What Does
Anolyte Mean?
Anolyte is the electrolyte on the anode side of an electrochemical cell that is divided into compartments. Anolyte is commercially available as neutral electrolyzed water (NEW). It is a natural disinfectant liquid solution that has been proven more effective than bleach against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, mycobacterium, viruses, etc.
Anolyte is selective, targeting bacteria responsible for microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) and slime, while posing no threat to humans.
Corrosionpedia Explains Anolyte
Anolyte is the part of the electrolyte at or near the anode that is changed in composition by the reactions at the anode. Primary components of anolyte include:
- Hypochlorous acid (HClO)
- Hyprochlorite ion (ClO–)
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Chlorine (Cl2)
- Oxygen (O2)
Anolyte is used to disinfect or sterilize where pH is unimportant and corrosion is not an issue. It is a powerful disinfectant against all microorganisms, even when diluted in water or sprayed in the air.
Anolyte can be neutral. Neutral anolytes have a pH of 5.0 to 8.5 and redox of 700 to 900. Neutral anolyte is used where pH is important or possible evaporation of active chlorine cannot be avoided. Neutral anolyte is very effective against bacteria and viruses and is mostly used to disinfect swimming pools, drinking water or other water sources. Neutral anolyte is also widely used to disinfect objects such as floors, rooms, walls, tools, food, etc.
Water used for the fracturing of oil and gas wells can be treated with anolyte solutions to manage bacteria, protecting fracturing fluids and gels, and ensuring polymer and improved performance. Anolyte solutions remove scale and slime buildup from pipes, and cooling water systems can be kept free of biomass, improving heat exchange values and eliminating corrosion-caused microbial induced corrosion. Use of anolyte along with catholyte on oil rigs results in recovering more oil using low-cost and environmentally friendly ingredients.