An automatic feeding device for electrolytic cell and electrolytic cell using the same

Abstract

The application provides an electrolytic tank automatic feeding device and an electrolytic tank using the device, and belongs to the technical field of electrolytic equipment. The electrolytic tank automatic feeding device comprises a liquid storage tank and a control device, the liquid storage tank is provided with a liquid outlet pipe, a liquid inlet pipe, a gas guide pipe and a liquid level detection device, the gas guide pipe is connected with an exhaust structure and a pressure detection device, small amount, multiple and automatic addition of electrolyte to the electrolytic tank can be realized, so that the electrolyte concentration in the electrolytic tank is always in a basically stable state, the fluctuation of the electrolytic tank is reduced, the energy consumption of the electrolytic tank is reduced, the output of the electrolytic tank is further improved, electrolyte can be supplemented into the liquid storage tank, and continuous use of the automatic feeding device is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell and an electrolytic cell using the device, belonging to the technical field of electrolytic equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of my country's magnesium electrolysis industry, ensuring the continuity and stability of the magnesium electrolysis production process is a major challenge for enterprises and also an effective way to save energy and reduce consumption. During the production process, magnesium chloride is added to the electrolytic cell using a ladle filling method. This process often involves filling once per shift or every few shifts. After filling, the concentration of magnesium chloride in the electrolytic cell fluctuates significantly, negatively impacting the cell's production efficiency and energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell, so as to solve the problem that the electrolyte concentration changes greatly and thus affects production efficiency and energy consumption due to the use of a lifting bag filling method to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell in the prior art; the purpose of this invention is also to provide an electrolytic cell to solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell in this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell includes a storage tank for storing electrolyte, an outlet pipe for allowing electrolyte to flow out of the storage tank to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, and an outlet valve installed on the outlet pipe; the storage tank also includes an inlet pipe for replenishing electrolyte into the storage tank, and an inlet valve installed on the inlet pipe; the automatic feeding device further includes a control device connected to the inlet valve and the outlet valve to control the opening and closing operations of the inlet valve and the outlet valve respectively; the storage tank also includes an exhaust structure for venting gas from the inner cavity of the storage tank when replenishing electrolyte into the storage tank.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This invention innovatively proposes an automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell. This feeding device includes a storage tank with an outlet pipe and an outlet valve. A control device is connected to the outlet valve to control its opening and closing. When the outlet valve is opened, electrolyte from the storage tank flows out to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. By controlling the opening time of the outlet valve, the amount of electrolyte added can be controlled, avoiding large fluctuations in electrolyte concentration due to excessive addition, thus preventing adverse effects on the electrolytic cell's production efficiency and energy consumption. Simultaneously, the storage tank also has an inlet pipe with an inlet valve. The control device is connected to the inlet valve to control its opening and closing. When the electrolyte stored in the storage tank is insufficient, electrolyte can be added to the storage tank by opening the inlet valve, ensuring a continuous supply of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. The venting structure on the storage tank ensures smooth electrolyte replenishment.

[0007] Furthermore, a gas conduit communicating with the inner cavity of the liquid storage tank is provided on the top of the liquid storage tank, and the exhaust structure is provided on the gas conduit.

[0008] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates the setting of the exhaust structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the storage tank is used to be installed inside the electrolytic cell. The exhaust structure includes an exhaust pipe connected to the gas conduit and an exhaust valve installed on the exhaust pipe. An intake valve is installed on the gas conduit. The control device is connected to the exhaust valve and the intake valve to control the opening and closing operations of the exhaust valve and the intake valve respectively. The gas conduit is used to introduce compressed gas into the inner cavity of the storage tank when the intake valve is open and the exhaust valve is closed, so that the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is greater than the pressure in the electrolytic cell.

[0010] The advantages of the above technical solution are as follows: the storage tank is located inside the electrolytic cell and does not occupy external space; when the inlet valve is open and the exhaust valve is closed, compressed gas can be introduced into the inner cavity of the storage tank; when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is greater than the pressure in the electrolytic cell, the outlet valve is then opened to pump the electrolyte in the storage tank into the electrolytic cell, thereby adding electrolyte; of course, when the inlet valve is closed and the exhaust valve and inlet valve are open, electrolyte can be added to the storage tank, making the control flexible and convenient.

