Water quality and food safety are issues that increasingly attract the attention of public health authorities and engage the energies of microbiologists, engineers, and epidemiologists. While water is an essential element for sustaining life on earth, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) fifty percent of the worldwide infant mortality is caused by waterborne bacterial diseases and an estimated 30,000 people die daily drinking contaminated water. Food Safety has come to the forefront as a result of the recent deaths in the US and in Japan which were attributed to the consumption of Escherichia coli (E.coli) contaminated food. Recognizing that the population growth will increase pressure on these important issues, Monsanto has been searching for and developing more sustainable technologies to raise the standard of living of the growing world. Monsanto has recently acquired exclusive rights in the food processing, agriculture, and drinking water markets for an advanced and innovative water technology known as Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA). This technology has revolutionized the world of water purification, disinfection, and sterilization in Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).
This scientific breakthrough uses classical principles of Electro-chemistry and the highly efficient Flow-through Electrolytic Module (FEM) reactor designed by Dr. Vitold Bakhir and Yuri G. Zadorozhny of the All-Russian Institute for Medical Engineering. The FEM unit is state of the art with respect to producing dilute, metastable mixed radical solutions. It is currently used in the Soviet MIR space station program. The cylindrical shaped anode and cathode, constructed in titanium and rare metals, are separated with a ceramic ionic membrane. Water, with its natural or added salts, flows on both sides of the membrane and is exposed to an electric field which modifies the structure of the solution causing the disequilibrious state responsible for the elevated chemical and catalytic activity of the emerging streams. These streams are called anolyte and catholyte in accordance with the electrode(anode or cathode) at which they were synthesized.
The anolyte has powerful bactericidal characteristics and is effective in the control of harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, cysts, and germs. Research in Russia has shown that anolyte is 200 to 300 times more efficient than any existing safe alternative and yet it is very gentle to human and animal life. Because of its powerful bacterial killing effect and low toxicity to humans, many hospitals in Russia and the CIS use this sterilizing process to destroy infection causing bacteria.
The catholyte is a powerful alkaline solution used for treating industrial effluent like the ones from Electro-plating, photographic, and/or textile plants. Catholyte has powerful properties for flocculation, coagulation, bionutrient transfer, cleaning purposes, and neutralizing the toxicity of heavy metals.
The special design of the FEM is used to synthesize water with very low concentrations of natural minerals and salts and to generate powerful mixed oxidant solutions without requiring the use of concentrated chlorine oxidants or leaving harmful end-or by-products. Water contaminated with pathogens, toxic organics and metals may be passed through a system of FEM units to produce drinkable water. Alternatively the FEM unit may be used to produce the two highly efficient activated solutions (anolyte & catholyte) from tap water and/or dilute inorganic salts. The substances being used and created by the FEM reactor are completely familiar to the human body. These solutions may be used straight or be diluted in water as a sterilizant or disinfectant. This technology is a positive step towards providing safe food and water in a more sustainable fashion.
For more information please contact principal distributor of Turkey , Oguz Bahadir Porsuk oguz@kaptan.net
ECA Technology
Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) technology is an environmentally safe
scientific process aimed at satisfying customers’ needs by means of ECT’s
patented electrochemical equipment and processes.
Electrochemical Activation is the process of passing a diluted saline solution
(0.001 – 1.0%) or ordinary water through a FEM (Flow-through Electrolytic Module)
in order to generate (by electrochemical energy conversion) environmentally
friendly, highly active solutions of anolyte and /or catholyte.
Anolyte is a strong oxidizing solution with a pH range of 3.5 – 8.5 and an
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) of +600 to +1200mV. The most common
application of anolyte is as a biocidal agent.
Anolyte (ECASOL) advantages:
• It is highly sporocidal (unlike most decontaminants)
• It kills microorganisms in extremely short contact time
• Active ingredients at applied concentrations do not bleach surfaces or
materials
• Solutions can be applied at multiple purposes and in different forms such as
liquid, ice, fog
• It is nontoxic and its residual by-products also are nontoxic
• It reverts over time to its original state, a weak saline solution
• Its byproducts are environmentally friendly and do not leave synthetic
chemical residue
• As an on-site generated solution, it eliminates inventory, storage,
transportation, and numerous regulatory and safety problems associated with
traditional chemicals in commercial use today
Catholyte is an anti-oxidizing, mild alkaline solution with a pH range of 10.5
to 12.0 and ORP of –600 to –900 mV. The most common application for catholyte is
as a mild cleaning, detergent and degreasing agent.
Water purification, conditioning and properties enhancement is accomplished by
passing water, without the addition of salt, through a device containing at
least one FEM element.
The main differences between ECA and other commonly used electrochemical and
chemical processes such as the generation of chlorine gas and sodium
hypochlorite are ECA’s:
Low mineralization (0.5 – 5.0 g/l) of the aqua solutions used in the ECA process
• Unipolarity of the electrochemical treatment in time and/or space
• Shortened activation process (0.3 – 10.0 seconds)
• Low energy consumption (0.05 – 5.0 Wxh/l)
• Precise ability to control the physical-chemical properties of generated
solutions.
ECA History
Work in the field of modern-day electro-chemical activation (ECA) began in 1972
with the commencement of research conducted by Vitold M. Bakhir (ECT’s chairman)
for the Soviet Ministry of Gas at the Middle Asia Scientific & Research
Institute of the Gas Industry (SREDAZNIIGAS) in the oil and gas fields of
Tashkent. For the next 17 years (1972-1989), Bakhir and Zadorozhy continued to
design and improve devices for the electrochemical treatment of drilling fluids
and for the electrochemical activation of water.
1972-1974 was the period during which ECA research and development began
commencing with the use of industrial size plate electrodes (electrolytic cells)
for the treatment of large volumes of highly mineralized (10-20g/l) deposit
water and drilling mud. Work progressed from the use of flat steel electrodes to
the development of cylindrical coaxial electrodes combined with diaphragms of
different compositions for the anode and cathode treatment of water.
1974-1984 was the period during which the flow through electrolytic cells with
coaxial placed electrodes and diaphragms were designed and produced. The scope
of potential applications was increased due to the possibility of treating
solutions with a wider range of mineralization (from 3-4g/l up to 10-20 g/l).
During this period, under the scientific supervision of Bakhir, experts and
scientists in various state organizations, establishments and enterprises
undertook studies involving industrial and agricultural sectors such as
petrochemicals, poultry-farming, the manufacture of printed circuit boards and
metalization of dielectrics, food and livestock, veterinary, sea food, and water
treatment. The first ECA devices, consisting of large industrial size plate
reactors, were designed by Professor Bakhir and ECA director Yuri Zadarozhny and,
in 1978, produced in a Mingazprom plant in Uzbekistan for use in
electrochemically regulating the properties of drilling mud and water in the
technological processes of oil and gas production.
1984-1989 saw the development of small foot print electrochemical devices
incorporating an electrical reactor consisting of a coaxial placed anode and a
diaphragm in a cathode monoblock. The spectrum of applications was increased due
to the possibility of treating deionized or distilled water, especially for the
electronic industry.
When, in 1985, Bakhir’s PhD thesis was registered with the Supreme Attestation
Commission of the USSR, the Commission indicated that Dr. Bakhir was the author
of a new scientific and technical branch called electro-chemical activation (ECA).
