Patent Publication Number: US-2017369339-A1

Title: Apparatuses and methods to provide electrolyzed fluid

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     Typically, electrolyzed fluid has been used at, for example, medical facilities such as hospitals, welfare and care facilities, nursery school, food processing factories, hotels, restaurants, eateries, or any facilities required to be sterilized. For example, electrolyzed fluid may be used for sterilization, purification, and/or deodorization in such facilities. 
     Recently, as interests in use of the electrolyzed fluid have been increased, various demands for the electrolyzed fluid have also arisen. Electrolyzed fluid may be used to sterilize food that should not be heated. For example, the electrolyzed fluid is used to sterilize vegetables, fruits and fish to prevent food poisoning involving, such as, for example, norovirus, O-157 , staphylococcus aureus, bacillus cereus , etc. Further, the electrolyzed fluid may be used to sterilize cooking instruments, such as kitchen knives, cutting boards, dish towels, etc. The electrolyzed fluid may also be used to prevent infection of human or animal bodies, instead of using alcohol. That is, the demands for the electrolyzed fluid are increasing for domestic use as well as industrial use. 
     SUMMARY 
     Technologies generally described herein relate to providing an electrolyzed fluid. 
     Various example apparatuses configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, as described herein, may include a base cell, electrodes and/or a variable expansion cell. The base cell may be configured to contain at least a portion of the volume of the fluid. The electrodes may include an anode and a cathode. The electrodes may be configured to be mounted within the base cell. The variable expansion cell may be coupled to the base cell. The variable expansion cell may be adjustably configured to change a volumetric space of the apparatuses to accommodate the volume of the fluid such that the electrodes are substantially immersed in the fluid. 
     In some examples, an apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid is described herein. The example apparatus may include a base cell, a membrane, an anode, a cathode, an anode expansion cell and/or a cathode expansion cell. The base cell may be configured to contain at least a portion of the fluid. The membrane may be configured to divide the base cell into an anode portion and a cathode portion. The anode may be mounted within the anode portion of the base cell. The cathode may be mounted within the cathode portion of the base cell. The anode expansion cell may be variably configured to provide a first additional space. The first additional space may be coupled to the anode portion of the base cell such that a capacity of the first additional space is adjustable. The cathode expansion cell may be variably configured to provide a second additional space. The second additional space may be coupled to the cathode portion of the base cell such that a capacity of the second additional space is adjustable. 
     In some examples, a method to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid is described herein. The example method may include changing a volumetric space of an apparatus. The apparatus may be configured to contain the fluid and include electrodes. The volumetric space is adjustable and configured to accommodate the volume of the fluid such that the electrodes are substantially immersed in the fluid. Then, the example method may include electrically conducting the fluid via the electrodes to provide the electrolyzed fluid. 
     The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically shows a block diagram of an example apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid; 
         FIG. 2  schematically shows a block diagram of another example apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid; 
         FIG. 3  schematically shows a side-sectional view of an example apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid; 
         FIG. 4  schematically shows a side-sectional view of another apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate graphs showing changes in a pH level and an AC (available chlorine) concentration of a fluid as an example apparatus has electrolyzed the fluid, where a volumetric space of the example apparatus is set symmetrically; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate graphs showing changes in a pH level and an AC concentration of a fluid as another example apparatus has electrolyzed the fluid, where a volumetric space of the other example apparatus is set asymmetrically; and 
         FIG. 7  schematically shows an example flow of a method to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, 
     
    
    
     all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
     This disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to methods, apparatuses, systems and devices related to provide an electrolyzed fluid. 
     Briefly stated, technologies are generally described for an apparatus to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid. Example apparatuses described herein may include a base cell, electrodes and/or a variable expansion cell. The base cell may be configured to contain at least a portion of the volume of the fluid. The electrodes may include an anode and a cathode that may be mounted within the base cell. The variable expansion cell may be coupled to the base cell and variably configured to provide additional space to accommodate the volume of the fluid. The additional space of the variable expansion cell may be adjustable. The electrodes may be substantially immersed in the fluid contained in the base cell. That is, the volumetric amount of the apparatus may be adjustable depending on a required amount of the electrolyzed fluid, while the electrodes are substantially immersed in the fluid. 
