5) Why not reverse osmosis water(R/O) : In the reverse osmosis water treatment, a thin synthetic membrane is used, with pores large enough to pass water molecules but too small to pass larger molecules. Water pressure forces water molecules to pass through the membrane but leaves the larger molecules of pollutants behind. This process is not only tedious(it takes several hours to produce one gallon) but also wasteful as between 3-10gallons of tap water are needed to produce one gallon of purified water(with the remainder drained away). R/O also removes whole minerals necessary for health.
Product Disclaimer-The statements regarding this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Department of Health Services. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not meant as a substitute for, or alternative to, information from health care practitioners. If you are taking any medication or are under treatment for any disease, please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using this product.
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