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ELECTRODE TECHNOLOGY 101
The water cell is the “heart” of an ionizer. It consists of a series of electrodes
(plates), each separated by a membrane. The number of plates in a cell typically
varies from three to eleven. This section will explain how water cell technologies
differ and provide a basic understanding of the most effective technologies.
There are three basic types of plates:
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- Flat Plate: The most common, basic
and simple plate design.
- Mesh Plate: The most technically
advanced configuration; also the most expensive to manufacture.
- Slotted Plate: A less expensive
and less effective version of mesh plate technology.
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Of these mesh is the most advanced and efficient way to deliver power evenly and
consistently. Find out more about the
solid plates versus mesh plates and the differences.
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Titanium is the base material in every ionizer electrode/plate, because it has proven
safe and effective. It is corrosion resistant, has the highest strength-to-weight
ratio of any metal, is very durable, and demonstrates the ability to easily change
polarity, which is critically important in the ionization process. Ionizer plated
are coated with platinum because is has been determined to be the only entirely
safe material for use in water ionizers.
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Long term research and development findings derived from a 1992 study by the Japanese
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare indicate platinum to be the only entirely
safe material for use in water ionizer plating/coating.
Two distinct methods – Plating (dipping) and Coating - are employed to apply the
platinum surface to the titanium plate:
Plating: Also known as Cladding or Dipping, plating
is the process by which a titanium plate is submerged in a platinum solution. This
is the most commonly used manufacturing process due to its cost efficiency.
Coating: Also known as Electroplating, coating is
a technically advanced and proprietary process developed by Emco Tech Research &
Development to achieve a higher degree of consistency and uniformity. A computer
controlled robotic arm is used to apply the platinum, under pressure, multiple times
and from different angles, which results in the most complete and even platinum
coating.
The 2 biggest differences between plating and coating are:
- The amount of titanium crystals produced
- The surface coverage characteristics
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The following examples visually illustrate two distinct platinum application techniques,
Plating (dipping) and Coating (Electroplating).
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Both dust and voids are clearly visible
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Plate surface from above:
Black spot represent voids
D company
Dipping method
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X 6000 (Cross section):
X 6000 (Cross section)
D/H company
Dipping method
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Note the distinct vertices (peaks and valleys) and a 3 dimensional crystalline surface,
as compared to the inconsistent surface of the dipped electrodes.
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Plate surface from above:
No voids, thin spots or inconsistencies
Emco Tech plate
Dipping method
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X 6000 (Cross section):
No voids, thin spots or inconsistencies
Emco Tech plate
(coated platinum)
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Emco Tech’s proprietary electroplating process features technological advances and
enhanced performance characteristics which affect overall ionizer function in the
following ways:
- Superior platinum adhesion
- Superior conductivity
- Increased surface area; up to 3x the vertices as smooth “dipped” plates
- Optimized water flow dynamics over the plate surface due to vertices (increasing
ORP production – proven in independent US EPA certified testing)
Emco Tech is able to prevent titanium leaching on the electrodes by two methods:
- Complete and uniform coverage. Our coating process surpasses all other processes
in the ionization industry to more completely and evenly cover the titanium plates
with pure platinum, including all edges and all surfaces.
- More efficient use of power. This means we can apply less power more efficiently
which creates far less stress on the plate during the electrical load phases. Find out more about plate power.
View a certified analytical test
result from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Primacy Laboratory
for the State of Nevada showing that there is no leaching.
Emco Tech employs proprietary technologies which are able to achieve optimal alkalizing
and acidifying results without the use of (potentially harmful) solutions such as
salt enhancers.
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