[0011] Furthermore, the automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell also includes a pressure detection device for detecting the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank. The pressure detection device is connected to the control device and is used to feed back the detection signal to the control device, thereby controlling the outlet valve to open when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank reaches the required level.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are: setting up a pressure detection device makes it easy to know the accurate value of the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the liquid storage tank, thereby accurately controlling the timing of opening the liquid outlet valve and ensuring operational safety.

[0013] Furthermore, a detection tube is connected to the gas conduit, and the pressure detection device is connected to the detection tube.

[0014] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates the installation and setup of the pressure detection device.

[0015] Furthermore, the air intake valve is an adjustable air intake valve with an adjustable opening to maintain a constant gas pressure inside the liquid storage tank.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is constant, the electrolyte can be discharged into the electrolytic cell at a stable flow rate. In this way, the amount of electrolyte added can be accurately calculated by the opening time of the outlet valve, and the outlet valve can be controlled to remain open when no electrolyte is added, so that the consumption of electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is balanced with the discharge of electrolyte in the storage tank, thereby realizing continuous feeding of the electrolytic cell.

[0017] Furthermore, a liquid level detection device is installed on the storage tank to detect the level of electrolyte inside the tank.

[0018] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it makes it easy to know the level of electrolyte in the storage tank and to replenish or stop replenishing in a timely manner.

[0019] Furthermore, the inlet pipe is located at the top of the storage tank.

[0020] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates liquid injection.

[0021] Furthermore, the outlet pipe is located at the bottom of the storage tank.

[0022] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates liquid dispensing.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, the electrolytic cell in this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0024] An electrolytic cell includes an electrolytic cell body and an automatic feeding device. The automatic feeding device includes a storage tank for storing electrolyte, an outlet pipe for allowing electrolyte to flow out of the storage tank to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, and an outlet valve installed on the outlet pipe. The storage tank also includes an inlet pipe for replenishing electrolyte into the storage tank, and an inlet valve installed on the inlet pipe. The automatic feeding device further includes a control device connected to the inlet valve and the outlet valve to control the opening and closing operations of the inlet valve and the outlet valve respectively. The storage tank also includes an exhaust structure for venting gas from the inner cavity of the storage tank when electrolyte is added to the storage tank.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This invention improves upon existing electrolytic cells by adding an automatic feeding device. The automatic feeding device includes a storage tank with an outlet pipe and an outlet valve. A control device is connected to the outlet valve to control its opening and closing. When the outlet valve is opened, electrolyte from the storage tank flows out to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. By controlling the opening time of the outlet valve, the amount of electrolyte added can be controlled, avoiding large fluctuations in electrolyte concentration due to excessive addition and preventing adverse effects on the electrolytic cell's production efficiency and energy consumption. Simultaneously, the storage tank also has an inlet pipe with an inlet valve. The control device is connected to the inlet valve to control its opening and closing. When the electrolyte stored in the storage tank is insufficient, electrolyte can be added by opening the inlet valve, ensuring a continuous supply of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. The venting structure on the storage tank ensures smooth electrolyte replenishment.

[0026] Furthermore, a gas conduit communicating with the inner cavity of the liquid storage tank is provided on the top of the liquid storage tank, and the exhaust structure is provided on the gas conduit.

[0027] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates the setting of the exhaust structure.

[0028] Furthermore, the storage tank is located inside the electrolytic cell. The exhaust structure includes an exhaust pipe connected to a gas conduit and an exhaust valve installed on the exhaust pipe. An intake valve is installed on the gas conduit. The control device is connected to the exhaust valve and the intake valve to control the opening and closing operations of the exhaust valve and the intake valve respectively. The gas conduit is used to introduce compressed gas into the inner cavity of the storage tank when the intake valve is open and the exhaust valve is closed, so that the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is greater than the pressure in the electrolytic cell.

