A flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolytic cell

Abstract

This invention discloses a flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolyzer, relating to the technical field of assembling a heavy water electrolyzer in a deuterium generator. It includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate of the electrolyzer, which are configured to cooperate. Several electrolyte frames are installed between the first and second clamping plates, each with an electrolysis chamber and electrolyte outflow and inflow holes. By installing electrolyte frames with electrolyte outflow and inflow holes of different sizes, this invention controls the electrolyte flow rate per unit time in each electrolysis chamber, reducing the tolerance between electrolyte flow rates in each chamber per unit time. This ensures that the electrolysis plates in each chamber receive essentially the same workload, reducing the risk of damage to the pressure filter electrolysis device caused by uneven electrolyte flow distribution and further improving safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heavy water electrolysis cell assembly for deuterium generators, specifically to a flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolysis cell. Background Technology

[0002] Deuterium is a heavier and more stable isotope of hydrogen. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic combustible gas with a boiling point of -249.5℃. Currently, most deuterium production methods use a pressure filtration electrolysis structure, which consists of a linear array of stacked frames clamped at both ends. The inner side of the frame is the electrolysis chamber, which can be fitted with partitions and electrolysis electrodes for deuterium production.

[0003] However, when the current electrode frame is in use, after the electrolyte is filled into the electrolyte inlet hole, each electrolysis chamber forms a branch structure. The resistance loss of each branch structure is equal, but the flow rate of each branch is roughly arranged in an arithmetic progression. The different electrolyte flow rates through each electrolysis chamber will result in different service lives of the electrode plates in each electrolysis chamber, making it impossible to unify the maintenance and replacement time. This increases the possibility of explosions and damage to the electrolysis cell caused by uneven flow distribution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem mentioned in the background art that current motor frames are prone to explosion or damage to electrolytic cells due to uneven flow in each electrolytic chamber, the present invention aims to provide a flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolytic cell.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolytic cell, comprising a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate of the electrolytic cell, wherein the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are configured to cooperate with each other, and a plurality of electrolyte frames are installed between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate. Each electrolyte frame has an electrolysis chamber, and each electrolyte frame also has an electrolyte outflow hole and an electrolyte inflow hole, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the electrolysis chamber. Two sets of opposing branches are provided on each electrolyte frame. The system comprises two sets of channels, one of which connects the electrolysis chamber to the electrolyte outlet, and the other set of channels connects the electrolysis chamber to the electrolyte inlet. The longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet on the electrolyte frame is the same as that of the electrolyte inlet. The size of the electrolyte outlet on each electrolyte frame is different. The longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet on each electrolyte frame increases sequentially from the first clamping plate to the second clamping plate of the electrolysis cell. The ratio of the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet on each electrolyte frame to the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding channel is the same.

[0006] Preferably, the electrolyte frame is annular, the electrolysis chamber is also circular, and the electrolyte outflow hole and the electrolyte inflow hole have the same shape, both being arc-shaped.

[0007] Preferably, the electrolysis chamber is located at the axial center of the electrolyte frame, and each group of branch channels is arranged in a circular array with the axis of the electrolysis chamber as the center. The electrolyte frame is arranged in a linear array and is located between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate of the electrolysis cell.

[0008] Preferably, an installation groove is installed on one side of the electrolyte frame, and an anti-corrosion gasket is installed between every two electrolyte frames. The anti-corrosion gasket is made of flexible material and has a Shore hardness of 40-90 units.

[0009] Preferably, both the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate of the electrolytic cell are provided with fixing grooves, which are arranged in a circumferential array. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate of the electrolytic cell are fixed together by a set of fixing members, which are installed in the corresponding fixing grooves.

[0010] Preferably, the first clamping plate of the electrolytic cell is provided with an inlet flow equalization channel and an outlet flow equalization channel on its inner side. The first clamping plate of the electrolytic cell is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to cooperate with the inlet flow equalization channel, and the outlet is configured to cooperate with the outlet flow equalization channel. A flow equalization plate is installed in the inlet flow equalization channel.

[0011] Preferably, the inner side of the second clamping plate of the electrolytic cell is provided with two blocking gaskets, and the two blocking gaskets are configured to cooperate with the electrolyte outflow hole and electrolyte inflow hole of the corresponding electrolyte frame.