From 1985-1987, Dr. Bakhir and Zadorozhny continued their work in the field of
ECA at the plant “Vostok” operated by the Department of Defense in Tashkent, the
plant that began manufacturing the next generation ECA device. For technical
reasons the earliest versions of ECA devices were not capable of widespread
practical commercial operations.
By the time Dr. Bakhir moved to Moscow in 1987 to join the staff of the Russian
Research and Scientific Institute for Medical Engineering (the Institute), an
affiliate of the Ministry of Health, he had already received over 300 author’s
certificates (at the time, Russia did not have a patent law and did not grant
patents) covering inventions in the field of ECA, and the applied aspects of its
use, and had authored or co-authored hundreds of ECA related articles and
research papers, published in scientific and popular journals.
In 1988, Dr. Bakhir turned his attention to the need for an ECA device capable
of widespread practical commercial use and began working on the FEM-1. The first
official FEM documents were registered with the Russian authorities in 1989.
With the help of Zadorozhny, who was employed by a private company in Tashkent,
work on the FEM-1 was completed in 1991. Although, in 1991, Bakhir published a
Manual for the FEM-1, design flaws prevented the FEM-1from being placed in
commercial production and was soon superceded by the FEM-2. The FEM-2 was
originally patented in Russia in 1992 naming as inventors Bakhir and Zadorozhny.
(The Patent Law of the Russian Federation was adopted on September 23, 1992 and
became effective on October 14, 1992.) The development of the FEM element was
based on the design of the modular electrolytic reactor.
Within a short period of time, ECA devices produced at the Institute by NPO
EKRAN, an Institute sponsored joint venture company, and the Laboratory of
Electrotechnology (LET), which concentrated on producing FEMs and prototype ECA
devices, occupied a leading position in the Russian market. NPO EKRAN and LET
entered into distributorship and license agreements with a series of companies
to produce and market Emerald and STEL type devices ECA devices within the
Russian Federation for designated applications, such as medical, health care,
agricultural, meat safety, veterinary, food processing, and water disinfection
and purification. The rights of these companies to manufacture, market, sell and/or
distribute ECA products were restricted to countries located within the borders
of the Russian Federation.
Continued FEM research and development efforts on the part of Bakhir and
Zadorozhny, in 1994, resulted in the invention of the FEM-3, the third
generation FEM that is manufactured exclusively by LET. The FEM-3 technology
made possible the creation of the Aquachlor device, an on-site chlorine
generator for use in municipal water systems, waste water treatment, agriculture,
cooling towers and swimming pools, and as a replacement for the chlorine gas/hypochlorite
source in any technological process.
In 1995, the year RSCECAT, USA, INC. (ECT’s predecessor) was incorporated,
the U.S. rights to the ECA technology were transferred to RSCECAT USA by Bakhir
and Zadorozhny. A separate company, ECT International owns the rights to the ECA
technology outside of the U.S. and the Russian Federation.
FEM Element
FEM elements are cylindrical-shaped cathode and anode electrodes (tubes)
constructed of titanium and/or stainless steel and rare metal coatings that are
separated by a ceramic diaphragm. They constitute universal electrolytic cells
for the treatment of diluted and/or concentrated aqueous solutions from
distilled water to saturated brine. Any number of salt compounds can be used in
place of sodium chloride. When attached to manifolds, FEMs form different
capacity (normally from 5 to 700 gallons per hour, depending on the number of
FEMs) ECA reactors that are incorporated into delivery systems (ECA devices)
containing hydraulic and electronic components. (FEM systems are modular and,
theoretically, can be expanded to produce or process more than 700 gallons per
hour).
Third generation FEMs (FEM-3s) are manufactured exclusively by LET in Moscow and
are supplied to ECT by LET. After the development of the FEM-3, LET ceased
manufacturing the FEM-2, the second generation FEM. (The prototype FEM-1 has
never been in commercial production.) The U.S. rights to the FEM-3 have been
assigned to ECT by the inventors ( Bakhir and Zadorozhny), on an exclusive basis.
FEMs are used in a variety of ECA delivery devices that are tailored to specific
applications.
ECA Systems
ECA delivery systems incorporating the basic invention called a FEM (Flow-through
Electrolytic Module) are capable of producing at room or ambient temperature
unique disinfectant and sterilant solutions possessing a wide range of physical-chemical
parameters (pH, ORP, conductivity, composition of active ingredients). When
attached to manifolds, FEMs form different capacity (normally from 5 to 700
gallons per hour, depending on the number of FEMs) ECA reactors that are
incorporated into delivery systems (ECA devices) containing hydraulic and
electronic components. ECA delivery systems are modular and can be expanded to
produce sufficient quantities of biocidal solutions to satisfy varying customer
needs.
FEM- the basic ECA invention. The FEM is the key component of every ECA delivery
system.
ECASOL Generators - a family of devices for the generation of environmentally
safe, cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting and sterilizing solutions, that permit
the regulation of pH without the use of additional chemicals, and the regulation
of chemical composition and concentration of active ingredients.
EMERALD Devices - a family of devices designed for point of use tap water
quality enhancement/treatment, especially in cities with large populations, for
the purpose of making drinking water safe from possible recontamination by all
forms of microorganisms, toxic organic compounds, and heavy metals’ ions.
AQUACHLOR Devices - a family of devices belonging to a new generation of compact,
economical, safe, durable and easy to operate electrochemical systems for the
on-site generation of gaseous biocidal products from sodium chloride solutions.
Company Overview
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd. (ECT) was established in August 1995 to
develop and commercialize ECT’s patented Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA)
technology in the U.S. market. ECA solutions under the trade name ECASOL have
broad application in many industrial areas and are highly effective against
harmful pathogens. ECASOL destroys all microorganisms such as salmonella, e-coli,
listeria and the Ames strain of the anthrax spore in extremely short contact
time. At a neutral pH, ECASOL is odorless and gentle to human tissue, and,
because of the low concentration of active ingredients, is non-corrosive on most
machine surfaces.
In the disinfection/sterilization/sanitation market, including food safety and
medical applications, the goal is to improve the effectiveness of germicidal
agents while at the same time making them safer and less toxic. Given the
public’s heightened awareness of the dangers of bacteria, ECT’s products can be
a major asset to users as they address environmental and safety issues.
A number of respected national experts in the food, agriculture, military and
medical professions have concluded that ECT’s ECA technology is a breakthrough
technology and is in a strong competitive position to replace many of the
traditional chemicals in commercial use today. ECT’s ECA processes have been
commercialized and widely used in the Russian Federation for more than ten years,
including hospitals and clinics where it has been used extensively for medical
disinfection and sterilization purposes. ECASOL has been used in aerosol form to
disinfect railroad boxcars, fermentation tanks in breweries, pipelines for
municipal water distribution, manufacturing plant ventilation systems, and to
control ambient air in a cosmetics production facility and in meat processing
plants. Commercialization in South Africa is in progress and significant trials
have been conducted in the European Union.
ECT’s technologies and intellectual properties developed in Russia over the past
decade by Professor Vitold M. Bakhir, Head of the Electrochemical Medical
Equipment Department of the Russian Scientific and Research Institute for
Medical Engineering (VNIIIMT), an affiliate of the Russian Ministry of Health.
