Over the past decade we have taken it upon ourselves to disrupt the commercial cleaning and sanitising marketplace with our water electrolysis hygiene systems. Using simply clean technology, our customers are able to remove packaged chemicals from their operations and produce on demand, high performance cleaning and sanitiser solutions.
As a new technology to a lot of people, we spend a lot of time out and about sharing our knowledge with customers to ensure they have the support they need to get the most from their systems. Through this process we have developed a long list of frequently asked questions that we hear all the time.
Over the coming months we will be building out a dedicated digital platform to enable us to better share all of this information along with customer stories and enable self-support. Look out for updates on this as we bring it to life. In the meantime, we thought it would be worthwhile to share a series of our VFAQS (very frequently asked questions – if there is such a thing!)
The Technology
How is eWater produced?
Electrolyzed water is created by a remarkably simple process known as electrolysis. This fairly simple chemistry has been used for decades in saltwater pools.
Tap water is passed into two chambers, one with a positive electrical charge, the other with a negative charge. Then pure sea salt as a brine solution is introduced to a chamber containing two electrodes. Applying an electrical charge to each electrode induces chloride ions to be attracted to the positive charge and converts them to HOCl (hypochlorous acid pH 2.77). Sodium ions are attracted to the negative charge converting them into NaOH (sodium hydroxide pH 11.20).
The hypochlorous acid is a powerful sanitizer; the sodium hydroxide is a grease cutter and detergent.
Is this new technology?
No, this technology is not new. It was actually invented by British scientist Michael Faraday in 1800’s. It has been used in various forms over the years, however it is relatively new in the Australian market.
What sort of customers does eWater Systems have?
We have installed hundreds of systems over the past decade in diverse locations such as hospitals, aged care homes, schools and TAFE colleges, restaurants, stadiums – even Parliament House in Canberra.
Output Validation
Have any verification studies of this technology and its effectiveness to clean and sanitise been undertaken by independent bodies?
There is an extensive body of research by academics, microbiologists and other scientific experts showing electrolysed water to be a highly effective antimicrobial.
eWater Sanitiser is proven to significantly lower the presence of all common pathogens such as E.Coli, Listeria, Salmonella and Staphylococcus.
How does the eWater cleaning solution work?
The cleaning solution is an alkaline water with a pH of 11.3 and it is natural and safe.
The cleaning solution breaks down oils, proteins and harmful biofilms. The alkaline stream is a solution of sodium hydroxide or NaOH. Sodium hydroxide is a cleaner principally known for and used for its grease cutting ability. It is a basic element in many soaps and detergents.
System Operations
How do I verify the effectiveness of my eWater System and the sanitising solution?
Testing of the eWater System solution should be undertaken each day. Test strips are provided with the installation of the unit and designated employees should be trained to ensure a clear and accurate daily testing procedure is maintained. eWater Systems provides training programs to support our customers and their employees have the know how to setup a proper testing and reporting procedure.
Both the p H level and the chlorine ppm should be tested. eWater Systems advise the following Critical Limits to ensure effectiveness of the sanitising solution.
Chlorine which should read between 20 - 50 milligrams per litre
Sanitising solution pH 2-5
Cleaning solution pH 10 or more
Does the process use more or less water than the alternatives?
In the majority of situations it is likely that less water is required using electrolyzed water than chemical alternatives. In part this is because significantly less rinsing of surfaces, fresh produce, equipment and products is required than those that have had chemicals applied.
Application Questions
Can the eWater System be used as a food wash to sanitise the surface of foods?
Yes, the eWater solution can be used as a safe non toxic and highly effective food wash sanitiser.
Is there a minimum contact time recommended to ensure the level of micro organisms are reduced to a safe level?
Yes. While recent research suggests contact times of 10 seconds are sufficient, eWater Systems recommends a minimum contact time of 30 seconds on a cleaned surface (considerably faster than conventional sanitisers).
What chemical does the eWater System not replace?
eWater Systems can replace most cleaning and all sanitising chemicals. However it will not replace laundry powder, solvents or abrasive cleaners.