[0012] Preferably, the anti-corrosion gasket has two oppositely arranged through holes, each of which corresponds to an electrolyte outflow hole and an electrolyte inflow hole. A compression ring is fixedly installed on one side of the anti-corrosion gasket, and an electrode mounting groove is provided on one side of the electrolyte frame. An electrode mounting ring is installed in the electrode mounting groove, and the electrode mounting ring cooperates with the compression ring.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0014] 1. This invention, by installing an electrolyte frame with electrolyte outflow holes and electrolyte inflow holes of different sizes, controls the electrolyte flow rate passing through each electrolysis chamber per unit time, shortens the tolerance between electrolyte flow rates in each electrolysis chamber per unit time, and makes the electrolyte flow rate passing through each point in each electrolysis chamber more uniform. This allows the electrolysis plates in each electrolysis chamber to receive essentially the same workload, enabling each electrolyte frame to be replaced at the same time, reducing the interval between maintenance, reducing the risk of damage to the pressure filter electrolysis device caused by uneven electrolyte flow distribution, and further improving safety.

[0015] 2. In this invention, an anti-corrosion gasket is installed between two adjacent electrolyte frames. The corresponding electrolyte frames have electrode mounting grooves, and the electrode mounting rings are installed in the electrode mounting grooves. The compression rings on the anti-corrosion gaskets compress the electrode mounting rings. The anti-corrosion gaskets can both compress and fix the electrode mounting rings and effectively seal the space between the two electrolyte frames, thus improving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the basic structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Another form of expression.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the anti-corrosion gasket of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 The main view.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the location and arrangement of the tributary channels of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow direction in the electrolysis chamber of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 An experimental table showing the electrolyte flow rate distribution in each electrolysis chamber.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an experimental table showing the electrolyte flow distribution in each electrolysis chamber after the improvement of this invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 101, First clamping plate of the electrolytic cell; 102, Second clamping plate of the electrolytic cell; 103, Electrolyte frame; 104, Electrolysis chamber; 105, Electrolyte outlet hole; 106, Electrolyte inlet hole; 107, Branch channel; 108, Anti-corrosion gasket; 1081, Through hole; 1082, Extrusion ring; 1083, Electrode mounting groove; 1084, Electrode mounting ring; 109, Fixing component; 110, Inlet flow equalization groove; 111, Outlet flow equalization groove; 112, Inlet; 113, Outlet; 114, Blocking gasket; 115, Flow equalization plate. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides a flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolyzer, comprising a first clamping plate 101 and a second clamping plate 102 of the electrolyzer. The first clamping plate 101 and the second clamping plate 102 are configured to cooperate with each other. A plurality of electrolyte frames 103 are installed between the first clamping plate 101 and the second clamping plate 102. The electrolyte frames 103 are arranged in a linear array and are all located between the first clamping plate 101 and the second clamping plate 102. The electrolyte frames 103 are annular, and the electrolysis chamber 104 is also circular. The electrolysis chamber 104 is located at the axial center of the electrolyte frames 103. Each electrolyte frame 103 is provided with an electrolysis chamber 104. The first clamping plate 101 and the second clamping plate 102 of the electrolyzer are provided with mounting grooves for positioning the electrolyte frames 103.

[0028] A corrosion-resistant gasket 108 is installed between every two electrolyte frames 103. The corrosion-resistant gasket 108 is made of flexible material and has a Shore hardness of 40-90 units. In this embodiment, the Shore hardness of the corrosion-resistant gasket 108 is 50 units. Two opposing through holes 1081 are formed on the corrosion-resistant gasket 108. Each through hole 1081 corresponds to an electrolyte outflow hole 105 and an electrolyte inflow hole 106. The through holes 1081 are larger than the corresponding electrolyte outflow holes 105 and electrolyte inflow holes 106 to prevent them from obstructing the electrolyte outflow holes 105 and electrolyte inflow holes 106. A compression ring 1082 is fixedly installed on one side of the corrosion-resistant gasket 108. The pressure ring 1082 is made of silicone, which is both soft enough and effectively corrosion-resistant. An electrode mounting groove 1083 is provided on one side of the electrolyte frame 103, and an electrode mounting ring 1084 is installed in the electrode mounting groove 1083. The electrode mounting ring 1084 is configured to cooperate with the compression ring 1082. The electrode mounting ring 1084 is compressed by the compression ring 1082 on the anti-corrosion gasket 108. The anti-corrosion gasket 108 can both compress and fix the electrode mounting ring 1084 and effectively seal the two electrolyte frames 103, thereby improving safety. The electrode mounting ring 1084 is used to install the reaction electrode plate, which is not shown in the accompanying drawings of this invention.