In this period and in association with his partner, Yuri G. Zadorozhny,
Professor Bakhir has been responsible for the design and production of over
400,000 water purification devices and over 20,000 medical, agricultural and
food processing devices, which remain in service in the Russian Federation.
During this substantive development period, Prof. Bakhir formed a highly skilled
team of scientists and engineers. Two internationally recognized members of that
team came to the U.S., concurrent with the establishment of ECT and the transfer
of patent rights, know how and related skills, in order to ensure the successful
development of the U.S. market. These scientists have obtained permanent
resident status in the U.S. , are officers, directors and shareholders of ECT,
and remain the lead technicians for the U.S. operations.
The ECT management team consists of highly motivated specialists dedicated to
building a sustainable business model whose complimentary skills enable them to
adapt to changing market conditions.
ECASOL Generators
A family of devices for the generation of environmentally safe cleaning,
sanitizing, disinfecting and sterilizing solutions, permitting pH regulation
without the use of additional chemicals, and regulating chemical composition and
the concentration of active ingredients. These solutions are known as
electrochemically activated solutions (ECASOL) and can be used in the medical,
health care, agricultural, veterinary, live stock production, food processing
industries, as well as for biological and chemical decontamination, water
disinfection and cooling tower applications. For the sanitation/disinfection
application, the tailored ECA solution consists of anolyte at a neutral pH the
main ingredient of which is hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Together with the nascent
products generated by the electrolysis of diluted brine, hypochlorous acid has
powerful bactericidal properties that are effective in destroying harmful
microorganisms in an extremely short time period. The oxidant mix can be
controlled by varying the pH, power (amps), and the strength of the saline
solution—usually 3-5 grams of salt per liter of water
ECASOL usage in some cases allows the users to decrease the concentration of
active ingredients by a measure of 5 to 15 times (resulting in low toxicity and
low corrosion levels) compared to traditional chemicals at the same or higher
levels of biocidal activity. ECASOL generators are superior to other types of
electrochemical devices because they are capable of treating effectively
solutions with very low mineralization and require minimum power to operate.
Russian hospitals have extensive experience with ECASOL (Anolyte) involving all
sanitation levels (disinfecting, sterilizing and medicinal), the use of which
increases dramatically during emergency situations.
ECASOL generators can be combined with ice machines or fogging devices to
deliver ECA solutions in the form of ice or mist/fog for use in applications
such as extending the shelf life of fresh fish and decontaminating buildings,
railroad cars and fermentation tanks in breweries.
Key ECASOL technology benefits:
Production at room temperature of environmentally friendly solutions that reduce
or eliminate harmful side effects
• On-site generation of solutions with required physical-chemical parameters and
concentrations of active components
• Reduction or elimination of costs for transportation, handling and storage of
chemicals
• Reduction of maintenance costs and maintenance time in applied applications
• Ability to tailor ECA systems to specific technological processes for use in
combination with other standard systems
EMERALD Devices
A family of devices for point of use tap water treatment/quality enhancement (especially
in cities with large populations) designed to make drinking water safe from
possible recontamination by all forms of microorganisms, toxic organic compounds,
and heavy metals’ ions. Emerald devices utilize a purification process based on
the electrochemical destruction (anode oxidation) of microbial and organic
impurities, the electrocatalytic (cathode) reduction of heavy metals by their
conversion from toxic dissolved ion form into non-toxic hydroxide/carbonate
insoluble form. The process retains the level of calcium, magnesium, potassium,
and fluoride ions, required for healthy human bodies. Emerald-type devices
belong to the new generation of water purifiers which, in addition to reducing
the initial amount of pollutants to a safe level, also modify the physical-chemical
properties of water. The Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) of water purified
by Emerald devices decreases significantly, i.e. the purified water gains anti-oxidant
properties.
There are no sacrificial materials and elements in the Emerald device requiring
replacement over time compared to the other commercially available types of
water purification systems (filtration, absorption, reverse osmosis) which makes
these types of devices very economical. Emerald devices can be easily combined
with other water purification devices/technologies to satisfy special customer
needs.
The term Emerald-type device means ECA devices whose hydraulic circuits include
FEM-based reactors, as well as auxiliary components, i.e., catalytic, flotation,
retention, electro-kinetic reactors, and other units and systems specially
designed to operate jointly with FEM elements either singly or in the form of
reactors containing of from 2 to 20 FEM elements, depending on their design
capacity.
Type of treatment Type of reaction system Process description pH, Redox
variation
Anode treatment of water FEM element, reactor RFE Destruction of microorganisms,
oxidation of organic contaminations and microbial toxins, pH reduction,
ORP increase
Cations elimination by electromigration FEM element, reactor RFE Cation transfer
through diaphragm during anode treatment pH reduction,
ORP increase
Cathode treatment of water FEM element, reactor RFE Conversion of heavy metal
ions into hydroxide colloids pH increase,
ORP reduction
Anions elimination by electromigration FEM element, reactor RFE Anion transfer
through the diaphragm during cathode treatment pH increase,
ORP reduction
Heterogeneous catalytic destruction of available chlorine Catalytic reactor
Ec Catalytic destruction of available chlorine and formation of active oxygen pH
reduction,
ORP reduction
Liquid-phase oxidation of impurities in environment with catalysts as charge
carriers Retention reactor ET Oxidation of impurities by electron-acceptor
products of anode treatment in retention chamber under decreased flow rate
conditions pH reduction,
ORP reduction
Colloids micro-electro-floatation
Flotation reactor
EF Diffusion of colloids by microbubbles of nascent hydrogen
pH growth,
ORP reduction
Electro-kinetic extraction of colloid impurities Kinetic reactor
EK Accumulation of colloids through the double electric layer of charged mineral
sorbent on the heterogeneous interface pH growth,
ORP reduction
AQUACHLOR Devices
A family of devices belonging to a new generation of compact, economical (the
closest to chlorine manufacturing industrial systems in terms of salt and power
conversion rates, yet 2 to 4 times less expensive for chlorine production than
any other known on-site generators), ecologically friendly, safe, durable and
easy to operate electrochemical systems for the on-site generation of gaseous
chlorine from sodium chloride solutions. These devices can be used for the
continuous treatment of tap water (municipal water systems), wastewater
treatment, cooling tower and agricultural applications, and as a replacement for
the chlorine gas/hypochlorite source in any technological process.
Healthcare/Medical Applications
The healthcare industry is changing rapidly due to the growth of minimally
invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures, heightened public and professional
awareness and concern for the increasing number of transmittable and antibiotic-resistant
infectious diseases, the shifting of patient care from acute care hospital
settings to alternative sites, and the overall need to reduce the cost of
healthcare delivery. These trends have expanded the demand for rapid, safe, and
efficient infection prevention systems for cold temperature processing of
devices and decontamination, and for the destruction and disposal of potentially
infectious biohazardous waste.
ECT is focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing systems for microbial
reduction (including biofilm formation prevention), infection prevention, and
contamination prevention, known as ECASOL generators.
In March 2001, Radical Waters (Pty) Ltd (Radical Waters), the South African
company with which ECT is involved in a strategic alliance, and ECT have entered
into an exclusive license agreement in the field of dentistry by the terms of
which Dentsply International, the largest professional dental products company
in the world is planning to develop, market and distribute an ECA device for the
elimination of biofilm.