       FIG. 1  schematically shows a block diagram of an example apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As depicted, an apparatus  100  may include one or more of a base cell  110 , electrodes  120  and/or a variable expansion cell  130 . Apparatus  100  may be configured to contain a volume of a fluid. In some embodiments, base cell  110  of apparatus  100  may be configured to contain at least a portion of the volume of the fluid. In an example, the fluid may include, but not be limited to, a water in which electrolyte is dissolved to facilitate electrolysis, such as, for example, saline solution. In another example, the fluid may include other solutions which includes other chlorides (such as alkali metal chlorides, other metal chlorides), other halides, etc. In some examples, the fluid whose concentration of the electrolyte is within the allowable range by the local regulations, may be used, but the range of its concentration is not limited thereto. 
     In some embodiments, base cell  110  may include at least one fluid inlet (not shown) formed on a surface of base cell  110 . The fluid can be input into base cell  110  through the at least one fluid inlet. In an example, the fluid inlet may be formed on, for example, upper surface of base cell  110 , but the formed position of the fluid inlet is not limited thereto. 
     In some embodiments, base cell  110  may include at least one fluid outlet (not shown). The at least one fluid outlet may be configured to provide the electrolyzed fluid from apparatus  100 . In some examples, the at least one fluid outlet may be formed on a surface of base cell  110 . In an example, the fluid outlet may be formed on a surface of base cell  110  that is different from the formed position of the fluid inlet, such as, for example, a bottom surface of base cell  110 . By way of example, but not limitation, the at least one fluid outlet may include a valve to adjust an output amount of the electrolyzed fluid. 
     Electrodes  120  may be configured to be mounted within base cell  110 . In some examples, base cell  110  may have at least one mounting element to hold electrodes  120 . Electrodes  120  may include an anode  122  and a cathode  124 . Various types of electrodes  120  may be available. For example, but not limitation, electrodes  120  may include one or more of mesh-type electrodes, plate-type electrodes and/or rod-type electrodes. Further, various materials may be used as anode  122  and cathode  124  of electrodes  120 . In an example that saline solution is used as the fluid, platinum-coated titanium may be used as anode  122  to cause anode  122  not to chemically react with chlorine ions. In another example, anode  122  may include graphite. In some examples, electrodes  120  may be configured to be immersed in the fluid when electrodes  120  are mounted within base cell  110  and at least a portion of the fluid is contained in base cell  110 . 
     In an example, base cell  110  may include a parallelepiped-type cell, where a flat-shaped membrane (not shown) may be used in base cell  110  to divide base cell  110  into an anode portion and a cathode portion. Anode  122  may be mounted within the anode portion and cathode  124  may be mounted within the cathode portion. In another example, base cell  110  may include a parallelepiped-type cell without membrane, such as using non-diaphragm techniques, magnetic wall techniques, etc. In both examples, base cell  110  may be divided into the anode portion disposed on one side of base cell  110  and the cathode portion disposed on another side of base cell  110 . In some other examples, base cell  110  may include a cylindrical-type cell, where a cylindrical-shaped membrane may be used in base cell  110  to divide base cell  110  into an anode portion disposed on inner/outer side of base cell  110  and a cathode portion disposed on outer/inner side of base cell  110 . 
     In some embodiments, variable expansion cell  130  may be coupled to base cell  110 . In some examples, variable expansion cell  130  may be fluidically coupled to base cell  110 , and when the fluid is provided to base cell  110 , a portion of the fluid may flow into the variable expansion cell  130  through base cell  110 . In such manners, variable expansion cell  130  may provide additional volumetric space of apparatus  100  to accommodate the volume of the fluid. That is, while base cell  110  is containing at least a portion of the volume of the fluid, variable expansion cell  130  may accommodate the remaining portion of the volume of the fluid. 