[0029] The electrolyte frame 103 is also provided with an electrolyte outflow hole 105 and an electrolyte inflow hole 106. The electrolyte outflow hole 105 and the electrolyte inflow hole 106 are identical in shape, both being arc-shaped, to accommodate more branch channels 107. Each set of branch channels 107 is arranged in a circular array with the axis of the electrolysis chamber 104 as the center. The electrolyte outflow hole 105 and the electrolyte inflow hole 106 are located on both sides of the electrolysis chamber 104 and are symmetrically arranged. The electrolyte frame 103 has two sets of opposing branch channels 107, one set connecting the electrolysis chamber 104 and the electrolyte outflow hole 105, and the other set... The flow channel 107 connects the electrolysis chamber 104 and the electrolyte inlet hole 106. The longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet hole 105 on the electrolyte frame 103 is the same as that of the electrolyte inlet hole 106. The size of the electrolyte outlet hole 105 on each electrolyte frame 103 is different. The longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet hole 105 on each electrolyte frame 103 increases sequentially from the first clamping plate 101 of the electrolysis cell to the second clamping plate 102 of the electrolysis cell. The ratio of the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet hole 105 on each electrolyte frame 103 to the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding branch channel 107 is the same.

[0030] Both the first clamping plate 101 and the second clamping plate 102 of the electrolytic cell are provided with fixing grooves, which are arranged in a circular array. The first clamping plate 101 and the second clamping plate 102 of the electrolytic cell are fixed together by a set of fixing members 109, which are installed in the corresponding fixing grooves.

[0031] The first clamping plate 101 of the electrolytic cell has an inlet flow equalization channel 110 and an outlet flow equalization channel 111 on its inner side. The first clamping plate 101 of the electrolytic cell is equipped with an inlet port 112 and an outlet port 113. The inlet port 112 is configured to cooperate with the inlet flow equalization channel 110, and the outlet port 113 is configured to cooperate with the outlet flow equalization channel 111. A flow equalization plate 115 is installed in the inlet flow equalization channel 110. The second clamping plate 102 of the electrolytic cell is provided with two blocking gaskets 114 on its inner side. Both blocking gaskets 114 are configured to cooperate with the electrolyte outflow hole 105 and the electrolyte inflow hole 106 of the corresponding electrolyte frame 103.

[0032] It should be noted that, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 As can be observed from the flow rate within each electrolysis chamber 104 in the current pressure filter electrode frame, the flow rate within each electrolysis chamber 104 exhibits a gradually decreasing trapezoidal change. Therefore, this invention adjusts the flow rate per unit time within each electrolysis chamber 104 by adjusting the size of the electrolyte outflow hole 105, the electrolyte inflow hole 106, and the branch channel 107. Figure 8 To improve the flow rate per unit time in each electrolysis chamber 104 after resizing the electrolyte outflow hole 105, electrolyte inflow hole 106, and branch channel 107, the modified structure of this invention is as follows: the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outflow hole 105, the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte inflow hole 106, and the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the branch channel 107 on each electrolyte frame 103 increases sequentially from the first clamping plate 101 to the second clamping plate 102 of the electrolysis tank. This ensures that the electrolyte flow rate through each electrolysis chamber 104 is approximately the same per unit time, shortening the tolerance between the electrolyte flow rates in each electrolysis chamber 104 per unit time. This makes the electrolyte flow rate through each electrolysis chamber 104 more uniform within a given time, thereby allowing the electrolysis plates in each electrolysis chamber 104 to receive essentially the same workload. It also allows each electrolyte frame to be replaced at the same time, reducing the interval between maintenance operations and lowering the risk of damage to the pressure filter electrolysis device caused by uneven electrolyte flow distribution, further improving safety.