Water Treatment
The scope of ECA’s water treatment applications are focused on three areas:
• ECA solutions for industrial applications
• ECA devices for water pH and ORP regulation
• Emerald process
ECA solutions for industrial applications
The most common water treatment application for ECA devices is the generation of
activated solutions from diluted sodium chloride brine (0.5 – 10 grams of NaCl
per liter of H2O) for the purpose of water disinfection and control of biofilm
and scale prevention in systems with circulating water.
Advantages of ECA solutions applications for circulating water systems in
manufacturing processes and in cooling towers as well as for water disinfection
generally:
• Effective penetration ability and control of biofilm even at low
concentrations of the biocide; effective biofilm control reduces energy costs,
by reducing the bacteria growth and scale formation and increasing the energy
efficiency of the tower or production efficiency of the technological cycle in
the manufacturing process
• Ability to regulate the pH of the applied solution in the water treatment
cycle reduces/eliminates the cost of caustic or acid usage, descalers and
corrosion inhibitors
• Ability to regulate the ORP of the circulating water allows operation at
higher cycles and reduces the water intake and the cost of discharge treatment,
and also further reduces the usage of corrosion inhibitors and descalers
• On-site generation eliminates the transportation, storage, and handling of
hazardous chemicals/biocides and reduces the costs associated with safety
procedures, discharge liabilities and environmental exposure
• On-site and automated operation reduces labor costs for maintenance and
service
• Readily available raw materials (salt, water and electricity)
ECA devices for pH and ORP regulation of water and diluted aqueous solutions
In general, any technological process where water or aqueous solutions are
applied requires certain physical-chemical parameters for these liquids in order
to achieve optimal results. Buffering solutions with the aim of pH regulation,
and corrosion inhibitors/oxidizing agents with the aim of controlling the
oxidation ability of aqueous solutions, are the most common classes of chemicals
used for regulating the properties of water or aqueous solutions. ECA devices
allow users to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals and to obtain targeted
pH and ORP values in water or water based solutions by processing them through
FEMs.
Emerald Process
The Emerald Process is a technological process designed for point of use tap
water quality enhancement/treatment (especially in cities with large populations)
by making the water safe from possible recontamination by all forms of
microorganisms, toxic organic compounds, heavy metals’ ions, and nitrites. Water
purified by the Emerald Process retains the level of ions of calcium, magnesium,
potassium, and fluoride, required for healthy human bodies and is valuable as an
antioxidant due to its low oxidation-reduction potential.
The Emerald water treatment method is based on the processing of water through
the ECT’s basic invention known as a Flow-through Electrolytic Module (insert
FEM-3 – link to the FEM page). This new water treatment technology includes
several stages separated in time and space: anode oxidation and non-chemical
acidification ensuring destruction of microorganisms and oxidation of organic
compounds in extremely short time; catalytic decomposition of active chlorine
and other oxidants generated in the process of anode oxidation; cathode
reduction (neutralization) of heavy metal ions; hydrogenation of organic
impurities; reduction of anions such as nitrites and chlorides by means of
electro-migration; and non-chemical neutralization of acidified water.
Production rates vary from 20 l/hr to 250 l/hr depending on the number of FEMs
employed in each Emerald device. If necessary, the Emerald process easily can be
combined with other water treatment processes.
Disinfection/Food Safety application
Disinfection/Food Safety application
ETC’s priority is to exploit market opportunities in food processing and
distribution, with the initial focus on fruits and vegetables, fish, meat and
poultry and dairy products. In the post-September 11 world, the issues of food
safety and security are at the forefront of public consciousness. ECT’s ECA
technology is applicable for both hard surfaces disinfection/sanitation and
pathogen control on food products.
The U.S. food processing sector is a $460 billion industry annually with an
immediate critical need to reduce the risk of food poisoning from harmful
pathogens such as, salmonella, e-coli and listeria. Annual industry expenditures
for regulatory compliance are presently estimated at in excess of $500 million.
While the industry strives to meet higher standards, it must pursue cost
effective routes and methods to compliance. Another important consideration is
the ongoing war on terrorism wherein the protection of the U.S. food supply is
reportedly a high priority for the Office of Homeland Defense. Given the
strategic nature of the food supply, food processors and agricultural facilities
are more likely to consider spending money to insure safety and to prevent
sabotage by a terrorist group.
Advantages of ECASOL:
• High bactericidal activity/short treatment time
• Potential cost savings from re-cycling ECASOL and re-using processing water
• Lack of microbial resistance due to ECASOL’s mix-oxidants content
• Low cost, on-site generation
• Multi-purpose application for wholesalers and retailers/restaurants
• Eliminates cost of storing and handling chemicals
• Safe for personnel
Regulatory
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 1998 approved the use of
ECASOL in meatpacking and processing plants as a replacement for chlorine
solutions. ECT’s ECA solutions have also been approved by the Food Safety
Inspection Service (FSIS), the inspection division of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) for use in federally inspected meat, poultry, or egg products
establishments effective August 1997. ECT’s ECA equipment must, however,
continue to meet the general standards that it be made of materials and
constructed in a manner that will facilitate thorough cleaning and cleanliness,
will not contaminate product and will not interfere with or impede inspection
procedures. Deployment of ECT systems is compliant with these guidelines.
Decontamination
ECT has identified 3 potential military uses for its ECA technology:
• Decontamination of biological and chemical agents with emphasis on personnel
decontamination
• Water disinfection and purification
• Combat medical
ECT began its DOD initiative by introducing its ECA technology to the Marines
Corps Systems Command ("MARCORSYSCOM") for use in biological and chemical
personnel decontamination and the decontamination of clothing and equipment.
Thereafter, MARCORSYSCOM contracted with Battelle Memorial Institute, a premiere
non-profit research organization to begin testing ECT’s ECA technology for the
military.
The military’s most widely used decontaminant, calcium hypochlorite (HTH), takes
30 minutes to destroy anthrax at 14 times the dosage level of ECT’s ECA
solutions (ECASOL) while causing harmful side effects when in contact with the
eyes or open wounds. After the completion of laboratory tests, a senior level
federal government official stated that ECASOL "was not just an improvement but
a breakthrough in the effectiveness of destroying anthrax and botulism
immediately on contact." ECASOL's are environmentally friendly and can be
discharged directly into existing sewage systems. Since then, Battelle and ECT
have designed jointly a prototype STEL decon device employing 108 FEM-3s to
provide anolyte solutions at a rate of 600 gallons per hour.
The field test for the 108 FEM device produced excellent results and the tests
are in the final phase, after which ECT intends to market the devices to the
military and to First Responders (police and fire departments, and emergency
medical organizations).
History & Timeline
Work in the field of modern-day electro-chemical activation (ECA) began in 1972
with the commencement of research conducted by Vitold M. Bakhir (ECT’s chairman)
for the Soviet Ministry of Gas at the Middle Asia Scientific & Research
Institute of the Gas Industry (SREDAZNIIGAS) in the oil and gas fields of
Tashkent. For the next 17 years (1972-1989), Bakhir and Zadorozhy continued to
design and improve devices for the electrochemical treatment of drilling fluids
and for the electrochemical activation of water.
1972-1974 was the period during which ECA research and development began.