[0029] The advantages of the above technical solution are as follows: the storage tank is located inside the electrolytic cell and does not occupy external space; when the inlet valve is open and the exhaust valve is closed, compressed gas can be introduced into the inner cavity of the storage tank; when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is greater than the pressure in the electrolytic cell, the outlet valve is then opened to pump the electrolyte in the storage tank into the electrolytic cell, thereby adding electrolyte; of course, when the inlet valve is closed and the exhaust valve and inlet valve are open, electrolyte can be added to the storage tank, making the control flexible and convenient.

[0030] Furthermore, the automatic feeding device also includes a pressure detection device for detecting the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank. The pressure detection device is connected to the control device and is used to feed back the detection signal to the control device, thereby controlling the outlet valve to open when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank reaches the required level.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are: setting up a pressure detection device makes it easy to know the accurate value of the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the liquid storage tank, thereby accurately controlling the timing of opening the liquid outlet valve and ensuring operational safety.

[0032] Furthermore, a detection tube is connected to the gas conduit, and the pressure detection device is connected to the detection tube.

[0033] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates the installation and setup of the pressure detection device.

[0034] Furthermore, the air intake valve is an adjustable air intake valve with an adjustable opening to maintain a constant gas pressure inside the liquid storage tank.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is constant, the electrolyte can be discharged into the electrolytic cell at a stable flow rate. In this way, the amount of electrolyte added can be accurately calculated by the opening time of the outlet valve, and the outlet valve can be controlled to remain open when no electrolyte is added, so that the consumption of electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is balanced with the discharge of electrolyte in the storage tank, thereby realizing continuous feeding of the electrolytic cell.

[0036] Furthermore, a liquid level detection device is installed on the storage tank to detect the level of electrolyte inside the tank.

[0037] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it makes it easy to know the level of electrolyte in the storage tank and to replenish or stop replenishing in a timely manner.

[0038] Furthermore, the inlet pipe is located at the top of the storage tank.

[0039] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates liquid injection.

[0040] Furthermore, the outlet pipe is located at the bottom of the storage tank.

[0041] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that it facilitates liquid dispensing. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell in this invention.

[0043] In the diagram: 1. Storage tank; 2. Discharge pipe; 3. Discharge valve; 4. Inlet pipe; 5. Inlet valve; 6. Gas conduit; 6-1. Interface; 7. Air inlet valve; 8. Exhaust pipe; 9. Exhaust valve; 10. Detection pipe; 11. Pressure detection device; 12. Control device; 13. Liquid level detection device. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0045] Example 1 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention:

[0046] The automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell in this embodiment includes a storage tank, which is equipped with an outlet pipe, an inlet pipe, a gas conduit, and a liquid level detection device. It can automatically add small amounts of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell multiple times, so that the electrolyte concentration in the electrolytic cell remains in a basically stable state. It can also replenish electrolyte to the storage tank, enabling continuous use of the automatic feeding device.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell includes a storage tank 1 for storing electrolyte. In this embodiment, the electrolyte is magnesium chloride, and the applicable electrolytic cell is a magnesium electrolytic cell. The storage tank 1 is placed inside the electrolytic cell and immersed in the electrolyte. The bottom of the storage tank 1 has an outlet pipe 2 for allowing the electrolyte in the storage tank 1 to flow out and add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. An outlet valve 3 is installed on the outlet pipe 2. The top of the storage tank 1 has an inlet pipe 4 for replenishing electrolyte into the storage tank 1. An inlet valve 5 is installed on the inlet pipe 4. The top of the storage tank 1 also has a gas conduit 6 communicating with the inner cavity of the storage tank 1. The end of the gas conduit 6 has an interface 6-1 for connecting to a compressed gas source. An inlet valve 7 is installed on the gas conduit 6. The inlet valve 7 is an adjustable inlet valve with an adjustable opening.

[0048] The storage tank 1 is also provided with an exhaust structure for venting the gas in the inner cavity of the storage tank 1 when electrolyte is added to the storage tank 1. In this embodiment, the exhaust structure is provided on the gas conduit 6 and includes an exhaust pipe 8 connected to the gas conduit 6 and an exhaust valve 9 installed on the exhaust pipe 8.

