Work in the field of modern-day electro-chemical activation (ECAFLO™) began in 1972 with the commencement of research conducted by Professor Vitold M. Bakhir (Chairman of ECTG) 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), Professor Bakhir and his associate 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 ECAFLO™ research and development commenced 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 Professor 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 ECAFLO™ device, consisting of large industrial size plate reactors, were designed by Professor Bakhir and Yuri Zadarozhny in 1978.  It was 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, Professor Bakhir’s PhD thesis was registered with the Supreme Attestation Commission of the USSR, the Commission indicated that Professor Bakhir was the author of a new scientific and technical branch called electro-chemical activation (ECA). 

From 1985-1987, Professor Bakhir and Yuri Zadorozhny continued their work in the field of ECA at the plant “Vostok” operated by the Department of Defence in Tashkent, the plant that began manufacturing the next generation ECAFLO™ device.