1974-1984 were the years during which the flow through electrolytic cells with
coaxial placed electrodes and diaphragms were designed and produced.
1984-1989 saw the development of small foot print electrochemical devices
incorporating an electrical reactor. Dr. Bakhir moved to Moscow in 1987 to join
the stuff of the Russian Research and Scientific Institute for Medical
Engineering. In1988, Dr. Bakhir turned his attention to the need for an ECA
device capable of widespread practical commercial use and began working on the
FEM-1. The first official FEM documents were registered with the Russian
authorities in 1989. Work on the FEM-1 was completed in 1991.
In 1991, Bakhir published a Manual for the FEM-1, however, design flaws
prevented the FEM-1 from being placed in commercial production and was soon
superceded by the FEM-2.
Continued FEM research and development efforts on the part of Bakhir and
Zadorozhny, in 1994, resulted in the invention of the FEM-3, the third
generation FEM that is manufactured exclusively by LET.
In 1995, the year RSCECAT, USA, INC. (ECT’s predecessor) was incorporated, the
U.S. rights to the ECA technology were transferred to RSCECAT USA by Bakhir and
Zadorozhny.
(BUSINESS WIRE)
Las Vegas, Nevada – December 5th, 2001
Independent Third-Party Testimony Before U.S. Senate Confirms that Electro-Chemical
Technologies’ Decontamination Technology is a Highly Effective Anthrax Killer,
which is Harmless to Humans.
On December 4th, 2001, a representative from the United States Marine Corps
testified before the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public
Works, confirming that the decontamination technology developed by Nevada-based
Electro-Chemical Technologies, Ltd., (Pink Sheets ELCH) produces a highly
effective biocidal agent which is not only a highly effective anthrax killer,
but also harmless to human beings.
Mike Grosser, Technical Director and Program Manager for the U.S. Marine Corps’
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Systems in Quantico, Virginia,
explained that the decontaminant known as ECASOL is produced by the electro-chemical
activation technology developed by ELCH. ECASOL is produced on site and on
demand, and an ECASOL generator requires only salt, water, and power to produce
the decontaminant.
The ECASOL generator (delivery device) designed jointly by Electro-Chemical
Technologies and Battelle Memorial Institute for the Marine Corps can produce up
to 600 gallons of ECASOL per hour.
Grosser told Senators that the Marine Corps has been testing ECASOL for use in
the decontamination of people since 1998. Grosser confirmed that the Marine
Corps has been working with Electro-Chemical Technologies in Las Vegas, Nevada,
and the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, to determine ECASOL’s
effectiveness. When asked by Environment Committee Chairman Senator Jeffords why
the Marine Corps thought ECASOL might be used to decontaminate buildings exposed
to anthrax, Grosser testified that ECASOL is a highly effective anthrax killer.
In response to questions about ECASOL’s effect on the environment, Grosser
confirmed that ECASOL is the most environmentally friendly decontaminant tested
by the Marine Corps, and that ECASOL is harmless to human beings.
Electro-Chemical Technologies’ President and CEO, John Henry Brebbia, also
submitted testimony to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for its
December 4th hearing, confirming that the company will make its technology
available for additional testing by the Environmental Protection Agency to
determine which delivery system would make ECASOL most effective in
decontaminating buildings as well as human beings.
Additionally, Mr. Brebbia discussed ECASOL more extensively in a CNBC interview
unrelated to his Senate testimony which is scheduled to air on CNBC on Sunday,
December 9th, at 11:00 a.m. EST/PST.
Safe Harbor Statement: The statements in this press release, which are not
historical facts, are forward looking statements. Such statements involve risks
and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, costs, delays, and any other
difficulties related in bringing the technology to market, effectiveness of
ECASOL, results of Marine Corps testing, the use of ECASOL to decontaminate
buildings, use of the technology by the EPA, risks and effects of legal and
administrative proceedings and governmental regulations, future financial and
operational results, competition, general economic conditions, and the ability
to manage and control growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes
may vary materially from those indicated. We undertake no obligation to revise
or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Las Vegas, Nevada - (BUSINESS WIRE)
- November 15th, 2001
Electro-Chemical Technologies confirms applicability of its technology in
submittal to House Committee on Science.
The Committee on Science has stated, “…To be useful a decontaminant must be
reactive, yet non-corrosive, safe to use on sensitive equipment like computers,
effective on a broad spectrum of chemical and biological agents, and
environmentally safe. In addition, it is preferable that such decontaminants be
convenient to use and leave surfaces and materials clean. Unfortunately, while
existing options for decontamination are effective against a wide variety of
chemical and biological agents, many are slow and labor intensive, often
damaging to equipment and other materials, difficult to use, and potentially
dangerous to the environment and to people. In addition, many are inadequate for
decontaminating large areas…”
John Henry Brebbia, President and CEO of ELCH, in his testimony, addressed the
Committee’s concerns and the applicability of ELCH’s proprietary technology.
ECASOL can meet or exceed the requirements outlined by the Committee. ECASOL is:
non-toxic; is capable of killing biological organisms, including anthrax, and
neutralize certain chemical agents on contact without harming the environment;
leaves no residue; is non-corrosive and will not damage equipment and most
machine surfaces; can be easily applied in a liquid, spray, mist or fog; and can
be made on site for decontamination of large areas.
Independent third party testing by the Defense Technology Group of Battelle
Memorial Institute, of Columbus, Ohio, and extensive field tests by the United
States Marine Corps Systems Command, and its Chemical Biological Incident
Response Force, have proven the effectiveness of ECASOL as a highly effective
biological and chemical decontaminant that is harmless to humans.
The U.S. Marine Corps concluded that ECASOL is not just an improvement, but a
breakthrough in the effectiveness of destroying anthrax and botulism immediately
on contact.
Mr. Brebbia stated, “We are actively seeking to provide our proven technology to
be used in the effort to decontaminate Congressional buildings, post offices and
other civilian buildings that have been so maliciously attacked
Feature Articles
Testimony of John Henry Brebbia, President and CEO of Electro-Chemical
Technologies, Ltd., submitted to the House Committee on Science Hearing on
Anthrax Decontamination Thursday, November 8, 2001.
Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Committee, I am John Henry Brebbia,
President and CEO of Electro-Chemical Technologies, Ltd. I am very pleased to
have this opportunity to submit testimony to you about technologies available
for the decontamination of buildings that have been exposed to anthrax, and also
to have this opportunity to help the Committee explore options for
decontaminating Congressional buildings, post offices, and other civilian
buildings.
As you are aware, the recent bio-terrorism attacks against the citizens of the
United States have caught many off guard. Building after building has been
closed because of contamination by anthrax. Anthrax exposure to humans can
result in potentially deadly infection, and it is therefore essential that any
building exposed to anthrax be decontaminated in such a manner that all of the
anthrax in the building be completely destroyed. It is also essential that the
decontamination process itself does not create yet another hazardous environment,
and that the people who return to the buildings are not exposed to any toxic
residues left by the decontaminants.
Anthrax spores themselves are tough to kill. They have an outer coating which
resists destruction. The spores are small, and they are able to reside in
virtually every building crack and crevice that is not apparent to the human eye.
Because anthrax is so tough to kill, many of the decontaminants used to kill
anthrax are effective against anthrax, but are also toxic to human beings.