[0049] The automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell also includes a pressure detection device 11 for detecting the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank 1. Specifically, a detection tube 10 is connected to the gas conduit 6. The connection between the detection tube 10 and the gas conduit 6 is located between the inlet valve 7 and the exhaust pipe 8. The pressure detection device 11 is connected to the detection tube 10.

[0050] The automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell also includes a control device 12, which is connected to the liquid outlet valve 3, the liquid inlet valve 5, the air inlet valve 7, the exhaust valve 9 and the pressure detection device 11 respectively. The control device 12 is used to control the opening and closing of the liquid outlet valve 3, the liquid inlet valve 5, the air inlet valve 7 and the exhaust valve 9 and to receive the detection signal from the pressure detection device 11.

[0051] In addition, a liquid level detection device 13 is installed on the storage tank 1 to detect the electrolyte level inside the storage tank 1. The liquid level detection device 13 is designed based on the float principle and is used to directly observe the electrolyte level inside the storage tank 1. Therefore, the liquid level detection device 13 needs to be exposed outside the electrolytic cell for easy observation. Of course, the liquid inlet pipe 4 and the gas conduit 6 also need to extend out of the electrolytic cell so that the liquid inlet valve 5, the gas inlet valve 7, the pressure detection device 11, and the exhaust valve 9 are located outside the electrolytic cell, thereby facilitating connection with the control device 12.

[0052] The working principle of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells is as follows:

[0053] The automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell operates in two states: normal operation and replenishment. In normal operation, it adds electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. Since the storage tank 1 is located inside the electrolytic cell, it is necessary to pressurize the storage tank 1 first to ensure that the electrolyte in the storage tank 1 can be smoothly discharged into the electrolytic cell. During pressurization, the control device 12 controls the outlet valve 3, inlet valve 5, and exhaust valve 9 to close, and the air inlet valve 7 to open. Compressed gas enters the storage tank 1 through the gas conduit 6. During this process, the pressure detection device 11 detects the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank 1 and feeds the detection signal back to the control device 12. When the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank 1 reaches the required level (the gas pressure must be greater than the pressure in the electrolytic cell, otherwise the electrolyte in the storage tank 1 cannot be discharged into the electrolytic cell), the control device 12 controls the outlet valve 3 to open, thereby adding electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.

[0054] Meanwhile, since the air inlet valve 7 is an adjustable air inlet valve with an adjustable opening, the control device 12 can adjust the opening of the air inlet valve 7 according to the detection data of the pressure detection device 11 to maintain a constant gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank 1, ensuring that the electrolyte is discharged into the electrolytic cell at a stable flow rate. In this way, the amount of electrolyte added can be accurately calculated by the opening time of the outlet valve 3, and the outlet valve 3 can be controlled to remain open when no electrolyte is added, so that the consumption of electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is balanced with the discharge of electrolyte in the storage tank 1, thereby realizing continuous feeding of the electrolytic cell.

[0055] When the electrolyte stored in storage tank 1 is insufficient, the automatic feeding device of the electrolytic cell enters the replenishment state. At this time, the control device 12 controls the outlet valve 3 and the air inlet valve 7 to close, and the inlet valve 5 and the exhaust valve 9 to open. The lifting bag containing electrolyte can then replenish electrolyte into storage tank 1 through the inlet pipe 4. During the replenishment process, the liquid level detection device 13 will rise and fall with the change of liquid level, thereby observing the height of the liquid level in storage tank 1. When the liquid level reaches the high limit, replenishment stops.

[0056] In summary, the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells provided by this invention has a simple, efficient, safe, and reliable structure. It can automatically add small amounts of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell multiple times, thereby keeping the electrolyte concentration in the electrolytic cell in a basically stable state, reducing fluctuations in the electrolytic cell, lowering the energy consumption of the electrolytic cell, and further increasing the output of the electrolytic cell.

[0057] Example 2 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different arrangement positions of the liquid outlet pipe. Unlike Example 1, the liquid outlet pipe is located in the middle of the height direction of the storage tank. In other examples, it can also be at the top. In order to ensure smooth liquid discharge, the liquid outlet pipe needs to be extended to the bottom of the storage tank.

[0058] Example 3 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different arrangement positions of the liquid inlet pipe. Unlike Example 1, the liquid inlet pipe is located in the middle of the height direction of the storage tank.