[0033] In use, the flow rate per unit time within the electrolysis chamber 104 can be kept approximately equal without changing the size of the electrolyte outflow hole 105, the electrolyte inflow hole 106, and the branch channels 107. The method is as follows: The electrolysis chamber 104 is connected to both the electrolyte outflow hole 105 and the electrolyte inflow hole 106 via two sets of branch channels 107. Assuming the number of branch channels 107 is X, the minimum value of X depends on the gas output, the theoretical distribution circulation volume, and the number of electrolysis chambers 104. A mathematical model of the electrolyte outflow hole 105 can be established to calculate the fluid pressure drop gradient along the entire channel. Then, the electrolyte outflow hole 105 is uniformly divided into Y zones. For each segment, the fluid pressure drop at the midpoint of that segment is taken as the representative pressure drop of that segment, denoted as MΔP, M-1ΔP…1ΔP (1ΔP represents the pressure drop of the first segment at the inlet of the common channel). A mathematical calculation model for the electrolyte inflow into the branch channels is established, calculating the fluid pressure drops when the electrode frame has N, N-1…N-(M-1) inflow branch channels, denoted as NΔP, N-1ΔP,…N-(M-1)ΔP respectively. Then, NΔP+MΔP, N-1ΔP+M-1ΔP…N-(M-1)ΔP+1ΔP are summed. The difference between the maximum and minimum sums is divided by the maximum sum. If the result is less than 10%, the values ​​of N and M under this condition can be selected. In the above selection process, N>M>0; N and M are both positive integers; the electrolyte flow rate of N-(M-1) inflow branch channels meets the minimum design flow rate requirement of the electrolysis chamber 104. After the N and M values ​​are selected, N-(M-1) inflow branch channels 107 are opened in the electrode frame located in the electrolyte outflow hole 105 (first) section, N-(M-2) inflow branch channels are opened in the electrode frame located in the electrolyte outflow hole 105 (second) section, and so on, N inflow branch channels 107 are opened in the electrode frame located in the electrolyte outflow hole 105M section. In this way, the fluid resistance of each combined flow channel is uniform, and according to the principle of fluid mechanics, the electrolyte flow distribution in each electrolysis chamber 104 will be similar.

[0034] It should be further clarified that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0035] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell includes a first clamping plate (101) and a second clamping plate (102), which are configured to cooperate with each other. A plurality of electrolyte frames (103) are installed between the first clamping plate (101) and the second clamping plate (102). Each electrolyte frame (103) has an electrolysis chamber (104). The electrolyte frame (103) also has an electrolyte outflow hole (105) and an electrolyte inflow hole (106), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the electrolysis chamber (104). The electrolyte frame (103) has two sets of opposing branch channels (107), one of which connects to the electrolysis chamber. The electrolytic chamber (104) is connected to the electrolyte outlet (105), and another set of the branch channels (107) connects the electrolytic chamber (104) to the electrolyte inlet (106). The longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet (105) on the electrolyte frame (103) is the same as that of the electrolyte inlet (106). The size of the electrolyte outlet (105) on each electrolyte frame (103) is different. The longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet (105) on each electrolyte frame (103) increases sequentially from the first clamping plate (101) of the electrolytic cell to the second clamping plate (102) of the electrolytic cell. The ratio of the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the electrolyte outlet (105) on each electrolyte frame (103) to the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding branch channel (107) is the same. A corrosion-resistant gasket (108) is installed between each pair of electrolyte frames (103). The corrosion-resistant gasket (108) is made of flexible material and has a Shore hardness of 40-90 units. The anti-corrosion gasket (108) has two through holes (1081) arranged opposite to each other. The two through holes (1081) are arranged to correspond to the electrolyte outflow hole (105) and electrolyte inflow hole (106). A compression ring (1082) is fixedly installed on one side of the anti-corrosion gasket (108). An electrode mounting groove (1083) is opened on one side of the electrolyte frame (103). An electrode mounting ring (1084) is installed in the electrode mounting groove (1083). The electrode mounting ring (1084) is configured to cooperate with the compression ring (1082). The electrolysis chamber (104) is located at the axial center of the electrolyte frame (103). Each set of branch channels (107) is arranged in a circular array with the axis of the electrolysis chamber (104) as the center. The electrolyte frame (103) is arranged in a linear array and is located between the first clamping plate (101) and the second clamping plate (102) of the electrolysis cell. The first clamping plate (101) of the electrolytic cell is provided with an inlet flow equalization channel (110) and an outlet flow equalization channel (111) on its inner side. An inlet (112) and an outlet (113) are installed on the first clamping plate (101) of the electrolytic cell. The inlet (112) is configured to cooperate with the inlet flow equalization channel (110), and the outlet (113) is configured to cooperate with the outlet flow equalization channel (111). A flow equalization plate (115) is installed in the inlet flow equalization channel (110). The inner side of the second clamping plate (102) of the electrolytic cell is provided with two blocking gaskets (114), and the two blocking gaskets (114) are configured to cooperate with the electrolyte outflow hole (105) and electrolyte inflow hole (106) of the corresponding electrolyte frame (103).

2. The flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte frame (103) is annular, the electrolysis chamber (104) is also circular, and the electrolyte outflow hole (105) and the electrolyte inflow hole (106) are the same shape, both being arc-shaped.

3. The flow distribution electrode frame for a deuterium generator electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the first clamping plate (101) and the second clamping plate (102) of the electrolytic cell are provided with fixing slots, which are arranged in a circular array. The first clamping plate (101) and the second clamping plate (102) of the electrolytic cell are fixed together by a set of fixing members (109), which are installed in the corresponding fixing slots.

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