Striking the balance between destroying anthrax without harming human beings has
been more difficult than many have anticipated.
I believe that the Committee will be encouraged to know that there is currently
available a decontamination technology which has been proven capable of killing
anthrax on contact, without leaving a residue, and without harming human beings
or the environment. The decontaminant is called ECASOL. It is produced by
equipment developed by Electro-Chemical Technologies, and it has been proven
effective at destroying anthrax on contact by the United States Marine Corps
after two and one-half years of testing.
The details of the testing are as follows: For the last two and one-half years,
the Defense Technology Group of Battelle Memorial Institute, on behalf of the
U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command and its Chemical Biological Incident Response
Force, has been testing ECASOL solutions produced by our company’s patented
technology for use in decontaminating clothing, equipment and personnel against
exposure to biological and chemical agents. The tests confirmed that ECASOL is
capable of killing anthrax on contact without harming the environment.
In comparison, the decontaminant which had been the most widely used by the
military, high test hypochlorite (HTH), requires up to 30 minutes to kill
anthrax, and leaves behind a residue which can be toxic to humans, and must be
treated as hazardous waste.
The U.S. Marine Corps has concluded that ECASOL is not just an improvement, but
a breakthrough in the effectiveness of destroying anthrax and botulism
immediately on contact.
The Marine Corps test program has resulted in the development of a successfully
field tested ECASOL generator (device) which is capable not only of producing
over 600 gallons of ECASOL solutions per hour, but also of producing the
solutions on site and on demand. Field tests have proven that ECASOL solutions
are equally effective against all biological agents, and most chemical agents.
Field tests have also proven that ECASOL is environmentally friendly. ECASOL is
not harmful to the environment because of its low concentration of active
ingredients and its neutral pH level. Simply put, ECASOL is harmless to humans.
ECASOL has been approved by the FDA for use in meat packing and processing
plants as a replacement for chlorine. In addition, the USDA has approved ECASOL
for use in federally inspected meat, poultry, and egg product establishments
Another important advantage of ECASOL is that it may be applied to a building
area or to a person as a liquid, mist, fog, or spray in order to maximize its
efficacy. Properly administered, the fog and mist capability makes ECASOL
suitable for decontaminating hard to reach areas in buildings. After application,
ECASOL leaves no residue, and therefore eliminates the need for the post-treatment
of surfaces to which it has been applied.
ECASOL technology is capable of substantially increasing the number of people
that can be decontaminated in case of a biological or chemical attack. Therefore,
Electro-Chemical Technologies plans to make its decontaminant technology
available to both military and civilian consequence management teams, including
police departments, fire departments, and paramedics.
I thank you for the opportunity to provide you with information that I believe
relevant to your exploration of options for decontaminating Congressional
buildings, post offices, and other civilian buildings. I also look forward to
providing more information to any of the distinguished members of the Committee
who might request it.
Healthcare/Medical Applications
The healthcare industry is changing rapidly due to the growth of minimally
invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures, heightened public and professional
awareness and concern for the increasing number of transmittable and antibiotic-resistant
infectious diseases, the shifting of patient care from acute care hospital
settings to alternative sites, and the overall need to reduce the cost of
healthcare delivery. These trends have expanded the demand for rapid, safe, and
efficient infection prevention systems for cold temperature processing of
devices and decontamination, and for the destruction and disposal of potentially
infectious biohazardous waste.
ECT is focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing systems for microbial
reduction (including biofilm formation prevention), infection prevention, and
contamination prevention, known as ECASOL generators.
In March 2001, Radical Waters (Pty) Ltd (Radical Waters), the South African
company with which ECT is involved in a strategic alliance, and ECT have entered
into an exclusive license agreement in the field of dentistry by the terms of
which Dentsply International, the largest professional dental products company
in the world is planning to develop, market and distribute an ECA device for the
elimination of biofilm. The license agreement provides for the sharing of U.S.
revenues based on ECA dental patents developed and owned by Radical Waters and
the use of ECT’s patented FEM technology.
Water Treatment
The scope of ECA’s water treatment applications are focused on three areas:
• ECA solutions for industrial applications
• ECA devices for water pH and ORP regulation
• Emerald process
ECA solutions for industrial applications
The most common water treatment application for ECA devices is the generation of
activated solutions from diluted sodium chloride brine (0.5 – 10 grams of NaCl
per liter of H2O) for the purpose of water disinfection and control of biofilm
and scale prevention in systems with circulating water.
Advantages of ECA solutions applications for circulating water systems in
manufacturing processes and in cooling towers as well as for water disinfection
generally:
• Effective penetration ability and control of biofilm even at low
concentrations of the biocide; effective biofilm control reduces energy costs,
by reducing the bacteria growth and scale formation and increasing the energy
efficiency of the tower or production efficiency of the technological cycle in
the manufacturing process
• Ability to regulate the pH of the applied solution in the water treatment
cycle reduces/eliminates the cost of caustic or acid usage, descalers and
corrosion inhibitors
• Ability to regulate the ORP of the circulating water allows operation at
higher cycles and reduces the water intake and the cost of discharge treatment,
and also further reduces the usage of corrosion inhibitors and descalers
• On-site generation eliminates the transportation, storage, and handling of
hazardous chemicals/biocides and reduces the costs associated with safety
procedures, discharge liabilities and environmental exposure
• On-site and automated operation reduces labor costs for maintenance and
service
• Readily available raw materials (salt, water and electricity)
ECA devices for pH and ORP regulation of water and diluted aqueous solutions
In general, any technological process where water or aqueous solutions are
applied requires certain physical-chemical parameters for these liquids in order
to achieve optimal results. Buffering solutions with the aim of pH regulation,
and corrosion inhibitors/oxidizing agents with the aim of controlling the
oxidation ability of aqueous solutions, are the most common classes of chemicals
used for regulating the properties of water or aqueous solutions. ECA devices
allow users to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals and to obtain targeted
pH and ORP values in water or water based solutions by processing them through
FEMs.
Emerald Process
The Emerald Process is a technological process designed for point of use tap
water quality enhancement/treatment (especially in cities with large populations)
by making the water safe from possible recontamination by all forms of
microorganisms, toxic organic compounds, heavy metals’ ions, and nitrites. Water
purified by the Emerald Process retains the level of ions of calcium, magnesium,
potassium, and fluoride, required for healthy human bodies and is valuable as an
antioxidant due to its low oxidation-reduction potential.
The Emerald water treatment method is based on the processing of water through
the ECT’s basic invention known as a Flow-through Electrolytic Module (insert
FEM-3 – link to the FEM page). This new water treatment technology includes
several stages separated in time and space: anode oxidation and non-chemical
acidification ensuring destruction of microorganisms and oxidation of organic
compounds in extremely short time; catalytic decomposition of active chlorine
and other oxidants generated in the process of anode oxidation; cathode
reduction (neutralization) of heavy metal ions; hydrogenation of organic
impurities; reduction of anions such as nitrites and chlorides by means of
electro-migration; and non-chemical neutralization of acidified water.
Production rates vary from 20 l/hr to 250 l/hr depending on the number of FEMs
employed in each Emerald device. If necessary, the Emerald process easily can be
combined with other water treatment processes.