     Variable expansion cell  130  may be adjustably configured to change the volumetric space of apparatus  100 . In some examples, variable expansion cell  130  may include a volumetric space adjustor (not shown) configured to variably adjust a volumetric space of apparatus  100  (more particularly, a volumetric space of variable expansion cell  130 ). The volumetric space of apparatus  100  may be adjusted by using the volumetric space adjustor. By way of example, but not limitation, the volumetric space adjustor may include one or more of a piston-type of pump and/or a plunger-type of pump, and the volumetric space of apparatus  100  may be adjusted by changing the position of the one or more of a piston-type of pump and/or a plunger-type of pump. As such, the volumetric space of apparatus  100  may be variably adjusted as needed. Various volumetric shapes of variable expansion cell  130  may be available. By way of example, but not limitation, variable expansion cell  130  may include a cylindrical cell, spherical cell, polyhedral cell, etc., or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, variable expansion cell  130  may be coupled to base cell  110  and adjustably configured to change a volumetric space of apparatus  100  to accommodate the volume of the fluid such that electrodes  120  are substantially immersed in the fluid. In an example, variable expansion cell  130  may be disposed such that a top surface of variable expansion cell  130  is positioned lower than a top surface of base cell  100 , so that the electrodes are readily immersed in the fluid. Since electrodes  120  in base cell  110  are substantially immersed in sufficient amount of the fluid, electrolysis in apparatus  100  can be effectively performed in terms of time and/or power. 
     In some examples, base cell  110  and/or variable expansion cell  130  may be operably configured to be able to contain an acidic-electrolyzed fluid and/or an alkaline-electrolyzed fluid. Base cell  110  and/or variable expansion cell  130  may be made of materials that do not to chemically react with such an acidic and/or alkaline fluid electrolyzed from the fluid. By way of example, but not limitation, the materials of base cell  110  and/or variable expansion cell  130  may include at least one of stainless steel, resin materials such as, acrylic resin, etc. 
       FIG. 2  schematically shows a block diagram of another example apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As depicted, an apparatus  200  may include one or more of a base cell  210 , a membrane  212 , an anode  222 , a cathode  224 , an anode expansion cell  232  and/or a cathode expansion cell  234 . Apparatus  200  may be configured to contain a volume of a fluid. In some embodiments, base cell  210  may be configured to contain at least a portion of the volume of the fluid, as described with regard to base cell  110  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, membrane  212  may be configured to divide base cell  210  into an anode portion and a cathode portion. When electrolysis is carried out in apparatus  200 , membrane  212  may enable apparatus  200  to obtain, from the fluid, an acidic-electrolyzed fluid in the anode portion and an alkaline-electrolyzed fluid in the cathode portion. In some examples where the fluid includes chloride ions as in the saline solution, the membrane may be configured to prevent decreasing available chlorine (AC) concentration of an acidic-electrolyzed fluid during or after electrolysis is carried out in apparatus  200 . In some examples, membrane  212  may include, for example, at least one of a porous membrane, such as a ceramic film or plate by a biscuit firing, or an ion-exchange membrane to exchange, for example, cations. In some other examples, apparatus  200  may be configured to use, for example, non-diaphragm techniques, magnetic wall techniques, etc. to omit membrane  212 . 
     In some embodiments, base cell  210  may include at least one fluid inlet (not shown) formed on a surface of base cell  210 , and the fluid can be provided to base cell  210  through the at least one fluid inlet. By way of example, but not limitation, the at least one fluid inlet may be provided on a top surface of base cell  210  so that the fluid can easily flow into base cell  210 . 