[0059] Example 4 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different structural components of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells. Unlike Example 1, this example does not have a liquid level detection device. Instead, the timing and duration of liquid replenishment in the storage tank are determined based on experience.

[0060] Example 5 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different settings for the air inlet valve. Unlike Example 1, the opening degree of the air inlet valve is not adjustable. In this case, the air inlet valve can be opened or closed intermittently to ensure that the electrolyte in the storage tank can be smoothly discharged into the electrolytic cell.

[0061] Example 6 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different installation positions for the pressure detection device. Unlike Example 1, the pressure detection device is directly installed on the storage tank, and the detection tube does not need to be connected to the gas conduit.

[0062] Example 7 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different structural components of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells. Unlike Example 1, this example does not have a pressure detection device. Instead, the timing of opening the liquid outlet valve is determined based on experience.

[0063] Example 8 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides different arrangements of the storage tank and different structural components of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells. Unlike Example 1, the storage tank is set outside the electrolytic cell and located at the top of the electrolytic cell. Under the action of gravity, the electrolyte can flow out of the storage tank by opening the outlet valve. At this time, there is no need to set an air inlet valve, that is, there is no need to use compressed air to press the electrolyte into the electrolytic cell.

[0064] Example 9 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: This example provides a different way of setting the exhaust structure. Unlike Example 8, the top of the storage tank is not provided with a gas conduit, and the exhaust structure is an exhaust port directly opened on the top of the storage tank.

[0065] Example 10 of the automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells in this invention: The automatic feeding device for electrolytic cells can also be applied to other types of electrolytic cells, such as aluminum electrolytic cells.

[0066] An embodiment of the electrolytic cell in this invention is as follows: The electrolytic cell includes an electrolytic cell body and an automatic feeding device. The specific structure of the automatic feeding device is the same as that of the automatic feeding device of the electrolytic cell in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention shall also be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The device includes a storage tank for storing electrolyte, which is placed inside the electrolytic cell and immersed in the electrolyte during use. The storage tank is equipped with an outlet pipe for the electrolyte to flow out of the storage tank to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, and an outlet valve is installed on the outlet pipe. The storage tank is also equipped with an inlet pipe that extends out of the electrolytic cell for a lifting bag containing electrolyte to replenish the storage tank, and an inlet valve is installed on the inlet pipe. The automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell also includes a control device connected to the inlet valve and the outlet valve to control the opening and closing of the inlet valve and the outlet valve respectively. The storage tank is also equipped with an exhaust structure for the gas in the inner cavity of the storage tank to be discharged when electrolyte is added to the storage tank.

2. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the liquid storage tank is provided with a gas conduit that communicates with the inner cavity of the liquid storage tank, and the exhaust structure is provided on the gas conduit.

3. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust structure includes an exhaust pipe connected to a gas conduit and an exhaust valve installed on the exhaust pipe. An intake valve is installed on the gas conduit. A control device is connected to the exhaust valve and the intake valve to control the opening and closing operations of the exhaust valve and the intake valve respectively. The gas conduit is used to introduce compressed gas into the inner cavity of the storage tank when the intake valve is open and the exhaust valve is closed, so that the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank is greater than the pressure in the electrolytic cell.

4. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device for the electrolytic cell also includes a pressure detection device for detecting the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank. The pressure detection device is connected to the control device and is used to feed back the detection signal to the control device, thereby controlling the outlet valve to open when the gas pressure in the inner cavity of the storage tank reaches the required level.

5. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, A detection tube is connected to the gas conduit, and the pressure detection device is connected to the detection tube.

6. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The air inlet valve is an adjustable air inlet valve with adjustable opening to maintain a constant gas pressure in the inner cavity of the liquid storage tank.

7. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The storage tank is equipped with a liquid level detection device for detecting the level of electrolyte inside the tank.

8. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The inlet pipe is located at the top of the storage tank.

9. The automatic feeding device for an electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outlet pipe is located at the bottom of the storage tank.

10. An electrolytic cell, comprising an electrolytic cell body and an automatic feeding device, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device is the electrolytic cell automatic feeding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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