Disinfection/Food Safety application
Disinfection/Food Safety application
ETC’s priority is to exploit market opportunities in food processing and
distribution, with the initial focus on fruits and vegetables, fish, meat and
poultry and dairy products. In the post-September 11 world, the issues of food
safety and security are at the forefront of public consciousness. ECT’s ECA
technology is applicable for both hard surfaces disinfection/sanitation and
pathogen control on food products. The U.S. food processing sector is a $460
billion industry annually with an immediate critical need to reduce the risk of
food poisoning from harmful pathogens such as, salmonella, e-coli and listeria.
Annual industry expenditures for regulatory compliance are presently estimated
at in excess of $500 million. While the industry strives to meet higher
standards, it must pursue cost effective routes and methods to compliance.
Another important consideration is the ongoing war on terrorism wherein the
protection of the U.S. food supply is reportedly a high priority for the Office
of Homeland Defense. Given the strategic nature of the food supply, food
processors and agricultural facilities are more likely to consider spending
money to insure safety and to prevent sabotage by a terrorist group.
Advantages of ECASOL:
• High bactericidal activity/short treatment time
• Potential cost savings from re-cycling ECASOL and re-using processing water
• Lack of microbial resistance due to ECASOL’s mix-oxidants content
• Low cost, on-site generation
• Multi-purpose application for wholesalers and retailers/restaurants
• Eliminates cost of storing and handling chemicals
• Safe for personnel
Regulatory
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 1998 approved the use of
ECASOL in meatpacking and processing plants as a replacement for chlorine
solutions. ECT’s ECA solutions have also been approved by the Food Safety
Inspection Service (FSIS), the inspection division of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) for use in federally inspected meat, poultry, or egg products
establishments effective August 1997. ECT’s ECA equipment must, however,
continue to meet the general standards that it be made of materials and
constructed in a manner that will facilitate thorough cleaning and cleanliness,
will not contaminate product and will not interfere with or impede inspection
procedures. Deployment of ECT systems is compliant with these guidelines.
Decontamination
ECT has identified 3 potential military uses for its ECA technology:
• Decontamination of biological and chemical agents with emphasis on personnel
decontamination
• Water disinfection and purification
• Combat medical
ECT began its DOD initiative by introducing its ECA technology to the Marines
Corps Systems Command ("MARCORSYSCOM") for use in biological and chemical
personnel decontamination and the decontamination of clothing and equipment.
Thereafter, MARCORSYSCOM contracted with Battelle Memorial Institute, a premiere
non-profit research organization to begin testing ECT’s ECA technology for the
military.
The military’s most widely used decontaminant, calcium hypochlorite (HTH), takes
30 minutes to destroy anthrax at 14 times the dosage level of ECT’s ECA
solutions (ECASOL) while causing harmful side effects when in contact with the
eyes or open wounds. After the completion of laboratory tests, a senior level
federal government official stated that ECASOL "was not just an improvement but
a breakthrough in the effectiveness of destroying anthrax and botulism
immediately on contact." ECASOL's are environmentally friendly and can be
discharged directly into existing sewage systems. Since then, Battelle and ECT
have designed jointly a prototype STEL decon device employing 108 FEM-3s to
provide anolyte solutions at a rate of 600 gallons per hour.
The field test for the 108 FEM device produced excellent results and the tests
are in the final phase, after which ECT intends to market the devices to the
military and to First Responders (police and fire departments, and emergency
medical organizations).
History & Timeline
Work in the field of modern-day electro-chemical activation (ECA) began in 1972
with the commencement of research conducted by Vitold M. Bakhir (ECT’s chairman)
for the Soviet Ministry of Gas at the Middle Asia Scientific & Research
Institute of the Gas Industry (SREDAZNIIGAS) in the oil and gas fields of
Tashkent. For the next 17 years (1972-1989), Bakhir and Zadorozhy continued to
design and improve devices for the electrochemical treatment of drilling fluids
and for the electrochemical activation of water.
1972-1974 was the period during which ECA research and development began.
1974-1984 were the years during which the flow through electrolytic cells with
coaxial placed electrodes and diaphragms were designed and produced. 1984-1989
saw the development of small foot print electrochemical devices incorporating an
electrical reactor. Dr. Bakhir moved to Moscow in 1987 to join the stuff of the
Russian Research and Scientific Institute for Medical Engineering. In1988, Dr.
Bakhir turned his attention to the need for an ECA device capable of widespread
practical commercial use and began working on the FEM-1. The first official FEM
documents were registered with the Russian authorities in 1989. Work on the FEM-1
was completed in 1991.
In 1991, Bakhir published a Manual for the FEM-1, however, design flaws
prevented the FEM-1 from being placed in commercial production and was soon
superceded by the FEM-2.
Continued FEM research and development efforts on the part of Bakhir and
Zadorozhny, in 1994, resulted in the invention of the FEM-3, the third
generation FEM that is manufactured exclusively by LET.
In 1995, the year RSCECAT, USA, INC. (ECT’s predecessor) was incorporated, the
U.S. rights to the ECA technology were transferred to RSCECAT USA by Bakhir and
Zadorozhny.
Las Vegas, Nevada - (BUSINESS WIRE)
- December 23, 2002
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd. (Pink Sheets: ELCH) announced today that that
it will install a prototype Aquachlor-100 potable water disinfection system in a
small North American municipality in January. The system will be tested for
approximately four weeks with the assistance of a technical expert from ELCH's
strategic partner, the Moscow-based Russian Scientific and Research Institute
for Medical Engineering.
The Russian expert specializes in the design of Aquachlor devices, the on-site
chlorine generators that are the primary components of the Aquachlor system.
This program is intended to test the effectiveness of the Aquachlor versus
competing system's in two key areas: efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
Aquachlor Technology has been in continuous use in municipal water systems in
the Russian Federation since 1998. ELCH's Aquachlor -100 is capable of producing
100 grams of free available chlorine (FAC). It is the smallest of a family of
devices belonging to a new generation of compact, economical and environmentally
friendly electro-chemical activation (ECA) systems for the on-site generation of
gaseous chlorine that are capable of serving small and medium-sized
municipalities. Aquachlor systems offer the following advantages:
• On-site generation of chlorine gas using brine and electricity only and direct
injection into the water being treated;
• Does not require the use, storage or transportation of hazardous chemicals;
• Does not require special training in the use of hazardous materials due to low
FAC content in the generated stream of oxidants;
• Close to highest possible salt conversion rate;
• Does not increase TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level of treated water;
• Low power consumption;
• Low maintenance;
• Easy to operate;
• Superior disinfection performance;
• Minimal disinfection by-products (DBP) formation at high biocidal rate - 30% -
50% reduction in trihalomethanes (THM) formation compared to traditional
chlorination methods.
• Variable capacity due to modular design.
According to Jack Brebbia, President of Electro-Chemical Technologies: "The
prototype installation is expected to demonstrate that the Aquachlor is a far
more environmentally friendly and cost effective system that the competing
products that are available in North America today. We believe that the
introduction of the Aquachlor is the first step in positioning ELCH to become a
market leader in the area of municipal and wastewater systems for small and
medium-sized municipalities."
Electro-Chemical Technologies, Ltd., is a Nevada corporation dedicated to
developing and commercializing its patented technology in the U.S. market,
concentrating in the areas of municipal; water and wastewater treatment systems;
military and civil biological and chemical decontamination, food safety, high-level
disinfection in the medical and healthcare sectors.