     In some embodiments, base cell  210  may include at least one fluid outlet, and the at least one fluid outlet may be configured to provide the electrolyzed fluid from apparatus  200 . By way of example, but not limitation, the at least one fluid outlet may be provided on a bottom surface of base cell  210  so that the fluid can easily flow out of base cell  210 . Further, the at least one fluid outlet may include a valve to adjust an output amount of the electrolyzed fluid. In an example, two fluid outlets may be formed on a surface of base cell  110 , where one of the two fluid outlets may be formed on the anode portion and another of the two fluid outlets may be formed on the cathode portion. 
     In some embodiments, anode  222  may be configured to be mounted within the anode portion of base cell  210  and cathode  224  may be configured to be mounted within the cathode portion of base cell  210 . In some examples, base cell  110  may have at least one mounting element to hold anode  222  and cathode  224  in the anode and cathode portions, respectively. Various types of anode  222  and cathode  224  may be available. For example, but not limitation, anode  222  and cathode  224  may include one or more of mesh-type electrodes, plate-type electrodes and/or rod-type electrodes. In an example that saline solution is used as the fluid, platinum-coated titanium may be used as anode  222  to cause anode  222  not to chemically react with chlorine ions. In another example, anode  122  may include graphite. When anode  222  and cathode  224  are mounted within the anode and the cathode portions and the at least portion of the fluid is contained in base cell  210 , both of anode  222  and cathode  224  may be immersed in the fluid. 
     In some embodiments, anode expansion cell  232  and cathode expansion cell  234  may be coupled to base cell  210 . In some examples, anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  may be fluidically coupled to base cell  210 , and when the fluid is provided to base cell  110 , each of anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  may receive a portion of the fluid through base cell  210 . In such manners, each of anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  may provide an additional volumetric space of apparatus  200  to accommodate the volume of the fluid. 
     In some embodiments, anode expansion cell  232  may be variably configured to provide a first additional space to accommodate a portion of the volume of the fluid such that a capacity of the first additional space may be adjustable. The first additional space may be coupled to the anode portion of base cell  210 . Similarly, cathode expansion cell  234  may be variably configured to provide a second additional space to accommodate a portion of the volume of the fluid such that a capacity of the second additional space may be adjustable. The second additional space may be coupled to the cathode portion of base cell  210 . In some examples, during or after electrolysis is carried out in apparatus  200 , anode expansion cell  232  and cathode expansion cell  234  may be configured to contain an acidic-electrolyzed fluid and an alkaline-electrolyzed fluid, respectively, obtained from the fluid. 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  may further include a first volumetric space adjustor (not shown) and a second volumetric space adjuster (not shown). The first volumetric space adjustor may be coupled to anode expansion cell  232  and configured to variably adjust the capacity of the first additional space. Similarly, the second volumetric space adjustor may be coupled to cathode expansion cell  234  and configured to variably adjust the capacity of the second additional space. By way of example, but not limitation, the first and second volumetric space adjustors may include one or more of a piston-type of pump and/or a plunger-type of pump, and the first and second additional spaces may be adjusted by changing the position of the one or more of a piston-type of pump and/or a plunger-type of pump. In some examples, the capacities of the first and second additional space are independently adjustable. As such, the volumetric space of apparatus  200  may be variably adjusted as needed. Various volumetric shapes of anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  may be available. By way of example, but not limitation, anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  may include a cylindrical cell, spherical cell, polyhedral cell, etc., or combinations thereof. 
     In some examples, base cell  210 , anode expansion cell  232  and/or cathode expansion cell  234  may be operably configured to be able to contain an acidic-electrolyzed fluid and/or an alkaline-electrolyzed fluid. Base cell  210 , anode expansion cell  232  and/or cathode expansion cell  234  may be made of materials that do not chemically react with an acidic fluid and an alkaline fluid electrolyzed from the fluid. By way of example, but not limitation, the materials of base cell  210 , anode expansion cell  232  and/or cathode expansion cell  234  may include at least one of stainless steel, resin materials such as, acrylic resin, etc. 
