A reliable electrolytic cell is the core of a salt chlorinator. By applying direct current to salt water, the cell drives an electrochemical reaction that converts chloride ions into active chlorine species for water disinfection. The titanium anode plays a critical role in this process, while the cathode, electrode spacing, water flow path, and cell housing work together to determine the overall operating performance. A reliable electrolytic cell is the core of a salt chlorinator. By applying direct current to salt water, the cell drives an electrochemical reaction that converts chloride ions into active chlorine species for water disinfection. The titanium anode plays a critical role in this process, while the cathode, electrode spacing, water flow path, and cell housing work together to determine the overall operating performance.
How Does a Salt Chlorinator Electrolytic Cell Work?
The basic process is relatively simple. Salt is dissolved in water to form a chloride-containing electrolyte, which then passes through the electrolytic cell. When DC power is applied, chloride ions move toward the positive electrode, where oxidation takes place.
At the anode:
2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
At the cathode, water is reduced to produce hydrogen and hydroxide ions:
2H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂ + 2OH⁻
The chlorine generated at the anode can subsequently react with hydroxide ions in the electrolyte to form sodium hypochlorite:
Cl₂ + 2NaOH → NaClO + NaCl + H₂O
The resulting hypochlorite-containing solution provides the active chlorine required for disinfection.
Key Components of the Electrolytic Cell
MMO Titanium Anode
The anode is the primary electrochemical component responsible for chlorine evolution. NAVI Titanium uses titanium substrates with an MMO catalytic coating selected according to the electrolyte and operating conditions.
Ru-Ir-based MMO coatings are commonly used for chloride oxidation because they provide catalytic activity for the chlorine evolution reaction while maintaining the corrosion resistance and structural stability of the titanium substrate.
Titanium Cathode
The cathode completes the electrochemical circuit and participates in the reduction reaction. Depending on the application, cathode material, thickness, shape, and surface configuration can be selected according to the required electrical and mechanical conditions.
Electrode Spacing
The distance between the anode and cathode directly affects current distribution, voltage, flow resistance, and the available reaction area. NAVI Titanium evaluates electrode spacing together with the working current, electrolyte concentration, water flow rate, and cell dimensions rather than selecting the spacing independently.
Cell Housing
The housing provides mechanical protection and directs the electrolyte through the electrode assembly. Its internal dimensions, inlet and outlet configuration, sealing structure, and connection method can be designed around the customer's existing circulation system.
Electrical Connections
Reliable electrical connections are essential for stable electrolysis. Connection positions and terminal structures can be customized to match the customer's power supply and equipment layout.
Designed Around Your Operating Conditions
A salt chlorinator cell should not be selected according to chlorine output alone. The actual configuration depends on several interconnected parameters:
| Parameter | Design Consideration |
| Design Consideration | Determines the required active electrode area |
| Working Current | Affects current density and electrode loading |
| Salt Concentration | Influences cell voltage and electrochemical efficiency |
| Water Flow Rate | Water Flow Rate |
| Electrode Area | Related to current density and chlorine production |
| Electrode Spacing | Affects voltage, current distribution and flow passage |
Custom Salt Chlorinator Cell Manufacturing
NAVI Titanium does not limit the electrolytic cell to a fixed standard configuration. For OEM and replacement projects, the cell can be developed from the customer's technical requirements or existing equipment.
Requirement Review
Customers can provide the target chlorine output, working current, salt concentration, water flow, cell dimensions, electrode size, and installation requirements.
Electrode Design
NAVI Titanium evaluates the titanium substrate, MMO coating system, active area, current density, electrode spacing, and electrical connections.
Cell Assembly
The anode, cathode, insulating components, housing, sealing structure, and electrical connections are assembled according to the confirmed design.
Technical Evaluation
The prototype configuration can be evaluated against the specified operating conditions before larger-volume production.
Applications
NAVI Titanium electrolytic cells can be used in various salt-water electrolysis systems, including:
Swimming Pool Salt Chlorination
Converts dissolved salt into active chlorine for continuous pool water sanitation.
Sodium Hypochlorite Generation
Produces sodium hypochlorite on site from salt water for water disinfection.
Water Treatment
Used in electrochemical disinfection systems for different water-treatment applications.
Seawater Electrochlorination
Titanium-based electrode assemblies can be configured for chloride-containing seawater and industrial electrochlorination systems.
Request a Customized Electrolytic Cell
The right electrolytic cell depends on more than the required chlorine output. Current, salinity, electrode area, current density, water flow, electrode spacing, installation dimensions, and operating mode should all be considered when designing the cell.
Send NAVI Titanium your existing cell drawing, electrode dimensions, target chlorine output, working current, salt concentration, water flow rate, and installation space. Our team can evaluate the configuration and develop a suitable MMO titanium electrolytic cell for your salt chlorination system.