Las Vegas, Nevada - (BUSINESS WIRE)
- December 3, 2002
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd. (Pink Sheets: ELCH) announced today that that
the Department of Defense has begun testing the fog forms of its biological
decontaminant, known as ECASOL. The eight-week test program is expected to
verify that the fog forms are as effective as liquid ECASOL against the anthrax
spores. The tests are being conducted at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Ground
in Utah using an ECASOL Generator and fogging equipment furnished by ELCH.
Military tests have already proven that liquid ECASOL kills biological agents
such as the anthrax spores on contact, and without harming human beings or the
environment.
An effective ECASOL fog would be a cost-effective decontaminate for buildings
exposed to biological agents, including the anthrax spores and toxic mold. The
unique properties of fog and ECASOL would permit users to
• decontaminate all areas, materials, and building contents exposed to
biological agents, including hard to reach areas;
• leave delicate office equipment in place, while avoiding the damage caused by
liquid decontaminants;
• protect inhabitants of buildings by using a non-toxic decontaminant that does
not have the risks to public health associated with alternatives such as
chlorine dioxide.
According to Jack Brebbia, President of Electro-Chemical Technologies: "The
Dugway test program is an important step in our strategy to provide
environmentally friendly decontaminants to the military, first responders and
commercial entities. Commercially available ECASOL fog would provide a safe and
effective way to decontaminate buildings and other areas exposed to biological
hazards such as anthrax and mold."
Electro-Chemical Technologies, Ltd., is a Nevada corporation dedicated to
developing and commercializing its patented technology in the U.S. market,
primarily in the areas of military and civil biological and chemical
decontamination, food safety, high-level disinfection in the medical and
healthcare sectors; and industrial water treatment.
Las Vegas, Nevada - (BUSINESS WIRE)
- November 20, 2002
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd. (Pink Sheets: ELCH) announced today that the
United States Congress has appropriated $2.8 million for the Department of
Defense (DoD) to complete military testing on ELCH's patented decontamination
technology, known as ECASOL. The appropriation is contained in the 2003 Defense
Appropriation Bill and the National Defense Authorization Act. The Act was
signed into law by the President yesterday.
At the conclusion of the test program, ELCH expects to make its ECASOL
decontamination technology commercially available to the military and to
civilian consequence management teams (police, fire departments and paramedics).
ECASOL can be produced on the site of any biological decontamination, on demand.
A deployed ECASOL generator requires only salt, water, and power to produce the
decontaminant. ELCH believes the commercial availability of ECASOL will make an
important contribution to the Homeland Defense effort by substantially
increasing the number of persons that can be decontaminated in short timeframes
in the event of exposure to a Weapons of Mass Destruction (chemical or
biological) attack.
For the last three years, the DOD's research program has been testing ECASOL's
effectiveness as a decontaminant against biological and chemical weapons of mass
destruction. Test results have already confirmed that ECASOL is highly effective
decontaminant which kills biological agents such as the anthrax spores on
contact, without harming the environment. The results have led experts to
conclude that ECASOL is a "breakthrough" technology in comparison with high test
hypochlorite (HTH). HTH, the most widely used military decontaminant, requires
30 minutes to kill the anthrax spores and is a toxic chemical that requires
special handling and must be treated as hazardous waste. The final phase of the
research program will optimize ECASOL for use against broad spectrum biological
agent, including the anthrax spore.
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd., a Nevada-based company trading in the Pink
Sheets under the symbol ELCH, is engaged in the business of developing and
commercializing its patented Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) technology
primarily in the areas of military and civil consequence management of
biological and chemical decontamination programs, food safety, medical/
healthcare and residential and industrial water treatment
Las Vegas, Nevada - (BUSINESS WIRE)
- November 20, 2002
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd. (Pink Sheets: ELCH) announced today that the
United States Congress has appropriated $2.8 million for the Department of
Defense (DoD) to complete military testing on ELCH's patented decontamination
technology, known as ECASOL. The appropriation is contained in the 2003 Defense
Appropriation Bill and the National Defense Authorization Act. The Act was
signed into law by the President yesterday.
At the conclusion of the test program, ELCH expects to make its ECASOL
decontamination technology commercially available to the military and to
civilian consequence management teams (police, fire departments and paramedics).
ECASOL can be produced on the site of any biological decontamination, on demand.
A deployed ECASOL generator requires only salt, water, and power to produce the
decontaminant. ELCH believes the commercial availability of ECASOL will make an
important contribution to the Homeland Defense effort by substantially
increasing the number of persons that can be decontaminated in short timeframes
in the event of exposure to a Weapons of Mass Destruction (chemical or
biological) attack.
For the last three years, the DOD's research program has been testing ECASOL's
effectiveness as a decontaminant against biological and chemical weapons of mass
destruction. Test results have already confirmed that ECASOL is highly effective
decontaminant which kills biological agents such as the anthrax spores on
contact, without harming the environment. The results have led experts to
conclude that ECASOL is a "breakthrough" technology in comparison with high test
hypochlorite (HTH). HTH, the most widely used military decontaminant, requires
30 minutes to kill the anthrax spores and is a toxic chemical that requires
special handling and must be treated as hazardous waste. The final phase of the
research program will optimize ECASOL for use against broad spectrum biological
agent, including the anthrax spore.
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd., a Nevada-based company trading in the Pink
Sheets under the symbol ELCH, is engaged in the business of developing and
commercializing its patented Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) technology
primarily in the areas of military and civil consequence management of
biological and chemical decontamination programs, food safety, medical/
healthcare and residential and industrial water treatment
Las Vegas, Nevada - (BUSINESS WIRE)
- November 7, 2002
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd. (Pink Sheets: ELCH) announced today that it
has received a US$30 million purchase order for its commercial portable water
purification system. The order was obtained by ELCH's international sales
representative, Planetary Pure Limited, Toronto Canada. from the Government of
India. According to the terms of the order, ELCH agreed to provide the
Government of India with a delivery schedule and establish a trade finance
facility with an international bank by January 17, 2003.
The portable water purification system uses a patented electrochemical
activation process to generated from 300 to 1000 liters of drinking water from
any natural unsalted water source. Proven in the field, the unique system is
available as a stand-alone containerized unit that can be transported by truck,
or mounted onto a truck body or trailer. For more information about the system's
components and capabilities, please refer to the "Product" section In announcing
the order from the Government of India, Jack Brebbia, ELCH's President, said, "This
order demonstrates the revenue-generating potential of the portable water
purification system and the strategic value of our agreement with Planetary Pure.
It represents as important milestone in ELCH's drive to produce positive cash
flow from our ECA product line."
"We are pleased to have obtained a purchase order of this magnitude reflecting a
high level of customer confidence in the ability of the ELCH system to solve
water quality problems in a market as large, diverse and important as the Indian
sub-continent," said Donald Smith, Planetary Pure's President.
Electro-Chemical Technologies Ltd., a Nevada company trading in the Pink Sheets
under the symbol ELCH, is engaged in the business of developing and
commercializing its patented Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) technology
primary in the areas of military and civil consequence management of biological
and chemical decontamination programs, food safety, medical/healthcare, and
residential and industrial water treatment.