     Optionally, apparatus  200  may further include one or more fluid circulation means (not shown). In some embodiments, the one or more fluid circulation means may be coupled to base cell  210  or anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  and configured to circulate between the fluid in base cell  210  and the fluid in anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234 . By way of example, but not limitation, the one or more fluid circulation means may use a stir bar, such as a magnetic stir bar. 
     Additionally, apparatus  200  may further include a power supply  240 . Power supply  240  may be coupled to both of anode  222  and cathode  224  and configured to effect electrical conduction through the fluid via anode  222  and cathode  224 . In some examples, power supply  240  may provide a direct current to electrolyze the fluid. 
     Further, apparatus  200  may include measuring device  250  operably coupled to base cell  210 . In some examples, measuring device  250  may include, for example, a pH meter. As will be described in more details with regard to  FIGS. 5A and 6A , the pH meter may be configured to measure a pH level associated with the fluid. Additionally or alternatively, measuring device  250  may include, for example, a sterilizing meter. The sterilizing meter may be operably coupled to the anode portion of base cell  210  and. As will be described in more details with regard to  FIGS. 5B and 6B , the sterilizing meter may be configured to measure an available chlorine (AC) concentration associated with the fluid. 
     Furthermore, apparatus  200  may include a controller (not shown). In some examples, the controller may be coupled to at least one of the first volumetric space adjustor and the second volumetric space adjuster, and configured to automatically control the at least one of the first volumetric space adjustor and second volumetric space adjustor to obtain the desired capacities of the corresponding additional spaces. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be coupled to power supply  240  and configured to automatically control power supply  240  to provide a direct current with desired voltage and/or time. 
       FIG. 3  schematically shows a side-sectional view of an example apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As depicted, an apparatus  300  may include a base cell  310 , an anode  322 , a cathode  324 , an anode expansion cell  332  and a cathode expansion cell  334 , a membrane  340 , a fluid inlet  350 , two fluid outlets  360  and piston-type of pumps  372  and  374 . As described in the above with regard to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , anode  322  and cathode  324  may be mounted within base cell  310 . In some examples, anode  322  and cathode  324  may be coupled to a power supply (not shown). Anode expansion cell  332  and cathode expansion cell  334  may be coupled to base cell  310  and provide additional volumetric spaces to accommodate at least a portion of the volume of the fluid. Each of the additional volumetric spaces of anode and cathode expansion cells  332  and  334  may be adjusted by changing the position of piston-type of pumps  372  and  374 . For example, as depicted with regard to anode expansion cell  332  and piston-type of pump  372 , the closer, piston-type of pump  372  is moved to base cell  310 , the smaller, an additional volumetric space of anode expansion cell  332  is obtained. Further, as depicted with regard to cathode expansion cell  334  and piston-type of pump  374 , the farther, piston-type of pump  374  is moved from base cell  310 , the larger, an additional volumetric space of cathode expansion cell  334  is obtained. 
     As depicted, fluid inlet  350  may be formed on a surface of base cell  310 . In some examples, the fluid may be provided to base cell  310  through fluid inlet  350 , and base cell  310  may contain at least a portion of the volume of the fluid, while anode and cathode expansion cells  332  and  334  are configured to contain the remaining portion of the volume of the fluid. Electrodes  322  and  324  may be substantially immersed in the fluid. 
     As depicted, membrane  340  may be disposed within base cell  310 . Membrane  340  may be configured to divide base cell into an anode portion and a cathode portion, and anode  322  and cathode  324  may be disposed in the anode portion and the cathode portion, respectively. During or after electrolysis, an acidic-electrolyzed fluid and an alkaline-electrolyzed fluid may be collected in the anode and cathode portions, respectively. 
     As depicted, two fluid outlets  360  may be formed on a surface of base cell  310 , such as, for example, a bottom surface of base cell  210 . Fluid outlets  360  formed on the anode portion may provide acidic-electrolyzed fluid and fluid outlets  360  formed on the cathode portion may provide alkaline-electrolyzed fluid. Although it is not shown in  FIG. 3 , fluid outlets  360  may include a valve to adjust an output amount of the electrolyzed fluid. 
