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Anolyte explained
What is anolyte? Disinfectant from water and salt.
Anolyte is the oxidising solution produced at the anode of an electrolysis cell from water, salt and electricity. Its main active ingredient is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) — the same molecule the immune system uses against microbes.
Also known as
- Electrolysed water
- EO water
- ECA water
- Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution
- Electro-activated water
Definition
An electro-activated solution with high oxidising power
When a dilute salt solution passes through an electrolysis cell divided by a membrane, two different liquids come out. The one from the anode (positive) chamber is anolyte; the one from the cathode (negative) chamber is catholyte. Together they are the products of electrochemical activation, or ECA.
Anolyte contains a mix of oxidants — mainly hypochlorous acid, along with other short-lived reactive oxygen and chlorine species. Their high oxidation-reduction potential (850–1200 mV) destroys bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and biofilms within seconds to minutes, while the low concentration keeps it safe for people, animals and surfaces.
Anolyte is metastable: it does its work and then breaks down without forming toxic byproducts. That is why it is best produced on site, on demand — and why it leaves no chemical residue.
How it's made
Three inputs, one cell, two solutions
- 01
Water and salt
Filtered, softened water is mixed with a small amount of sodium chloride (or potassium chloride) to form a dilute brine.
- 02
Electrochemical activation
In the generator's cell, a controlled current splits the flow between an anodic and a cathodic chamber separated by a membrane.
- 03
Anolyte and catholyte
Anolyte leaves the anode chamber ready to dose or apply; catholyte, an alkaline cleaner, leaves the cathode chamber.
Types of anolyte
Acid or neutral — set by the generator
A generator can be configured to produce acid anolyte, neutral anolyte, or either one alongside catholyte. The pH decides where each is used.
- Acid anolyte
A strong oxidising and disinfecting agent, for use wherever pH is not a constraint (no corrosion risk). Acts extremely quickly against bacteria, viruses, spores, moulds, fungi and algae — even diluted in water or nebulised.
- pH
- 2.5 / 5.0
- ORP / redox
- 1200 / 1000 mV
- Active element
- Active Cl 500 / 700 ppm
- Neutral anolyte
For wherever a neutral pH is needed because of corrosion risk. Extremely effective against a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, spores, moulds and fungi.
- pH
- 6.0 / 8.0
- ORP / redox
- 950 / 850 mV
- Active element
- Active Cl 500 / 700 ppm
- Catholyte
A powerful reducing agent. Alkaline and an excellent detergent; also used for flocculation and precipitation of heavy metals, and wherever pH correction is required.
- pH
- 10.0 / 12.0
- ORP / redox
- −800 / −900 mV
- Active element
- Sodium hydroxide 1000 ppm
Where anolyte is used
From drinking-water lines to cooling towers
Anolyte disinfects water, surfaces, equipment and air on farms, in food plants, in healthcare and in water systems. Choose an application to see how it is applied.
All applicationsAnolyte vs bleach
Why not just use bleach?
A more active form of chlorine
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is strongly alkaline, so its chlorine is mostly the hypochlorite ion. Anolyte works in the pH range where hypochlorous acid dominates — around 80 times more bactericidal.
No hazardous chemicals on site
Anolyte is made on demand from water and salt, so there are no concentrated chemicals to buy, transport, store or dilute.
Gentle on people and materials
At working concentrations anolyte carries no hazard statements under REACH, doesn't bleach surfaces and needs no neutralisation before disposal.
No resistance
Its mix of oxidants attacks microorganisms in several ways at once, so they don't adapt to it.
FAQ
Questions about anolyte
What is anolyte made of?
Water, salt (sodium chloride or potassium chloride) and electricity. Electrolysis in a membrane cell turns the dilute brine into anolyte, whose main active ingredient is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), with small amounts of other oxidants.
Is anolyte the same as hypochlorous acid?
Not quite. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl, also written HClO) is the main active ingredient of anolyte, and in neutral anolyte it is the dominant form of chlorine. Anolyte also contains other short-lived oxidants formed in the cell, which add to its disinfecting effect. Products sold as “HOCl solution” or “electrolysed water” are usually anolyte.
Is anolyte safe for people and animals?
At working concentrations, yes. Anolyte is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, needs no special handling precautions and carries no hazard statements under REACH. It is used in livestock farming, food processing and healthcare facilities, and can be disposed of into the sewer system.
How long does anolyte last?
Anolyte is metastable: its activity declines over time, faster when it is exposed to heat, light or air. That is why it is best produced on site, close to where it is used, and kept in closed, opaque tanks. A generator makes fresh anolyte whenever the level in the tank drops.
What is the difference between anolyte and catholyte?
Both come from the same cell. Anolyte, from the positive (anode) chamber, is an acidic-to-neutral oxidising disinfectant. Catholyte, from the negative (cathode) chamber, is an alkaline sodium hydroxide solution with detergent properties, used for cleaning, degreasing and pH correction.
Can I make anolyte on site?
Yes — that is what an ECA generator is for. Kirkmayer generators produce from 5 L/h (the compact BMI series) up to 1,200 L/h (the LAMI and AMI series) of anolyte, and need only a water supply, salt and electricity.
Is Kirkmayer listed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation?
Yes. Kirkmayer Industries OÜ is included in the European Chemicals Agency's list of active substances and suppliers under Article 95 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, the Biocidal Products Regulation.