       FIG. 4  schematically shows a side-sectional view of another apparatus configured to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As depicted, apparatus  400  may include plunger-type of pumps  472  and  474 , while the other components are similar to apparatus  300  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     EXAMPLES 
     The present disclosure will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting in any way. 
     Example 1: Using an Example Apparatus to Measure a pH Level and an AC Concentration 
     In one experimental example, pH levels and AC concentrations of a fluid were measured by using an example apparatus manufactured according to the above embodiments.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate graphs showing changes in a pH level and an AC (available chlorine) concentration of a fluid as an example apparatus has electrolyzed the fluid, where a volumetric space of the example apparatus is set symmetrically, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. 
     In this example, the apparatus was implemented according to the configuration as illustrated in at least one of  FIGS. 1-4 . That is, the apparatus was implemented such that the apparatus includes a base cell, an anode expansion cell and a cathode expansion cell; the anode and cathode expansion cells are configured to provide first and second additional spaces, respectively; and the first and second additional spaces are independently adjustable. The minimum volumetric space of the apparatus was implemented to be 700 ml and the maximum volumetric space of the apparatus was implemented to be 1400 ml. Further, 0.1% NaCl solution was provided to the apparatus as the fluid. 
     In this example, the volumetric space of the apparatus was set symmetrically. Specifically, the volumetric capacities of the first and second additional spaces were set to be substantially same each other. In a first experiment, the volumetric space of the apparatus was set minimally (i.e., to be 700 ml). In a second experiment, the volumetric space of the apparatus was set maximally (i.e., to be 1400 ml). During electrolysis in the apparatus, the pH levels and the AC concentrations of the fluid contained within the apparatus (i.e., an anode portion in which an anode is disposed in the base cell) were measured at every minute. Further, the experiments according to this example were performed until the AC concentrations of the fluid reach within the range of 35 ppm to 40 ppm. Thus, as depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the first experiment, where the volumetric space of the apparatus was symmetrically set to be 700 ml, was finished after measuring at the sixth minute and the second experiment where the volumetric space of the apparatus was symmetrically set to be 1400 ml was finished after measuring at twelfth minute. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , left bars at each minute illustrate the results of electrolysis in accordance with the first experiment and right bars at each minute illustrate the results of electrolysis in accordance with the second experiment. It can be noted that, as shown in the results measured at the first and second minutes, an electrolyzed fluid from about pH 5.0 to 6.5 may be typically referred to as a slightly-acidic fluid, and as shown in the result of the left bar measured at the sixth minute and the result of the right bar measured at the twelfth minute, the electrolyzed fluid from about pH 2.2 to 2.7 may be typically referred to as a strongly-acidic fluid. 
     Example 2: Using Another Example Apparatus to Measure a pH Level and an AC Concentration 
     In another experimental example, pH levels and AC concentrations of a fluid were measured by using another example apparatus manufactured according to the above embodiments.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate graphs showing changes in a pH level and an AC concentration of a fluid as another example apparatus has electrolyzed the fluid, where a volumetric space of the another example apparatus is set asymmetrically, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. 
     In this example, the apparatus was implemented according to the configuration as illustrated in at least one of  FIGS. 1-4 . That is, the apparatus was implemented such that the apparatus includes a base cell, an anode expansion cell and a cathode expansion cell; the anode and cathode expansion cells are configured to provide first and second additional spaces, respectively; and the first and second additional spaces are independently adjustable. The volumetric space of the base cell was implemented to be 650 ml, while the minimum and maximum volumetric spaces of the first and second additional spaces were implemented to be 0 ml and 400 ml, respectively. Further, 0.1% NaCl solution was provided to the apparatus as the fluid. 
     In this example, the volumetric space of the apparatus is set asymmetrically. Specifically, the volumetric capacity of the second additional space was set minimally (i.e., to 0 ml). In a third experiment, the volumetric space of the first additional space was set to 200 ml, such that the total volumetric space of the apparatus is 850 ml. In a fourth experiment, the volumetric space of the first additional space was set to 400 ml, such that the total volumetric space of the apparatus is 1050 ml. During electrolysis in the apparatus, the pH levels and the AC concentrations of the fluid contained within the apparatus (i.e., an anode portion in which an anode is disposed) were measured at every minute. Further, the experiments according to this example were also performed until the AC concentrations of the fluid reach within the range of 35 ppm to 40 ppm. Thus, as depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the third experiment, where the volumetric space of the apparatus was asymmetrically set to be 850 ml, was finished after measuring at the seventh minute and the second experiment, where the volumetric space of the apparatus was asymmetrically set to be 1050 ml, was finished after measuring at ninth minute. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , left bars at each minute illustrate the results of electrolysis in accordance with the third experiment and right bars at each minute illustrate the results of electrolysis in accordance with the fourth experiment. It can be noted that, as shown in the results measured at the first to fourth minutes, an electrolyzed fluid from about pH 5.0 to 6.5 may be typically referred to as a slightly-acidic fluid, and as shown in the result of the left bar measured at the seventh minute and the result of the right bar measured at the ninth minute, the electrolyzed fluid from about pH 2.2 to 2.7 may be typically referred to as a strongly-acidic fluid. 
       FIG. 7  schematically shows an example flow of a method to process a volume of a fluid and provide an electrolyzed fluid, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. 
     Method  700  may be implemented using, for example, an apparatus, as described with regard to  FIGS. 1-4 . Method  700  may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as illustrated by blocks  710  and/or  720 . Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. In some further examples, the various described blocks may be implemented as a parallel process instead of a sequential process, or as a combination thereof. Method  700  may begin at block  710 , “CHANGING A VOLUMETRIC SPACE OF AN APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO CONTAIN A FLUID.” 
     At block  710 , the apparatus (e.g., variable expansion cell  130  shown in  FIG. 1 , or anode and cathode expansion cells  232  and  234  shown in  FIG. 2 ) may be configured to change a volumetric space of the apparatus and contain the fluid. In some examples, the volumetric space may be adjustable and configured to accommodate the volume of the fluid such that electrodes located within a base cell of the apparatus are substantially immersed in the fluid. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to change the volumetric space of the apparatus by a volumetric space adjustor. The volumetric space adjustor may be configured to variably adjust the volumetric space of the apparatus. By way of example, but not imitation, the volumetric space adjustor may include one or more of a piston-type of pump and/or a plunger-type of pump. Block  710  may be followed by block  720 , “ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING THE FLUID VIA THE ELECTRODES TO PROVIDE THE ELECTROLYZED FLUID.” 
     At block  720 , the apparatus (e.g., power supply  240  shown in  FIG. 2 ) may be configured to electrically conducting the fluid via the electrodes to provide the electrolyzed fluid. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a measuring device such as, for example, a pH meter and/or a sterilizing meter, and measure a pH level and/or an AC concentration of the fluid using the measuring device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to conducting electricity for a predetermined period of time to provide an electrolyzed fluid in a desired pH level and/or a desired AC concentration. 
     According to the above described method and other methods disclosed herein, electrolyzed fluid with a desired volume may be provided and utilized in domestic use as well as industrial use. In some examples, electrolyzed fluid may be used to sterilize food that should not be heated. For example, the electrolyzed fluid is used to sterilize vegetables, fruits and fish to prevent food poisoning involving, such as, norovirus, O-157 , staphylococcus aureus, bacillus cereus , etc. In some other examples, the electrolyzed fluid may be used to sterilize cooking instruments, such as kitchen knives, cutting boards, dish towels, etc. In yet another example, the electrolyzed fluid may be used to prevent infection of human or animal bodies, instead of using alcohol. 
     In light of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments. 
     The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations may be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (for example, “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. 
     As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.